safari in kenya masai mara

The Masai Mara in Kenya is nature's epic masterpiece.

A little bit about Masai Mara

Rolling hills, sprawling savannahs, dramatic river crossings and of course... more wildlife and adventure than any movie could ever portray. Welcome to the Masai Mara, home to the lions of ‘Big Cat Diary’, temporary residence of the ‘Great Migration’, mighty Maasai warriors and some of the most luxurious safari lodges on earth.

The Masai Mara features a stunning kaleidoscope of wild and rugged landscapes, warm and welcoming people and an exciting array of creatures – big and small. World famous for hosting the epic Great Migration, the Masai Mara welcomes 1,5 million wildebeests onto its sprawling savannahs each July through October. The Masai Mara National Reserve and conservancies are brimming with life and offer safari travellers a wide variety of activities to choose from. Whether you take to the skies for a high-flying hot-air balloon adventure at sunrise or hit the road for a 4x4 safari, you’re sure to leave the Masai Mara with unforgettable experiences and lifelong memories.

Going on a Masai Mara safari

Part of the fun of going on safari is planning your safari. We’ve been there... and know how it feels. As avid travellers we can imagine you have loads of questions while planning your trip to the Masai Mara. Very few places on earth are as unspoilt, adventurous and authentic as the Mara eco-system.

Reading up on the Masai Mara, finding out what you might encounter, exploring your accommodation options... we've done most of the work for you and created this site to help you find all the answers to any questions you may have. To top it off, we've brought together a top-notch collection of Masai Mara safari lodges and camps for you to choose from. Naturally, we're only an e-mail or message away if you need a little extra help planning your safari.

About the Masai Mara

Known as one of the world’s most famous wildlife areas or ‘the world’s eight world wonder’, the Masai Mara has endless plains, breath-taking vistas and abundant wildlife. Learn more about the Masai Mara here.

Masai Mara special offers

Dreaming of the perfect safari holiday? We’ll help you find your way while planning your trip and provide you with a selection of the best available deals. Check out our latest Masai Mara special offers and discounts.

Getting to Masai Mara

Whether you’re arriving from far, far away or travelling to the Masai Mara from a destination in the region. We’ll guide you through your options for getting to the Mara and for getting around once you’re here.

As newbie safari travellers, we were blown away by our experience of the Conservatory - the animals in abundance; the landscapes; the people; the smells and sounds.

It was an amazing experience to actually see the river crossings, that we had seen so many times on TV during the wildebeest migration.

We saw a leopard on a tree and we were lucky enough to watch four lionesses and three cubs eating a fresh hunt. In the evening safari we were able to explore a massive variety of hippopotamus and a crocodile.

Masai Mara lodges & camps

The Masai Mara is rough and rugged, however you don't have to rough it during your stay. Eco-chic safari lodges with four-poster beds, sundowners with your favourite G&T and infinity pools overlooking the African savanna await.

We’ve selected a variety of warm and welcoming Masai Mara safari lodges and camps for you to choose from during your stay. Each of the accommodation options we’ve selected is known for offering premium safari activities, first-class accommodation and every creature comfort you could wish for during your stay.

All accommodations in Greater Masai Mara

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National Reserve accommodation

Browse Masai Mara NR accommodations

Mara conservancies accommodation

Browse conservancy lodges & camps

Masai Mara lodges we love

We would like to share a few accommodation options with you for your stay in the Masai Mara. Our safari lodge options come in a variety of price ranges, giving you plenty of possibilities to find the right Masai Mara safari camp for your travel budget.

Keep in mind that the following are simply suggestions. We offer tailor-made safari experiences and look forward to creating just the right mix of Masai Mara safari accommodation and activities based on your personal preferences. We look forward to helping you create the bespoke Masai Mara safari of your dreams.

Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

lodge location Mara Triangle

Kenyan hospitality meets Maasai-inspired luxury on the lush green banks of the Saparingo River. &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp lies on the edge of the Oloololo escarpment, where riverine forest meets the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara.

from US$ 435 per person per night

Cottars 1920s Safari Camp

lodge location Olderkesi

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp offers guest vintage luxury at its very best. Cream-coloured tents decorated in 1920s epic safari style, professional Maasai safari guides and above all a sense of elegance and class - this classic Kenyan safari camp has it all.

from US$ 1,059 per person per night

Elewana Sand River Camp

lodge location Musiara Sector

Ideally situated in one of the most remote parts of Masai Mara National Reserve, Sand River Camp pays homage to romantic 1920s safaris. Its design reminds guests of the many African adventure themed Hollywood movies created in that time period.

from US$ 670 per person per night

There were lion cubs galore, a baby zebra born in front of my eyes, pretty much everything an avid photographer could hope for.

