Kenya's National Parks

Masai Mara
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The Masai Mara covers 1510 sq km of mainly savannah. It is named for both the Masai tribe that inhabit the area and the Mara River which divides it. The Masai Mara is famous and popular for the same reasons as the Serengeti, its exceptional population of game and the annual migration of thewildebeest every August, a migration so immense it is called the Great Migration.

You are more likely to see endless columns of wildebeest and zebra grazing or trudging along the plains than the dramatic TV style river crossings. The problem with being here at this time of year is that there is almost as many cars and trucks full of people as there are wildebeest and zebra. This overcrowding is also leading to major environmental damage as drivers of tourist vehicles continually form new tracks trying to get there customers the best view. Please encourage your driver not to do this, even if it means you are not in the perfect spot for your photo!

Wildlife
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As well as wildebeest and zebra, lions are almost guaranteed to be seen and there are many more hippos here than in the Serengeti. The plains are also home to the distinctive Masai giraffe as well as the common giraffe. Numerous antelope can be found, including Thomson's and Grant's gazelle, impala, topi and hartebeest. Spotted hyena, leopard and cheetah are also in the park as well as a great array of birds including vultures, marabous, secetary birds, hornbills, ostrich, pgymy flacons and eagles.

Masia Mara National Park, Kenya, Africa 2007. Click to see more photos.