Masai Mara: Geography

The Masai Mara National reserve covers about 1,530 square kilometers in southwest Kenya. Bounded by the Serengeti Park to the south and the Siria escarpment to the west, the Masai Mara also has the Maasai pastoral ranches on its north, east and west sides. The Mara River divides the park and there are two other rivers, the Sand and the Talek.

The Masai Mara consists mostly of grassland with seasonal riverlets. Clumps of acacia trees are mostly found in the east of the Masai Mara. The eastern regions of the Masai Mara are 224km from Nairobi, so it is this area that is mostly visited by tourists. The Masai Mara reserve, which is unfenced, belongs to the Maasai people. Probably one of the best-known ethnic tribes in the world, these semi-nomadic people are best known for their height, their red robes, and their ritual jump dances.