Maasai Mara National Reserve

One of Africa's most beautiful wildlife reserves is the Maasai Mara National Reserve (commonly known as "Masai Mara"). The Mara is the northern extension of the Serengeti, and it forms a wildlife corridor between Tanzania and Kenya. It covers 1,510 square kilometers (580 square miles) and rises to an altitude of 1,500-2,170 meters above sea level. When the conservation areas are included, the total area is at least twice as large. It is home to around 95 mammalian species and over 570 bird species.

It's called after the statuesque, red-cloaked Maasai tribe who reside in the park and have been grazing their animals here for decades. Mara means "mottled" in their language, referring to the dance of light and shadow cast by the acacia trees and cloud-strewn skies over the vast grasslands. From July to October, the park is known for the Great Migration, which sees millions of wildebeest, zebra, and Thomson's gazelle migrate to and from the Serengeti. Hippos and crocodiles throng the banks of the Mara River. Thanks to its relatively substantial populations of lion, cheetah, and leopard, the park is also noted for delivering exceptional predator sightings, especially during the dry months of December through February. Because of the park's altitude, the weather is mild and comfortable all year.