What Animal Species can I see at Maasai Mara?
What Animal Species can I see at Maasai Mara National Reserve?
A trip to Maasai Mara National Reserve in Southern Kenya is a bucket-list item for many world travelers. I visited Maasai Mara National Reserve in December of 2022, and my first question was, what animal species can I see at Maasai Mara National Reserve?
My research told me I was likely to see many different animal species at Maasai Mara National Reserve, including the “Big Five,” which consisted of elephants, lions, leopards, African buffalo, and rhinos.
I also learned that it was likely to see many additional animal species at Maasai Mara National Reserve, including zebras, baboons, giraffes, hippos, wildebeests, and more.
This page is dedicated to the various animal species that I saw during my visit to Maasai Mara National Reserve. To learn more about my 3-day safari to Maasai Mara, click HERE.
Maasai Mara is a large national reserve, and the first thing my guide told me was that he couldn’t promise that we would see all of the animal species at Maasai Mara National Reserve.
For those wondering about the safety of viewing the wildlife at Maasai Mara National Reserve, visitors are not allowed to get out of their safari vehicles. Each jeep, van, or car is equipped with a pop-up-style roof. This roof keeps visitors away from the animals and prevents both the animals and the tourists from being in any danger.
What Animal Species can I see at Maasai Mara National Reserve? - Table of Contents
- What Animal Species can I see at Maasai Mara National Reserve?
- What Animal Species did I see During My Visit to Maasai Mara National Reserve?
- My Maasai Mara National Refuge Video
- Maasai Mara Tours and Packages
- Support Buzzin’ Around the World – Visit Our Affiliates
- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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What Animal Species did I see During My Visit to Maasai Mara National Reserve?
I spent three days visiting Maasai Mara National Reserve. In the sections below I highlight each species of animal that I was able to view and photograph.
Will I see Lions at Maasai Mara National Reserve?
The first question I asked my guide was, will I see lions at Maasai Mara National Reserve. His answer was, I hope so, but I cannot promise that you will see lions during your safari.
It didn’t take long to see a lion at Maasai Mara National Reserve. Within the first two hours of our full-day safari, we found a pride of lions out on the prowl. My guide said that this was “very rare” and that typically visitors see a lion sleeping rather than an entire pride moving around.
We spent about 15 minutes following a pride of three lions around. It appeared that they were getting ready to hunt as they were stalking a group of impalas.
After about 15 minutes of walking around, the three lions we were following met up with a larger group. Instead of continuing to stalk the impalas, they decided to take a nap. While we didn’t get to see them hunt, it was an amazing experience seeing them walking around the savannas of Maasai Mara National Reserve.
The photo below is of one of the larger lions taking a nap. Our guide told us that typically visitors to Maasai Mara National Reserve are much more likely to see the lions sleeping rather than on the prowl.
The zoomed-in photographs of the lions were taken with my Canon EOS RP mirrorless camera with a 100-400 mm lens. I was really happy that I bought the zoom lens before my safari. During our time observing the lions, our guide was able to get the van close enough to the lions that I could zoom in on their teeth.
Seeing the lions at Maasai Mara National Park was the highlight of my safari. Judging by the reaction of our guide, it was definitely a rare experience. I think he was as excited to see the lions walking around as we were.
Will I see a Cheetah at Maasai Mara National Reserve?
I also wondered if I would be able to see a cheetah at Maasai Mara National Reserve. It didn’t take long for that question to be answered as we saw a cheetah resting in the sun within the first 30 minutes of arriving at the reserve.
As our van pulled up beside the cheetah, it moved around quite a bit. You can see in the photos that I was able to photograph the cheetah in multiple positions. It was an exciting way to begin the safari at Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Will I see Elephants at Maasai Mara National Reserve?
Will I see elephants at Maasai Mara National Reserve? The answer is that visitors will most likely see multiple elephants during their visit.
My guide explained that the animals of Maasai Mara are constantly on the move, so he can never predict where the elephants will be on a given day. That being said, he assured us that we would find them.
We found the elephants in the afternoon and were treated to being able to view an entire herd.
During our observation of the elephants, we were able to see them pick up the grass with their trunk and put it into their mouth.
Off in the distance, a baby elephant was walking with its mother. Unfortunately, my camera struggled to get a good photograph as it kept trying to focus on the plants in front of the baby elephant.
Will I see Giraffes at Maasai Mara National Reserve?
During my visit to Maasai Mara National Reserve, I really wanted to see a giraffe. Our guide explained that giraffes are harder to spot as they typically travel around solo. During the safari, we only saw two giraffes. The first one was close by, and I was able to get a good photograph of this amazing animal.
