Masai Mara Animals: Insights into Predators, Herbivores, and More

The Big Nine of Masai Mara

Why settle for just the ‘Big Five’ when you have the opportunity to spot the ‘Big Nine’? Alongside the famous lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo, the Masai Mara is home to a variety of other incredible wildlife. The Big Nine includes these iconic creatures—giraffe, cheetah, hippo, and zebra—each one adding to the thrill of your safari experience. You’re likely to encounter most of these animals during your time in the Mara. Here’s a closer look at the additional members of the Big Nine:

Zebra (Equus Quagga)

When you’re exploring the Masai Mara, you’ll likely spot the plains zebra, known for its striking broad stripes. This species is slightly smaller than the Grevy’s zebra but larger than the mountain zebra. These zebras are typically found in treeless grasslands and savanna woodlands, where they thrive in both tropical and temperate climates. A social creature, the plains zebra lives in family groups called harems, led by a single male stallion, with several females and their young. Occasionally, bachelor males form their own groups. You’ll notice that when danger approaches, the stallion alerts the herd with snorts or barks. Their main predators include lions, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, and crocodiles.

Cheetah (Acinonyx Jubantus)

The cheetah is one of the most iconic animals of the Masai Mara, famous for its incredible speed. A cheetah can accelerate from 0 to 64 kilometers per hour in just three strides, reaching top speeds of 110 kilometers per hour. With a flexible spine and powerful hind legs, it can make sharp turns while chasing prey. Unlike leopards, cheetahs have a slimmer build and a smaller, rounder face. If you’re lucky, you may witness a cheetah hunting in the early morning or late afternoon. They mainly prey on small antelopes, but may also go after warthogs, kudu, oryx, and other small game. Sadly, cheetahs are critically endangered, with only about 10,000 to 12,000 left in the wild.

Giraffe (Giraffa Camelopardalis Tippelskirchii)

Spotting a giraffe is a remarkable experience as you watch this towering animal glide gracefully through the landscape. The Masai giraffe, which you’ll encounter in the Mara, is known for its jagged spots, distinguishing it from other giraffe subspecies. These giants are the tallest land animals, and despite their height, they can run at impressive speeds of up to 50-60 kilometers per hour. Giraffes spend a significant portion of their day—around 16 to 20 hours—feeding on the leaves of Acacia trees, their favorite snack. Thanks to their long tongues and lips, they can skillfully avoid thorns while eating. Remarkably, giraffes can go without water for weeks, but they do need to drink occasionally. You may spot them in small groups, with males typically feeding from the top branches and females from the bottom. Their greatest predators are lions and hyenas, though their powerful kicks and speed offer them protection.

Hippo (Hippopotamus Amphibius)

The hippo, one of Africa’s largest land animals, is an impressive sight when you see it wallowing in rivers or lakes. Adult males can weigh up to 1,500 kilograms, and while they spend most of their day submerged in water to keep cool, they emerge at dusk to graze on grass. The Masai Mara is home to many hippos, with males guarding stretches of river and their own group of females and young. Hippos are among the most dangerous animals in Africa due to their aggressive nature, and they often become territorial. You might encounter a bull hippo protecting its territory fiercely, especially during the mating season.

Other Masai Mara Animals

While the Big Five and Big Nine often steal the spotlight, the Masai Mara is home to a fascinating array of lesser-known mammals. Here’s a list of some of the distinctive creatures that roam this incredible part of Africa.

Banded Mongoose (Mungos mungo)

In the heart of Africa, you’ll find the banded mongoose, most commonly in central and eastern regions. These small creatures are often spotted in savannas, forests, and grasslands. Their homes are typically termite mounds, where they live in groups, also known as colonies. The banded mongoose is usually brown or grey, with bold dark stripes running across its back from shoulder to tail, providing them with their signature look.

Aardvark (Orycteropus afer)

When night falls, the elusive aardvark comes to life. Known for their long snouts and powerful claws, these nocturnal creatures are expert burrowers, digging deep to find their favorite meal—termites and ants. Aardvarks are typically hairless, with short legs, thick claws, and an odd yet fascinating appearance. Their burrowing skills help them navigate the African landscape, where they are rarely seen during the day.

African Hare (Lepus capensis)

Spotted across Africa’s wooded savannas and grasslands, the African hare is often a solitary animal. However, when dusk settles, they may pair up in small groups for added safety while feeding. Agile and fast, they can easily outrun potential threats, making them an important part of the ecosystem. Their ability to blend into their environment allows them to avoid being preyed upon by larger predators.

Aardwolf (Proteles cristatus)

The aardwolf, with its distinctive yellowish coat and dark stripes, might remind you of a small hyena, but it is much more solitary. Typically active at night, this nocturnal mammal uses its sharp sense of smell to hunt down ants and termites. Its long front legs, combined with a coat of coarse hairs along its back, give it a unique appearance. The aardwolf’s small size and specialized diet make it a fascinating creature to encounter in the Mara’s wilds.

