Masai Mara in Kenya: an amazing safari to experience to the fullest with Sto Gran Tour

Are you looking for the right inspiration to finally set off and discover the Masai Mara in Kenya? 

We’ve put together a list of eight things to do once you get there.

Curious, huh???

Masai Mara: the list of six unmissable things to do in Kenya

Wait a second: is it Masai or Maasai? 🤔

Have you ever noticed that there are two different ways to write ‘Masai’? So which one is correct: Masai Mara National Reserve or Maasai Mara National Reserve? 

The correct answer is Masai Mara. 

The Maasai are the fascinating semi-nomadic Maa-speaking people of East Africa. Known for their warm hospitality, they are famous around the world for their brightly colored shukkas (their traditional clothing), their distinctive beaded jewelry, and their fearless coexistence with the Big Five.

You should absolutely make time to meet the Maasai — they are incredible people.

‘Masai’, on the other hand, refers to the famous wildlife-rich ecosystem that shares an unfenced border with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Also home to the Great Migration, the Mara (which means ‘spotted’ in Maa) is a land of breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and seemingly endless grassy plains ‘dotted’ with acacia trees and thorn bushes. 

In short, ‘Maasai’ refers to the people, while ‘Masai’ refers to the land. There is no ‘Maasai Mara’, and when you are in East Africa, you will soon see that all the signs point to ‘Masai Mara’. 

And since we’re talking about reconnecting the magnificent Maasai with their ancient and unforgettable land, here’s a list of things to do in the Masai Mara.

Read also: Victoria Falls and the 'Devil’s Pool': a destination you may not know about! 

1. Experience the Masai Mara on a game drive

A true wildlife paradise, with an astonishing concentration of animals all year round, the Masai Mara never disappoints. 

Once you climb into the 4x4 jeep, get your cameras ready: a game drive in the park is one of its most popular activities. If you are patient (very patient), it is absolutely worth it. 

2. Soar through the skies in a hot-air balloon

Would you like to wake up before dawn and set off on a hot-air balloon safari over the vast plains of the Mara?

A flight like this will change your life. Take off gently and enjoy the magnificent bird’s-eye view of all the animals below.

3. Meet the Maasai on a community visit

No trip to the Masai Mara would be complete without an authentic cultural experience that allows you to get to know the fascinating Maasai people up close. 

4. Witness the Great Migration

Without a doubt one of the most captivating spectacles in the natural world, the Great Migration is the annual journey of two million herbivores across the Serengeti/Mara ecosystem. 

Although the enormous herds of wildebeest can be seen year-round, the world-famous Mara River crossing (from July to October) is a must for every wildlife enthusiast.

5. Photograph lions in the land of ‘Big Cat Diary’

The Masai Mara boasts one of the highest lion densities in the world, so it is no surprise that the famous wildlife documentary Big Cat Diary was filmed right here in the Mara. 

Set out in search of the legendary Marsh pride and the beloved — and very photogenic — Scarface, also known as Scar. 

6. But the Masai Mara is not just about lions!

As we mentioned earlier, Kenya is one of the places where it is possible to spot all of the Big Five: lion, rhino, buffalo, leopard, and elephant (a big high five — haha — if you find them all!).

Read also: Safari in Kenya: when to go if you want to experience it at its best

Conclusions

In this article, we looked at eight things to do once you arrive in Kenya for your safari.

But we couldn’t possibly end this article without telling you that we actually do all of these things on our amazing trip to Kenya. That’s right: check out this incredible journey to Kenya and the Masai Mara, and get your backpacks ready!