The Masai Mara National Reserve is located at a distance of about 275 km from Nairobi. The reserve was opened in November 1974 and has since become Kenya's most famous and popular animal reserve. Open to visitors throughout the year, the park covers an area of 1,510 square kilometers and features a wide variety and high density of wildlife that is easily observable.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is located at a distance of about 275 km from Nairobi. The reserve was opened in November 1974 and has since become Kenya's most famous and popular animal reserve. Open to visitors throughout the year, the park covers an area of 1,510 square kilometers and features a wide variety and high density of wildlife that is easily observable.

Location
The Mara is located in southwestern Kenya. The Mara is an extension of the Serengeti National park of Tanzania, and is cushioned by the Loita Hills in the east, Itong Hills in the North and Siria escarpment in the west

The best thing the Mara has to offer is the wildebeest migration. This sensational display starts during the month of July when the wildebeest start moving north from the Serengeti. There are estimated to be over 1.5 million animals that partake in this migration. The wildebeests move north in search of the lush vegetation during the long rains.

The wildebeests crossing the Mara river is comical yet sad. The long rains flood the rivers, and yet the wildebeests senselessly force their way upstream, and this causes many deaths and injuries. But that is natures way of dealing with it all; the wildebeests fresh death bring lions, vultures, jackals and hyenas who complete the food chain part of the migration.

At the start of October, when the Masai Mara National Reserve experiences short rains, the wildebeests return south to the Serengeti. On the return trip the numbers are significantly less but the birth of new calves during February of the following year make up the numbers, and prepare for another migration and thus the cycle continues.

Attraction
There are a variety of animals that can be seen at the Masai Mara, including all the big five: leopard, lion, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, hippos, buffalo, hartebeest, gazelles, topi, antelopes, elephants, zebras and a whole stretch of other game animals.

there is also the hot air balloon safari. Early in the morning, you will be woken and driven to the departure site. Once in the air, the view of the surrounding landscape, the rising of the sun between the mountains and the congregation of the animals at the river is beautiful. This all concludes with a champagne breakfast and memories of a lifetime.

Other activities available are "breakfast in the bush", where early morning walks through the Masai Mara with an armed escort concludes with a breakfast, and a visit to the Maasai Enkang or Manyatta (housing), where you can speak to the Maasai and purchase their ornaments.