The second giraffe we saw was much further away. It took all the power of my zoom lens to be able to see the second giraffe.
Will I see Hippos at Maasai Mara National Reserve?
Is it possible to see hippos at Maasai Mara National Reserve? The answer is yes! Visitors will almost certainly see hippos in multiple locations. The location where it is easiest to see hippos is near the Mara River. During my visit, our guide drove us to the river, where we hired an armed park ranger to take us on a 30-minute hike. The cost of the hike was whatever we wanted to tip. I tipped the ranger Ksh1000 ($8).
As we walked just above the banks of the river, the armed ranger made sure that we weren’t approached by any animals. We were able to get some great photos of a family of hippos. The ranger explained that each group of hippos was a family and that they are very territorial.
We also saw a hippo in a smaller stream on our first day. The hippo was splashing and spraying water all around. The guide thought that it might be attempting to scare its baby into swimming down the stream. I couldn’t get a good photo of the baby as it kept its head near or under the water.
Will I see Zebras at Maasai Mara National Reserve?
You will certainly see zebras at Maasai Mara National Reserve. Zebras travel in groups known as dazzles. Within five minutes of entering, we saw our first dazzle of zebras.
There are so many zebras at Maasai Mara National Reserve that our guide eventually didn’t stop the van when he passed them.
I found the zebras to be one of the most beautiful animals at Maasai Mara National Park and was thrilled to be able to get so many photos of these beautiful animals.
Will I see Wildebeests at Maasai Mara National Reserve?
During my visit to Maasai Mara National Reserve, I wondered if I would be able to see wildebeests. I knew that the migration period had ended, and wasn’t sure if any wildebeests would still be around. Our guide explained that some wildebeests made Maasai Mara National Reserve their permanent home.
Throughout the safari, we saw multiple groups of wildebeests which are known as confusions.
While most wildebeests were in confusions, there were a few that were on their own. I would love to return one day to Maasai Mara National Reserve to watch the great migration.
Will I see Baboons at Maasai Mara National Reserve?
During my visit to Maasai Mara National Reserve, I began seeing baboons even before entering the park. The baboons were curious and definitely not afraid of people. As the safari vans and jeeps slowed down, the baboons would come right up to the door, perhaps hoping someone would offer them food. Our guide told us that the park has strict rules against feeding the animals, although it appeared some people didn’t follow them.
One of the highlights of my entire safari was watching the baby baboons climb on their mother’s backs. The baby baboon in the photo below also was making some adorable faces.
Will I see African Buffalo at Maasai Mara National Reserve?
The African Buffalo, or Cape Buffalo, is one of the “big five” that visitors to Maasai Mara National Reserve expect to see. Like the wildebeests, the African Buffalo is part of the great migration. Despite being past the time of the migration, there were a few scattered herds of African Buffalos.
Will I See Hyenas at Maasai Mara National Reserve?
Hyenas are one of the most adorable animals at Maasai Mara National Reserve. During my visit, I learned that hyenas are not species of dog or cat. Instead, they are members of a small class of mammals called Hyaenidae. The first hyena we saw was just sticking its head out of the tall grass.
Later on, we saw a hyena running across the savanna right in front of our van.
At one point, a lion was pretty close to a group or cackle of hyenas. Our guide explained that the hyenas were not worried as lions do not typically eat hyenas.
Will I See Impalas, Gazelles, and Topi at Maasai Mara National Reserve?
There are many species of antelope that you will see during a visit to Maasai Mara National Reserve. The most common species are gazelle, which are commonly seen in large herds.
Another common antelope species seen at Maasai Mara National Reserve are Topi.
The third species of antelope that you will see at Maasai Mara National Reserve are impala. The impala is easy to recognize due to their uniquely shaped antlers.
What Other Animals will I see at Maasai Mara National Reserve?
Visitors to Maasai Mara National Reserve obviously will target certain species of animals. I highly recommend being on the lookout for some other species found at the reserve.
It is common to see ostriches at the reserve. We were not directly searching for ostriches. The photo below was taken from quite a distance. It really tested the capabilities of my zoom lens.
If you choose to visit the Mara River, you will likely see some giant crocodiles. They are far enough away from the banks that you will never be in any danger.
For those familiar with the Lion King, you will definitely see warthogs at Maasai Mara National Reserve. Our guide referred to them as “Pumbas,” which was the name of the warthog featured in the movie.
