Serengeti vs Masai Mara Wildlife Safari

East Africa is famous for its extraordinary wildlife safaris. The region is home to stunning wildlife and birdlife, and its vast safari parks offer scenic views of lush vegetation, diverse landscapes, glorious mountains, and serene lakes. Two of the most famous wildlife parks are Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, which are both must-see spots for travellers!

• Serengeti

The Serengeti spans over 14,763 km2 and was established in 1940.

1. • Things to do
     • Watch The Great Migration

The Great Migration of roughly one and a half million wildebeests is one of the most spectacular sights that a travel lover can witness. It is considered one of the natural wonders of the world. The migrating animals include elands, gazelles, and zebras as well. Tourists can find wildebeests grazing in the grasslands, witness attacks by predators during game season, spot the infants in the calving season, or watch as they cross the river in large, spectacular numbers.

1. 1. • Hot Air Balloon Safari

A unique way of exploring the park and watching its stunning wildlife is to book a hot air balloon ride which will provide a unique aerial view of the park. From this birds’ eye view, tourists can appreciate the beauty and biodiversity of the region and spot the beautiful animals.

1. 1. • Glamping

Glamping is a method of camping where luxury and comfort is combined with adventure. Tourists can stay in well equipped rooms and enjoy services such as warm water, lobbies, and Wi-Fi, while also being able to experience the beauty, serenity, and excitement of staying at the breathtaking safari park. Top glamps in the Serengeti include Asanja Africa, Zawadi Camp, and Lamai Serengeti.

1. • Places to go
     • Grumeti River

The Grumeti River is located near the Western Corridor and is known for its lush vegetation and breathtaking biodiversity. During the Great Migration, a huge number of zebras and wildebeests cross this river. Animals such as monkeys, hippos, and elephants can also be spotted as they gather at the water.

1. 1. • Retina Hippo Pool

Located in Central Serengeti, Retina Hippo Pool is home to 200 hippos! The giant animals can be seen swimming and playing in the water, but travelers are advised to maintain a safe distance from them. The best time to visit is from July to November when the hippos are easily visible due to less water.

1. 1. • Naabi Hill

In Eastern Serengeti, Naabi Hill is a must-see location for travel lovers. This acacia covered hill allows visitors to spot creatures such as lions, gazelles, and zebras, and is an amazing location for witnessing the Great Migration!

1. • What to see
     • Wildlife

The Serengeti is home to a large lion population and is one of the best places to observe them in their natural habitat. Tourists can spot 70 large mammals and 500 species of birds. The park is home to animals such as cheetahs, leopards, servals, jackals, wild dogs, hyenas, elephants, crocodiles, elands, impalas, giraffes, wildebeests, hippos, topis, dik-diks, gazelles, zebras, and buffalos.

1. 1. • Birdlife

The birdlife includes bustards, oxpeckers, spurfowl, weavers, shrikes, sunbirds, ostriches, turacos, vultures, and lovebirds.

• Masai Mara

The Masai Mara was established in 1961 and now stretches over 1,510 km².

1. • Things to do
     • Walking Safari

A healthy and adventurous way of exploring this stunning park is to go on a walking tour. Tourists can roam around the region and enjoy everything at their own pace.

1. 1. • Photography

The reserve offers scenic views of natural beauty that are any photographer’s dream to capture. One can take photographs of the vast grassland, the Mara river, the stunning animals and birds, the spectacular sunset, and the clear skies.

1. 1. • Horseback Ride

For unparalleled game viewing, tourists can opt for a horse riding safari, where they can explore the reserve on horseback. This provides an excellent way to enjoy a healthy adventure and explore the region in an exciting, environment friendly way.

1. • Places to go
     • Cultural Village

Tourists can visit a Maasai village to learn about their culture and heritage. They can learn about the local language, food, and rituals. As the males are raised as warriors, they can show incredible strength. Their ritual dance includes remarkable vertical jumps. Tourists can also listen to local folk stories.

1. 1. • Mara Triangle

The Masia triangle is  a must-see location for nature lovers as it offers breathtaking views of the abundant vegetation. The reserve is home to over 95 mammals, amphibians and reptiles, as well as 500 species of exotic and migratory birds such as vultures, ostriches, eagles, falcons, and bustards.

1. 1. • Ol Kinyei Conservancy

Oi Kenyai Conservancy is a stunning tourist spot located between the open savannah grassland and the rolling hills. It spans over 18,700 acres and it is owned by the indigenous Masai community. This is a great destination for camping and game viewing while following the rules of eco-tourism.

1. • What to see
     • Wildlife

The region is home to the ‘Big Five’ which are lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. Large herds of herbivores such as gazelles, antelopes, zebras, and wildebeests can also be seen. Tourists can also find animals such as hippos, foxes, crocodiles. dik-diks, monkeys, warthogs, and mongooses!

1. 1. • Birdlife

At the Masai Mara, tourists can find birds such as hornbills, herons, storks, turacos, jacanas, bustards, kingfishers, coucals, kestrels, eagles, falcons, ostriches, egrets, and lapwings!