| Masai Mara Game Reserve Facts | Masai Mara Game Reserve Overview | Masai Mara Game Reserve Tourist Attraction | Masai Mara Game Reserve Location Map | Masai Mara Game Reserve City Map |
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History: the Masai Mara reserve was established in the year 1967 and occupies most of the masai region in the Rift Valley Province in the south western part of Kenya. The history of the Masai Mara reserve is closely connected with the Maasai tribe who are the warrior tribe descendents of Cushitic people who settled in the region around ten centuries ago. They are basically livestock and cattle rearing tribe who survive on the milk and flesh of these cattle. They keep moving around in search of water and vegetation. They still occupy a small area of the Masai region and pose as direct oppositions to the western culture.
Geography: the Masai Mara Game Reserve is an open region of savannah grasslands with bush lands and river forests near the Mara River. Apart from a large variety of wildlife, including the big 9, birds are also to be seen in a prolific amount. The birds of prey like the vultures are very common in the Masai region. The Masai Mara reserve is located in the Rift Valley Province in the south western part of Kenya and in the south east of Lake Victoria. The vegetation varies according to the nature of the soil, drainage capacity and most importantly according to the type of animals who live in the region. Woodlands made up of acacia trees are also found in the Masai Mara reserve. The climate is endurable, never too hot or cold. It is situated in an altitude of 1500 – 2180 m.
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Economy: the economy of the region is greatly dependant on the earnings from the tourists visiting all year around. Since the only human population in the region is the Masai tribesmen, who hardly bother or need economy to take care of them, the Masai Mara reserve is self sufficient.
Transport System: the Masai Mara reserve is 270 km from the Nairobi international airport, a journey of five to six hours. Domestic flights are also available from Nairobi landing on the Masai Mara reserve airstrip and takes 60 minutes to reach the destination. Inside the reserve the only transport is the safari vehicles. You can also hire private vehicle if your pocket permits.
Educational Institution: the Maasai region has no formal educational institution. Though in the recent years the students from the American Universities have traveled to the Maasai people to impart education to the boys
and girls there. Most of the Maasai people who are interested in educating themselves have traveled abroad to the westerns countries or even to the neighboring countries of Africa.
Administration and Government: the Masai Mara reserve includes the Game Reserve region inside which there is an area which is treated as a National Park. Being a reserve, it is managed by the local authorities. Inside, the national park area in the reserve, is controlled by the central government of Kenya. The reserve has permitted the local tribesmen to remain in the region along with the lodges and campsites. The region treated as the National Park does not permit all these things except the rangers and the tourists on a visit. The Masai Mara reserve is administered by the government of Kenya. The entry fees which have been fixed for the adults are US$40 and for children $10 for non – Kenyans.
Social Conditions: the Masai populations are the only human beings who live in harmony with the wildlife of the Masai Mara reserve. They have their unique social inhabitation. This generation of the Maasai population believe in development through education, economic development and health which will further the eradication of poverty in the Maasai society.
Cultural Life: according to Kakuta Ole Maimai, born and raised in the Maasai society, obtained his Political Economy degree from Evergreen State College in Olympia, but not before he had fulfilling his cultural responsibility of being warrior coordinator for ten years. He has said something very enlightening about the culture of the Maasai, “A Maasai without culture is as a zebra without stripes.” He is of the opinion that if the Maasia abandon their culture they will be walking towards their extinction. These people have adhered to their age old tradition and customs.
Accommodation Options: the Conservation Corporation Africa operates the Kichwa Tembo Camp. The best in Africa is the Governor’s Camp which was started in the year 1972 and till date it has been maintaining the best standard in tented camps. The Governor’s camp gives a very amiable feeling and at the same time provides the private space. The evenings are a special time to be in the Camp with campfires and tell tales coupled with chilled drinks. The food is served outside the camp during the day while the night calls for candlelight dinner inside the tent. Other than that the Heritage Group of hotels have there Safari Lodge, Club and Tented Camp facilities. The other accommodation providers are:
- LUCA PRIVATE WILDERNESS
- THE KENYAN PORTFOLIO
- CHELI AND PEACOCK
- LONRHO HOTELS
- SERENA HOTELS
- SOPA LODGES
- TRISTAN VOORSPUY
Food and Wine: anything and everything that your hotel, lodge or camp offers on the dish is yours. While you are enthralled by the nature, gastronomical desires go on a low tempo but the appetite increases. But don’t you worry, breakfast lunch and dinner will be served to your without delay. Watch out for the special champagne breakfast in the open air when you chose your accommodation.
Shopping: you can choose from the curio shops in the hotels and lodges, if they are available. Or else, make a trip to the Maasai inhabited region and you will find small village shops selling souvenirs which are ideal for you to carry back to your hometown.
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