logo
Everything about Masai Mara, Africa's famous national park where Ranbir Kapoor proposed to Alia Bhatt

Everything about Masai Mara, Africa's famous national park where Ranbir Kapoor proposed to Alia Bhatt

Time of India5 days ago
Ever wondered what was so special about Masai Mara that Ranbir Kapoor proposed to Alia Bhatt here? Well, Masai Mara is the soul of Africa, where golden sands are in contrast to the vast blue skies, creating a magical spectacle.
It's a paradise for wildlife lovers and also happens to be Alia Bhatt's fav destination.
Let's explore more about the place:
Location
Masai Mara is located in the southern part of Kenya along the Great Rift Valley area. It is some 224 km from the capital, Nairobi, and borders the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Both of these parks are part of the world's oldest ecosystem. This national reserve is located in a semi-arid area and is surrounded by Acacia trees.
History of the land
It is also the only reserve that is directly managed by the Masai tribe, unlike the other reserves and national parks that are managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service. The place got its name in honour of the Maa people who occupy the land on which the reserve is present. This reserve in Kenya is one of the premium protected areas in the whole of Africa.
In 1961, it was established as a wildlife sanctuary; then, in 1974, it was declared a national reserve; and in 1976, more land was added to it.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Free P2,000 GCash eGift
UnionBank Credit Card
Apply Now
Undo
The Maa people described the land as 'Mara' in their local language, which means 'spotted' when seen from afar.
A wildlife paradise
This reserve offers shelter to the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and black rhinos. You can easily spot the Big Five here, as this place has an ideal climate throughout most of the year. You can also spot the Big Nine African animals, along with 400 bird species ,most of them are migratory birds and one can also see 60 species of raptors here.
Home to the Big Five
This is one of the world's premier locations to spot Africa's king of the jungle, the lion. This species will definitely leave you awestruck with its strength, speed, and reputation. The African elephant can also be easily spotted here but has been threatened by poachers for its ivory tusks. In Mara, the population of elephants has grown over the years.
There's a great population of the majestic leopards here too, but they are not as easy to spot and are listed as vulnerable due to their loss of habitat and human encroachment.
You can go on the Masai Mara safari to spot these animals. The Cape buffalo and black or white rhino are also part of the Big Five. Whether it be white or black rhino, they are difficult to spot during the safari. The Cape buffalo is one of the most dangerous animals, and they are mostly found in herds of 100 or more.
The Great Migration
The biggest mammal trek in the world, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebra, 12,000 eland, and 300,000 Grant's and Thomson's gazelles trek from Serengeti to Masai Mara.
This sight is like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity ,everyone should witness it once in their life. It is considered that they start their trek in July and August and start arriving in Masai Mara around the same time, and around October, they start to leave.
But nature does not live according to our timetable, so it's difficult to predict when you'll be able to witness it.
They are basically trekking in search of greener, mineral-rich pastures and water.
These herds are not safe from predatory animals, as while crossing the Mara River, crocodiles are waiting for them in the water, and in Masai Mara, these herds are threatened by the big cats as well.
Masai Mara offers the best African safari experience with a wide variety of animals, like the Big Five or the migratory species that come into Masai Mara during the Great Migration. You can also get involved in authentic cultural activities with the Maasai people.
This is the perfect spot for all the wildlife lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and a romantic getaway for lovers- you might not know, but you might be the next one getting proposed to on this beautiful land!
(Image Credits: Canva)
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Venezuelan little league team blocked from US tournament by Donald Trump's travel ban
Venezuelan little league team blocked from US tournament by Donald Trump's travel ban

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

Venezuelan little league team blocked from US tournament by Donald Trump's travel ban

Venezuelan little league team blocked from US tournament by Donald Trump's travel ban (Image via Getty) The Cacique Mara Little League team from Maracaibo, Venezuela, will miss the 2024 Senior League Baseball World Series in South Carolina. The team was denied US visas just days before the tournament starts on July 27. These young players had earned their spot by winning the Latin American championship, but now their dreams are crushed. The reason? A travel ban linked to US President Donald Trump's immigration policy. Donald Trump blocked Venezuelan team from US tournament just days before it begins The Cacique Mara Little League baseball team from Maracaibo, Venezuela won't be allowed to participate in the 2024 Senior League Baseball World Series in South Carolina. The contest kicks off Saturday, July 27. Why? The players were turned down visas to visit the United States. Little League International said on Friday that the team's visa application was turned down. Having won the Latin American title in Mexico and qualified to represent the region at the global competition, the young players, ages 13 and 16, They are, however, compelled to hang back now. They had traveled to Bogotá, Colombia, two weeks ago to apply for their US visas. But all their hopes ended when they were told the paperwork wouldn't go through. The team shared a statement, saying: 'It is a mockery to keep us in Bogotá with hope. What do we do with the pain caused to our children?' Donald Trump's travel ban stops young Venezuelan athletes from playing in US The team's visa denial is part of a larger issue. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your donations can help this little boy see again clearly Donate For Health Donate Now Undo US President Donald Trump has reintroduced a travel ban that blocks people from 13 countries from entering the United States. Venezuela is one of them. Trump claims these bans are necessary for national security. Kendrick Gutiérrez, president of the Venezuelan Little League, said on Friday, 'They told us Venezuela is on a list because Trump says we are a threat. But these are children. They earned their place by winning.' The White House said in June that athletes traveling for major sporting events like the Olympics and World Cup would be allowed under special rules. But it seems youth baseball is not included. Also Read: Jannik Sinner Coaching Rumors Spark Drama As Brad Gilbert Slams 'Fake News' Before US Open 2025 Last week, the Cuban women's volleyball team also couldn't travel to Puerto Rico for their tournament due to visa issues. That decision also sparked outrage. In place of the Venezuelan team, the Santa Maria de Aguayo team from Tamaulipas, Mexico, will now join the Senior League World Series. They were runners-up at the Latin American championship. Gutiérrez added, 'We don't understand why Venezuela was dropped and Mexico added. This is the first time something like this has happened. It's not fair to the children.' Little League International called the visa denial 'extremely disappointing,' especially for the young players who had worked so hard to reach this stage. FAQs 1. Why was the Venezuelan Little League team denied US visas? The team was denied visas due to Donald Trump's renewed travel ban on Venezuela. 2. Which country replaced Venezuela in the Senior League Baseball World Series 2024? Mexico's Santa Maria de Aguayo team replaced Venezuela in the tournament. 3. Is Venezuela included in Donald Trump's travel ban list? Yes, Venezuela is one of the countries affected by Trump's travel restrictions. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!

