History of Masai Mara. Learn about Masai Mara and it's attractions
History of Masai Mara. Learn about Masai Mara and it's attractions
The Masai Mara National Reserve, located in Narok County, is one of Kenya’s most famous wildlife destinations, with a rich history rooted in the culture of the Maasai people and its extraordinary biodiversity. Established in 1961, the reserve covers approximately 1,510 square kilometers in southwestern Kenya and is part of the larger Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, which spans the border between Kenya and Tanzania. The name "Masai Mara" is derived from the Maasai people, who are the ancestral inhabitants of the region, and "Mara," meaning "spotted" in the Maasai language, referring to the scattered acacia trees and cloud shadows that characterize the landscape.
The Maasai are a semi-nomadic ethnic group known for their distinctive customs, dress, and close relationship with nature and wildlife. Traditionally, the Maasai have coexisted with wildlife in the region, as their pastoral lifestyle, which involves herding cattle, goats, and sheep, has had minimal environmental impact. For centuries, the Maasai roamed the plains of the Mara, following seasonal rains and grazing their livestock in harmony with the wild animals. Their deep respect for the land and animals has contributed to the preservation of the ecosystem, which today supports one of the most spectacular natural events on Earth: the Great Wildebeest Migration.
The Great Wildebeest Migration
The Great Wildebeest Migration is often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” and is undoubtedly the main attraction of the Masai Mara. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, move across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of greener pastures. The migration is a continuous cycle driven by rainfall and the growth of fresh grass, with the herds traveling in a clockwise direction between Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and Kenya's Masai Mara.
The migration typically reaches the Masai Mara around July, where the animals cross the Mara River- the event is normally dramatic and perilous drawing countless visitors and wildlife enthusiasts. The river crossings are particularly famous because they provide a stage for intense predator-prey interactions. Crocodiles lie in wait, while lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas stalk the herds on land. This incredible display of nature’s raw power and survival instinct continues until around October, when the animals start their journey back to the Serengeti.
Getting to Masai Mara from Nairobi
Reaching the Masai Mara from Nairobi is relatively easy, with several transport options available. By road, the journey to Mara takes approximately 5-6 hours, covering a distance of about 280 kilometers. Visitors can take a private car or join a group safari tour. The road trip offers a scenic view of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley and its escarpments before entering the expansive savannahs of the Mara.
Alternatively, visitors can opt for a quicker route by flying. Flights to the Mara depart from Wilson Airport in Nairobi and take about 45 minutes. Several airlines including SafariLink and Mombasa Air Safari operate daily flights to various airstrips within the Masai Mara, making it a convenient choice for travelers who prefer to save time and enjoy an aerial view of the magnificent landscape below.
Travel agencies such as Olanka Safaris offers tours to Masai Mara at affordable rates. Their all-inclusive tour to Masai mara includes transport by either road or by Air, Meals on full board and game drives inside masai mara. The company offers flexible payment options that is quite friendly to many travelers especially when planning for a longer stay in Masai Mara.
The Maasai Community
The Maasai community plays a significant role in the Masai Mara experience. Despite the encroachment of modernity, the Maasai have retained much of their traditional lifestyle, making them an iconic symbol of Kenya’s cultural heritage. Many Maasai villages around the reserve offer cultural tours, where visitors can learn about Maasai customs, rituals, and their harmonious coexistence with wildlife.
The Maasai also participate in the conservation of the Mara, with several community conservancies established in partnership with tourism operators. These conservancies provide an additional layer of protection for wildlife while offering sustainable benefits to the local community through eco-tourism. The success of this model has been a testament to the importance of involving indigenous communities in wildlife conservation.
The Masai Mara’s combination of remarkable wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage makes it a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide. Whether witnessing the Great Migration or immersing in the Maasai culture, the reserve offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