Even More Land Animals in the Maasai Mara National Reserve

The Masai Mara is home to an incredible array of wildlife, with many animals thriving in its diverse ecosystems. Beyond the famous big cats and migratory herds, there are numerous other species that add to the richness of this unique reserve.

1. Honey Badger (Mellivora capensis) – Known for its fearless nature, the honey badger will take on animals much larger than itself in defense of its territory.

2. Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) – These robust creatures are often seen in the savannah, with their characteristic tusks and bristly appearance.

3. Pangolin (Manis temminckii) – With their tough, scaly armor, pangolins are unique nocturnal mammals that curl into a ball when threatened.

4. Side Striped Jackal (Canis adustus) – Often heard howling in the distance, this jackal is an opportunistic omnivore that thrives in the Masai Mara.

5. Crested Porcupine (Hystrix cristata) – This large rodent uses its quills as a defense mechanism, and it’s mostly active during the night.

6. Topi (Damaliscus lunatus jimela) – Known for their striking coloration, topis are skilled grazers, often seen in the open plains of the Mara.

7. Slender Mongoose (Herpestes sanguineus) – A small yet agile creature, the slender mongoose is often seen foraging in groups for insects and small mammals.

8. Vervet Monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops) – Social and curious, vervet monkeys often inhabit trees, foraging for fruits and insects.

9. Impala (Aepyceros melampus) – One of the most common antelope species in the Masai Mara, impalas are known for their graceful leaps and agile movements.

10. Kirk’s Dik-Dik (Madoqua kirkii) – This small antelope is often seen darting through the shrubs, with its unique vocalization signaling danger.

11. Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) – Easily recognizable by the white ring around their rump, waterbucks are typically found near water sources.

12. Copper Tailed Monkey (Cercopithecus ascanius) – Also called the red-tailed monkey, these primates are known for their playful behavior and distinctive reddish tails.

13. Spotted Hyena (Hyaena hyaena) – A highly social predator, spotted hyenas are often seen in groups and have a reputation for scavenging, though they are skilled hunters.

14. Bushbaby (Galago senegalensis) – This small nocturnal primate is known for its large eyes, which help it navigate the night in search of insects and fruits.

15. Wildebeest (Connochaetes) – Famous for their massive migrations, wildebeests are a central part of the Masai Mara ecosystem.

16. Oribi (Ourebia ourebi) – A small antelope often seen in open grasslands, known for its agility and speed.

17. Thomson’s Gazelle (Gazella thomsonii) – With their sleek bodies, these gazelles are fast runners, making them a common prey species in the Mara.

18. Spring Hare (Pedetes capensis) – This nocturnal creature looks like a cross between a rabbit and a kangaroo, using powerful hind legs to leap long distances.

19. Common Eland (Taurotragus oryx) – One of the largest antelopes, common elands are often seen grazing in herds across the open savannah.

20. Olive Baboon (Papio cynocephalus Anubis) – These baboons are highly social and intelligent, frequently spotted in troops that forage for food.

21. Grant’s Gazelle (Gazella granti) – Known for their elegance, Grant’s gazelles are often seen in the same grasslands as Thomson’s gazelles, though they are generally larger.

22. Bat Eared Fox (Otocyon magalotis) – These small foxes have large ears, which they use to detect insects underground, and they are primarily nocturnal.

23. Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) – Often found in dense bush or forests, bushbucks are solitary and elusive, known for their beautiful markings.

24. Coke’s Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus cokii) – This antelope is well-adapted to the open plains and has a distinct, elongated face and curved horns.

25. Klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus) – A small, rock-dwelling antelope, the klipspringer’s remarkable ability to climb helps it escape predators in rocky terrain.

26. Straw Coloured Fruit Bat (Eidolon helvum) – These large fruit bats are often seen in the evenings as they take flight in search of fruits to feed on.

27. Dwarf Mongoose (Helpgale parvula) – A small, social mongoose species, the dwarf mongoose lives in tight-knit family groups and is often found foraging in the underbrush.

28. Spotted Hyena (Hyaena hyaena) – Known for their distinctive spotted fur and eerie laughter-like calls, spotted hyenas are both formidable hunters and scavengers.

29. Kirk’s Dik-Dik (Madoqua kirkii) – These tiny, agile antelopes are often seen in pairs, keeping a keen lookout for predators in the wilds of the Mara.

30. Thomson’s Gazelle (Gazella thomsonii) – A small, fast-moving antelope often seen grazing in the open savannah, frequently targeted by predators due to its size.

31. Pangolin (Manis temminckii) – Covered in hard, protective scales, pangolins are nocturnal creatures that are often sought for their meat and scales.