Animals in Masai Mara - Masai Mara National Reserve

The Masai Mara National Reserve is world-renowned for its breathtaking diversity of wildlife. Located in southwestern Kenya, the Mara is an extension of the Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania, making it a vital part of the Great Migration. The reserve is home to the famous Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), as well as hundreds of other species, from large predators to rare birds and small mammals. This guide will walk you through some of the most iconic wildlife in the Masai Mara, providing insights into their behavior, habitats, and best places to see them.

The Big Five in the Masai Mara

1. Lion

Overview: The African lion is perhaps the most iconic animal of the Masai Mara and is often at the top of every visitor’s list. The Mara is home to several large lion prides, some of which are well-documented by researchers and featured in nature documentaries. Lions are often found lounging under acacia trees during the day and hunting at night.
Habitat: Lions can be found throughout the Mara, particularly in open grasslands and near water sources where prey is plentiful.
Best Time to See: Lions can be seen year-round in the Mara. Early mornings and late afternoons during game drives are the best times to catch them in action.
Behavior: Lions in the Masai Mara are often seen hunting wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores, especially during the Great Migration. They are social animals, living in prides that are led by one or more males, and they are highly territorial.

2. Leopard

Overview: Known for their elusive nature, leopards are often more difficult to spot than lions. However, the Masai Mara provides one of the best opportunities to see these majestic predators. Leopards are solitary and spend much of their time in trees, where they stash their prey to avoid scavengers.
Habitat: Leopards are commonly found along rivers and in areas with dense foliage, particularly in the Mara Triangle and near the Talek River.
Best Time to See: While leopards are nocturnal, early morning and late afternoon game drives often offer sightings, particularly in treetops where they rest during the day.
Behavior: Leopards are stealthy hunters that rely on surprise to catch prey. Their diets consist of antelopes, gazelles, and smaller mammals. They are solitary animals and are often seen alone unless with cubs.

3. Elephant

Overview: The African elephant is the largest land mammal and is a frequent sight in the Masai Mara. Large herds of elephants roam the plains, often led by an older matriarch. Elephants are highly social, and their behavior often captivates safari-goers, from young calves playing to adults using their trunks to feed.
Habitat: Elephants are often found in the Mara River region and in forested areas of the reserve.
Best Time to See: Elephants can be spotted throughout the day, particularly in the early morning when they are most active. They are common year-round, though especially during the dry season when they congregate near water sources.
Behavior: Elephants are known for their intelligence, social structure, and close family bonds. They feed on grasses, leaves, and fruits, and are often seen interacting gently with their young or using their trunks to gather food and water.

4. Buffalo

Overview: The Cape buffalo is one of Africa’s most dangerous animals, known for its unpredictable behavior. Large herds of buffalo are common in the Mara, often moving in large numbers across the savannah. They are social animals, and their sheer size and strength make them formidable.
Habitat: Buffalo herds can be found grazing in open grasslands and near water sources, particularly along rivers.
Best Time to See: Buffalo are commonly seen throughout the day, though early morning game drives offer a better chance to observe their movements.
Behavior: Cape buffaloes are highly protective of each other, especially their young. They are herbivores, feeding on grasses and vegetation. Despite their bulk, they are surprisingly agile and can be aggressive if threatened.

5. Black Rhino

Overview: The black rhinoceros is one of the rarest and most endangered species in the Masai Mara. With their distinctive hooked upper lip, black rhinos are primarily browsers, feeding on trees and shrubs. Due to poaching, rhino sightings are rare, but the Mara offers some protected areas where they can be seen.
Habitat: Rhinos are often found in the Mara Triangle, where efforts to protect them are strongest.
Best Time to See: Early morning and late afternoon game drives increase the chances of spotting a rhino.
Behavior: Black rhinos are solitary and often shy. They are browsers and use their hooked lips to pluck leaves and branches from trees. Though their eyesight is poor, they rely on their keen sense of smell and hearing.

