Maasai Mara National Reserve is located at the southwestern part of Kenya, close to the border of Tanzania. This reserve is located only 168 miles away from the city of Nairobi. You will find the Mara River flowing across the national reserve. Along the banks of the river, you will get to see myriad animals like hippos and crocodiles. Thousands of zebras can also be found here.

The wildlife in Mara is varied, ranging from the big cats to elephant, rhino and vast herds of herbivores such as wildebeest. Maasai Mara is the most famous wildlife conservation area in Kenya and indeed the world. This game reserve is home to a rich variety of wildlife in a natural and untouched state. Maasai Mara has a rolling savannah landscape dotted with shrubs and bush thickets. It is the Kenyan part of the large ecosystem stretching south to Serengeti in Tanzania. From Nairobi to Mara by road, it is 270km (5.5-6.5 hours) and by air it is 60 minutes.

A visitor's note on Maasai Mara National Reserve

Though I had seen the pictures of roaring lions but to view them live at Maasai Mara National Park was a spine chilling experience! Thanks to the expert guides in the park, I could actually view the animals from the closest point. It was an out-of-this-world experience, something that I would love to share with everyone. I would recommend everyone to visit this national reserve at least once and enjoy the unspoiled wild beauty in Kenya.

Fact file - Maasai Mara National Reserve

Total area: 1,812 sq. km (700 sq. miles)
Major attraction: Lions & wild animals

A word about Masaai Mara National Reserve

The Maasai Mara National Reserve was established in 1961 and was originally known as the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. The inside area is developed along the guidelines of a national park, where no human settlement is allowed. The outer area is undisturbed except for the grazing cattle of the local Maasai. The reserve is reputed as the only region left in Kenya where visitors may see animals in the same great numbers as existed a century ago.

My experience at Maasai Mara Game Reserves

Apart from panoramic view of this national reserve, it was the sight and population of the lions, which set my adrenaline pumping. The rolling plains, breathtaking wildlife vistas, acacia groves and dense scrub added to the beauty of Maasai Mara National Reserve. The roaring lions could be seen anywhere in the park chasing their hunt.

I began my expedition by exploring the inner area of the park, which was reputed for the large herds of plain animals. It gave me a perfect opportunity to view some of the wildest species with their associated predators.

It was a totally new experience as I explored different parts of sanctuary viewing its exotic flora and admiring the astonishing variety of its wild species.

Accommodation

• Mara River Camp,
• Mara Sopa Lodge,
• Mara Simba Lodge,
• Mara Intrepids Club,
• Mara Porini Camp,
• Mara Sarova Camp,
• Mara Serena Lodge and many others