Masai Mara Animals
While the Great Migration and the wildebeest migration are major attractions for those embarking on a Masai Mara safari, there’s a wealth of wildlife beyond these iconic sights.
The Maasai tribe, the nomadic inhabitants of the region, give the Masai Mara its name and add cultural significance to the reserve’s identity.
Nestled in the heart of Africa, the Masai Mara National Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary that hosts around 90 species of mammals and numerous birds, creating a vibrant natural habitat that captivates visitors as they explore the sweeping plains of this African savannah.
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Wildlife in Masai Mara
The Big Nine of the Masai Mara National Reserve
Beyond the renowned ‘Big Five’ – the lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo – the Maasai Mara Game Reserve offers even more incredible wildlife experiences. Why limit yourself to the ‘Big Five’ when you can aim to spot the ‘Big Nine’? This expanded group includes the Big Five plus the giraffe, cheetah, hippo, and zebra. With the Masai Mara’s abundant wildlife, you’re likely to encounter many of these magnificent creatures during your safari. Let’s delve into these four extraordinary animals that you’ll want to witness during your visit to the Masai Mara National Reserve. The Mara North Conservancy is a prime location for wildlife viewing, enhancing the experience of seeing the Big Nine.
Hippo (Hippopotamus amphibius)
The hippo, the third-largest land animal, is a common sight along the Mara River in the Mara Triangle, known for its lush landscapes and scenic beauty, as well as in the reserve’s swamps and lakes. These massive creatures, weighing up to 1,500 kg, spend their days submerged in water to stay cool. At dusk, they graze on grass. Male hippos dominate sections of the river, overseeing groups of females and young. Despite their placid appearance, hippos are among the most aggressive and dangerous animals in Africa.
Cheetah (Acinonyx jubantus)
The cheetah, a symbol of the Masai Mara National Park, is built for speed, reaching up to 110 km/h. These swift big cats hunt in small groups, using their long tails for balance as they pursue prey. Unlike leopards, cheetahs have a slender physique and a smaller face. Female cheetahs are solitary except when raising cubs, while males form lifelong coalitions. Cheetahs hunt in the early morning and late afternoon, targeting small antelopes and kudu. Sadly, they are critically endangered, with only 10,000 to 12,000 remaining in the wild.
Giraffe (Giraffa)
The Masai giraffe, the tallest land animal, is a spectacular sight on the Mara’s endless plains. Known for their elegant movements and distinctive appearance, giraffes can sprint at speeds of 50-60 km/h. In Northern Kenya, you’ll find the reticulated giraffe, while Southern Kenya is home to the Masai giraffes, easily identified by their jagged spots. With approximately 33,000 Masai giraffes inhabiting the area, these gentle giants spend up to 20 hours a day browsing leaves from acacia trees. Their long tongues enable them to reach their favorite snacks, and they can go weeks without water, deriving moisture from fresh plants. Their primary threats are lions, hyenas, and poachers, but they can defend themselves with a powerful kick if necessary.
Zebra (Equus quagga)
In the Masai Mara, you’ll encounter large herds of plains zebras, known for their sociable nature. Inhabiting open grasslands, these zebras form harems led by a single stallion. They frequently collaborate with other groups to form larger herds, collectively vigilant against predators. When danger looms, the stallion raises the alarm to safeguard his family.
Other Masai Mara Animals Near the Mara River
The Masai Mara’s wildlife extends beyond the Big Five and Big Nine. Here, we explore some of the unique and intriguing mammals that inhabit this part of Africa.
The Masai Mara is ecologically connected to the Serengeti National Park, especially during the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest and other animals migrate between these two iconic wildlife destinations.
Aardvark (Orycteropus afer)
Aardvarks are small, burrowing animals with long snouts and strong claws, native to Africa. These nocturnal creatures feast on ants and termites, using their robust claws to dig.
Aardwolf (Proteles cristatus)
Resembling a small striped hyena, the aardwolf is a quiet, nocturnal animal with a distinctive ridge of coarse hair along its back.
African Hare (Lepus capensis)
Found in Africa’s wooded savannas and grasslands, African hares are typically solitary but occasionally forage in small groups for safety.
Banded Mongoose (Mungos mungo)
Common in central and eastern Africa, banded mongooses live in colonies and make their homes in termite mounds. Their bodies are marked with dark bands from shoulder to tail.
Even More Land Animals in the Masai Mara and the Wildebeest Migration
Bat Eared Fox (Otocyon magalotis)
Crested Porcupine (Hystrix cristata)
Vervet Monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops)
Spring Hare (Pedetes capensis)
Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus)
Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus)
Klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus)
Olive Baboon (Papio cynocephalus Anubis)
Wildebeest (Connochaetes)
Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus)
Pangolin (Manis temminckii)
Spotted Hyena (Hyaena hyaena)
Coke’s Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus cokii)
Common Eland (Taurotragus oryx)
Side Striped Jackal (Canis adustus)
Slender Mongoose (Herpestes sanguineus)
Honey Badger (Mellivora capensis)
Impala (Aepyceros melampus)
Kirk’s Dik-Dik (Madoqua kirkii)
Topi (Damaliscus lunatus jimela)
Copper Tailed Monkey/ Red Tailed Monkey (Cercopithecus Ascanius)
Oribi (Ourebia ourebi)
Bushbaby (Galago senegalensis)
Thomson’s Gazelle (Gazella thomsonii)
Straw Coloured Fruit Bat (Eidolon helvum)
Dwarf Mongoose (Helpgale parvula)
Grant’s Gazelle (Gazella granti)
For those seeking luxurious accommodations while exploring the Masai Mara, the Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp offers a prime location in the Mara Triangle by the Saparingo River, with stunning scenery and a blend of Kenyan hospitality and Maasai-inspired luxury.
