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1. General Information
One of the most popular game reserves in Africa,
the Maasai Mara national reserve covers an area of 1510 sq kms.Mara
means "spotted in maa, the common language meaning clusters
of bush which dot the plains. It is located in southwestern Kenya,
about 300 km from Nairobi. The Loita Hills to the East, Itong Hills
to the North, and Siria Escarpment to the west form its borders
and it is a natural extension of the Serengeti. It is owned and
managed by the Maasai people.
Its claim to fame is the movie "Out of Africa"
which was shot here in the 1980s. Animals do not recognize borders
and thus roam freely between the Mara and Serengeti in Tanzania.
The Mara River forms the boundary between the two. It flows from
north to south then finally into Lake Victoria. There are several
lodges conveniently located within and around the reserve.
2. Getting There
It takes about 5 hours to get there by road and
45 minutes by air. There are scheduled flights from both Jomo Kenyatta
National Airport and Wilson Airport. You can also go by train to
Naivasha then travel by road into the reserve. Several private tour
operators provide safaris to the reserve and game drives within.
3. Major Attractions
It is in the Mara that perhaps the most spectacular
event of the natural world takes place. This refers to the annual
migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti,
north to the Mara in search of water and pasture. More than 1.5
million are estimated to take part in this great movement. This
action is known as "Natures passion play" It occurs between
the month of July and august. In October, when the reserve experiences
short rains, the animals return south.
Other animals resident in the reserve include all
of the big five, gazelles, buffalo, black rhino, cheetahs, hippo,
crocodiles, jackals, hyenas, antelopes, leopards and many more.
More than 500 species of birds have been recorded such as ostrich,
lark, sunbird, and several species of birds of prey.
The grassy savannah landscape enhances the beauty
of the reserve. Scattered acacia woods and bush stand out in the
plains. There is also a riverine forest, due to the presence of
the Mara River, where most of the bird species dwell. The Maasai
culture is another major attraction. One of the best-known tribes,
the Maasai have maintained their culture even as other tribes fall
prey to modern practices. Their bright colored clothes and traditional
dances are a must-see.
If you have sufficient funds, consider taking a
balloon trip over the reserve. This popular and thoroughly memorable
ride usually commences before dawn and includes a champagne breakfast.
Viewing abundant game afloat a balloon is an unforgettable experience.
There is a wide range of accommodation to suit all
budgets. From camps to lodges, the various types are conveniently
located within the area due to its long distance from any major
town.
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