How did Masai Mara get its name?

The reserve originally got its name from the Maasai people who called the area “Mara” which in Maa (language of the Maasai) means 'spotted'. This is exactly what the area looks like from afar. Great sweeping plains, spotted with umbrella acacia trees, bushes and animals.



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Their description of the area when looked at from afar: Mara means spotted in the local Maasai language, due to the many short bushy trees which dot the landscape. Maasai Mara National Reserve. Maasai Mara. Typical spotted Maasai Mara scenery.

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World famous for hosting the epic Great Migration, the Masai Mara welcomes 1,5 million wildebeests onto its sprawling savannahs each July through October. The Masai Mara National Reserve and conservancies are brimming with life and offer safari travellers a wide variety of activities to choose from.

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Masai Mara Ecosystem has been classified among the 'Seven Wonders of the World” due to the spectacular great migration when over 1 million wildebeests and more than hundred thousands of zebras cross the Mara River coming from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara in search of water and greener pastures.

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Prices tend to be higher during the Peak season which is normally when the Great wildebeest migration happens as this attracts large numbers of visitors to Masai Mara making it more expensive to secure rooms due to the high demand. The Peak season runs from July to October.

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Rhinoceros: The rhino is one of the most endangered species in Africa, having been hunted almost to extinction by poachers. To see one on safari is rare and heart-poundingly exciting. The Maasai Mara has a slowly increasing number of black rhinos, however the numbers are still around 30 individuals.

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Ultimately, neither is better than the other. Both Serengeti and Masai Mara win the prize for the best safari in Africa. They are both amazing travel destinations and there are pros and cons to going on a wildlife safari in both. Masai Mara Safaris generally offer slightly more concentrated game viewing year-round.

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In Hinduism, Mara is the goddess of death and offerings would be placed at her altar. Though much less popular, some sects of worship do exist in India.

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A safari isn't just about seeing incredible wildlife, it is also a cultural experience, and on this one, the Masai Mara wins hands down! The Masai Mara is named after the Maasai people who have lived throughout Kenya's Masai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti regions for decades.

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The group of wild animals known as the 'Big Nine' is made up of the Big Five plus the giraffe, cheetah, hippo and zebra. Chances are good that you'll spot most of them when on safari in the Masai Mara. Here's a look at these four Big Five add-ons that you'll want to spot during your safari.

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It is very safe to travel to the Maasai Mara. The park is hours away from Kenya's urban regions, where safety is more of a concern, and is properly patrolled by well trained Park Rangers and animal Wardens. The Masai Mara is one of the safest parks in Kenya to visit for a safari, for the reasons listed below.

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With nearly 200,000 visitors a year, vehicle pollution and erosion can be a problem. Another problem is created when tourists take pictures of the Masai without their permission, which invades their privacy and possibly annoys them. Few tourists stay with the tribe, so the Masai earn very little money from tourism.

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However, due to the high elevation of Masai Mara, Malaria is very rare since mosquitoes do not live at those elevations. Although Malaria is sparse in this region, it does exist.

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You should spend a minimum of 4 days and three nights at the Masai Mara for you to enjoy the full scope of wildlife in the park. 4 days and 3 nights will allow you to have 4 game drives for the length of your stay and allow you enough time to rest when you arrive at the park.

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