We didn’t see any snakes during our time at Maasai Mara National Reserve. According to our guide, the favorite prey of the mongoose is snakes.
I am not sure of the name of this colorful lizard, but it was one of the most beautiful creatures I saw at Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Although we were not targeting any species of birds, it was fun to see this marabou stock.
We also saw two different species of eagles.
One of the couples on our tour was from Kenya, and they told me that they used to eat these guineafowls when they were kids. Apparently, they are pretty easy to catch and make a great meal.
Finally, I thought I should at least take one photograph of the giant anthills that are seen every few feet in Maasai Mara National Park.
My Maasai Mara National Refuge Video
This video features highlights of my time at Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Maasai Mara Tours and Packages
A tour is the best way to see the animals of Maasai Mara National Reserve. Without taking a tour, you are much less likely to have a successful safari. The tour guides are constantly in touch with each other on CB radios and know the best locations for wildlife viewing.
Below are various tours and packages that should fit all budgets. My tour was a three-day tour that featured a short safari on the first day and a twelve-hour, full-day safari on the second day.
Please note that as an affiliate of Viator, I will receive a commission if you purchase a package using one of my links. This commission is at no additional cost to you.
 3-Day Maasai Mara Safari Tour from Nairobi - $926.00 We make sure to give you a memorable experience using our regional knowledge and to make sure that you spend your time in the most memorable way.We give you an unforgettable experience. |
 3-Day Maasai Mara Safari - $250.00 We are able to do private and group joining safaris to maasai mara on a daily basis so anytime you are ready we will be able to take you o your dream trip to mara |
 3 days group joining safari to Maasai Mara with a Land Cruiser Jeep - $461.54 Maasai Mara National Reserve is an area of preserved savannah wilderness in southwestern Kenya, along the Tanzanian border. Its animals include lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras and hippos. Wildebeest traverse its plains during their annual migration. The landscape has grassy plains and rolling hills, and is crossed by the Mara and Talek rivers. The area nearby is dotted with villages (enkangs) of Maasai people. |
 3 Days & 2 nights Maasai Mara Budget Safari - $492.31 This safari is set for budget travelers who don`t mind sharing transportation from Nairobi to Maasai Mara National reserve. This tour is set for budget accommodation camps. |
 3 Days Maasai Mara Game Reserve Safari - $915.00 Visiting Maasai Mara during Migration Season is the ultimate way of experiencing the last multi-species migration on the planet. From mid-June to December more than a million wildebeest, zebras and antelopes scatter the vast plains of the Mara, making this natural wonder even more wondrous. |
 7 Days Maasai Mara and Amboseli Park Budget Safari - $1,924.00 Maasai Mara National Reserve is an area of preserved savannah wilderness in southwestern Kenya, along the Tanzanian border. Its animals include lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras and hippos. Wildebeest traverse its plains during their annual migration. The landscape has grassy plains and rolling hills, and is crossed by the Mara and Talek rivers. |
 7 Days Group Tour to Maasai Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha & Amboseli national Parks - $1,200.00 Welcome to this exciting tour organized by Maasai Mara safaris. This is a tour to the most visited and famous national parks in Kenya. Enjoy game drives and safari by professional guides, who are ready to show you the very best in Kenya. |
 3 Days Maasai Mara Safari - $725.00 Maasai Mara is world-renowned for its exceptional populations of lions, leopards, cheetahs and elephant, and the annual migration of wildebeest, zebra, Thomson's gazelle and other antelope, to and from the Serengeti every year known as the Great Migration |
 5-Day Maasai Mara and the Lakes Kenya Safari - $800.00 5 Days Maasai Mara and The Lakes gives traveler and opportunity to enjoy the scenic Kenya's beautiful landscape and an experience of the Rift valley lakes. Tour passes the magnificent Great Rift valley, with a stop at the view point, into the floor through Hills, Valleys, Escarpments, Mountains and the lakes most of which are result of volcanic activities. A visit to Lake Nakuru National Park located in the floor of the Great Rift Valley and home to the millions lesser flamingo and the pelicans among other wild animals. |
 10 Day Horizons Safari (samburu ,nakuru ,maasai Mara ,amboseli & Lake Naivasha ) - $3,400.00 Following a night in Nairobi to relax and enjoy a historic tour of Nairobi or a delightful restaurant, depart early in the morning on safari to Samburu. Best of Kenya is one of the most popular safaris in Kenya, where lodges are stylish, guides are knowledgeable and scenery extraordinary. From gerenuk browsing vertically in the Samburu, to the resident hippos of the Mara River, this is an exhilarating safari. |
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