More Masai Mara Animals

1. Wildebeest

Overview: The wildebeest is one of the most recognized animals of the Masai Mara, largely due to its role in the Great Migration. Over a million wildebeest traverse the Mara in search of fresh pastures, creating one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on earth.
Habitat: Wildebeest are typically found in open grasslands and near water sources, especially during migration season.
Behavior: Known for their annual migration, wildebeest follow seasonal rainfall patterns in search of greener pastures. They often move in herds and are preyed upon by lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles during river crossings.

2. Zebra

Overview: Plains zebras are a common sight in the Masai Mara and play a significant role in the Great Migration, moving alongside wildebeest and gazelles. Their striking black and white stripes make them easily recognizable.
Habitat: Zebras prefer open savannah and grassland areas where they graze on grasses.
Behavior: Zebras are social animals, often moving in herds. They are known for their distinctive braying sound and their ability to defend themselves with powerful kicks when threatened by predators like lions and hyenas.

3. Thomson’s Gazelle

Overview: The Thomson’s gazelle, also known as “Tommie,” is one of the smallest and most common antelopes in the Masai Mara. They are highly agile and are known for their speed, which helps them evade predators.
Habitat: These gazelles are found in open grasslands and savannas across the Mara.
Behavior: Thomson’s gazelles often form mixed herds with other antelope species. They are a crucial food source for predators like cheetahs, and their alert behavior helps warn other animals of approaching threats.

4. Grant’s Gazelle

Overview: Similar to Thomson’s gazelle but larger, the Grant’s gazelle is another graceful antelope commonly seen in the Mara. They are distinguished by their impressive horns and slightly bulkier build.
Habitat: Grant’s gazelles prefer open plains and grasslands.
Behavior: These gazelles are highly territorial and can survive in drier areas than other antelopes, making them more resilient during the dry season. They are frequently seen grazing alongside zebra and wildebeest.

5. Topi

Overview: The topi is a unique, fast-running antelope known for its reddish-brown coat and long, slender horns. Topis are particularly striking due to the darker patches on their thighs and lower legs.
Habitat: Topis prefer savannahs and floodplains, often seen in the Mara’s open grasslands.
Behavior: Topis are highly social and often seen in large herds, especially during the migration. They are known to stand on termite mounds to survey the landscape for predators.

6. Eland

Overview: The eland is the largest antelope in Africa, recognizable by its size, spiral horns, and thick necks with a dewlap. Despite their bulk, elands are capable of leaping up to 3 meters in the air.
Habitat: Elands are found in wooded savannahs and grasslands of the Mara.
Behavior: Elands are peaceful and social animals, often seen in herds. They feed on grasses and leaves and are a prey species for lions and leopards, though their large size can deter predators.

7. Giraffe (Masai Giraffe)

Overview: The Masai giraffe is the tallest land animal in the world and a common sight in the Masai Mara. Distinguished by its irregular star-shaped spots, the Masai giraffe is a striking presence on the savannah.
Habitat: Giraffes are found in woodlands and open savannahs, where they feed on the leaves of tall trees, particularly acacias.
Behavior: Giraffes use their long necks to feed on leaves high above the ground, and they spend most of their time standing. They are generally peaceful but can use powerful kicks to defend themselves from predators like lions.

8. Hippopotamus

Overview: Hippos are large, semi-aquatic mammals commonly seen in the Mara and Talek Rivers. Known for their massive size and aggressive nature, hippos spend most of the day submerged in water to stay cool and come out at night to graze.
Habitat: Hippos are found in rivers, lakes, and other water bodies in the Masai Mara.
Behavior: Hippos are territorial in water and often seen in large groups. Despite their bulky appearance, they are fast and dangerous, particularly when defending their territory. Hippos can hold their breath underwater for several minutes and are known to travel several kilometers at night in search of food.

