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The famous Masai Mara National Reserve is well-known as a safari destination. Established in 1961 in south western Kenya, it forms part of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem which covers 25 000 sq km in Kenya and Tanzania.
The Masai Mara is home to the big five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) as well as a wide variety of wildlife and birdlife. A selection of lodges and camps have been established in the Masai Mara National Reserve, but it has to be noted that this part of the conservation area is only a fraction of the Greater Mara Ecosystem (see Mara Conservancies below).
The Masai Mara hosts the annual Great Wildebeest Migration where millions of wildebeest cross between the Masai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania.
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The Masai Mara was under threat from encrouching human settlements, which impacted on the wildlife numbers and the status of this magnificent wilderness area. Through community involvement and low impact tourism initiatives, large tracts of land has been added to the ecosystem. Maasai communities are working with tourism partners, and changed from pastoralists to wildlife conservantionists where low density tourism practises allow exclusive safari experiences and authentic cultural interactions.
The Mara Conservancies initiative now benefits the Maasai landowners and protect the sensitive ecosystem. Wildlife move unobstructed across the vast areas, and allow herds to travel along their historic migratory corridors. Each conservancy is owned by individual communities but a joint initiative between the different conservancies ensures that specific model is followed.
Like-minded stakeholders work with conservancy owners to establish low density tourism partnerships |
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| that offers authentic safari experiences. The conservancies added over 100,000 acres of additional protected area to the Mara ecosystem by setting up Ol Kinyei, Olare Orok, Motorogi and Naboisho Conservanciesas additional protected habitat for wildlife but with a maximum of 1 tent per 700 acres or 1 vehicle per 1400 acres. |
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| masai mara |
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The Masai Mara is known for it's exceptional wildlife viewing. This is the number 1 reason why travelers visit this reserve. It also forms part of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem which is home to the great wildebeest migration that takes place annually. It is important to note that activities relating to wildlife differ between the Reserve and the Conservancies. There are much less 'traffic' in the Conservancies. Night drives are also allowed in the Mara Conservancies. |
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One of the best ways to get close to nature is to experience it on foot. Imagine walking in the wilderness areas of the Mara led by a highly skilled Maasai guide. This is when you discover the real secrets of th Masai Mara - from the smallest insects to the largest mammals, the interesting trees and the open savannahs. Walking through the African bush lets you feel the heart beat of Africa... |
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With more than 470 bird species found in the Maasai Mara, it makes this destination a birders paradise. The Mara Conservancies are well suited for birding as there are not many other travelers, and you can experience East African birding to its fullest! Get your binoculars and cameras ready for a birding safari of a lifetime. The skilled guides will help you find those elusive species that makes birding a fantastic interest to pursue. |
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A great way to experience the same exclusive wildlife experience as the upmarket lodges, but staying in a basic adventure camp which makes this an affordable Masai Mara experience! Accommodation is in dome tents and each tent has its own bathroom and toilet facilities. All meals are included as well as game drives led by qualified guides. Enjoy a real, authentic, affordable Masai Mara safari experience in an adventure camp within an exclusive wildlife conservancy! |
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The Mara Conservancies are owned by local Maasai communities, which gives visitors the unique opportunity to enjoy the rich heritage of the Maasai tribe. The Maasai land owners are involved in the daily operations be it wildlife management, guiding, security and camp management. The community involvement in the Mara Conservancies ensures authentic experiences between visitors and the Maasai communities. |
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| the serengeti and masai mara |
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Please note that the movement of the herds depend on the rainfall across the Serengeti and Masai Mara. The map is purely an estimate. Please check with one of our migration specialists for an update.
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Distinctive AFRICA specialises in holidays and safaris to Africa. Be it an exclusive tailormade safari or an adventurous camping tour in Africa when we plan your African safari, we keep your interests and budget in mind. Spoil yourself with the vacation of a lifetime in Africa.
The Distinctive AFRICA team brings you some of the most unique travel experiences in Africa. We specialise in Africa travel with an intimate knowledge of the wide range of travel offerings available - honeymoons, family safaris, island holidays, safari break aways, self drive safaris and horseback safaris are but a few of the options available. |
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Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps will take you on a Masai Mara safari like no other! The Porini Camps are situated in exclusive conservancies allowing unique safaris without the crowds. The Gamewatchers experience include all arrangements of your safari, from transfers, accommodation, flights and activities. Planning a honeymoon, wildlife safari, family holiday, fly-in safari or a migration safari?
Let Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps plan the perfect safari holiday for you. |
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Keeping it fresh: if you find any incorrect or out of date information, please let us know here  |
africa travel guide 
Great Wildebeest Migration
