Masai Mara National Reserve

Masai Mara National Reserve stretches across an area of 580 square miles (1,510 sq km).  It represents the northernmost portion of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.  The Sand River, Talek River, and Mara River are the primary rivers draining the waters of the reserve.  The park is divided into two main areas the inner portion which features pristine wilderness and the outer portion which allows for cattle of the Masai people to graze.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is renowned for its abundance and variety of larger plains species as well as the variety of predator species.  It is considered the only place left in Kenya which resembles the wildlife population today from what it once was.  Although there is an abundance, the wildlife is declining and thankfully the preserve is there to protect it.  It is one of Africa’s most coveted wildlife-viewing destinations.

Popular wildlife that might be seen in the Masai Mara National Reserve include hippo, giraffe, waterbuck, reedbuck, roan antelope, warthog, eland, topi, gazelle, zebra, baboon, crocodile, various species of monkeys, and black rhino.  Except for the mountain gorilla, all of Africa’s Big 7 can be part of your wildlife sightings.  The Mara is home to the largest collection of lions in Kenya.