Maasai Mara Game Reserve is a large game reserve in south-western Kenya, which is effectively the northern continuation of the Serengeti National Park game reserve in Tanzania. It is named after the Maasai people (the traditional inhabitants of the area). The name ‘mara’ is an apt description for the circles of trees, scrub, savanna and cloud shadows that mark the area. It is famous due to its high animal concentration and its yearly seasonal migration of wildebeests and zebras from July to October. All the big five may be seen namely elephant, buffalo and lion; the sighting of rhino and leopard which make the total five cannot be guaranteed as they are few in number, very shy and elusive. A Kenya safari will not be complete without a visit to maasai mara. Lake Nakuru National Park lies 140km north-west of Nairobi. The ecosystem comprises of the lake, surrounded by mainly wooded and bushy grasslands. The park supports a wide ecological diversity with Flamingos and other water birds being the major attractions of the area. The ecosystem provides for about 56 different species of mammals including the white rhino and buffaloes and a variety of terrestrial birds numbering nearly 450 species. Other bird life include, white pelicans and the marabou stork, all water birds that breed in the lake’s alkaline waters. SCHEDULEThis affordable Kenya Safari by road takes you through the panoramic Great Rift Valley. You will enjoy your safari watching the beautiful scenery along the escarpment. Day 1: Step 1: Pick up from airport or your hotel. Step 2: Lunch en route in Narok Town. Step 3: Arrive early enough for an afternoon game drive. Step 4: Dinner and overnight at a lodge/campsite in Maasai Mara. Day 2: Step 1: Early breakfast at leisure. Step 2: Morning game drives within the reserve. Step 3: Picnic lunch at the hippo pool where you may spot crocodiles basking on the rocks. Step 4: Afternoon game drive with an option to visit a maasai village. Step 5: Dinner and overnight at a lodge/campsite in the park Day 3:
Step 1: Early breakfast with an option of ballon safari or an early morning game drive. Step 2: Drive back to your hotel in Nairobi or airport with lunch en route. |
Wildlife attracts tourists to KenyaK enya has long been recognised as Big Game country, with huge numbers of animals in over 40 National Parks and Reserves and the country has a long and illustrious history of protecting its varied wildlife. All this has helped provide the visitor to Kenya an wide range of experiences in all sorts of terrain. A wildlife safari in Kenya is indeed a magical experience into the 'Kingdom of God'. In fact,
 Kenya has been a focus of attention for its varied wildlife for many years. The country has had its fair share of international publicity too. Adventurous hunters like Teddy Roosevelt and Earnest Hemingway have contributed significantly in promoting Kenya as a popular wildlife destination in Africa. Popular movies like 'Out of Africa' and 'The Lion King' have also contributed in promoting Kenya's status as the wildlife destination in East Africa. In fact, Kenya has a reputation for being more popular than it should be- numerous minibuses plying in its wildlife parks and the large number of safari lodges dotting  its countryside are an indication of the commercialisation of Kenya's popular wildlife tourism sector. However, Kenya has been coping extremely well with the hordes of package tourists coming in. To counter this trend many new 'Boutique' lodges have also cropped up, which host only a limited number of guests in an exclusive and remote setting.All this means that Kenya can cater to every market segment and once you expereince a Kenyan Safari you will know why so many safari-addicts return to Kenya repeatedly. To add to the charm of wildlife, the Kenyan coast is also considered one of the best in Africa with soft, white sands and warm blue waters. Most of Kenya's wildlife parks are also easily reachable from the coast including, Tsavo, Taita Hills and Shimba Hills. So if you're planning a wildlife safari, Kenya is undoubtedly one of the best countries to offer you a truly 'wild' expereince. Although South Africa has a good tourism infrastructure as compared to Kenya, the experience of a Kenyan wildlife safari somehow appeared more 'real' for me. Right from the local people you meet in the countryside to the local guide acompanying you... a Kenyan safari is somehow offers a much authentic 'flavour' than what one can experience in more developed countries like South Africa. I was also happy to know that my tourism dollars were contributing towards the welfare and development of a developing country in much need of foreign exchange revenues to bolster its economy. All in all, a Kenya safari can be summed up in two words....'highly recommended |
