| There's Something Attractive About The Mara |
| Written by Gerald Smith |
| Saturday, 05 December 2009 08:59 |
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To most people, an African safari is simply Kenya's masai mara.
To most people, an African safari is simply Kenya's masai mara. This place has been for many the image of Africa, as seen on African wildlife documentaries by the likes of National geographic. The Masai Mara also spelled Maasai Mara is a large park reserve in south-western Kenya, which is effectively the northern continuation of the Serengeti National Park game reserve in Tanzania. This game reserve is named so for the Maasai people (the traditional inhabitants of the area) and the Mara River, which divides it. This park is about 560 square miles but by no means Kenya's largest. The park is famous for its wild variety of species including wildebeests, Zebra, Gazelles and a wide variety of birds to mention but a few. During the annual migration, over 1 million Wildebeest, 360,000 Thomson's Gazelle and nearly 200,000 Zebra migrate from the Serengeti plains in July and August in Masai Mara National Park. Predators such as lions and hyena follow their circular annual route. Kenya's national parks and game reserves aren't often privately owned unlike other parts of Africa. The reserve area is managed and administered by Narok County Council and the Mara Conservancy a local nonprofit organization formed by the local Maasai, and contains a number of anti-poaching units. Every year an estimated 300,000 visitors mostly tourists from Europe, the United States and Asia visit this reserve. Although visitors to the park at any time of the year will hardly be disappointed, the best time to visit Masai Mara Reserve is during the dry months, July through October. The grasses are long after the rainy season, and it's a great time to see the migratory herds. The Great annual wildebeest migration as it is known, takes place in July and August. The symbiotic relationship that the Masai people have developed over the years with the animals is another fascinating aspect of a tour to the Masai Mara. The Masai tribesmen in their long red robes, living in a social formation in accordance to customs and rituals that are markedly different from a European way of life, are one of the chief attractions of the area too. There are many ways to undertake a Mara Safari with a balloon safari being one of the best. Balloon safaris are done at dawn and often end with a bush breakfast. One can also engage in one of the more traditional safaris in a car or a special tourist bus. There are both Kenya safaris as well as Tanzania safaris that will help you explore the Masai Mara National Parks. You can also undertake a special bird tour. Do not forget, more than 500 species of wild birds inhabit Masai Mara, a number that grows with migration. You can take any of the three ways for a safari, you can arranged for a customized safari, be a part of a package tour from an African safari Tour Operator, or arrange for everything yourself. However, for first timers, the best option is to become a part of the African safari Tour Operator. Book in advance, if you want to tour in the migration season. About the Author: Looking to find the best deals on Kenya Safaris, then visit www.cheetah-tours.com to find the best advice on Kenya Safari packages for you. |