List of Top 20 Masai Mara Reserve Animals by Hail Tours Kenya
Masai Mara National Reserve Animals; The reserve is one of the places in Africa that doesn’t need an introduction, as far as wildlife viewing is concerned. Along with the wide array of safari adventures that this epic destination in southern Kenya has to offer safari nature enthusiasts, there is one experience that will make you fall in love with the Reserve and the country in general.
While uncovering the raw beauty of Masai Mara National Reserve, you might not be searching for the animals, but surprisingly, the animals will find you wherever you are (even in the comfort of your Safari Camp) throughout your visit.
As you relax at your Safari Camp and watch elephants and Cape buffaloes roaming around nearby watering points or hear the sweet melodies of chirping birds around the Camp, the Masai Mara Reserve animals will leave you breathless and make your African safari unforgettable.
Masai Mara is a renowned safari destination in Africa, sitting on the southwestern side of Kenya, and boasts of a stunning expanse of rolling savannah plains that extend for over 1510 square kilometers. It borders Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, and together are grounds for the popular annual wildebeest migration.
Masai Mara National Reserve’s diverse landscapes, as well as beautiful natural wonders, have made it possible for over 90 mammal species, several reptiles and Amphibians, and about 500 bird species to call home. Therefore, allow us to introduce you to the spectacular Masai Mara Reserve animals that include;
Masai Mara Animals List
- African Elephant
- African Lion
- Leopard
- Cheetah
- Buffalo
- Giraffe
- Zebra
- Thomson’s Gazelle
- Grant’s Gazelle
- Hippopotamus
- Nile Crocodile
- Wildebeest
- Hyena
- Topi
- Impala
- Bongo
- Serval
- Bushbuck
- Bat Eared fox
- Various Bird Species (e.g., Secretary Bird, African Fish Eagle)
Let’s talk about them in detail;
The Big Five Game
If no one has ever told you this, get it from us today that Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the best places to see the big five game in the wild. It is also for this reason that thousands of travelers flock to the popular safari destination. These animals are Rhinoceros, lions, leopards, Cape buffaloes, and elephants, and a typical 4-day trip to the Reserve will guarantee to see all these animals.
- Lions
Scientifically known as Panthera Leo, Lions in Masai Mara range between 800 and 900 individuals hence making them one of the Reserve’s must-see animals.
Here, you will discover the interesting lifestyle of these big cats which includes males holding territories between 30 and 400 square kilometers while lionesses (females) head out for hunting.
- Rhinos
You will see the iconic Black Rhinos that are known for being smaller and more aggressive than the white Rhinos (found in Lake Nakuru National Park). The Black Rhinos frequently use their horns while fighting and defending against predators as well as mating. Discover more about them by booking your Masai Mara safari with Hail Tours Uganda.
- Elephants
Loxodonta Africana, elephants are the most popular Masai Mara Reserve animals and these creatures being the largest land animals makes them every traveler’s must-see attraction.
These animals are one of the most intelligent and familial species but have been victims of poaching due to the high demand for their ivory.
- Leopards
Also known as Panthera Pardus, Leopards are also a must-see in Masai Mara National Reserve and one of the most elusive species. These big cats are generally shy and love hunting at night hence the best time to see them in large numbers is during the night game drives.
- The African buffaloes
Known as the most dangerous animals, African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) are also found in Masai Mara National Reserve. They live in herds of sometimes up to 100 individuals and have an interesting lifestyle that will blow your mind.
The Big Nine Animals of Masai Mara National Reserve
In addition to the traditional Big Five game (lions, leopards, Rhinos, Buffaloes, and elephants), cheetahs, Hippos, giraffes, and zebras join the list to form the big nine animals. The beauty of Masai Mara National Reserve is that you can see all of them during your game drives.
- Zebras
Another extraordinary Masai Mara Reserve animal is the zebra (Equus quagga) and you will specifically see the Plains zebras.
- Giraffes
The Masai Mara National Reserve is home to the “Masai giraffes”, one of the giraffe sub-species. They are known for their remarkable heights and graceful movements.
They are considered endangered according to the IUCN red list with about 33,000 individuals in the whole country.