The Maasai people were extremely welcoming, and were there to make sure our experience was nothing but the best. We will definitely be back.

The Big 5 and more - giraffes, zebras, hippos, lions with their families, cheetahs and hundreds of wildebeests - no shortage of amazing game sightings every day...

Masai Mara highlights

The Masai Mara is a dream come true for everyone who ever watched ‘Out of Africa’ and longed for the adventurous, romantic nostalgia of an African safari in the wild. The Great Migration, big cats and Maasai warriors await.

The Masai Mara is a photographer's paradise. This region is known for pristine riverine forests, dramatic towering escarpments, stunning sprawling savannahs and of course... all the creatures, big and small, that roam the land. Add a visit to a Maasai village to your stay for a cultural immersion and gain some insight in the day-to-day life of your hosts. For an extra special birds-eye view of the African plains, take to the skies during a hot-air balloon safari. When it comes to crafting the safari of your dreams, the sky is the limit.

Balloon safari

View golden plains from above

Maasai people

Extraordinary cultural meetings

Exhilarating wildlife

Wildlife up close and personal

The Great Migration

Wildlife spectacle in the Masai Mara

Safari activities

Drive, walks & more

Masai Mara National Reserve

Kenya's premier wildlife reserve

Luxury accommodation

A luxury safari home from home

Mara North Conservancy

Enjoy the perks of a conservancy

Conservancies in Kenya are the way to go; protecting the extraordinary wildlife whilst giving the local community an income, together with education on the interaction between the two.

Wonderful area for wildlife viewing. Having been there twice both times were awesome experiences! Will return again.

The highlight of our trip to Mara was seeing the migration at the Mara river. A once in a lifetime experience to see the Wildebeest migrating. An amazing scene of nature it was.

Masai Mara video

The best way of understanding what the Masai Mara and its conservancies are about is by seeing some thrilling footage from the area. Watch this video to experience Kenya's Masai Mara, its splendour and to meet some of our celebrity wildlife species.

Be careful, after watching this video you can be sure that you want to travel to Kenya. Today.

We saw 8 lions in one drive, and a hippo pod being circled by a dozen crocodiles that launched into the water, trying to get the baby hippos in the center of the pod. Wow!

I was fortunate that when I was recently in the Mara North Conservancy there were so few tourists. I saw plenty of wildlife. The sightings of big cats were especially good.

The Mara Triangle is the most beautiful, lush area of the Masai Mara. Loads of elephants and all types of wildlife without all the land cruiser traffic found in other areas of the Mara.

Send your enquiry

We hope you have found all information needed to decide that the Masai Mara in Kenya is the perfect place for your next safari adventure. Still have questions? Or maybe you would like some more specific information about the different lodges? Please fill in the contact form and we will get back to you soon!

• Masai Mara National Reserve & conservancies
• [email protected]

Masai Mara National Reserve

A visitors guide to the masai mara national park.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife reserve, and possibly it’s best for a safari (though faces stiff competition from Amboseli and Tsavo East for this title). Created in 1968 the reserve is around 1,550 km sq, and made up of vast open grasslands, dotted with rocky hills and acacia woodland. It’s sandwiched between several large conservancies on the northern border, conservation areas to the east and west and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park on the southern border. This makes the reserve part of a much larger East African ecosystem and a critical checkpoint for the Great Wildebeest Migration between July and October each year.

As well as the annual Masai Mara migration, the reserve is home to the big five. There are an estimated 300 lions in the Masai Mara – one of the highest densities anywhere in Africa – and sightings of the thick-maned lions are virtually guaranteed, particularly if you’re on the open plains. Cheetah, spotted hyena and other carnivores such as bat-eared fox and black-backed jackal are common, as are elephant, and there’s a small but healthy population of endangered black rhinos. Alongside the spectacular game viewing, there have been over 570 bird species recorded in the reserve, from raptors to ostrich .

The Masai Mara National Park can be broadly divided into three parts:

1. The Eastern Sector

The eastern sector from the Mara & Talek rivers to the Ngama Hills makes up around half the reserve, and is the closest part of the reserve to Nairobi and the most visited. The Ngama hills rise above the main Sekenani Entrance Gate and are a prominent feature of the landscape, visible from all areas of the park and a useful landmark if you’re doing a self-drive Masai Mara safari . The hills themselves don’t have as much wildlife as the plains below, but dense thickets on the slopes attract elusive black rhino, so it’s worth doing a tour of the hills.

The plains surrounding the hills are the classic East African safari landscape of short grassed savannahs, dotted with the occasional acacia tree. For the best wildlife viewing in this part of the park take a detour from the main roads, and use the smaller tracks that wind their way between the main routes. Big cats and cheetah are common here, along with their prey of antelope, gazelle , eland, and ostrich , along with plenty of elephants. The South Mara Bridge is the only crossing between the eastern and western sectors of the park, and offers a great spot to take a bush picnic with views over a large hippo pool.

