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Best 10 Animals In Maasai Mara
A detailed blog about the best 10 animals In Maasai Mara National Reserve. Maasai Mara National Reserve is located in the South West of the Kenyan Rift Valley Province parts next to Narok and it occupies up to an area of 580 square miles. Maasai Mara National Reserve was established in 1961 is one of the most famous and important wildlife conservation and wilderness areas in Africa, renowned for its exceptional populations of lion ,leopard, cheetah and African bush elephant.
It also hosts the Great Migration, which is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, and as one of the ten Wonders of the World. It has a semi arid climate with mainly two types of dry and rainy season. Maasai Mara national park consists of many types of vegetations that include grasslands, riverine forest, acaia woodlands etc . Listed below are the top ten animals to be seen in Maasai Mara National Reserve;
Lions
The African lion is a large cat of the genus Panthera native to Africa . It has a muscular, broad-chested body and a short rounded head; round ears; and a hairy tuft at the end of its tail. It is sexually dimorphic; adult male lions are larger than females and have a prominent mane. Lions are the only cat group that roars together with even young cubs joining in with their mews. The calling sequence usually lasts about 40 seconds.
A group of lions, also called ‘a pride which consists of about 15 to 20 lions’, often roar together to mark their territory – a roar can be heard from 5 miles away. There population is approximately 850 to 900 lions living within the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
African Elephant
The African Elephant, the largest land mammal, exhibits a remarkable way of life. There are two main types of African Elephants: the savanna elephant and the forest elephant. They primarily consume vegetation, feeding on a variety of plant matter such as grasses, leaves, and bark. With their long trunks and tusks, they are adept at gathering food and water, using their trunks to reach and grasp, while their tusks aid in digging and stripping bark. Overall, the African elephant’s diverse diet and feeding strategies contribute to the ecological balance of their habitats.
It was recorded that the number of elephants has increased by 74% since 2014 after the government set strict laws and started fighting against poaching.
Leopard
The leopard is one of the five extant species in the genus Panthera. It has a pale yellowish to dark golden fur with dark spots grouped in rosettes. Its body is slender and muscular reaching a length of 92–183 cm with a 66–102 cm long tail and a shoulder height of 60–70 cm. While the carnivore’s preferred food sources are ungulates like antelope, gazelles, and impalas, they feed on many animals that might surprise us such baboons, hares, rodents, birds, porcupines, warthogs, fish, and dung beetles are all part of the leopard’s extensive menu.
Leopards are incredibly athletic and known for their climbing ability. They often carry food into trees to avoid losing it to scavengers like lions and hyenas. They are also fast and can run up to 36 mph. In comparison, the cheetah is the fastest land mammal, runs 50 to 80 mph. Maasai Mara has about 30 leopards which makes it difficulted to be spotted while on a game drive.
Cape Buffalo
The African buffalo is a large sub-Saharan African bovine. There are five subspecies that are recognized as being valid. Syncerus caffer caffer , the Cape buffalo, is the nominotypical subspecies, and the largest one, found in Southern and East Africa. These are herbivores and use there tongues to often eat faster than other animals. One of the features that make the cape buffalo dangerous are its horns that it uses as a defensive mechanism. The adult buffalo is about 2.5 meters with its mass being about 300-900 kg.
The gestation period of a buffalo is 11 months and it has been noted that Maasai Mara National Reserve is a home to approximately more than 9000 buffalos which can be seen at any time of the year.
Wildebeest
Wildebeest are part of the antelope family and also known as gnu. They have a large box head with horns with the front part of their body heavily built. They are gray in color with a black mane. The adult wildebeest run at the speed of 80 kilometer per hour.
Each year, over two million wildebeest, zebra and other herbivores trek from the southern Serengeti to the lush green grasses of the Masai Mara. Wildebeest are among the top tourist attractions in Kenya due to their migration that happens in the months between June and October and you are more likely to see river crossings during this time.
However, the Migration is a year-round phenomenon and you are likely to see large herds of wildebeest at any time of year. They migrate in large numbers of more than 1,5 million seen moving across the Mara River around Tanzania and Kenya often referred to as the Great Rift Valley.
Birds
Birds are a group of warm-blooded vertebrates constituting the class Aves, characterized by feathers, toothless beaked jaws, the laying of hard-shelled eggs, a high metabolic rate, a four-chambered heart, and a strong yet lightweight skeleton. Maasai Mara National Reserve has over 400 bird species, and it broke a record when birders spent only one day and saw over 100 bird species. Migratory birds are also seen during the month of November to April where they migrate from North Africa. The top 5 birds in Maasai Mara National Reserve are the Secretary bird, Kori bustard, Saddle-billed stork, southern ground hornbill etc.
