Maasai Mara in Kenya most famous safari destination for game viewing, bird watching and cultural visits to the local Masai villages. Masai Mara, in the Narok country, was 1672 square km until 1984 when it was reduced to 1510 km to allow the Masai community to herd their livestock on the ancestral land. There were private conservancies that were introduced to maintain the route used by wildebeests and zebras, gazelles and the elands during the annual migration of wildlife from the plains of Serengeti in Tanzania into Maasai Mara in Kenya. The Conservancies ensure there are more areas for wildlife as well as preserving the rich biodiversity.

The Maasai Mara Conservancies

The conservancies have been created around the Maasai Mara perimeter to help in protecting the Maasai mara eco system, and to create a source of income for the Maasai people who are land owners. The conservancy fees apply and are charged differently from the Mara reserve fees. Its main conservancy include; Mara North Conservancy, keekorok, Lemek, Mara Naboisho, Ol Kinye, Siana, and the Ol Chorro Oirua.

Best Time to Visit Maasai Mara

Even though Maasai Mara is good for safaris all year round, the best time to visit Maasai Mara is July and October, to view the world famous wildebeest’s migration. In this time, millions of wildebeests and many zebras and gazelles cross from the plains of Serengeti in Tanzania to the plains of Maasai Mara. For the big cat lovers, the drier months of December to February are ideal to see a cheetah taking down a gazelle or a lioness giving birth. This is where the famous wildlife documentaries like the big cat Diaries and Discovery channel documentaries were shot.

What to Wear in Masai Mara

The park is hot and dry most of the time of the year. This means those avoid dark coloured clothes and go for the light skirts, T-shirts and shorts. The best colours for a safari in Mara are green, brown, and Khaki. These colours are easy to clean after a dusty drive in the plains. For the night game drives, you will need the long sleeved shirts. Carry a sun hat, a pair of the binoculars, a camera and the sun screen. Some hotels have got a detailed list of what to pack for a safari. They will explain the main dos and don’ts depending on the activities visitors will undertake.