2. The Central Sector

The central plains lie between the Mara and Talek rivers in the heart of the Masai Mara. Game viewing here is exceptionally reliable – particularly for big cats, many of which are habituated to vehicles, meaning you can very close for top viewing and photos without fear of driving the cats away.

Cupping these central plains are the Mara River and its tributary the Talek, the only permanent water sources flowing through the Masai Mara National Reserve. The area is covered with dozens of deep hippo holes, and the Mara River supports much aquatic life including hippo, crocodile and otter, along with plenty of birdlife. The lush forest that edges the rivers is home a strong leopard population, vervet monkeys and bushbucks. It’s this central section of the park that is home to one of nature’s greatest shows – when the Great Wildebeest Migration comes to town and crosses the Mara River. This can actually happen several times during the wildebeests’ 2-3 months in the Masai Mara. There a number of regular crossing points, most of which are in a 5 km stretch of the Mara River, up-water from where the Talek joins the Mara. Lookout Hill, opposite the Serena Lodge is the best vantage point for seeing the herds congregating and crossing the river.

3. The Mara Triangle

The most westerly section of the Masai Mara Reserve is known as the Mara Triangle, and is divided from the rest of the park by the Mara River on its eastern side. Oto the northwest is the Oloololo Escarpment making for a dramatic backdrop to the scenery as it 400 meters above the wildlife grazing on the plains. In July and August the grasslands of the Mara Triangle are heaving with wildebeest, zebra and gazelle – as well as their many predators.

This section of the park is less visited and less crowded than the rest of the Masai Mara and has limited – though quality – accommodation options

Masai Mara map

Map of Masai Mara National Park, courtesy of MaraNorth.com

Getting to Masai Mara Game Reserve:

The Masai Mara is 270 km from Kenya’s capital Nairobi, and the 4-5 hour drive between the two via Narok can be tough going. Most people opt for a 45-minute flight. In the reserve itself, the eastern side of the park now has all-weather roads, making for easy driving conditions. Through the rest of the park roads are almost all un-signposted dirt tracks and can be rough driving requiring a 4X4. If you’re planning a self-drive safari there is only one bridge inside the reserve across the Mara River, so plan your route and time accordingly.

Best Time to visit Masai Mara:

The Masai Mara is a year-round safari destination, with big cats and big game on view all of the time. December to February are the driest months and a great time to see the big cats in action. The great migration Masai Mara portion usually takes place from July to October. As the migration is a natural event that’s largely driven by the weather, these dates are not 100% certain, but very likely. Travelling to the park outside of peak season will mean no migration, but fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation.

Masai Mara highlights:

• The main highlight of the park is the great wildebeest Masai Mara migration.
• Aside from the migration, the Masai Mara is famed for its dense lion population, with the males sporting particularly shaggy, dark manes.
• The Masai Mara offers perfect conditions for an early morning balloon safari , giving a birds-eye view over the wildlife sprinkled plains in the rosy-tinted dawn light. Balloon safaris take off from Keerok lodge are usually completed with a bush breakfast with bubbles.

Masai Mara hotels:

There are dozens of camps and campsites in the eastern sector catering for all budgets, in the park and fringing the borders of the park. The central plains area is serviced by a handful of high-end safari camps. In the Mara Triangle, there’s only one camp (Little Governors) and one lodge (Mara Serena, with its prime position overlooking the Mara River crossings used by the great migration), though there are a number of high-end camps on the edge of the Mara Triangle  Mara Engai Wilderness Lodge, Kichwa Tembo, Bateleur Camp, Mara Siria, Kilima Camp and Mpata Safari Club.

Game drives are often confined to the same section that the safari lodge or campsite is in, so check with your lodge before booking. If you’re visiting for more than one night it’s a good idea to divide your time between different hotels so you can see as much of the Mara as possible.

Search & book hotels in and around Masai Mara National Park

Have you been to the Masai Mara or have any tips for visiting this game reserve? Please share with us in the comments section below!

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The Masai Mara National Park is one of the world’s greatest safari destinations, sharing unfenced borders with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania , and encompassing endless rolling plains, breathtaking scenery, and an abundance of wildlife. The Mara offers unrivalled views of the world’s greatest migration - a wildlife spectacle of over 1.5 million wildebeest moving in a circular direction between Kenya and Tanzania in search of grasslands that have sprouted after the rain. Crossing the Mara River is part of their journey and is a sight to behold as distressed herds attempt to get across the crocodile-infested waters. Visitors also have the rare opportunity of interacting with the Maasai people, learning about their century-old traditions and bush survival skills.