Rhino
A rhinoceros, commonly referred to rhino, is a member of the five extant species of odd-toed Rhinocerotidae family. Out of the two ( black and white rhinos ) black rhinos are the only species found in Maasai Mara, they are slightly smaller but more aggressive species compared to White Rhino which is more commonly found at Lake Nakuru.
Sumatran rhinos are the smallest of all rhinos, but they can still weigh 600kg (that’s almost 95 tons). On the other hand, white rhinos are the largest of the rhino species, weighing up to 3,500 kilograms, that is more than 550 tons, which is mighty impressive considering they mainly eat grass and leaves.
Male rhinos are called ‘bulls’ and females are called ‘cows’. Their young are ‘calves’. Females tend to be more sociable than the more solitary, territorial males. Together, a group of rhinos is called a ‘crash’. Rhinos’ eyesight is not great as they are unable to see a motionless person at a distance of 30 meters – they mainly rely on their strong sense of smell.
There are 35 – 50 black rhinos living in the Maasai Mara – although they cross over into the Serengeti from time to time as well. Most black rhinos live a solitary life. The only strong family tie between rhinos is between a mother and her calf.
Giraffe
The giraffe is a large African hoofed mammal belonging to the genus Giraffa. It is the tallest living terrestrial animal and the largest ruminant on Earth. Traditionally, giraffes were thought to be one species, Giraffa camelopardalis, with nine subspecies. With their towering legs and insanely tall necks, seeing a giraffe out in the wild is as exciting as seeing some of the big cats in this national reserve.
The most common type of giraffes in Maasai Mara the Maasai giraffe also known as the Kilimanjaro giraffe. Approximately 33,000 Masai giraffes live in this region and most of them live in small groups. Approximately 16 – 20 hours of their day is spent feeding. Bulls are generally larger and heavier than cows, weighing close to 1,300 kilograms (2,900 pounds) and growing up to 5.5 meters (18 feet) in height. Originally, the Masai giraffe lived throughout Africa, however, due to loss of habitat and deforestation, they are only found in the savannas of Kenya.
Maasai Giraffes coat is covered in irregular star-shaped patches and is buff-colored below the knee. As with all giraffes, the spots on the coat act like human fingerprints, no two patterns are the same and they can be used to identify an individual. Lions, hyenas and poachers are the main enemies of the Maasai giraffe. Their only defense is their speed and their powerful kick that can render a lion unconscious and in some cases even decapitate it.
Cheetah
The cheetah is a large cat native to Africa and Southwest Asia. It is the fastest land animal, capable of running at 80 to 98 kilometer per hour, as such has evolved specialized adaptations for speed, including a light build, long thin legs and a long tail. The Maasai Mara is considered to be one of the best places in the world to see cheetahs in the wild.
Their population in Maasai Mara is good and can be easily seen during your game drive at the park as they are welcoming they can even enter into your car sometimes. It hunts out in the open in groups of up to five and they only hunt during day not night . These big cats have flexible spines that can flex and straighten. This in combination with their powerful hind legs allows them to reach incredible speeds of up to 110 kilometer per hour. Cheetahs can give birth to about 2-8 cubs after a gestation period of more than 90 days and at 6 weeks the young ones are already strong to start hunting.
Males cheetahs have been known to form coalitions of 2-3 so that they can defend as much land as possible. 70% of these coalitions are made up of brothers, but occasionally they include outsiders. Males are generally not territorial towards each other, but can be towards other coalitions or solitary males. Female cheetahs on the other hand are solitary animals except when raising a litter, and only come in contact with others to mate. Mothers with cubs tend to stay within a short distance of one another. The estimation of the number of cheetahs in Maasai Mara National Reserve are 300.
Zebra
Zebras are African equines with distinctive black-and-white striped coats. There are three living species: the Grévy’s zebra, plains zebra, and the mountain zebra. Zebras share the genus Equus with horses and asses, the three groups being the only living members of the family Equidae. Zebras are highly social animals that live in groups so as to maintain contact with others. Zebras are from 3.8 to 4.9 feet (116 to 150 cm) tall at the shoulder and weigh 529 to 820 pounds (240 to 372 kg). The Grevy’s zebra lives in the arid grasslands of northern Kenya.
Zebras have several ways they communicate with one another, including the facial expressions of wide-open eyes and bared teeth. They also bark, bray, snort or huff to get their point across. Even the position of their ears can signal their feelings, according to the San Diego Zoo. For example, ears flattened back means trouble. Another habit of zebras is mutual grooming, which they do to strengthen their bonds with each other.
