The Magnificent Savanna Masai Mara National Reserve is located in south west of Kenya along the border of Kenya and Tanzania. It is the northernmost portion of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. The reserves is name loosely translates to mean the dotted/spotted plains of the Masai community who inhabit this area. Masai Mara has an area of 580 square miles (1,510 sq km). The Sand River, Talek River, and the Mara River are the main rivers in the reserve. Due to its diverse habitat the Masai Mara is world famous for its wide variety of larger plains species as well as a healthy population of predator species. It is one of Africa’s most coveted wildlife viewing destinations in the world. Predator species are 95% on top of a tourists wish list and the Masai Mara is one of the best places in Africa to see them. Lion, leopard, cheetah, jackal, hyena, and various species of mongoose are all found throughout the this magnificent reserve. The number of herbivores is also high and you are sure to get hippos in the rivers, giraffes, buffaloes, elands and a wide variety of gazelles. There is also a population of black rhinos thus making it possible to spot all the safari big five at the magnificent savanna Masai Mara national reserve . July to October the Masai Mara plays host to the most amazing natural phenomenon, the migration of over one million wildebeest. They dot the plains and it get more dramatic when the get to the Mara river. They have to cross the crocodile infested river. They use swarm intelligence and go for it ensuring though a few might end up in the jaws of this ancient looking reptiles, a good majority make it through. This is also a good safari time for action lovers as there is a higher probability of seeing the other top predators in action. Cheetahs will focus and leopards focus on the young wildebeests and the apex predators the lions will go for the adults. The abundance of prey triggers the cats to procreate thus giving tourists even more action. The reserve is only portion of the larger Mara Ecosystem which combines the Koiyaki, Lemek, Ol Chorro Oirowua, Olkinyei, Siana, Maji Moto, Naikara, Ol Derkesi, Kerinkani, Oloirien, and Kimintet conservancies.
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