The Masai Mara is phenomenal all year round and offers exciting game drives, bush walks, hot air balloon safaris, and a selection of luxury and tented accommodations.

Each year the Masai Mara National Reserve is visited by thousands of tourists who come here to watch the exceptional population of game and the annual migration of zebra and wildebeest. The “Great Migration” takes place every year from July to October when millions of wildebeest and zebra migrate from the Serengeti in Tanzania.

Apr 9, 2024

Creating a Trip of a Lifetime

Shann Shaw was extremely patient and very helpful with getting a trip of a lifetime put together. Thank you so much for making it possible!

Keith answered all of my questions…

Keith answered all of my questions without any issues. He addressed everything that I asked and was quite prompt in his responses.

Apr 6, 2024

great service

This is to thank Leigh-Ann for her wonderful help with my safari booking. She always answers my questions quickly and provide solutions. Although I finally didn't book the trip because of a few constraints on my side, I'm sure that she is a nice person and it was enjoyable to receive her service.

Apr 4, 2024

Heleen feedback

Heleen was an absolute pleasure to deal with and is the person that has made me pass on Safari as a have to use when booking trips and putting a plan together. Heleen has been super responsive, informative and was more than happy to change things as needed throughout the process. We are a large group so nothing was simple but Heleen ensured we got accommodation together (as much as possible) and provided options for set ups too. It has been a pleasure to deal with Heleen and she is has given the company a fantastic reputation! Thank you so much again Heleen!

Apr 3, 2024

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Planning was spot on. Driver/guides were always waiting as scheduled. Experience in South Africa was great. Anja helped with all the details. Ngala safari exceeded our expectations. Randal our driver/guide in Cape Town was excellent.

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Apr 2, 2024

Leigh-Ann has been incredible…

Leigh-Ann has been incredible, I would highly recommend. First class service and response rates (even late at night with time difference). Very informative and recommended excellent hotel and tour options to make our trip unforgettable. All information was clear and easy payment links. A great way to help facilitate your trip, especially when there is SO much to choose from. Thank you again Leigh-Ann

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Amazing tip from Jayson

A few years ago we had Jayson deal with a Safari tour we wanted arranged for our parents and so started our first contact with Safari.com and Jayson. Since our parents were so very pleased with their experience, we immediately thought of Jayson when my partner and myself stated planning a trip to Africa. Jayson remembered us from almost 4 years ago, which I think is rather outstanding. We booked a three night stay, on Jaysons recomendation, at the Wallow Lodge, which proved to be a wonerful experience. Apart from the lodge being everything you could possibly imagine, it was the staff that made our stay a wonderful experience. We would most certainly recommend the wallow Lodge should we hear of freinds wishing to visit the Victoria Falls. Thanks gos to safari.com, Jayson for organizing our trip and the wonderful staff of the Wallow Lodge at the Victoria Falls. Kindest Regards, Kristof

2024 Guide to your Masai Mara Safari in Kenya: All you need to know!

The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular safari destinations in East Africa . Without a doubt, a Masai Mara safari in Kenya   guarantees a memorable experience with spectacular game drives and stunning landscapes. This article will guide you through everything you need to know for a safari in the Maasai Mara in Kenya.

Why is Masai Mara famous?

About 300,000 tourists visit the Masai Mara each year because of the abundance of wildlife and its iconic Savannah landscape with desert date trees. The Masai Mara National Reserve is also famous for the Great Migration , referring to large numbers of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles crossing the Maasai plains and the Mara River searching for food and water between Tanzania and Kenya.

The Masai Mara is home to Africa’s Big Five game animals , as well as other impressive animals like cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and more. The Masai Mara is widely known as the most famous and leading safari destination in East Africa. It’s a paradise for photographers and travelers who love nature.

Despite covering only 0.01% of Africa’s total landmass, over 40% of Africa’s larger mammals can be found in the Mara.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is named in honor of the Maasai people , an indigenous ethnic group of semi-nomadic people famous for their culture and traditions like the red clothes. Visiting a Masai village is another reason why people choose Masai Mara, Kenya for a safari in Kenya.

The beauty of the Maasai Mara’s Landscape

The Maasai Mara Game Reserve is characterized by endless open Savannah plains, dotted (acacia) trees, and rolling hills. The word ‘Mara’ means ‘spotted’ in the ‘Maa’, language, which refers to the landscape in the reserve. The Mara River runs through the Mara National Reserve, which provides the only permanent source of water in the dry season. The Mara River plays an essential role in the Great Migration and is home to many other African animals like Nile crocodiles and hippopotamus.

The Maasai Mara in Kenya also offers big dramatic skies, beautiful sunrises, and outstanding African sunsets, which are a photographer’s dream to capture. There are also tour operators that offer more specialized photo safaris in the Maasai Mara.

Where is the Masai Mara National Reserve located?

