Being contiguous with the Serengeti in Tanzania, Kenya’s Maasai Mara was named in honor of its people, the Maasai. It’s world-renowned for its exceptional populations of lions, leopards, cheetah and elephants. The migration occurs in the Mara only during the months between July and September, but there are still large herds of wildebeest, zebra, Thompson’s gazelle, kopi, impalas duikers and other antelope. The Mara is the northernmost section of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem and covers 580 square miles of this ecosystem including seasonal riverlets. Hippos and crocodiles are found in large groups in the Mara and Talek rivers.
In the Mara, the landscape becomes somewhat more hilly and has 16 different species of acacia trees distributed throughout. The central Mara has sweeping plains while the Mara river is edged by a dense riverine forest. Even when the migration is in full swing in Tanzania, unlike the Serengeti, the Mara has plenty of resident game meaning that wildlife viewing is not as seasonal as the Serengeti.
Here we will find some very famous prides of lions with iconic males boasting large manes and scarred faces. At the time of writing this itinerary, a coalition of five cheetah males has been making a name for itself throughout the plains. As you can see, we will continue to see predators galore during our three days in the world famous Maasai Mara. We will also spend an afternoon (before our game drive) visiting a very authentic Maasai village. It will be a fantastic experience with the Morani warriors dressed in their beaded finery. We will have a chance to buy beautiful beadwork made here in this village and the photography opportunities will be unusual and interesting.
Overnight Mara Bush Camp (B,L,D)