When talking about the tourist destinations in Kenya, the Masai Mara national reserve will always top the list. The diversity of animals and birds, the greenery, and the magnificent sceneries make it one of the unique destinations to visit in Kenya. The Masai Mara is a mixture of savannahs, meadows, swamps, and riverine forests.
The Mara is home to the famous big five; The Maasai Mara game reserve attracts thousands of people worldwide. And with many tours done in a day, the Masai Mara is the most visited game reserve in the world.
In addition to game viewing, we compiled 11 amazing things to do and enjoy in the Masai Mara National Reserve. These include safari walks, hot air balloon rides, visiting Masai villages, the list continues..
If you plan a trip to Kenya, add the Masai Mara National Reserve to your itinerary! You can never know enough about the Masai Mara Game Reserve, so here are unique things to do in Masai Mara Game Reserve.
1. Go on a safari
Masai Mara safari is one of 11 things to do in Masai mara that everyone seems to enjoy. Well, Experience the beauty of the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya by going on a safari. The Reserve is a fantastic place filled with diverse and fascinating wildlife, making it an ideal spot for a safari. From the vast herds of wildebeests and zebras that occupy the savannah plains to the hundreds of species of birds flying overhead to the elusive predators, like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, that prowl the grasslands, a safari in the Masai Mara will be an unforgettable experience. You can explore the Reserve and its many beauties by Jeep or hot air balloon or take a guided walking tour to get up close to the animals. Either way, you will be sure to see some fantastic sights and get a unique perspective on the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Masai Mara.
2. Visit a Maasai village
If you’re looking for an authentic African experience, visiting a Maasai village is a must-do while in Masai Mara Game Reserve. The Maasai are a proud and traditional people, and visiting their town will give you a glimpse into their old way of life. You’ll see their traditional huts, meet their livestock, and learn about their unique culture and customs. It’s an unforgettable experience that will give you a new appreciation for the Maasai people and their way of life.
3. View the animals from a hot air balloon
Masai Mara Game Reserve is home to a fantastic array of wildlife and is an excellent place to visit. A hot air balloon flight is one of the most remarkable ways to tour the park and see the magnificent wildlife. This unique experience takes you up in the sky, giving you a bird’s eye view of the expansive savannah and its abundant wildlife. With this view, you can spot and identify various species, such as zebras, wildebeests, elephants, lions, and more. A hot air balloon flight above Masai Mara Game Reserve is unquestionably something you should do if you’re seeking a memorable vacation.
4. Take a nature walk
Exploring the breathtaking beauty of Masai Mara Game Reserve on foot is a must-do activity for any traveler. Take a nature walk through the sprawling savannah plains, spotting wildlife and taking in the sights and sounds of the Reserve. Ostriches, giraffes, gazelles, zebras, buffalos, and elephants all share the landscape, making it an unforgettable experience. Along the way, you may also spot some of the Big Five, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and other unique species of birds and reptiles. With abundant wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, a nature walk through Masai Mara Game Reserve is a fantastic way to explore this unique area.
5. Go bird-watching
The Masai Mara Game Reserve is a great place to go bird-watching. With over 500 bird species, there is something for everyone. This impressive Reserve is home to some of Africa’s most iconic species, such as the crowned crane, marabou stork, African fish eagle, and many more. You can also spot some rare species, like the Gray-crowned crane, Rufous-bellied heron, and the Lilac-breasted roller. With its unique habitats, Masai Mara offers a wide variety of birds to explore and observe in their natural environment. Bird watching in Masai Mara is an unforgettable experience and a must-do for any animal enthusiast!
6. Go on a game drive
Exploring the Masai Mara Game Reserve is an experience like no other. A game drive is one of the most amazing things to do in the Reserve. As you explore the African savanna, you will be able to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the wildlife. You will be able to see and photograph the Big Five: lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinos, and elephants, as well as various other creatures and birds. A game drive also allows visitors to visit a traditional Maasai village and learn more about their culture and way of life. A game drive across the Maasai Mara Game Reserve is an unforgettable experience. Whether you are a novice or an experienced wildlife enthusiast.
7. See the annual wildebeest migration
Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve is a must-see for wildlife lovers. One of the must-do activities in Masai Mara is to witness the spectacular annual wildebeest migration. Every year, millions of wildebeest, zebra, and other antelope migrate from the Serengeti plains in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in search of better pastures. The migration typically takes place between July and October. The sight of the wildebeest crossing the Mara River is one of the most breathtaking wildlife spectacles you will ever witness. With the help of a knowledgeable guide, you can make the most of your visit to the Masai Mara Game Reserve and experience the incredible wildebeest migration.
8. Watch wildlife from the comfort of the lodge
The Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. You can watch wildlife from the comfort of your lodge, like big cats, elephants, zebras, hippos, giraffes, and many more. Enjoy the sight of thousands of wildebeest during their spectacular annual migration, or spot lions and cheetahs looking for their next meal. As the sun sets, observe hundreds of species of birds taking flight, or if you’re lucky, spot a leopard stalking in the shadows. Spend some time in the lodge and marvel at the fantastic wildlife that calls the Masai Mara home.
9. See what the sunset looks like in the Mara
The Masai Mara Game Reserve is a stunning protected wildlife reserve in southern Kenya. Here, visitors can experience an array of amazing things to do. One of the most breathtaking experiences is watching the sunset in the Mara. As the sun dips low on the horizon, the sky will erupt in gorgeous oranges and purples that will take your breath away. The vast savannah stretches miles in the Mara and is a spectacular sight to behold, and the best way to take it all in is to watch the sunset from the top of a nearby hill. Make sure to bring a camera and capture the moment to remember forever.
10. To see the Great Rift Valley
The Game Reserve is one of the most incredible sites in the world, providing tourists with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy the magnificence of the Great Rift Valley. Located in the southwestern part of Kenya, the Reserve is home to many wildlife, including the Big Five, cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, and many more. The Reserve is also known for its vibrant birdlife, with over 500 species of birds recorded in the area. Visitors should take the time to explore the Reserve and take in the stunning scenery to truly appreciate the beauty of the Great Rift Valley. You can take a safari to spot wildlife, take a hot air balloon ride to see the entire valley or enjoy the breathtaking views from the nearby lookout points. No matter what you choose to do, a fantastic experience awaits you in the Masai Mara Game Reserve.
11. Experience Batian and Oloololo Escarpments in the Reserve
One of the most amazing things in the Masai Mara Game Reserve is seeing the Batian and Oloololo Escarpments. The Batian Escarpment is a stunning example of the mighty Rift Valley and is the highest point in the Reserve, standing tall at 2,150m. Here you can take in the vast landscape of the Mara with an incredible view of the rolling plains and the Serengeti in the distance. The Oloololo Escarpment is an equally impressive sight, with an elevation of 1,661m, offering an excellent view of the Reserve and the surrounding forests. These escarpments make for a breathtaking experience and offer visitors a unique perspective of the Mara.
Conclusion
Masai Mara is a magnificent place that offers an unforgettable experience filled with breathtaking wildlife, stunning landscapes, and endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Whether you’re looking for a unique safari, fantastic bird watching, or simply a chance to relax and appreciate the beauty of nature, Masai Mara Game Reserve is the perfect destination. There is something here for everyone, so start planning your trip today and get ready to explore and experience 11 amazing things to do in Masai mara.