The Masai Mara is among the best wildlife reserves on the African continent, as well as hosts one of the world’s natural wonders – the Great Wildebeest Migration; it is likewise exceptional since unlike other national parks it’s not managed by the Kenya wildlife service’s but by the local communities. Its one of the best places to visit on your Safari in Kenya
Found along the western border of Kenya and Tanzania the large Masai Mara connects with the Serengeti wildlife reserve to form one among the best spectacular wildlife reserve in Africa.
Masai Mara National Reserve Regions
The Masai Mara National Reserve forms part of a greater wilderness region that encompasses the Ngorongoro Conservation Area within Tanzania, and the large Serengeti Plains, as well as the conservancies neighboring the Mara area; however the Reserve itself should be split into various areas.
The Masai Mara, often referred to by the locals as the ‘The Mara’ its name was derived from a local Maasai word that means ‘spotted’ which well depicts the tree clumps and savannah scrub that are scattered across the large plains.
The Mara Triangle is controlled and monitored by the Trans-Mara County Council a non-profit organization whereas the southeastern area is managed by Narok County Council. Both these organizations are in charge of the protecting the wildlife as well as the anti-poaching units within that tourist area.
The areas beyond the National Reserve are collectively referred to as the Maasai Mara Conservation Area which is under the management of the Group Ranch – Maasai Trust. This trust possesses its own park workers as well as rangers. There isn’t any fence between the park and the rest of the conservation area so wildlife can freely move.
River Mara and the Annual Migration
River Mara is the leading source of water within the Masai Mara National Reserve, supplying water throughout the year for the large number of animals within the National Reserve. However from late July up to October the river hosts the large herds of animals that take part in the Great Migration – and several tourists converge here to watch the popular drama-filled Mara river crossings where Giant Crocodiles prey on the crossing animals.
For more information about Masai Mara wildlife reserve please visit www.adventureugandasafari.com/safari-kenya/
