What can you experience on safari in Masai Mara?

Kenya is one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations, and this is largely thanks to Masai Mara.

Located in the southern part of Kenya, Masai Mara is part of the truly unique Serengeti ecosystem that sustains the wild landscapes and, not least, the many animals in the area.

Because there really are A LOT of animals here.

A safari in Masai Mara is your guarantee of enjoying the ultimate in wildlife experiences.

Large herds of wild animals

ALL the iconic safari animals live in Masai Mara, as do all the ones you’ve never heard of.

Experience the Big 5, giraffes, zebras, gazelles, hyenas, cheetahs and hippos – not to mention all the local and migratory birds that also live here.

If you’re into unique natural phenomena, your safari can also offer the Great East African Migration. Every year, up to 2 million wildebeest, gazelles and zebras migrate between Serengeti and Masai Mara – an ongoing hike that takes place year after year. From around July to October, the Mara River is at the centre of the peculiar annual phenomenon, when the animals have to cross the river in their constant search for fresh grass and water. And it’s a dramatic business as crocodiles lurk in the river!

But even if you go on safari in Masai Mara outside this period, you are guaranteed to enjoy plenty of almost unreal animal experiences.

Safari in a hot air balloon over Masai Mara

To make your safari complete, go on a balloon safari in the early hours of the morning.

On such a day, you’ll be picked up from your hotel well before the sun rises. You’ll drive out to the launch site where the huge hot air balloon is being inflated.

Together, you will float across Masai Mara’s impressive savannah as the animals are waking up. Seeing the African landscapes and wildlife from a whole new angle is a truly unique experience.

Visit a Masai village

Although not part of a safari, a visit to a local Masai village is definitely an experience worth doing if you’re in the area.

On the tour, the hospitable Masai tell you about their way of life. They live according to traditional values and calculate their wealth based on how many cattle they have. They have resisted the urges of the governments of Kenya and Tanzania to adopt a more modern way of life.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller