The Masai Mara together with Tanzania’s Serengeti form Africa’s most famous wildlife park, the Masai Mara National Reserve. The image of acacia trees dotting endless grass plains epitomises Africa for many, then add a Maasai warrior and some cattle to the picture and the conversation need go no further. The undeniable highlight of the Masai Mara National Reserve is undoubtedly the annual wildebeest migration traversing the vast plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. It is known as the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with more than a million animals following the rains. Large prides of lions, herds of elephants, as well as giraffes, gazelles and eland can also be spotted in the reserve. Aside from horse riding safaris and traditional vehicle safaris, hot-air ballooning over the Mara plains has become almost essential.
Sandwiched between Mount Kenya and the northern deserts, Laikipia is where Kenya’s wild and semi-arid northern frontier country begins. The region is made up of privately owned and community ranches centred around the Laikipia National Reserve. Known as one of Kenya’s best safari areas, and renowned for its protection of rare animals, the high plains of Laikipia feature vast open stretches of African savanna scattered with abundant game including Grevy’s zebras, lions, leopards, black rhinos, wild dogs, buffalos, giraffes, lesser kudu, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, Jackson’s hartebeest, Somali ostrich, and thousands of elephants. Take a boat trip along the beautiful Ewaso Nyiro River, enjoy a guided walk, bird discovery tour, horse ride, and more. Laikipia is often seen as a strong competitor with Masai Mara Park. The breathtaking Great Lakes of Kenya are nearby.
