Kenya's Maasai Mara Migration

The Maasai Mara is justifiably famous for its wildlife. This vast expanse of acacia-dotted grassland — known locally as 'the Mara' — is probably the most famous wildlife reserve in all of Africa and is home to an extraordinary abundance and variety of animals, including 40% of the continent's larger mammal species and nearly 500 species of birds! The Mara consists of the National Reserve and a number of surrounding conservancies owned by the Maasai people, which together add up to almost 3,000 square kilometres of protected land. The area is part of what is now referred to as the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem and is joined to the huge Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Incidentally, in the local (Maa) language 'Mara' means spotted which is a reference to the patches of bush and trees that dot the plains.

This holiday focuses on the wildlife of the Maasai Mara's extensive savannah, especially the large herds of Blue Wildebeest, Plains Zebra, and Thomson's and Grant's Gazelles, which follow the rains and seasonal growth of new grass. Every year, the vast herds travel a roughly circular route around the East African savannahs, following the rains to find the best grazing. In late June and through July, the migration typically moves into the northern Serengeti and then towards the end of July and through August, they move further north still, out of Tanzania and into Kenya's Maasai Mara. The 1.2 million Blue Wildebeest are joined by tens of thousands of zebra, gazelle and other antelopes, creating one of the largest mammalian gatherings on Earth! Lion, Cheetah, Leopard and cackling clans of Spotted Hyena all stalk the herds, whilst overhead kettles of vultures will be circling, watching out for a fresh kill. Although the mammals take centre stage here, the region's birdlife is equally abundant and diverse and includes Great Crowned Crane, Hartlaub's Turaco, White-fronted Bee-eater, Wire-tailed Swallow and Superb Starling, to name but a few.

Our safari begins with a direct flight to Nairobi, Kenya's bustling capital city, where we spend our first night. The following morning, we will head south-west to the Maasai Mara enjoying the local culture and birdlife during the drive. We will then be based at Basecamp Masai Mara for five nights, a small and comfortable camp located just outside of the main reserve near the Talek Gate. From here, we will explore the Mara on a series of morning and afternoon game drives. Morning game drives generally leave camp around 0600 hours (with a packed breakfast) and return approximately four and a half hours later. After lunch, we can relax during the heat of the day and appreciate the peace and quiet of the African bush, punctuated only by strange and exotic birdcalls and the background insect hum. Afternoon game drives depart around 1530 hours and return at sundown, after which we can freshen up and gather for dinner. We also include one full-day game drive that departs after an early breakfast and returns at sunset.

Each game drive will be a little different. On one we may encounter a pride of Lions on the hunt, on another perhaps a clan of Spotted Hyena squabbling over the remains of a kill. If very fortunate, we may even witness a river crossing, although the herds are very mobile and it can be difficult to predict exactly when and where this may take place! Other mammals to look out for include African Elephant, African Buffalo, Maasai Giraffe, Topi and Eland along with Warthog, Impala, Hippopotamus, Black-backed Jackal, the delightful Bat-eared Fox and many more. Huge Ostriches and Southern Ground Hornbills stride across the grasslands, along with elegant Secretarybirds and stately Kori Bustards. Smaller species include Temminck's Courser, Usambiro Barbet, Rosy-breasted Longclaw, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Yellow-shouldered Widowbird and Capped Wheatear. Raptors are abundant and include Martial Eagle, Black-chested Snake-eagle, Dark Chanting Goshawk and Bateleur, whilst in the acacia woodlands surrounding the camp, we should be on the lookout for a further plethora of barbets, finches, weavers, turacos, go-away-birds, glossy starlings and kingfishers. 

At the end of our 5-night stay, we will return to Nairobi for our flight home, taking with us some wonderful memories of our time in the Maasai Mara and the abundant wildlife that calls this fabulous reserve home.

For those wishing to extend their holiday, we would recommend a visit to Ithumba Reserve in Tsavo East, which not only offers easy access into the national park, but is also involved in the orphan elephant reintegration programme run by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.