The Maasai Mara covers some 1,510 km (580 sq mi) in south-western Kenya. It is the northernmost section of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, which covers some 25,000 km (9,700 sq mi) in Tanzania and Kenya. It is bounded by the Serengeti Park to the south, the Siria / Oloololo escarpment to the west, and Masai pastoral ranches to the north, east and west. Rainfall in the ecosystem increases markedly along a southeast–northwest gradient, varies in space and time, and is markedly bimodal. The Sand, Talek River and Mara River are the major rivers draining the reserve. Shrubs and trees fringe most drainage lines and cover hillslopes and hilltops.

When it was originally established in 1961 as a wildlife sanctuary the Mara covered only 520 km (200 sq mi) of the current area, including the Mara Triangle. The area was extended to the east in 1961 to cover 1,821 km (703 sq mi) and converted to a game reserve. The Narok County Council (NCC) took over management of the reserve at this time. Part of the reserve was given National Reserve status in 1974, and the remaining area of 159 km (61 sq mi) was returned to local communities. An additional 162 km (63 sq mi) were removed from the reserve in 1976, and the park was reduced to 1,510 km (580 sq mi) in 1984.

When someday comes you'll need to get in.

When someday comes you'll need to be able to get around.