The Masai Mara National Reserve is located in Southern Kenya, along the Great Rift Valley , and covers a surface of 1,510 square km (583 square miles). It’s about 224 km from Nairobi, the Capital of Kenya. The Masai Mara National Park borders Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, both are part of the larger Mara-Serengeti Ecosystem. The Mara-Serengeti ecosystem is one of the largest and most protected ecosystems on Earth.

Map Source: Maa Trust

How to get to Masai Mara?

There are several options to get to the Masai Mara in Kenya. The two most popular options are overland by (private) transfer or by plane. Another option is booking a complete safari tour . Many tour operators offer Masai Mara Safari Packages that include transfers from and to Kenya's stunning Masai Mara.

If you travel on your own, without a Masai Mara tour, you have four options; by plane, a transfer (taxi), public transport, or a self-drive.

Masai Mara by plane

Flying is the quickest and most comfortable way to get to the Masai Mara, but also the most expensive one. The Nearest International Airport to the Masai Mara Kenya is the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. It’s a 45-60 minute flight from the Mara, depending on the part you are staying in.

Luxury safari accommodations in the Maasai Mara often offer a private transfer by plane, and most of them have a private airstrip. There are also daily flights to the Masai Mara from Nairobi Wilson Airport , provided by airlines like SafariLink and Air Kenya . The aircraft will land on an airstrip near your camp. After this flight, a driver needs to pick you up for a drive to your accommodation. The cheapest return ticket by plane will start at around 350 US dollars.

Private transfer by car to the Masai Mara

In my opinion, a private transfer or taxi is the best option to travel to the Masai Mara from Nairobi airport.  The drive will take about 5-6 hours, depending on where you are staying. I love this way of traveling as get to know the country better by traveling overland. By driving through various villages, you get a glimpse of how the people live, and what they sell along the streets. It’s the best way to learn about Africa. Another reason to take a (private) transfer is that you can sit back and enjoy the scenery plus the opportunity to stop and take photos at the greater Rift Valley viewpoint, the world's largest valley . The downside of traveling overland is that the roads can be bumpy, especially the last part when you enter the long gravel road to the Maasai Mara. Be prepared for an 'African massage'.

The average price of a single transfer from Nairobi to Masai Mara is about 120 - 150 US Dollars per person. There is always an option to negotiate if you are traveling in a group.

Masai Mara by Public transport

Traveling to the Masai Mara in Kenya by public transport might be the cheapest and Africa’s most authentic way but at the same time the most uncomfortable and challenging way. To get to the Masai Mara by public transport , you need to use a   local public transport bus, called a "Matatu". There is no direct connection from Nairobi to Masai Mara and the journey will take about 9-11 hours without technical problems.

To reach Masai Mara by public transport, you first need to travel from Nairobi to Narok. The buses from the transport operator ‘Narok Line’ embark from Nairobi’s ‘River Road’ area, in the Central Business District. The matatu buses in Kenya will only depart when they are full, so there are no scheduled departure times. It’s advised to be there at about 07.00 AM. You can expect a bumpy, dusty, and uncomfortable drive.

Easy Coach Bus

Another option is booking a bus ticket with Easy Coach LTD to Narok ($10), either online through the Easy Coach website (Mpesa payment only), or at one of their offices.

Note that Easy Coach isn't going to the Maasai Mara, but when you arrive at the bus station in Narok , you can either take a matatu or a taxi from there.

A taxi shouldn't cost you much more than $50 and you can often share a taxi. I tried this option myself, and it worked perfectly fine for me. I booked my ticket online (Nairobi to Narok) and could choose my seat. From Narok, I arranged a private taxi to the Northern Maasai Mara Conservancies (Lemek, Enonkishu, Ol Chorro). Get in touch if you need contacts for a private transfer!

Be aware that if you choose to go with a matatu, your luggage will be squeezed inside, and the buses are mostly dirty and old. The drive from Nairobi to Narok will cost about 3 USD without a tip for the driver. To continue your way to the Masai Mara, you need to take another matatu in Narok. The matatu from Nairobi drops you off at the top of a hill, 1.5 km away from the buses that depart to the Masai Mara. You can either walk or ask a motorbike driver to bring you to the ‘Naivas supermarket’, that’s where the buses depart.

To continue your journey to the Masai Mara, you need to take a bus towards Sekenani Gate , located on the eastern side of the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Make sure to have accommodation in this area and tell your driver where you’re staying before you leave Narok, so they know where to drop you. This second drive from Narok to the Masai Mara will cost about 5 USD excluding a tip for the driver.

Self drive in the Masai Mara

It is possible to do a self-drive in the Masai Mara , but it’s recommended to go with a local field guide who knows the area, the rules, and who understands the seasonal patterns and behavior of the animals. Roads toward and inside the reserve can be tough, and it can be quite complicated to find where to go in the Masai Mara.