- Cheetahs
Masai Mara National Reserve is also home to the fastest land animal-cheetah (Acinonyx Jubantus), also known for hunting in the open. While travelers normally mistake them for leopards, cheetahs are longer and slightly lighter in the body. Cheetah faces are smaller and rounder, with oval-like spots while leopards have rosettes (rose-like markings).
- Hippopotamus
Any trip to Masai Mara Reserve without sighting the Hippopotamus is incomplete because they are a must-see. They are the 3rd largest land animals that weigh up to 1500 kilograms and live around Lakeshores, swamps, and Rivers, owing to their delicate skin that requires cooling most time.
Other Masai Mara Reserve animals
- Wildebeest
Also known as gnu, wildebeests are members of the antelope family but are worth seeing in Masai Mara National Reserve due to the legendary annual wildebeest migration.
They usually form large herds in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem of Kenya and Tanzania and live in the open woodlands and grassy plains.
- Aardvark
Scientifically known as Orycteropus afer, Aardvarks are tinny to medium-sized burrowing mammals characterized by long snouts as well as powerful claws. These creatures are native to Africa and one of Masai Mara Reserve’s animals. Their bodies are hairless and back arched with short legs.
- Aardwolf
Also known as Proteles cristatus, Aardwolves are interestingly insectivorous carnivores that are native to the Eastern and Southern African regions. They have a marked yellowish body with vertical black stripes and a bushy black-tipped tail that makes them a lot like a small striped hyena.
- African Hares
African hares mainly occupy the savannah grasslands and woodlands throughout Africa, Masai Mara National Reserve is one of them. These mammals live solitary lives, although they sometimes make small groups of two or three individuals when foraging and use their remarkable senses of smell, hearing, and sight to avoid predators.
- Antelopes
Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the places to see different antelope species that include the impalas, giant elands, Defassa waterbucks, Oribis, Kirk’s Dik-diks, Topis, Coke’s hartebeest, bushbucks, Klipspringers, and others, which all exhibit unique characteristics and behavior.
- Thomson’s gazelles
Thomson’s gazelles were named after Joseph Thomson, and are usually mistaken for the much larger Grants Gazelles. Thomson’s gazelles mainly live in the savannas and grassland habitats of Kenya and Tanzania.
- Banded Mongoose
Banded mongoose (also referred to as Mungos mungo) are common in the East and Central African regions and their natural habitats are open forests, woodlands, and savannah grasslands. These creatures are brown or grey in color with dark bands across their backs, stretching from shoulder to their tails.
- Dwarf Mongoose
The dwarf mongoose is different from the Banded Mongoose, living in the Savannas, thickets, and woodland. Being one of the two social species of mongoose, they live in family groups of two to twenty individuals comprising of more females than males and inconsistent numbers of infants.
- Bat Eared Fox
These species of fox occupy the short-grass prairies as well as the arid grasslands of Africa. Their bodies are generally yellow-brown with pale throats and underparts. These are some of the rarely-spotted animals in Masai Mara National Reserve.
- Bush babies
Also referred to as Senegal Galago, Bush babies are one of the interesting Masai Mara Reserve animals. They are small arboreal and nocturnal primates with big round eyes that aid night vision as well as exceptionally fine hearing ability. They are also characterized by strong back legs that allow them to jump more than 5-6 feet in a vertical direction.
Other interesting Masai Mara animals are the Crested Porcupines, the Grant’s Gazelle, the Honey Badger, Olive Baboons, the iconic Pangolins, Side Striped Jackal, Slender Mongoose, Spotted Hyenas, the Spring Hare, the Straw-colored Fruit Bats, the Vervet Monkey, the common warthogs, to mention but a few.
- Bird List
Over 500 species of birds have been recorded in Masai Mara National Reserve, but are often overshadowed by the animals. The must-see species are African fish eagles, secretary birds, African grey hornbills, African open bill storks, Bateleur, Black-chested snake eagles, Black-winged kites, Egyptian goose, Fischer’s sparrow larks, and Grey kestrel among others.
Rarest Animals in Masai Mara National Park
- African Wild Dog: Highly social and endangered, these dogs are known for their unique hunting strategies.