9. Nile Crocodile

Overview: The Nile crocodile is a fearsome predator, especially known for its role during the Great Migration, where it preys on wildebeest and zebra as they attempt to cross the Mara River. These ancient reptiles are powerful and stealthy hunters.
Habitat: Nile crocodiles are found in the Mara River and other water bodies in the reserve.
Behavior: Crocodiles lie in wait for prey near riverbanks, ambushing animals that come to drink or cross the river. During migration season, they feed heavily on animals crossing the Mara River. Crocodiles can grow over 5 meters long and have an incredible bite force.

10. Warthog

Overview: The warthog is a small, hardy wild pig known for its distinctive facial warts and upward-curved tusks. These animals are surprisingly fast runners and are commonly seen in the grasslands of the Mara.
Habitat: Warthogs are often found in open savannahs and near water sources, where they feed on grass and roots.
Behavior: Warthogs use their tusks to dig for food and create burrows. They are often seen kneeling while grazing. Despite their comical appearance, warthogs can be aggressive when threatened and are known to use abandoned burrows for shelter.

11. Banded Mongoose

Overview: The banded mongoose is a small, social mammal often seen in groups across the Masai Mara. These animals are known for their cooperative behavior and are often seen foraging for insects and small vertebrates.
Habitat: Banded mongooses are found in savannahs and woodlands, often near termite mounds or rocky areas.
Behavior: Banded mongooses live in large social groups and work together to protect each other from predators. They feed primarily on insects, but also small reptiles and birds. They are active during the day and often seen scurrying through the grasslands.

1. Spotted Hyena

Overview: The spotted hyena is one of the Mara’s most effective predators and scavengers. Often misunderstood as purely scavengers, hyenas are skilled hunters capable of bringing down large prey like wildebeest.
Habitat: Hyenas are found throughout the Masai Mara, often near lion prides, as they scavenge for leftovers.
Behavior: Spotted hyenas are social animals that live in clans dominated by females. They are vocal, often communicating through eerie whoops, laughs, and calls, especially during hunts or after finding food.

2. Serval

Overview: The serval is a medium-sized wild cat, recognized by its long legs and large ears. Although relatively rare, it is one of the most graceful and agile predators in the Mara, known for its extraordinary leaping ability to catch birds and small mammals.
Habitat: Servals prefer grassy plains and savannahs, where they blend into the tall grass.
Behavior: These solitary cats hunt during the day and night, primarily targeting rodents, birds, and frogs. They are known for their ability to leap several feet in the air to catch flying birds.

3. Bat-eared Fox

Overview: The bat-eared fox is a small, nocturnal fox species easily recognized by its oversized ears. These ears help them detect insects, their primary food source.
Habitat: Bat-eared foxes prefer open grasslands and are often seen in areas of short grass where they can dig for insects.
Behavior: These foxes are social, living in small family groups. They feed mainly on termites, ants, and beetles, using their acute hearing to locate their prey. They are most active in the early morning and late afternoon.

4. Dik-Dik

Overview: The dik-dik is one of the smallest antelope species in the Masai Mara, measuring just 30-40 cm at the shoulder. These tiny, shy animals are known for their large eyes and delicate build.
Habitat: Dik-diks prefer wooded areas and bushland, where they can find shelter and avoid predators.
Behavior: They are monogamous and typically found in pairs. Dik-diks are highly territorial, marking their territory with dung. They feed on leaves, shoots, and fruits, often browsing close to the ground.

5. African Hare

Overview: The African hare is a common but often overlooked animal in the Masai Mara. Known for their speed and agility, hares are an important prey species for many of the Mara’s predators.
Habitat: Hares are found in open grasslands and savannahs, where they forage for grasses and vegetation.
Behavior: African hares are solitary animals, and they rely on their speed and sharp senses to avoid predators. They are mainly nocturnal but can be seen in the early morning or late afternoon.

6. Impala

Overview: The impala is one of the most common and graceful antelopes in the Masai Mara. Recognizable by its reddish-brown coat and slender build, impalas are frequently seen in large herds.
Habitat: Impalas are found in open woodlands and savannahs, where they graze on grass and browse on shrubs.
Behavior: Impalas are highly social, forming large herds led by dominant males. During the breeding season, males engage in fierce battles for territory. They are fast runners and often leap high into the air when escaping predators.