If you choose to do a self-drive in the Masai Mara, you need to be well-prepared. Do your research about the areas in and around the reserve, within the Greater Masai Mara ecosystem , the different entrance gates, the fees, your car maintenance like refueling, and the road conditions.

Wildlife Course in the Maasai Mara

Have you ever considered doing a wildlife course in the Maasai Mara as an alternative to a regular safari trip?

If you are a nature and wildlife lover and want to enhance your knowledge of the natural world and African wildlife, a field guide course in the heart of the Maasai Mara is the perfect fit!

These wildlife courses - varying from 6 days to 1 year - are not only for the ones who pursue a career as a safari guide but for all nature enthusiasts who want to spend meaningful time in the African bush in order to get a better understanding of the natural environment and animal behavior. It's a great alternative to an 'ordinary' group safari trip, ticking off the Big Five as you will learn so much more from all the experienced trainers.

  I wrote an article about my personal experience of doing a wildlife course in the bush and 14 reasons to consider a safari guide course .

Since October 2021, I'm a qualified Field Guide (NQF2), and as a photographic tour leader, I offer private or small group photo safaris in Africa. Send me an e-mail at [email protected] to enquire about the possibility of going on a Kenya photo safari with me or if you want to receive more information about booking a wildlife course in the Maasai Mara .

The Best Time for Safari in Masai Mara, Kenya

The Masai Mara Kenya is an all-year-round safari destination   because of the excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year. In general, the best time to go on safari in Masai Mara is from July to October, during the dry season. During these months, the chances of sightings near waterholes and rivers are high and there is no or little rainfall.

The most popular time to visit the Masai Mara  is during July and August because of the highest chance of seeing the Wildebeest migration. At the same time, it’s the busiest and most expensive period to travel to the Masai Mara.

When planning your Masai Mara safari it’s important to be aware of the two rainy seasons . You can expect long rains from April to May and short rains in November and December. The advantage of the rainy season is that the scenery is green, which is great for birders. From October onwards, you can also be lucky to spot more newborns.

I love to plan my Masai Mara safari in June, September, October, or November.

    RELATED: What to pack for safari in Africa? Use this Safari Packing Guide !

The Great Migration in the Maasai Mara

During July and August, the Mara plains are full of wildebeest, zebra, and antelopes who migrate between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. Every year, more than 2 million animals are crossing the mighty Mara River in search of food and water. This world’s largest multi-species migration is a phenomenal wildlife viewing. While crossing the Mara River there’s always a high risk of getting caught by crocodiles and other predators.

This natural spectacle of the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara attracts many tourists every year and is the busiest - and most expensive - time in the Masai Mara. Therefore, it's advisable to plan your stay in advance if you want to view this natural phenomenon.

Fun Fact: Did you know the Wildebeest (or Gnu) is part of The Ugly Five animals of Africa? And that these five ugliest safari animals in Africa can all be found in the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the surrounding conservancies?

Is Masai Mara safe?

Safaris in the Masai Mara are safe, especially if your safari is primarily an organized tour or organized by your accommodation. For your safety, listen to the advice of your safari guide and make sure to follow the safety rules. The reserve itself is well protected by professionally trained and certified park rangers . The Mara is located far from agitated areas, so there’s no need to worry about safety in the Maasai Mara .

How many days do you need in Masai Mara?

A 3-day Masai Mara safari is the minimum to get the best out of your experience. It’s recommended to have at least two to four full days in the park to explore the variety of wildlife and sceneries. Many tour operators offer Masai Mara safari packages, which can be interesting because you don’t need to arrange everything on your own. If you have time, I recommend staying at two or three different lodges in different parts of the Mara and I also highly recommend booking a balloon safari .

  RELATED: What to expect on a hot air balloon safari?

Is Masai Mara expensive?

The Masai Mara is an expensive tourist destination . Depending on the style you are used to traveling, prices vary. Masai Mara Safari packages cover all costs for accommodation, fees for Masai Mara National Reserve, (private) guides, meals, the vehicle, fuel, and more.

For instance, a budget 3-day Masai Mara safari package starts at 270 USD per person sharing. Budget means staying in a budget camp and sharing a vehicle with a group of 6 to 12 persons. Luxury safaris in Masai Mara can easily cost 1000 USD per person per night.

If you are an adventurous traveler and want to arrange everything on your own, you can spare some money. However, the park fees of the Maasai Mara National Reserve are not negotiable and they are not cheap. Until 2023, they were 80 USD per persoon for non-resident adults, but increased up to 200 USD in 2024.

Park Entry Fees Masai Mara 2024

The Narok County Council has increased the Masai Mara entry fees for 2024 and they differ per season.

