Maasai Mara came into the limelight because of the spectacle that came to be known as the 8th wonder of the world; the wildebeest migration. This has since accorded the Mara International acclamation like no other Safari park ever did in the history of tourism in Kenya, and even in its neighboring countries.
The beauty of the Mara is that one gets to experience up close the wild and the animals that roam through the park; this is facilitated by the terrain of this game reserve. It is so easy to maneuver through due to the open plains that give a perfect view of the animals in their natural environment without any hindrances.
The Mara is home to a wide variety of wild animals, the biggest population being herbivores; zebras, gazelles, wildebeests, buffalos and rhinos amongst others. Another special feature of the Mara is that it shelters the big five; the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo as they are fondly referred to. The presence of river Tana that traverses the Mara is another great advantage. Besides this river forming a great part of the eco- system and contributing a great deal to the continued thriving of the game reserve, it is in this river where a big population of crocodiles and hippos call home. It is the most beautiful sight watching them co-exist. This same river acts as the link through which wildebeests and zebras cross to and from the Serengeti and this, besides being the most famous of any of the animal activities, also happens to be the most thrilling as one watches, tension filled as the animals trample on each other in a bid to get to the other side safe, sound and alive considering the crocodiles that lay in wait and celebration right there in the river.
The Maasai Mara has been upheld with such admiration and amazement over the years and it has set a record that will take a long time to be broken. It is from the Mara that one of the most successful documentaries, Big Cat Diary of the BBC was sourced. This documentary, that mainly focuses on the big cats of the Mara, how they co- exist with each other as well as with other animals and the game of survival for the fittest in the wild, is a real spectacle and has been running for over ten years. A good twist to it all is that the same documentary went live in the Mara this year, 2008, as Big Cat Live with millions of viewers tuning in at every live show.
With all the fame, local and international publicity that the Mara receives, the biggest beneficially is the Kenyan economy. However, with the increased concern over depletion of natural resources and global warming due to practices like deforestation, the Mara is also at risk and as a result conservation efforts like tree planting and prevention of human encroachment into forested areas especially the Mau and Mt. Kenya forests are emphasized as well as educating locals and foreigners about the same.
Before stepping on that plane for a marvelous safari adventure, plan like there's no tomorrow. You will thank your self for being precautious when faced with untoward incidents. Here are the important things you should consider when going on a safari travel:
1. Remember that it is one challenging endeavor. Planning a safari can be one of the most exciting feats one can ever manage to make happen. It is not one of the generic travels, usual jetsetters indulge in. Though you are provided with a tour brochure and a tourist guide, it still is better to research on your own regarding the various itineraries.
2. Best spots for safari should be spotted. The most suggested parts of Africa to enjoy safari include East and Central Africa, Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Islands.
3. Prepare for the climate. It is a must to know the seasonal trends and how they will affect your travel. But also remember that the weather is fickle-minded so you can never really accurately predict the outcome of your travel if you will base it one the weather alone. If you are going to visit East and Central Africa, long rains start early in April to early June. Short rains abound during late November to December. Southern Africa has its rainy season from late November through mid-April for the safari areas. However, during that time, it will be summer in Southern Cape. When one prefers Indian and Ocean Islands he or she can expect the seasonal trend to be more like of that of Southern Africa. In these islands, summer rains last from November through April. Cyclones can also be experienced during those seasons. From May to October, the dry season occurs.
4. Choose your activities. Among others, safari traveling offers these fun-filled activities: a. gorilla trekking b. sailing c. birdwatching d. participatory camping e. self driving
5. Know what you can afford. When choosing a trip, budget constraints should never be overlooked. Decide on a price range that you can work on. To make your budgeting more effective consider the level of luxury of your safari travel, length of your trip, activities, accommodations preferences, meals and season. 6. Determine your travel style. Do you prefer your safari to be more luxurious, moderate or rustic? Will you let kids tag along? Are you traveling with a group or will you be one bold, independent traveler? Will you travel by air or road? What about your guide and your vehicle? Answering those questions will more or less improve your overview of your dream safari travel. Have fun!
This article's coverage of the information is as complete as it can be today. But you should always leave open the possibility that future research could uncover new facts.
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