Maasai Mara National Reserve Park

A trip to the Maasai National Reserve Park was a definite highlight of my time in Kenya. It does not mean other experiences were not great. But this day was a special day. Weeks before I saw a documentary about wild animals in Africa. And now I am surrounded by them. More or less. As a nature love it was a great experience to meet those animals in their natural habitat. Just amazing.

It is likely that some Maasai people approach you as they want to sell you some souvenirs. Similar to the Maasai village. That is usual. It’s up to you to buy something or to close the window. To open the car’s window to just say “Hello” is also fine.

Of course such an adventure can include it special moments. Let it be you’re at the right time at the right place looking outside of the car’s roof window…

Book a proper tour including a proper vehicle/equipment. It might be bumpy. You need an experienced driver who should avoid higher risks in terms of the path. It can happen to get stuck in a mud hole and any help can be far away.

This is a huge area and not often times someone will be around unless your driver is connected to other drivers. We went through this. Twice. 😅

Keep in mind, you need both: patience and luck as you mostly need to cruise around within a large area. You cannot expect to discover plenty of animals. Those animals are free to do what they want to do and to move around. Don’t take anything for granted. It’s the nature. (wink) You may meet animals close to the road but you’re not allowed to leave the car at all. Especially in front of lions, regardless if they have a meal or not (especially if not (wink) ).

Only at a few spots you are allowed to leave the car. One place was a small guided tour on a river to view some animals there. There was always a guard around carrying a machine gun, just in case something goes really wrong. Another opportunity was a silent spot “under a tree” for a picnic.

Another nice place to leave the car and to make some steps was the shared border with Tanzania. It is said that there are some people who believe to have entered the country of Tanzania behind this skull and ticked the box. They have NOT entered Tanzania. 😉