- Black Rhino: Once abundant, their numbers have dwindled due to poaching; they are now critically endangered.
- Aardvark: This nocturnal creature is rarely seen during the day and has a unique appearance.
- Serval: While not extremely rare, they are elusive and often hard to spot due to their habitat preferences.
- Sitatunga: An aquatic antelope that inhabits swampy areas, making it less commonly observed.
- Bushbuck: While more widespread, they can be challenging to find in the dense underbrush.
- Pangolin: Extremely rare in the region, pangolins are often targeted by poachers for their scales.
Masai Mara Animal Attack
While visiting Masai Mara, adventurers should be aware of the potential for animal encounters, including attacks. Wildlife, such as lions, elephants, and buffalo, can be unpredictable, especially if they feel threatened or cornered.
It’s crucial to follow safety guidelines provided by your guides, remain in vehicles during game drives, and avoid approaching animals on foot. Understanding animal behavior and respecting their space is key to a safe experience.
If an encounter occurs, remain calm and allow your guide to manage the situation. Respect for wildlife ensures both your safety and the well-being of the animals in their natural habitat.
Frequently asked questions about Masai Mara Reserve animals:
1. What animals can I see in Masai Mara?
Masai Mara is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, and over 450 bird species. The reserve is especially famous for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River.
2. When is the best time to see animals in Masai Mara?
The best time for wildlife viewing is July to October, during the Great Migration. However, Masai Mara offers excellent game viewing year-round, with dry seasons (June–October, December–February) being ideal for spotting animals around water sources.
3. Can I see the Great Migration in Masai Mara?
Yes! The Great Migration typically arrives in July and continues until October, when massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the Mara River, often facing attacks from crocodiles and predators like lions.
4. Are there cheetahs in Masai Mara?
Yes, Masai Mara is one of the best places in Africa to see cheetahs. The open plains provide perfect hunting grounds, and they are often spotted in small family groups.
5. Where is the best place to see lions in Masai Mara?
Lions are abundant throughout the reserve, but the Musiara Marsh, Paradise Plains, and the Mara Triangle are hotspots. The Marsh Pride, made famous by the BBC’s Big Cat Diary, is often seen in these areas.
6. Are there black rhinos in Masai Mara?
Yes, but they are rare. Black rhinos are mostly found in the Mara Triangle and the Mara North Conservancy. They are heavily protected due to poaching threats.
7. What predators can I see in Masai Mara?
Masai Mara is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, and servals. The reserve is famous for its high concentration of big cats, making it one of the best places for predator sightings.
8. Can I see elephants in Masai Mara?
Yes, large elephant herds roam the reserve. They are often seen along the Mara River, where they drink and bathe, and in areas with dense vegetation.
9. What is the best time to see leopards in Masai Mara?
Leopards are elusive, but early mornings and late evenings offer the best chances of spotting them. They are commonly found in riverine forests along the Mara and Talek Rivers.
10. Are there giraffes in Masai Mara?
Yes, Masai Mara is home to Masai giraffes, the tallest land animals. They are commonly seen grazing on acacia trees across the reserve.
11. Can I see hippos and crocodiles in Masai Mara?
Yes, hippos and Nile crocodiles are found in the Mara River. Crocodiles are most active during the Great Migration, when they prey on crossing wildebeests and zebras.
12. What bird species can I see in Masai Mara?
Masai Mara hosts over 450 bird species, including ostriches, secretary birds, martial eagles, lilac-breasted rollers, and vultures. Birdwatching is excellent throughout the year.
13. Are there nocturnal animals in Masai Mara?
Yes, animals like aardwolves, honey badgers, porcupines, genets, bush babies, and leopards are more active at night. Night game drives (available in private conservancies) offer a chance to see them.
14. Can I see wildebeests in Masai Mara outside the Great Migration?
Yes! While the largest herds arrive during the migration (July–October), Masai Mara has resident wildebeests present all year.
15. Are there any unique animal behaviors to observe in Masai Mara?
Yes! Witness lion prides hunting, cheetahs chasing prey, hippos fighting, crocodiles ambushing wildebeest, and elephants protecting their young. Masai Mara is a wildlife drama in action.