The key difference between Masai Mara and Serengeti is their size. The Serengeti is significantly larger than the Masai Mara, covering approximately 14,763 square kilometers, whereas the Masai Mara spans around 1,510 square kilometers.
The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya are two of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Both renowned for their breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary wildlife populations, these parks offer travelers the opportunity to witness some of the planet’s most spectacular natural wonders.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Masai Mara
3. What is Serengeti
4. Similarities – Masai Mara and Serengeti
5. Masai Mara vs. Serengeti in Tabular Form
6. FAQ – Masai Mara and Serengeti
7. Summary – Masai Mara vs. Serengeti
What is Masai Mara
The Masai Mara is a national game reserve located in Narok, Kenya. Its name, “Mara,” comes from the Maasai people who have lived in the region for generations. In the Masai language, “Mara” means “spotted,” which aptly describes the landscape dotted with short, bushy trees.
This reserve is renowned for its remarkable wildlife, including abundant populations of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and African bush elephants. It’s also famous for hosting the Great Migration, one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders. The Masai Mara is part of a larger ecosystem covering 25,000 square kilometers, shared with Tanzania, bounded by the Serengeti Park to the south and flanked by the Siria/Oloololo escarpment to the west.
The Masai Mara is a relatively young wildlife sanctuary, having received official protection around half a century ago. In 1961, it was established as a protected area, initially covering a modest 520 square kilometers, which included the Mara Triangle. Over the years, its boundaries expanded, and in 1974, it was granted the esteemed status of a National Reserve. During this process, some of the land was rightfully returned to the local communities. Today, the Masai Mara ecosystem boasts an impressive total coverage of 1,510 square kilometers.
The Masai Mara’s allure lies in its interconnectedness with nature and the ongoing preservation of this unique environment, where animals and cultures coexist in harmony. It’s a place where you can witness the untamed beauty of Africa and the fascinating behaviors of its wildlife.
What is Serengeti
The Serengeti National Park, located in northern Tanzania, is a massive area spanning 14,763 square kilometers. Established in 1940, it’s a vast expanse of untouched wilderness, mainly consisting of savanna covering over 1.5 million hectares. What makes the Serengeti famous is the incredible annual animal migration that happens here. More than 1.5 million blue wildebeest and 250,000 zebras, along with smaller herds of Thomson’s gazelle and eland, make this epic journey, drawing visitors from around the world. It’s a breathtaking display of nature’s wonders. The Serengeti is also home to the largest lion population in Africa, a sight to behold in this vast landscape.
Exploring the Serengeti reveals a remarkably diverse landscape, transitioning from open grasslands to hilly woodlands and expansive savannahs, offering a variety of stunning scenery. The park borders Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve to the north, creating a vast, continuous wilderness. To the south, you’ll find the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and there are other game reserves and areas surrounding it. The Serengeti is a remarkable part of Africa, where nature’s beauty and wildlife flourish.
What are the Similarities Between Masai Mara and Serengeti?
- Both Masai Mara and Serengeti are renowned for their exceptional wildlife populations, offering opportunities to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo) and other iconic African species.
- They share the same Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores traverse the region in search of fresh grazing lands, creating one of the world’s most incredible wildlife spectacles.
- The two parks are part of the same ecosystem, with the Masai Mara located in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania, and their boundaries merge in certain areas, allowing for seamless wildlife movements.
- Both parks have diverse landscapes, including savannahs, woodlands, riverine forests, and open grasslands, providing a wide range of habitats for various wildlife species.
- Hot-air balloon safaris are available in both the Masai Mara and the Serengeti, offering an unforgettable way to witness the landscapes and wildlife from above.
- They offer similar safari activities, such as morning and afternoon game drives in safari vehicles, limited night drives, and walking safaris, with opportunities for exceptional wildlife sightings.
What is the Difference Between Masai Mara and Serengeti?
The Serengeti is significantly larger, covering approximately 14,763 square kilometers, whereas the Masai Mara is smaller, with an area of around 1,510 square kilometers. This is the key difference between Masai Mara and Serengeti. Therefore, the Serengeti hosts the Great Migration for a more extended period, from about November to July, providing a longer window to witness this natural spectacle. In contrast, the Masai Mara experiences the Migration for only about two months, typically from August to October. Furthermore, the Masai Mara offers better wildlife density year-round. It has a higher concentration of wildlife and is renowned for its exceptional big cat sightings, including lions and cheetahs. The Serengeti also has abundant wildlife but is spread across a larger area.
In terms of cost, Masai Mara safaris tend to be more affordable due to the availability of budget lodges and camps, especially in the conservancies. Serengeti safaris can be pricier, with fewer budget options available within the national park.
The following table summarizes the difference between Masai Mara and Serengeti.
FAQ: Masai Mara and Serengeti
Which one is better: Serengeti or Masai Mara?
If you want a longer Great Migration season, diverse landscapes, and birding opportunities, the Serengeti is the best destination. However, if you prefer better wildlife density year-round, a more budget-friendly experience, and a cultural immersion with the Maasai people, the Masai Mara may be your best choice.
How far is Mara from Serengeti?
The two parks are adjacent and share a common border. The most commonly used crossing point is the Isebania/Sirari border post. This border crossing is approximately 5-10 kilometers (3-6 miles) from the Tanzanian town of Sirari to the north and the Kenyan town of Isebania to the south.
Is Serengeti more expensive than Masai Mara?
Serengeti safaris tend to be more expensive than Masai Mara safaris due to the higher cost of accommodations and the limited availability of budget lodges and camps within the national park.
Summary – Masai Mara vs. Serengeti
In brief, the Serengeti is larger, hosting the Great Migration from November to July and providing exceptional birding opportunities. In contrast, the Masai Mara offers better wildlife density year-round, affordable options, and a cultural immersion with the Maasai people. Thus, this is the summary of the difference between Masai Mara and Serengeti.
Reference:
1. “About Masai Mara & Conservancies.” Masai mara.com
2. “Serengeti National Park.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Masai Mara Wildlife (120793083)” By Matt Scobel – Imported from 500px (archived version) by the Archive Team. (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Serengeti National Park, Tanzania – panoramio” By Michelle Maria (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia