Nature is about often partnership. You will often see birds catching a ride on a larger animal. Payment for the ride? A cleaning will do.

Masaai Mara

The Masai Mara National Reserve is administered by the local county council. It is probably the most famous and most visited reserve in Kenya. It offers breathtaking views (seen in the film ‘Out of Africa’, much of which was filmed here) an extraordinary density of animals including the “Big Five” and many varieties of plains game.

An impressive feature is the annual migration of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle from the plains of the Serengeti that cross the Tanzanian border and rivers to reach the Mara’s lush grassland from late June, hunted by the predators: lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena and circled by vultures as the journey unfolds. Their dramatic river crossings are a reality for tourists visiting in July – August.

Apart from the seasonal migration, game viewing is excellent year round. Game includes: elephant, black rhino, buffalo, zebra, roan antelope in small numbers, white-bearded gnu, oribi, warthog, Thomson's and Grant's gazelle, hartebeest and the big cats; the rivers are home to hippo and crocodiles. The reserve also boasts the largest lion populations in the country.

Birdlife is as profuse as the four-legged wildlife. Red winged schalow's turaco, white-tipped crest, ross turaco, orange buff pel's fishing owl, wary guinea fowl are only a few of the species that call the area home. The open plains birds include Jackson's bustard, black-bellied hartlaubs bustard. 53 species of birds of prey have been recorded here. Secretary birds, so named for the thin spiky feathers on the tops of their heads that resemble hair pins, are common and entertaining sight.

The Mara’s status as a reserve rather than a national park enables it to accommodate visitors directly within it’s borders. Accommodation ranges from stone lodges to luxury tented camps, all of which are situated in pristine locations with incredible views and surroundings.