From then however, the Narok County Council took over the reserve management and in 1974 they gave back part of the reserve to the community and the remaining part given a national reserve status. Later on the same year, the area was extended to the east reaching 1,821 square kilometers (703 sq mi) then turned to a game reserve. In 1961, the now reserve was established as a wildlife sanctuary at the time covering 520 square kilometers (200 sq mi) with the Mara Triangle. Here is a guide on the background, location, attractions, activities, best time and accommodation facilities around the reserve to help travelers plan Background of Maasai Mara National Reserve Known for its exceptional wildlife populations like that of lions, the wildebeest migration is a highlight for Kenya safaris tours to the reserve. According to the Maasai local language, Mara refers to spotted therefore describing how the reserve is dotted with several trees.

This is one of Africa’s most diverse and spectacular eco systems named in honor of the Maasai people who were the ancestral inhabitants of this region. Maasai Mara National Reservealso known as Masai Mara Game Reserve is a large reserve situated south west of Kenya in the Narok County contiguous with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.

A Zebra gestation period last about 12- 14 months.

Zebras eat mostly grass and a few eat leaves and twigs.

Each Zebra stripes are unique to a single individual just like human figure prints.

Each Zebra specie has a different general pattern of stripes.

Zebras are single hoofed animals native to Africa.

They help them destruct insects and flies because of the monochrome pattern.

Zebra stripes are an adaptation to nature.

Zebras are actually black animals with white stripes.

These rare spotted zebras according to experts can live for up to six months or even more.

Lemein added that none of the zebras with such a condition in other game parks in Africa has survived for over six months after birth. Matira Camp Wildlife specialist Parmale Lemein indicated that there has never been any recorded case of such a rare zebra in Maasai Mara Game Reserve. It was hardly a week old, it appeared weak and very different from the others for it has not stripes and was stuck close to a female adult zebra, probably its mother. He added on and said that on closer examination he realized that what he was seeing was actually a zebra with melanin disorder.

“At first I thought it was a zebra that had been captured and painted or marked for purposes of migration. Antony Tira spotted and photographed the incredibly rare “blacker” foal and the discovery caused a stampede in the reserve as Kenya tour guides and photographers rushed out on a look out along the Mara River to see and photograph this rare baby zebra. 9 Days Uganda Primate Safari, Gorilla tour.

3 Days Gorilla trekking safari from Kigali.

3 Day Murchison Falls tour from Kampala.

Baby spotted zebra