Big five safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is one of the world’s most famous places for wildlife safari. Spanning over 1500 square kilometers of rolling grasslands, it is a place where nature rules.
Every year, people from all over the world come to the Mara with one big dream: to see the ‘’Big five’’ animals. This term which includes the lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard and Rhino has a long history.
It was originally used by big game hunters to describe the five most dangerous and difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot. Today, ‘’hunt’’ is only for the perfect photography, and the Mara offers one of the best chances on the continent to see all five magnificent creatures. A big five safari here is more than just a holiday; it is an unforgettable adventure into the heart of the African wilderness with African Vacation Safaris.
Unpacking the Big five of Maasai Mara national reserve.
Maasai Mara is special because it is a home to a very high number of the wild animals, giving visitors an excellent change to spot the big five. Four of the five, the lion, elephant, Cape buffalo and leopard are seen quite often. The fifth, the highly endangered Black rhino is much harder to find, but dedicated conservation efforts in the Mara mean sightings are possible, especially in the protected zones.
Seeing these animals is a thrilling because each one is powerful and unique. Spotting all five in one safari trip is an exciting goal for any visitors, often called a ‘’Big five Grand Slam,’’ and the Mara’s rich ecosystem makes this dream a reality for many. The size of wildlife here is what sets this park apart from many others.
The King of the jungle Lion.
The African lion, or Simba in Swahili, is often the first animal people hope to see. In Maasai Mara there is a large and healthy population, with over 850 to 900 lions living across the reserve and the surrounding areas. Lions are the most social of the big cats, living in groups called prides that can have up to twenty members, including several adult females, their cubs, and a few powerful males.
The lionesses do most of the hunting, often working together to catch prey like zebra and wildebeest, Male lions, with their impressive manes, are responsible for protecting the pride’s territory, which can be very large. You can often see them resting under an acacia tree during the hot day, or becoming active and hunting in the cooler early mornings and late evenings. The Mara is a famous for its large prides and the incredible, dramatic sight of a lion pride on the move.
The Great African elephant.
The African elephant is the world’s largest land animal, with the largest individuals weighting up to six tones. Despite past threats from poaching, the elephant population in Maasai Mara has been rowing in the recent years, which is great news for conservation. Elephants are very intelligent and then social animals, living in groups led by the oldest and largest female, known as the matriarch.
These family units are very close knit and can grow into large clans of up to 70 elephants when several families meet up. You will often see then near the Mara and Talek Rivers, using their amazing tusks to drink water, bathe or spray themselves with dust to keep cool. Watching a herd of elephants slowly move across the vast, open plains at sunset is a sight of true African majesty.
The Elusive Leopard.
The Leopard is the most difficult of the Big five to spot, earning it the nickname ‘’Spitted Shadow.’’ These beautiful big cats are solitary, meaning they like to live alone, and are very shy. They hunt mostly at night and spend their days hiding in the dense bushes or rising high up in the branches of the large trees, where they often drag their prey to keep it safe from lions and hyenas. Leopards are famous for their amazing grace, power and stealth.
Spotting one often requires a very sharp eyed guide and a lot of patience. The best time to look for them is during the early morning and late afternoon game rives, especially near the wooded areas along the riverbanks. If you see a leopards; it is very special and rare moment in your safari journey.
The Powerful Cape buffalo.
The African buffalo or Cape buffalo is known for its incredible strength and then unpredictable temper, which is why it was considered one of the most dangerous animals to hunt. They are large, dark colored cattle with massive, curving horns that almost meet in the middle. The buffalo in the Mara live in the large that stick very close together for safety.
They’re very protective of each other, especially the young calves and the whole herd will often rush to the aid of a member in trouble. Older, solitary male buffaloes are often the most aggressive. They are herbivores, eating mainly grass, and are easily spotted in large numbers across the plains, often near the water sources, making them one of the more common Big five sightings.
Rare black rhinoceros.
The Rhinoceros is the rarest of the big five in Maasai Mara. The reserve is a home to the Black Rhino, which is slightly smaller and more solitary than the White Rhino found in some other parks. Due to heavy poaching in the past, their numbers are low, making every sighting precious.
They are very protected by rangers and anti-poaching units, especially in certain conservancies and zones in the Southern Mara. Rhinos are herbivores that use their lips to grab leaves and branches. They have thick skin and a powerful horn. Spotting a rhino is often the last and most rewarding challenge on the Big five checklist. Your guide will use all their skills to track this ancient and hugely endangered animal, making the moment of a success sighting truly unforgettable.
Planning your big five safari experience.
To have the best chance of spotting all the big five, timing your trip is very important. The dry season from June to October is generally the best tome for wildlife viewing. During these months, the grass is shorter, making animals easier to spot, and the animals gather near the remaining water sources.
This time also includes the famous Great Wildebeest Migration (July to October) which brings a he number of the prey animals and in turn, many predators. However this is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit. Alternatively, the Green Season (November to May) offers lush, beautiful landscapes, fewer crowds and lower prices, and while the animals are more spread out, the resident populations are still easy to see.
Your safari experience will mostly be made up of game drives, in a sturdy 4×4 safari vehicle usually early in the morning and late in the afternoon where the animals are most active. Choosing a good, experience guide from African Vacation Safaris as he has knowledge of animal behaviours and tracking skills will greatly increase your chances of finding the more elusive Big five members, especially the leopard and rhino.
You can stay in a camp or lodge inside the main reserve or in one of the private conservancies bordering the Mara. The private conservancies often allow for more special activities such as night drives and walking safaris, which can offer a different perspective on the wildlife.
A Big five safari in Maasai Mara is a connection with the wild heart of Africa, offering adventure and memories to last a lifetime.