7. Bushbuck

Overview: The bushbuck is a shy, medium-sized antelope with a brown coat and white spots on its sides. It is less commonly seen than other antelopes due to its solitary and secretive nature.
Habitat: Bushbucks prefer thickets and dense vegetation, often near rivers or forests.
Behavior: Bushbucks are solitary animals and very cautious, using dense cover to avoid predators. They feed on leaves, twigs, and fruits, often browsing in the early morning or late evening.

8. African Wildcat

Overview: The African wildcat is a small, elusive feline that is the ancestor of domestic cats. Though rarely seen due to its shy nature, it plays an essential role in controlling rodent populations in the Mara.
Habitat: African wildcats are found in woodlands and grasslands, often in areas with plenty of cover.
Behavior: These solitary cats hunt small mammals, birds, and reptiles, primarily at night. They are highly territorial and mark their territories with scent markings.

9. Oribi

Overview: The oribi is a small, delicate antelope with a light brown coat and a white underbelly. They are similar in size to the dik-dik but prefer open habitats.
Habitat: Oribis are commonly found in open grasslands and savannahs, especially in areas where they can graze on short grasses.
Behavior: Oribis live in pairs or small groups and are highly alert to predators. They rely on their speed to escape danger and are often seen standing on their hind legs to get a better view of their surroundings.

10. Aardvark

Overview: The aardvark is a nocturnal mammal known for its long snout and powerful claws, which it uses to dig for termites and ants. Though rarely seen, aardvarks are common in the Mara and play a crucial role in controlling insect populations.
Habitat: Aardvarks are found in savannahs and woodlands, often near termite mounds and areas with loose soil.
Behavior: Aardvarks are solitary animals that dig large burrows to shelter during the day. They emerge at night to feed, using their long, sticky tongues to capture ants and termites.

11. Honey Badger

Overview: The honey badger is a small but fearless carnivore, famous for its ferocity and toughness. Despite its size, the honey badger is capable of fending off much larger predators and is known to raid bee hives in search of honey.
Habitat: Honey badgers are found in grasslands and woodlands, often digging burrows or using abandoned dens of other animals.
Behavior: Honey badgers are solitary and highly aggressive when threatened. They are omnivorous, feeding on small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and honey. They have a strong immune system, allowing them to survive venomous bites from snakes.

Bohor Reedbuck

The bohor reedbuck is a medium-sized antelope known for its reddish-brown coat and distinctive curved horns. Reedbucks are often seen alone or in pairs near water sources, such as marshes and rivers, as they prefer habitats with thick grass where they can hide from predators.

Habitat: Prefers wetlands, marshes, and riverbanks with dense vegetation.

Behavior: Bohor reedbucks are shy and solitary, relying on the cover of dense grass to avoid predators. They are most active during dawn and dusk, feeding on grasses and aquatic plants.

Kori Bustard

The kori bustard is the largest flying bird in Africa and one of the heaviest. This impressive bird is often seen walking across the plains of the Mara, foraging for insects, small mammals, and seeds. Its size and slow, deliberate movements make it easily recognizable.

Habitat: Found in open grasslands and savannahs.

Behavior: Kori bustards are ground-dwellers that spend most of their time walking, only flying when absolutely necessary. They have a distinctive display during mating season, where males puff out their chest and call loudly to attract females.

African Civet

The African civet is a nocturnal, cat-like mammal known for its distinctive black and white markings. Although elusive, civets are present throughout the Mara and are known for their omnivorous diet, which includes insects, fruits, and small vertebrates.

Habitat: Prefers woodlands, forests, and areas with dense undergrowth.

Behavior: Civets are solitary and nocturnal, emerging at night to hunt. They are opportunistic feeders, often scavenging for food, and have a strong sense of smell, which they use to locate prey.

