Located in southwest Kenya, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is a large protected savannah wilderness. It is known for its wildebeest migration, and its elephants, lions, and zebras. The reserve also offers opportunities for safaris, which can be enjoyed from the ground or by a hot air balloon.
Wildlife
Located in Kenya, Masai Mara is one of the largest safari parks in the world. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including the famous ‘Big Five’. These are lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino.
The African elephant is one of the largest land animals on earth, weighing up to six tons. This species is very intelligent and is known for being sociable. They are a common sight in Masai Mara but are rarely seen in other Kenyan national parks.
Lions are another common sight in Masai Mara. These predators are nighttime hunters. During the day, they sleep twenty hours a day. Their favorite food is warthogs, but they also eat buffalo.
Several other animals live in Masai Mara, including Coke’s Hartebeest, Banded Mongoose, Olive Baboons, and Bat Eared Fox. Aside from these, Masai Mara is also home to many smaller predators.
Leopards are also commonly spotted in Masai Mara. Leopards are usually perched in trees or outcrops, making it difficult to get close to them. However, leopards are a species on the IUCN Red List and are listed as vulnerable.
Birds
Masai Mara, Kenya, is a popular destination for bird lovers. This game reserve has many species of birds. Some of the most common are the ostrich, African harrier hawk, kori bustard, and rufous-naped lark. Other species include the Black-Winged Kite, Black-Chestnut Snake Eagle, and Southern Ground Hornbill.
Masai Mara Game Reserve is home to several endemic species. These birds can be seen in areas of natural woodlands or in the area of tree plantations.
African Harrier Hawk is a medium-sized raptor. It has a black body, a white belly, and a single broad white band across its back. They are usually found in tree plantations, but can also be seen in urban settings.
Ruppell’s Vulture is a large vulture. It has a wingspan of about 8 feet and can be seen in Masai Mara. The African White-backed vulture is an Old World vulture. A large bird, it is a common sight throughout the East African National Parks.
Several species of water birds are spotted in Masai Mara. One of the most colorful of these is Ross’s Terrace. In addition, there are a few species of turacos that live in the forests that line the Mara River.
Hot air balloon trip
Hot air balloons are an exciting way to see the wild animals of Africa. These balloon tours are operational throughout the year. They are the perfect way to witness the spectacular natural landscapes of the Mara.
Usually, balloon tours last a full hour. The duration of your flight will depend on the wind conditions. It may be as little as 10 minutes or as long as an hour and a half.
To ensure that you get the most out of your tour, you should be prepared to get up early. Depending on the time of your flight, you will need to arrive at the launch site at least an hour before the balloon takes off.
After boarding the balloon, you will be taken to a landing area that is ideal for viewing wildlife. This is the best part of your trip. Once you land, you can view a variety of birds and animals, including elephants and hippos.
Maasai people
The Maasai people live in the lands bordering Kenya’s Serengeti National Park. Their territory also encompasses the Masai Mara and the Nairobi National Park. They speak a language called Maa.
They are semi-nomadic herdsmen. For centuries, they have lived in close association with wild animals. As a result, they are perfectly qualified to protect Kenya’s wildlife.
However, the Maasai are now faced with some serious social and economic challenges. This has led to a significant shift in their lifestyle. Some Maasai are now forced to engage in crop farming. While many remain enamored of their traditional lifestyle, others are seeking to break away from it.
A large part of the Maasai diet consists of meat and milk from their cattle. Cattle are considered sacred in the culture. In addition to their grazing, they are a vital source of income for the Maasai.
The Maasai have always been conservationists. They believe that utilizing the land for crop farming is a sin against nature.
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