Geology of Masai Mara National Reserve & conservancies - Kenya

Meet the Two Rivers of Masai Mara

The Masai Mara National Reserve is traversed by two primary rivers, with the Mara River being the most prominent. Flowing directly through the reserve and into the Serengeti, this river’s basin spans an area of roughly 13,504 square kilometers and stretches 395 kilometers in length. Of its total flow, around 65% runs through Kenya, while the remaining 35% passes through Tanzania. Its origins can be traced back to the Napuiyapi Swamp, located at the Mau Escarpment in the Kenyan Highlands. 

The Mara River is primarily fed by two major tributaries: the Amala and Nyangores rivers, which converge to form the Mara. After traveling its long course, the Mara River eventually empties into Lake Victoria. In addition to this, the Talek River also flows through the Masai Mara as one of the Mara River’s tributaries, further supported by the Engaro, Sand, and Engito tributaries.

Rivers – Natural Divers of The Masai Mara

The Masai Mara National Reserve is divided into three distinct sectors by the two rivers. The Musiara Sector lies between the Mara River and the Talek River. The Mara Triangle is located between the Mara River and the Oloololo Escarpment, while the Sekenani Sector is found to the southeast, bordered by both rivers. Due to the difficulty of crossing these rivers in many areas, most safari lodges restrict game drives to their designated sector of the reserve.

The Mara-Serengeti Ecosystem

The Masai Mara National Reserve, which spans approximately 1,510 square kilometers, forms part of the vast Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. This ecosystem extends south into the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The Serengeti lies just south of the Masai Mara, while the towering Oloololo Escarpment marks the western boundary of the reserve. 

To the north and east, expansive grassy savannahs unfold, while the region is also known for its rolling hills and temporary streams. The Masai Mara sits at an altitude between 1,480 and 2,280 meters. To put this in perspective, Mount Kenya, the second-highest peak in Africa, rises to 5,199 meters.

The Soil of the Masai Mara

The Masai Mara lies within the Great Lake Victoria basin, which is underpinned by ancient rocks formed during the Cambrian and Pre-Cambrian periods. These rocks are over 600 million years old. Over time, the land surface has been extensively eroded, only to be later covered by younger volcanic rocks and lava from the active volcanic activity in the Great Rift Valley. 

In addition to these lava layers, the area’s soil is enriched with sedimentary deposits such as sand, gravel, and other lacustrine sediments.