Maasai Mara

The Maasai Mara is world famous for big game. Together with the adjoining Serengeti it is one of the only places in the world where it is still possible to see vast herds of grazing animals.  And attracted by those huge herds, the predators. Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and more.  However, a visit to the Mara isn't only about seeing the "Big 5", it's also home to a wide variety of birds. The abundance of game means that 6 out of the 7 species of Kenyan vulture (Egyptian, Hooded, Griffon, Nubian, White-backed and White-headed) can be seen in the game reserve, with only the Lammergeier missing.

But it isn't just carrion eaters that can be found in this area, the birdlist totals over 450 species. These range from the large and highly conspicuous Common Ostrich, to the small (but still conspicuous) Cardinal Quelea. From the ever-present White-bellied Go-away-bird to its two uncommon relatives, the Bare-faced Go-away-bird and the Eastern Grey Plantain-eater. The Mara is also home to three relatively uncommon Woodpeckers (Golden-tailed, Little Spotted and Fine-banded). If you get really lucky then the Mara River provides an opportunity to spot the rare and elusive African Finfoot. The Mara is also one of the most likely spots for the Blue Quail, a rare intra African migrant.

A less rare and normally inconspicuous resident is Jackson's Widowbird. Out of the breeding season the male is a typically small, brown weaver-like bird, with little about it to get the watcher particularly excited. In the breeding season, however, it becomes a master of the "high jump". Each male tramples down a dancing circle in the grass and from this he leaps into the air to a height of perhaps 3 feet (1m). Since they group together in loose colonies you will often have a large numbers of males all launching themselves skywards in a bid to out-do one another!

There is a good choice of accommodation in and around the game reserve. We've stayed at each of the three lodges, Olkurruk, Keekorok and the Mara Serena. The latter 2 are better placed for "Big 5" watching but Olkurruk, situated on top of the Siria Oloololo escarpment, has breathtaking views and the road down the escarpment is a good spot for birding, unfortunately it's been closed for the last couple of years and it's not clear when (or if) it will re-open. White-necked Ravens can be seen around the bar area and this is also a good spot to watch vultures from above!

Travelling by road to the Maasai Mara has become more comfortable in recent years with the repair of the Nairobi road. Prior to the major resurfacing work it was an interesting experience since most drivers opted to leave the rutted, crumbling road alone, in favour of the much more level grass verge! Regardless of the road condition, the scenery as you pass through the Rift Valley is truly spectacular.

Maasai Mara Related Links

• Masai Mara from MagicalKenya
• Masai Mara from Go2Africa
• Masai Mara from GORP
• Masai Mara Kenyaweb
• Masai Mara National Reserve Think Quest
• Dream Camp
• Duma Camp
• Fig Tree Camp
• Governor's Camps
• Keekorok
• Kicheche Mara Camp
• Kichwa Tembo
• Mara Camp
• Mara Explorer
• Mara Hippo Tented Camp
• Mara Intrepids Club
• Mara River Camp"
• Mara Safari Club
• Mara Serena"
• Mara Simba
• Mara Sopa
• Mara Springs Safari Camp
• Rekero Tented Camp
• Sarova Mara
• Siana Springs
• Sun Shade Safari Camp
• Voyager Safari Lodge