The Maasai Mara is the northern part of the Serengeti ecosystem. It is considered to be Kenya’s best wildlife sanctuary, where plains animals can still be seen in the great numbers once common throughout East Africa, which in turn support a large population of predators. The landscape of the Mara is one of gently rolling savanna grasslands interacted by dark green veins of acacia woodland along the banks of the Mara and Talek rivers. The Maasai Mara is best known for its part in one of the natural wonders of the world, the 500-mile yearly migration of one and a quarter million wildebeests with the dramatic river crossings. They are usually here from August into October. In addition to the migrating herds, there is also a population of resident wildebeest along with many other plains animals including cape buffalo, hartebeest, topi, impala, zebra and gazelles. Elephants and Maasai giraffe are common. If you’re lucky you might see a leopard or black rhino. The Mara has Kenya’s largest population of lions with prides numbering over 20 individuals. The open country is also ideal for cheetahs, hyenas, hunting dogs and jackals. Here we set up a temporary tented camp in a secluded wooded area along the banks of the Mara River in the northern part of the reserve. This is one of our favorite places and popular with clients. Groups of hippos and huge crocodiles can be seen from the camp. We will have two or three Maasai askari (guards) in camp to ensure you’re safe if you need to get out of your tent at night. We will visit a Maasai boma and learn about their day to day lives and culture. Because of the remoteness of this area, we spend at least three nights here. An option for the last day is a daylong game drive in a southeasterly direction, ending at the world famous Keekorok Lodge where we can spend a night or two.