The entrance fee for Masai Mara in 2024 for non-resident adults varies from 100 USD from 1st January until 3th June 2024, to 200 USD per person for the daily entrance fee into the Masai Mara National Reserve from 1st July until 31st December 2024. Children from 9 to 17 years old pay 50 USD, and children under 8 can enter free of charge.

Here's an overview of the Masai Mara Park Entry Fees in 2024 :

• USD 100 per day, per adult
• USD 50 per day, per child from 9-17 years
• Children 8 years and below are free
• USD 200 per day, per adult

Which part of Masai Mara is best?

The two rivers of the reserve, the Mara River and Talek River , naturally divide the reserve into three parts; Sekenani, the Mara Triangle, and Musiara.

Mara Triangle

It takes some more effort to drive to the Mara Triangle because it’s more remotely located and only a few accommodations are based there. This part is less crowded, and it’s the gateway to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Especially during the Great Migration, it would be great to spend time in or near the Mara Triangle, but in general, I would suggest focusing more on the accommodation than the location in the Mara.

Mara Conservancies

Apart from the areas inside the reserve, several private conservancies border the Masai Mara National Reserve. These conservancies are also part of the Mara-Serengeti Ecosystem, all without fences so that the wildlife can roam freely from the Maasai Mara National Reserve into the conservancies and vice versa. If it suits your budget, it’s a lovely way to get a more exclusive experience and an abundance of wildlife. Examples of Mara Conservancies are Enonkishu Conservancy , Lemek Conservancy, and Naboisho Conservancy.

Which is better, Serengeti or Masai Mara?

Serengeti and Maasai Mara are both amazing safari destinations that share the same ecosystem, wildlife, climate, and types of landscapes but there are some differences. For example, The Serengeti National Park is larger than the Masai Mara National Reserve and also more expensive. The main reason for the price difference is that tourists stay inside the Serengeti, where you have to pay a daily concession fee in addition to the National Park fee (140 USD in total).

I honestly can't say which is better, the Serengeti or the Masai Mara. Both offer an outstanding safari experience, but my favorite is the magical Maasai Mara.

Is Masai Mara malaria free?

Malaria is sparse in the Masai Mara because of its altitude. Mosquitoes generally do not live at those elevations, but they can exist. On my last visit to the Masai Mara, I brought antimalarials but I didn't take them. I do use mosquito repellant and I wear long trousers when the sun starts setting. I'm not a doctor, so my best advice is to consult a doctor before heading to Africa.

Is Masai Mara fenced?

There aren't any fences between the Mara and Serengeti and the surrounding conservancies, so wildlife is free to roam throughout the land. Communities or private establishments use fences, but it can harm the animals. There is a lot of attention to preventing fencing in the area.

How to enter the Masai Mara National Reserve?

There are 6 entry gates to Masai Mara to make it easier to reach the beautiful National Reserve. Below you can find the 6 Masai Mara gates. Using the correct Masai Mara gate can save you hours of extra driving.

• Sekenani Gate , located on the Eastern border of the reserve
• Talek Gate , located on the Northwestern side of Masai Mara National Reserve
• Musiara Gate , located on the north-eastern side of the reserve, near Oloololo gate
• Oloololo Gate , located on the north-eastern side of the reserve, near Musiara Gate
• Ololaimutia Gate , located on the northeastern side of the reserve
• Sand River Gate , located on the southern end of Masai Mara national reserve

Where to stay in Masai Mara?

Where to stay in the Maasai Mara depends on your wishes and budget. In the southeastern part of the reserve, near the Talek, Sekenani, and Olumununa gates, you can find many accommodations varying from budget to luxury lodges.

We prefer staying at a private Mara conservancy . These exclusive conservancies have strict limitations on visitor numbers, they are smaller and often allow off-road driving. Most of the guides are local (Masai) people, who know the area very well. Last but not least, the population of wildlife is often higher because of strict conservation management. Below you can find examples of accommodation I have stayed at:

• Mid-Range : Wild Bandas , Enonkishu Conservancy
• Mid-Range :   Maasai Mara Sopa Lodge , Ololaimutia Hills, on the northeastern side of the reserve
• Luxury : Ashnil Mara Camp , Talek, Masai Mara National Reserve
• Luxury : House in the Wild , Enonkishu Conservancy

Is a safari in Masai Mara worth it?

Yes. a Masai Mara safari is totally worth it!  Whether it’s your first safari or one out of many, you won’t regret going (back) to the Mara. The amount of wildlife is stunning, the landscapes are wonderful, the guides and staff speak English, and you can join a cultural experience with the Maasai tribe.

Book a Maasai Mara Safari in Kenya

Looking for the best deals for a safari in the Maasai Mara operated by 5-star rated tour operators? Find interesting deals and Maasai Mara Safari Packages , ranging from budget safaris to luxury safaris.