Female zebras carry their young for a gestation period of 12 to 14 months. Baby zebras are called foals. When they are born, foals weigh around 55 to 88 pounds (25 to 40 kilograms). Soon after birth, foals are able to stand up and walk. The young zebra gets its nutrition from its mother’s milk and will continue to nurse throughout its first year. Zebras become fully mature at 3 to 6 years old and will have a lifespan of around 25 years.
Hippo
The hippopotamus or hippo, also known as the common hippopotamus, Nile hippopotamus, or river hippopotamus, is a large semiaquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae, the other being the pygmy hippopotamus. Hippopotamus, commonly referred to as Hippo are the third largest land mammal with the average mass of about 1500 kilograms. They prefer living near rivers and lakes in order to keep there bodies cool and at dusk they leave the water to graze on grass.
There are large numbers of hippos in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Male hippos (bulls) rule over a particular stretch of river and generally have 5 to 30 female hippos and their young to watch over. Maasai Mara National Reserve is a home to a large number of hippos recorded to be about 4000 in Mara River.
Activities to do in Maasai Mara National Reserve
Game drives, nature walks, cultural visits, balloon safaris, and birding are some of the captivating activities to indulge in while visiting the Masai Mara National Reserve. Embark on thrilling game drives to witness the diverse wildlife in their natural habitat, or explore the reserve on foot through nature walks for a more intimate encounter with nature. Immerse yourself in the rich Maasai culture by participating in cultural visits, and for a truly unforgettable experience, consider taking a scenic balloon safari to witness the breathtaking landscapes from above. Lastly, bird enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of avian species that call this reserve home.
Hot air balloon is an aircraft consisting of a very large bag filled with heated air, with a container hanging under it in which people can ride. If you decide to visit the Masai Mara between the months of July and October, you will have a chance catching the ‘Great Migration’ while flying above the African plains.
Best time to visit Maasai Mara National Reserve
The best time to visit Maasai Mara National Reserve is during the dry season, which typically falls between July and October. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and the wildlife viewing opportunities are excellent. The dry season also coincides with the annual wildebeest migration, where thousands of wildebeests cross the Mara River, creating a breathtaking spectacle. However, it is important to note that Maasai Mara can be visited throughout the year, as the reserve offers unique experiences in both the dry and wet seasons.
How to access Maasai Mara National Reserve
To access Maasai Mara National Reserve, there are two main options: by road and by air. If traveling by road, one can take a scenic drive from Nairobi, which usually takes around 5-6 hours depending on the traffic and road conditions. Alternatively, for a quicker and more convenient option, there are daily flights available from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to several airstrips near the reserve. Both options provide access to the breathtaking Maasai Mara National Reserve, allowing visitors to experience its abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Accommodation In Maasai National Park
The Maasai Mara National Reserve offers a diverse range of accommodation options to cater to different budgets and preferences. For those seeking affordable lodging, several budget lodges provide comfortable accommodations without compromising on the overall experience. If you’re looking for a mid-range option, there are lodges that offer a balance between affordability and amenities. For those seeking luxury, the reserve boasts a selection of high-end lodges that provide top-notch facilities, stunning views, and exceptional service. Whether you’re a budget traveler or seeking a luxurious retreat, Maasai Mara National Reserve has accommodation options to suit every need.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common animal in Maasai Mara?
The most common animal in Maasai Mara is the African elephant.
What animals do you see in Maasai Mara?
The Maasai Mara is home to a diverse array of wildlife species. Visitors to this renowned national reserve can witness an impressive range of animals, including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests. With its rich biodiversity, the Maasai Mara offers an extraordinary opportunity to observe and appreciate the wonders of the natural world.
What is the rarest animals in Maasai Mara?
The rarest animal in Maasai Mara is the black rhino.
What are the Big Five animals in Maasai Mara?
The Big Five animals in Maasai Mara include; buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, Lion, & Rhino. These large, fierce and sneaky species were once targeted targeted by hunters because, who gunned them down in droves for trophies and meat. Today they are “awe-inspiring” sights for safari travelers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Maasai Mara National Reserve stands as a testament to the rich biodiversity of the African savanna, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to witness a diverse array of wildlife in their natural habitat. From the majestic lions and graceful giraffes to the vast herds of wildebeest during the Great Migration, each visit promises unique and unforgettable experiences.
To fully appreciate the spectacle of life that unfolds in this iconic reserve, planning a visit between July and October is highly recommended, as this period showcases the pinnacle of wildlife activity. Whether you are an avid wildlife enthusiast or a casual traveler, the Maasai Mara’s vibrant ecosystem and breathtaking landscapes are sure to leave a lasting impression.