However, the reserve has the largest number of mammal species which can be viewed on open savannah grass land,
located in province of Kenya in southern part of Nairobi capital city and it was established in 1961 as game reserve to protect wide range of animals. The reserve measures around 1,510 square kilometres of its land which inhabits the largest number of mammal species viewed on open savannah grass lands. Visiting Masai Mara is one of the best safari destinations where you get to view variety of animal species with assurance of seeing all the big cats among other animals in the park.
Game drive viewing safari in Masai Mara is composed of three sessions which can be selected depending on traveller’s interest. That is to say, morning game drive that starts early at 7am and the ending time it depends on the allocation of mammals, evening game driving starts at 2 pm to 5pm and night game drive starts at 6pm till 7:30pm.
Morning game drives commence at dawn and it is the best way to catch up with the early rises before they retire to their hide outs, during the game drive, you will see the big five. Masai mara is the only national reserve where you will spot all the big five game during game drive, including; lions, elephants, buffaloes Rhinos, leopards and the giraffes. There is also highest chance to spot the big cats returning from the previous hunt other animals include; Gazelles, hippos, hartebeest, zebras, impalas and many more.
The afternoon game drive is also one of the exciting experiences has you get to enjoy game viewing where herds of mammal species are seen in the group resting under the tree, enjoy the photo shoot around the reserve. This offers a great and rewarding safari experience.
Night game drive is the perfect time to catch up with the nocturnal animals, these animals are hardily spotted during day but they are mainly active at night. They come out of the hide out in search for food. The night safari is also interesting as well as listening to clear sounds and African night sky and feeling the cool breeze is much rewarding. During the night game drive, you will be in the accompany of an armed ranger guide and experienced tour guide carrying strong lighting torches which are used for viewing the animals in the dark. Nocturnal animals seen include; African Scrub Hare, genet cats, bush baby, Aardvark and also get a chance to see hyenas more active, leopards and lions on backs of impalas. sometimes travellers get revealed with exceptional sighting of wildebeest all huddled up at night.
N.B Flash cameras are not allowed to be used at night to take photos of animals.
Type of vehicles used
Travelers are recommended to use 4x4wheel drive weather a self-driven or safari company vehicle for you to be able enjoy your safari to Maasai Mara. This type of vehicle is the best ideal to travel in on all poor roads and also on game drive activity since some time the park can be slippery because of the rain. The vehicle must be designed with popped up roof to help travellers to have spectacular closer viewing of animals such as Antelopes, herds of elephants, leopards, cheetahs many more. You’re recommended to have armed ranger during night game drive to give you right movement of this nocturnal animals as well as protecting you in case of any wild animal’s attack.

What is the best time of game drive in Maasai Mara?
The best time to do game drive viewing in Maasai Mara is all year around but most especially during peak season which starts in June till October and December to February for you to be able to have great memorable wildlife viewing experience.
Where to stay
The park has got unique and comfortable accommodation facilities all found in Maasai Mara National Reserve you can sleep in comfort accommodation facilities which ranges from Mid ranger to Luxury and such lodges to meet both the local and international clients. the lodges include; Mara intrepid luxury, Fig Tree Camp, Mara Explore Camp, Mara Serena Safari lodge, Fairmont Mara Safari lodge among others.
Accessibility
Masai National Reserve can be easily accessed by road and air transport, by road the distance takes 5 to 6 hours’ drive. Another option is by air transport and you need to book a domestic flight to fly you to one of Maasai Mara airstrip which takes 45minutes to 1hour.