Sri Lanka to extend its visa-free travel policy for 40 countries; India also on the list
Sri Lanka to extend its visa-free travel policy for 40 countries; India also on the list

Time of India

time9 hours ago

  • Time of India

Sri Lanka to extend its visa-free travel policy for 40 countries; India also on the list

In a bid to boost tourism and recover from an economic crisis, Sri Lanka has announced plans to extend its free tourist visa policy to 40 additional countries, according to a news shared by PTI. The news was confirmed by Sri Lanka's Foreign Affairs and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath during the inauguration of the 'Hotel Show Colombo 2025'. As of now, there were only seven countries, including India which were allowed visa-free entry in Sri Lanka. The decision comes after the cabinet approved to expand the list to 40 countries. However, the Government of Sri Lanka will have to suffer an annual revenue loss of USD 66 million because of visa fee waiver, mentioned the minister. But he also said that indirect economic benefits from increased tourist footfall would be more than the loss. The initiative aims to boost tourism as part of Sri Lanka's economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 financial crisis. 'We have stabilised the economy, and through policy changes in tourism, we aim to ensure steady growth in arrivals,' the minister said. The visa waiver is one of the well-planned strategic moves to boost the economy of the country. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Salma Hayek, 58,Shows Her Huge Size In New Photos Boite A Scoop Undo Earlier, visa fee waivers were limited to seven countries, including China, India, and Japan. The trial phase began in March 2023 and it was deemed successful. Following the success, the Cabinet has decided to extend the policy to 40 more countries, to attract worldwide travellers. New List of countries: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Federal Republic of Germany Kingdom of the Netherlands Kingdom of Belgium Kingdom of Spain Commonwealth of Australia Republic of Poland Republic of Kazakhstan Kingdom of Saudi Arabia United Arab Emirates Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal People's Republic of China Republic of India Republic of Indonesia Russian Federation Kingdom of Thailand Federation of Malaya Japan Republic of France United States of America Canada Czech Republic (Czechia) Republic of Italy Swiss Confederation (Switzerland) Republic of Austria State of Israel Republic of Belarus Islamic Republic of Iran Kingdom of Sweden Republic of Finland Kingdom of Denmark Republic of Korea State of Qatar Sultanate of Oman Kingdom of Bahrain New Zealand State of Kuwait Kingdom of Norway Republic of Türkiye The Free Visa policy is already for 7 nations, including India, China, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan. Now, these countries are also now part of the list.

Reverse migration: African Americans relocating to Kenya cite heritage and restoration
Reverse migration: African Americans relocating to Kenya cite heritage and restoration

New Indian Express

time10 hours ago

  • New Indian Express

Reverse migration: African Americans relocating to Kenya cite heritage and restoration

NAIROBI: Kenneth Harris spent most of his days in Atlanta yearning for a life in a place where his dark skin color is not a source of suspicion, but a mark of a shared heritage. His chance came two years ago when he bought a one-way ticket to Kenya. The 38-year-old retired veteran has found a community in the east African country's capital, where he now runs an Airbnb business. He loves admiring Nairobi's golden sunset from a rooftop terrace, and enjoys a luxurious lifestyle in a tastefully furnished apartment in an upmarket neighborhood. Harris is part of a growing wave of African Americans who are relocating to Kenya, citing the need to connect with their ancestors — or 'coming home," a phrase often used among the Black community. Like dozens of other African Americans who have moved to Nairobi in recent years, Harris was attracted to Kenya's tropical climate and what he describes as the warmth and friendliness of the people he believes he shares a history and culture with. In search of community and a better life 'I have always had that adventurous spirit, especially when I joined the military and got to go to different countries. So I am taking the opportunity to venture out to new places," he said. 'That is what allowed me to make a home away from home and Kenya is my new home.' Some friends have reaching out to him to explore a 'change from the US for their peace of mind,' he said. Several other African Americans who have 'come home' like him have set up thriving businesses in Nairobi that include travel agencies, restaurants and farms. Many African Americans who have sought a better life abroad or are considering it said President Donald Trump's administration — with its crackdown on diversity programs — isn't the main reason they want to move. Rather, most say they had been mulling a move for some time, and the current political environment in the US may be pushing them to act sooner than initially planned.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store