Oloololo Gate Maasai-Mara National Park
Kenya
About
Masai Mara National Park 'Open savannahs provide the staging ground for the annual Wildebeest Great Migration making the Mara one of the natural wonders of the world with the densest population of predators, herbivores and birdlife' Size & Location: 1 510km² 275km from Nairobi within the Great Rift Valley When to visit the park: July - October (herbivore migrations), December - January (hottest season) Climate: Gentle, rarely too hot and well spread rainfall year round. Often milder and damper than in other regions Altitude: 1 500m above sea level PARK INFORMATION: Masai Mara is Kenya's most famous and most visited game reserve. Open savannahs, rolling grasslands and undulating hills sets the scene for the splendour of the Mara. July to September sees the annual migration of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles from the plains of the Serengeti. Driven by dry conditions in the Serengeti and led by the lightning and thunder to the north, huge herds of mammals cross the Tanzanian border and rivers to reach the Mara's grasslands. They are tracked by elusive predators: black-manned lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas, and circled by vultures as their journey unfolds. Tourists often find themselves amazed at the stark reality that unfolds as the herds cross the rivers. Other land mammals includes elephants, topi, impala, giraffe, gazelle, baboons, jackals, water buffalo, ostriches, antelope and more. The river banks and water-holes sees hippo, crocodile and abundant birdlife including herons, kestrels, corncrakes, bee-eaters, hornbills, shrikes, sunbirds and over 53 different types of birds of prey. Tourists can also catch a glimpse of the traditional Masai culture. The Masa own the area toward the north. A proud and nomadic people the Masai have lived in harmony with nature for centuries. MAIN ATTRACTIONS: » Annual herbivore migrations » Excellent game viewing: the big cats, elephants, zebra, wildebeest and more » Masai culture and natural lifestyles
