Wildlife in Masai Mara National Reserve and Surrounding Conservancies

The Masai Mara: A Natural Wonder

For many safari enthusiasts, the dream is to witness the elusive ‘Big Five’. Fortunately, spotting lions, elephants, leopards, and Cape buffalos is quite common in the Masai Mara. While rhinos are present, they are notoriously elusive. The term ‘Big Five’ has a grim origin, relating not to the size of the animals but to the challenge of hunting them. Thankfully, today, they are primarily pursued for the perfect photograph. Beyond the ‘Big Five’, the Masai Mara boasts an extraordinary array of intriguing wildlife. Here’s a brief overview of the most sought-after animals inhabiting the Mara ecosystem.

Lion (Panthera Leo)

Known as Africa’s ‘king of the jungle’, the lion captivates with its power, speed, and legendary status. Around 850 to 900 lions reside within the Masai Mara National Reserve and its surrounding conservancies. The Mara ecosystem is a prime spot to observe this majestic predator in its natural habitat. Lions are one of the most social big cats, typically living in prides of fifteen to twenty members. A pride may include up to three males, several adult females (with one dominant female), and a number of sub-adults and cubs. Male lions claim and defend territories ranging from 30 to 400 square kilometers. Female lions are the primary hunters, with males assisting occasionally, especially with larger prey. Their preferred meals include zebra and wildebeest, but outside the great migration season, they also hunt warthogs and buffalo. Lions are known to sleep for about twenty hours a day. The Masai Mara is also home to the renowned ‘Marsh Pride’, made famous by the BBC’s Big Cat Diary and Dynasties.

Elephant (Loxodonta Africana)

Among the most frequently sighted ‘Big Five’ animals in the Masai Mara is the African elephant. As the largest land animal on Earth, elephants can reach up to seven and a half meters in length, nearly three and a half meters in height, and weigh as much as six tons. Despite the threat from poachers targeting their ivory tusks, the African elephant population in the Mara has been on the rise. These highly intelligent and social animals are known for their strong familial bonds. They are matriarchal, meaning they live in groups led by females. Typically, the matriarch is the group’s largest and oldest elephant. She leads a multi-generational herd of females, or cows, and their young. Adult male elephants often live alone but may form small groups. Family units generally consist of about ten elephants, but multiple units can come together to form a ‘clan’ of up to 70 elephants, led by a single female. Elephants consume a diet of grasses, fruit, roots, and bark, eating up to 300 pounds of food daily.

Leopard (Panthera pardus)

While lions are celebrated for their power and regal presence, leopards are admired for their elegance and stealth. The Mara hosts a significant leopard population, though they are elusive and not easily spotted. Leopards are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, primarily due to habitat loss and human encroachment. These big cats are solitary nocturnal hunters, coming together only for mating. They prefer wooded savannahs and rocky areas but are also often found perched in trees. From their vantage points, they use their exceptional vision, hearing, and sense of smell to spot and ambush prey. Leopards primarily hunt antelopes and baboons. After a successful hunt, they are known to drag their prey up into trees to safeguard it from other predators.

Rhino (Rhinocerotidae): One of the Most Dangerous Animals

Kenya hosts both white and black rhinos, with the white rhino being more commonly seen, especially around Lake Nakuru. The black rhino is slightly smaller and more aggressive than its white counterpart. Despite a notable black rhino population in the Mara, particularly in the Mara Triangle, sightings during a Masai Mara safari are rare. There are typically 35 to 50 black rhinos in the area, though they occasionally cross into the Serengeti. Black rhinos are mostly solitary, with the strongest bond being between a mother and her calf. They have poor eyesight, which may explain their tendency to charge at perceived threats. However, their hearing and sense of smell are well-developed. In the wild, black rhinos can live up to 35 to 40 years. Adults can grow to one and a half meters in height and three and a half meters in length, weighing between 850 and 1600 kilograms.

Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer)

The Cape Buffalo, also known as the African Buffalo, is one of East Africa’s most dangerous animals. Lone males are particularly aggressive and unpredictable, weighing around 800 kilograms—a hazardous combination. Female buffalos defending their young are also fiercely protective. In the Mara, buffalo are typically found in herds of about 100 individuals or more, often near water sources, especially in the dry season.

The Great Migration in the Masai Mara: Crossing the Mara River

An additional highlight of the Masai Mara is the legendary ‘Great Migration’. This annual journey from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara involves millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The migration begins in the Serengeti around July and August, with animals arriving in the Masai Mara at a similar time. A dramatic part of this journey is the crossing of the Mara River, where crocodiles lie in wait for an easy meal. By October, the herds gradually return to the Serengeti. Nature’s timing is unpredictable, so the exact dates of the migration vary each year. However, the best months to witness the migration in the Masai Mara are September and October. Overall, the prime months for wildlife viewing in the Mara ecosystem are from June to October. Learn more about the Great Migration.

Birdlife in the Masai Mara

While exploring the Masai Mara, it’s tempting to focus solely on the ground, trees, and shrubs. However, the skies above the African Plains offer a rich spectacle as well. With over 500 bird species in the area, trackers and guides ensure you don’t miss the vibrant birds around you. Notable species include the bright green and yellow Fischer’s Lovebird and the Kori Bustard. The Mara-Serengeti ecosystem is crucial for habitat-based bird conservation. The Masai Mara is also renowned for its impressive array of raptors, with 57 species, including the striking Bateleur eagle. Birdwatching is possible year-round, but it’s most rewarding between November and April when European migratory birds arrive. Discover more about Masai Mara birds.