Animals of Maasai Mara

Common Animals of Maasai Mara

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular wildlife parks in Africa, which is known for its great biodiversity and memorable Kenya safari. Be it the sweeping savannahs with acacia trees or the undulating plains full of wildlife, the Maasai Mara boasts an incredible collection of animals that draw wildlife photographers, nature lovers and safari fanatics throughout the year. Being aware of the typical animals of Maasai Mara will enhance your planning of the safari and also avoid missing the opportunity of seeing some of the most famous wildlife of Africa.

The Big Five: Kings of the Mara

The Big Five lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino are often at the top of the list when you think of an African safari. Some of the best chances of viewing these animals in their natural habitat can be found in the Maasai Mara.

The lion is a common sight in the Maasai Mara, and they are known to rest under the bushes or actively hunt during the cooler parts of the day. The reserve boasts of powerful lion prides that can be seen around the Mara and Talek Rivers, where food is in plenty.

Leopards are also commonly spotted in the Maasai Mara, especially around riverine forests, though they are elusive. They are commonly spotted elegantly resting on tree branches, scouting the plains as they seek prey such as impalas and gazelles.

The African elephants are huge creatures with large tusks, which move in small to large groups in the plains. These are easy to see and are easily observed during early mornings and late afternoons around waterholes and rivers, as these are gentle giants.

One of the most widespread large mammals in the Maasai Mara is the African buffalo. They travel in large groups, and since they are found near water bodies, they can easily be photographed and observed.

Although rhinos are more difficult to find because of their low population, there are black rhinos that can be spotted in the Maasai Mara occasionally with the help of knowledgeable safari guides.

The Great Migration: A Wildlife Show

The Great Migration is one of the most amazing wildlife events in the Maasai Mara, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, together with zebras and gazelles, cross the border between Tanzania and Kenya into the Maasai Mara in search of greener pastures. This migration is normally observed between July and October, and it is an ideal period to observe exciting predator-prey encounters.

During the migration period, Wildebeest take over the plain, and the stampede of their hooves on the Mara River draws wildlife photographers worldwide. Together with the wildebeest, the zebras are in great numbers, which contributes to the spectacle with their black and white stripes.

Antelope Species: Beautiful Inhabitants of the Plains

In addition to the Big Five and the Great Migration, the Maasai Mara is abundant in antelopes, which are common during game drives. The Thomson’s gazelles are fast and have black side stripes, and they graze in large numbers in the open plains. The slightly larger Grant gazelles are also common in the Mara, and they are slightly larger than Thomson gazelles.

Topis are reddish with alert postures and can be found standing on termite mounds to look at predators. Another common species that is spotted is the impalas, which move in groups and demonstrate their elegant jump when frightened.

The Maasai Mara also has the largest antelopes in Africa, the Elands, which are, however, more elusive because they are shy. Their huge bodies and beautiful spiralled horns are quite an attraction to tourists.

Giraffes: Mara Icons

The Maasai giraffe is a native of Kenya and a graceful and widespread animal in the Maasai Mara. Their irregular, patchy patterns and their towering height make the giraffes often be seen feeding on the top of acacia trees, which gives good photographic chances, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

Hippos and Crocodiles: Riverside Life

The rivers Mara and Talek are full of hippos and Nile crocodiles. Hippos spend most of their day in water and come out at dusk to feed on the banks of the river. Their grunts and territorial nature make them an interesting species to watch safely in a safari.

One can easily find Nile crocodiles basking on the riverbanks or hiding in the depths, waiting to attack, especially when the wildebeest and zebras are crossing the rivers during the Great Migration.

Birds in Maasai Mara

Although the mammals tend to steal the show, the Maasai Mara is also a bird watcher’s haven, with more than 470 types of birds. Some of the common birds that can be spotted are the lilac-breasted roller, crowned cranes, secretary birds, and different kinds of vultures and eagles which take over the skies. These birds are a very important part of the Mara ecosystem, and they also provide colour and sound to your safari.

Other Predators Other than the Big Cats

Besides lions and leopards, cheetahs are also a common sight in Maasai Mara, where they use the open plain to chase their prey with an unrivalled speed. Spotted hyenas are also found in the reserve, and they are found in clans, scavenging or hunting during the early mornings and evenings.

There are also jackals, bat-eared foxes, which are smaller, but offer an interesting element of the predator hierarchy of the Mara during game drives.

When to View Wildlife in Maasai Mara

Game viewing in the Maasai Mara is worthwhile throughout the year; however, the dry season between July and October coincides with the Great Migration and provides the best chances of witnessing huge concentrations of animals at water points. The November and December short rains refresh the plains, and the animals come to feed on the new grasses, and the reserve remains open to game drives.

Conservation and Responsible Safari Travel

When making your Maasai Mara safari plans, you can also support safari operators and camps that are conservation-oriented and involve the local Maasai community in their activities and have environmentally friendly tourism. Sustainable safari tourism not only results in wildlife conservation but also promotes the local economy and culture of the Maasai people, who are the neighbours of the wildlife in Mara.