1,672 km² of open savannah, gently rolling hills, and riverine forests — this is the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve. In the language of the Masai, “Masai Mara” means “the land that never ends.”
The reserve is renowned for having the largest lion population in Africa, including the impressive black-maned lions. For anyone hoping to capture Africa’s “Big Five” — elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard — the Maasai Mara offers some of the very best chances. Cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, antelopes, and gazelles are also found here in great numbers. In the shallow waters of the Mara River, hippos gather while crocodiles bask along the sandy riverbanks.
Those visiting the Masai Mara between July and September will witness a natural spectacle they are unlikely to ever forget. As the southern plains of the Serengeti dry out and the last green blades of grass disappear, up to two million wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes begin their journey. In an almost endless caravan, they move on in search of water and grazing — into the Masai Mara. Close behind them follow entire prides of lions. It is a truly breathtaking sight when the savannah transforms into a moving sea of wildlife, stretching all the way to the horizon.
