Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, elephants, rhinoceroses, antelopes, zebras, gazelles, buffaloes: they are all here, in unimaginable proportions. The great migration takes place from the beginning of July to mid-September and constitutes a grandiose spectacle in magnificent and varied landscapes.The land is made up of vast rolling plains and hills, and is dotted with umbrella acacia trees and thorny thickets. Some believe that these splashes of color are the source of the name Mara, which means "spotted" in the Maa language. For others, it seems more likely that it was the invasion of two million herbivores that gave Mara its name. Unfortunately, like Amboseli, the Maasai Mara is a fragile ecosystem, now under threat.Its worldwide reputation attracts a considerable number of tourists and the concentration of vehicles there sometimes takes alarming proportions. It is not uncommon to observe a poor lioness, or a cheetah hunting, surrounded by a dozen vehicles. Not only is this situation not pleasant for the tourist who has the impression of being in a zoo, but above all it disturbs the animals which modify their behavior. The cheetah, in particular, starts hunting today at noon to avoid being disturbed by tourists. The heat at this time of the day being very high, it tires more quickly, captures less prey and, quite naturally, reproduces less. The incessant traffic of vehicles also leads to a degradation of the soil which only accentuates the modification of the landscape. Gradually, the bush, made up of bushes and clumps of trees, is transformed into vast pastures. There are several reasons for this: firstly, natural, with the considerable increase in the number of herbivores, and secondly, human, because of the fires set by the Maasai pastoralists. This method, practiced worldwide, provides better quality pasture for the herds and does not pose serious problems as long as it is practiced outside the park. Unfortunately, the wild animals (zebras, gazelles, wildebeests...) have quickly realized that the grass outside the reserve is much better. As a result, they migrate beyond the limits of the Maasai Mara, accompanied by some of the predators.In order to avoid accidents with the local population and to prevent the reserve from being deserted by its animals, the rangers in turn set fires. The trees and bushes disappear little by little to the benefit of a herbaceous savanna.All these problems do not seem to bother the Narok Council, which is too busy trying to make as much money as possible. Yet it is the Council that is supposed to manage the reserve. But the huge revenues from entrance fees are not sufficiently reinvested in the park. As a result, the trails are deteriorating and the access road to the reserve has only just been completed after years of work.Due to the poor condition of the roads and paths, during the rainy season and the days that follow, many paths are closed, forcing visitors to stay on the main roads or risk getting stuck. It is therefore better to choose the period of your stay to avoid these difficulties.In spite of these problems, the place still constitutes one of the most extraordinary natural spectacles in the world. Walking among hundreds of wildebeest, watching a lioness on the prowl for long minutes, watching a carcass being butchered by a group of rampaging hyenas, or watching young lion cubs at play are all unforgettable experiences that only the Maasai Mara can offer you. Don't neglect the months of May/June and October to visit the reserve, there will still be as many animals to see (although not as impressive as during the migration period) and far fewer tourists. The price of your stay will also be considerably lower.

What to visit Maasai Mara National Reserve?

Weather at the moment

Loading...
Organize your trip with our partners Maasai Mara National Reserve
Transportation
Accommodation & stays
Services / On site

Maasai Mara National Reserve travel inspiration

Find unique Stay Offers with our Partners

Pictures and images Maasai Mara National Reserve

Maasai Mara National Reserve. tankbmb
Lionceaux à Masaï Mara Kenya Tourist Board
Guépard surveillant un troupeau de gazelles Kenya Tourist Board
Lion de la réserve nationale du Massaï-Mara. Simon GABIOUD

Featured articles Maasai Mara National Reserve

Other destinations nearby Maasai Mara National Reserve

Send a reply