Rock Hyrax

The rock hyrax is a small, herbivorous mammal closely related to elephants, despite its size and appearance. These social animals are often seen in rocky outcrops and cliffs, where they sunbathe in the mornings before becoming more active in the cooler parts of the day.

Habitat: Found in rocky terrains, cliffs, and boulders.

Behavior: Rock hyraxes live in colonies and have a complex social structure. They feed on grasses, leaves, and fruits, and are excellent climbers despite their squat, rodent-like appearance. Their vocalizations include whistles and chirps used to communicate with the group.

Waterbuck

The waterbuck is a large antelope known for its shaggy coat and distinctive white ring around its rump. As the name suggests, waterbucks are often found near water sources, where they use the water to escape from predators.

Habitat: Prefers areas near water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and marshes.

Behavior: Waterbucks are highly dependent on water and are often seen grazing in lush, green areas near rivers. They are social animals, often found in herds led by dominant males. Their thick, oily coat helps repel water, allowing them to spend time in wet environments.

Vervet Monkey

The vervet monkey is a small primate with a grayish coat and a black face, often seen in trees or on the ground in search of food. These monkeys are highly social, living in large groups, and are known for their complex communication system.

Habitat: Found in forests, woodlands, and riverine areas.

Behavior: Vervet monkeys are diurnal and spend their days foraging for fruits, leaves, and insects. They live in hierarchical social groups and use a wide range of vocalizations to warn each other of predators, including distinct calls for different threats like leopards or eagles.

Jackal

The black-backed jackal and side-striped jackal are two species commonly found in the Masai Mara. These small canids are highly adaptable, often scavenging on carcasses left by larger predators while also hunting small mammals and birds.

Habitat: Prefers open savannahs and scrublands, often near predator kills.

Behavior: Jackals are opportunistic hunters and scavengers, known for their cunning and intelligence. They are often seen following lions or hyenas, hoping to snatch leftovers. Jackals are monogamous, and pairs typically hunt and raise pups together.

Martial Eagle

The martial eagle is one of Africa’s largest and most powerful eagles, easily identified by its dark brown body and white underparts with black spots. This formidable raptor is an apex predator in the skies, capable of taking down prey as large as small antelope.

Habitat: Prefers open savannahs and wooded areas, often seen perched on tall trees.

Behavior: Martial eagles are solitary and territorial birds of prey. They feed on mammals, birds, and reptiles, including monkeys and large snakes. Their impressive size and powerful talons allow them to dominate the avian food chain in the Mara.

Grey Crowned Crane

The grey crowned crane is a stunning bird known for its golden crown of feathers. It is one of the most beautiful birds in the Mara and is often seen in pairs or small flocks, particularly near water.

Habitat: Prefers wetlands, marshes, and grasslands with water nearby.

Behavior: Crowned cranes are monogamous and often perform elaborate courtship dances that involve leaping, bowing, and flapping their wings. They feed on seeds, grasses, insects, and small reptiles, and are known for their graceful movements.

Bushbaby (Galago)

The bushbaby is a small, nocturnal primate with large, round eyes adapted for night vision. These tiny creatures are known for their ability to leap great distances between trees, using their strong hind legs.

Habitat: Found in woodlands and forests, often near riverine areas.

Behavior: Bushbabies are nocturnal and arboreal, spending their nights foraging for insects, fruits, and tree gum. They are highly vocal, using calls to communicate with each other in the dark. Their large eyes and strong hearing help them navigate and hunt in low-light conditions.

Aardwolf

The aardwolf is a small, insectivorous mammal related to hyenas but specialized in feeding on termites. Unlike its carnivorous relatives, the aardwolf has a more delicate build and lacks the aggression seen in larger hyenas.

Habitat: Prefers open grasslands and scrublands, especially areas with abundant termite mounds.

Behavior: Aardwolves are solitary and nocturnal, emerging at night to feed on termites, which they lap up with their long, sticky tongues. They are shy and elusive, and despite their hyena ancestry, they pose no threat to large prey or humans.