Boat Cruises in Masai Mara National Reserve. Masai Mara National Reserve is a world’s renowned wildlife reserve located in the southwestern part of Kenya. The reserve is known for its abundant wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.  Did you know that you can spot the world’s renowned Big Five animals (lions, elephants, rhinos, cheaters, and buffaloes) in Masai Mara National Reserve? Among the many different tourist activities that are done in Masai Mara, boat cruises are also among them and as you continue to read below, you will get to learn more about the boat cruise activities and more about Masai Mara National Reserve.  

Can I do a boat cruise in Masai Mara?

Having or doing a boat cruise in Masai Mara is not possible. This is because this part of Kenya is generally a land-based conservation area with no water body mainly focused on terrestrial wildlife and ecosystem. But there are near by water bodies where these boat cruises are conducted in case you visit Masai Mara and you are interested in going for one.

Which water bodies offer boat cruises near Masai Mara?

There are not very many water bodies near Masai Mara National Reserve where boat cruises are conducted. But below are some of the water bodies where boat cruises are conducted,

Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria happens to be one of the few water bodies that are located near Masai Mara National Reserve where boat cruises are conducted. Lake Victoria is located approximately 200km away from Masai Mara National Reserve. Apart from boat cruises, various different activities are don by tourists or visitors on Lake Victoria. 

Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha is also located near Masai Mara National Reserve approximately 300km away. Apart from boat cruises, there are also activities like fishing, bird watching, to mention but a few. that are carried out on lake Naivasha by the different tourists or visitors who visit.

Mara River

The Mara River is a vital watercourse in East Africa flowing from Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania it is a lifeline to various wildlife and an incredible array of species. Did you know that the Masai Mara River empties itself or pours its water into Lake Victoria? Apart from boat cruises, various tourism activities are carried out along or on the Masai Mara River, including activities like photography, fishing, and bird watching, to mention but a few.

 Other activities are done in the Masai Mara National Reserve

Apart from boat cruises done near Masai Mara National Reserve, many different tourism activities are done in Masai Mara National Reserve. Some of these activities include,

Game drives in Masai Mara National Reserve

Game drives are one of the famous tourism activities that are done in Masai Mara National Reserve. Games drives in Masai Mara National Reserve are best conducted during the morning hours when the wildlife or animals are most active in the day. These game drives can also be conducted during the evening hours. During these game drives, you will be able to spot different wildlife which also includes the big fives (Lions, cheaters, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos).

Bird watching in Masai Mara National Reserve

Masai Mara is also known as the birders’ paradise, this is because it happens to be home to approximately 470 birds. These birds include eagles, hawks, ostriches, vultures, weavers, and sparrows, to mention but a few. For birders, the best time for bird watching in Masai Mara National Reserve is during the dry season of the year and the early morning hours of the day.

Hot air balloon rides in Masai Mara National Reserve

Hot air balloon rides are also one of the many activities that are offered or done by tourists or visitors who come to Masai Mara National Reserve. Riding in a hot air balloon in Masai Mara National Reserve to spot wildlife from an ariel view of Masai Mara National Reserve.

Guided nature walks in Masai Mara National Reserve.

There are different walking trails in Masai Mara National Reserve where tourists get to walk along the walking trails with the guidance of a tour guide while spotting different attractions in the national reserve like wildlife, and plants, to mention but a few.

Other tourism activities that can be done by tourists or visitors in Masai Mara National Reserve include cultural visits, fishing, photography, camping, to mention but a few.

What is the best time to visit Masai Mara National Reserve?

Masai Mara National Reserve is always open for visitors or tourists to visit and carry out or do different tourism activities. But there is always the best time for everything and the best time for visiting Masai Mara National Reserve is during the dry season of the year. This is because during this time of the year, the National Reserve is more accessible and most of the outdoor tourism activities can be done better than during the wet season of the year.

What to pack for a Masai Mara National Reserve safari?

There are different items or things that you should consider packing while going for a Masai Mara National Reserve safari for your comfort and enjoyment. Some of these items or things include,

Binoculars

When packing, it will be good or best for you to pack along a pair of binoculars to help you spot different attractions in Masai Mara National Reserve mostly for bird lovers.

Camera and extra batteries

Bringing along or packing a camera will be a very great thing to do, this is because you will need it to capture all the beautiful moments and attractions that you will encounter during your safari. The extra batteries will help you not miss out on any caption due to the dead camera batteries.

Insect repellant

In order protect your skin from poisonous insect bites, the best way to do this is to bring along or pack an insect repellant since most of the outdoor activities are conducted in area covered with vegetation.