THE MARA TRIANGLE

This is the most famous part of the Maasai Mara. It is bounded to the south by the Tanzanian border, to the east by the Mara River and to the west by the Oloololo escarpment. The Oloololo escarpment serves as the reserve's natural boundary and dominates the entire western part of the park. Several scenes from the film Out of Africa were shot here. The Mara Triangle is a vast plain dotted with acacia trees, and home to numerous lions and cheetahs. Its northern end is occupied by a swampy area, a real trap for vehicles, but which attracts many animals during the dry season. The Mara Triangle is only accessible via two bridges, one to the north of Oloololo Gate, the other to the far south, along the border with Tanzania. While you're out and about in this region, take the time to refresh yourself at Serena Lodge. From the top of the hill where it is located, you'll have a breathtaking view over the plain. Just before this bridge (coming from Keekorok), you can get out of your vehicle at Hippo Pool, to observe the dozen or so hippos that inhabit a bend in the river. Another observation area lies below Serena Lodge. Dozens of hippos splash about in the water, while huge saurians slumber on the banks. During the great migration, huge herds of wildebeest cross here. Several hundred of them drown or are eaten by crocodiles. Their carcasses then pile up on the banks, much to the delight of vultures and marabouts. The area north of the Mara and Talek rivers is the least frequented and perhaps the most beautiful. Access is via Musiara Gate or Talek Gate. A 4x4 is essential, especially during and after the rainy season. The ground is quite wet and quickly becomes saturated with water. One big advantage: minibuses are rare. This part of the reserve is also made up of a vast plain, evocatively named Paradise Plain, where, among other animals, a few rhinos roam. The plain extends well beyond the park's boundaries, and the animals are just as numerous, including lions and leopards. This off-reserve area is therefore very interesting to visit, especially as it is inhabited by the Maasai, who graze their herds here. Several lodges have been set up north of Oloololo and Musiara Gate. To the south of the gate lies the Musiara swamp, which attracts large numbers of herbivores all year round.