Maasai Mara Safari in Kenya

In case you have any questions about planning your safari in Kenya or getting around in the Maasai Mara, feel free to contact me. If you are planning your first-ever safari, it might be useful to read the following articles:

• What to expect on a game drive in Africa? 15 things you need to know
• 7 tips to make the most out of your safari game drive
• If you're a keen photographer you might be interested in reading my tips for planning a photography safari in for example the Masai Mara
• What to pack for a safari in Africa? Use this Safari Packing Guide

I hope this article was helpful for you to plan your Maasai Mara safari itinerary. If so, I would be extremely thankful if you'd share this blog on social media and leave a comment below.

Pin this guide to a Maasai Mara Safari in Kenya for later use!

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• Masai Mara Safari

The ultimate guide to your next Masai Mara Safari

Get to know masai mara.

By Matthys van Aswegen

Safari Travel Planner

A first-rate Masai Mara safari experience brings together abundant big cat sightings with the chance to see the annual wildebeest migration.

The Masai Mara Reserve is known worldwide for its abundance of cats, portrayed by numerous wildlife documentaries.

The profusion of cats and the annual Great Migration that enters the reserve from July to October makes for concentrated wildlife interaction.

Places like the Musiara Swamp, Rhino Ridge, and Topi Plains are some of the most famous locations. The best places for migration safaris are the banks of the Mara or Talek rivers or the confluence of the two.

Combine your visit to the reserve with a stop at the neighboring private conservancies, where numbers are more controlled and walking safaris, night drives, and off-road driving are allowed.

A Masai Mara safari can be a wonderful experience but disappointing if not well-planned.

Many lodges bring hordes of visitors into the reserve during peak season, from July to the end of September, so get an expert to book somewhere that suits your taste.

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Why Maasai Mara?

• It’s home to the amazing seasonal Wildebeest Great Migration
• It hosts the highest concentration of big cats
• It offers spectacular Birdwatching Safaris
• Rich culture and historic Maasai Mara experiences

Where to go in Maasai Mara

• Mara Triangle
• Masai Mara Conservancies
• Masai Mara National Reserve
• Ol Kinyei Conservation

The Mara River is a river in Kenya’s Narok County and Tanzania’s Mara Region that runs through the Maasai Mara/Serengeti environment and crosses the wildebeest migration path.

The Mara River basin spans 13,504km2 (5,214 square miles), around 65 percent in Kenya and 35 percent in Tanzania.

The river runs for roughly 395km (245mi) from its origins in the Kenyan highlands to Lake Victoria, where it springs from the Mau Escarpment. The basin may be split into four land use and/or administrative divisions.

The Mara River is the main barrier for wildebeest herd crossings in the middle of the year, but smaller breakaway groups also cross the Talek and Sand Rivers. As late as November, stragglers have been observed crossing the Talek.

The Mara Triangle is where the  Great Migration herds enter and depart the Masai Mara National Reserve from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, making it a perfect location to witness this incredible wildlife display.

The Mara Triangle has a hot air balloon launch point, and this aerial pastime is not to be missed. Flying high over the Mara plains as the sun sets turns the scenery golden and allows you to view wildlife from the air, an unforgettable experience. The hot air balloon flight can be arranged through your camp or resort.

While the Masai Mara National Reserve is the focal point of the Greater Mara Ecosystem, several conservancies were established that border the unfenced national reserve in the last decade.

These conservancies are on private land owned by Maasai families that has been set aside for wildlife conservation and tourism.

The landowners lease their land to safari companies and lodges, who then pay monthly fees, which go back into the community, funding education and other development initiatives.

In return, the Maasai are still allowed to graze their cattle on the land, but only under strictly controlled conditions.

As a result of the establishment of conservancies, Maasai communities have benefited from economic upliftment, while wildlife numbers have increased as land that was once overgrazed is now being rehabilitated as wilderness.

Mara conservancies are the best option for people wanting a low tourist density Masai Mara safari experience, as most of the concessions only have a few camps and don’t allow self-driving, so there’s a limit to how many vehicles will be at sightings.

The other bonus of staying in a conservancy is doing the activities that aren’t allowed in the national reserve, including bush dinners, night drives, off-road driving, and walking safaris , which are all fantastic ways to experience the wilderness and animals.

On walks in the bush, Maasai guides will track animals and teach you about the ecosystem, its fascinating animal, bird, and insect life, and the medicinal and cultural uses of plants.

The conservancies, which cover an area of land almost the same size as the national reserve itself, are concentrated around the northern end of the reserve. They also lie to the east of the Masai Mara in more remote locations.

By staying at a Maasai-owned conservancy, you not only experience the luxury of exclusive wildlife viewing but also contribute to community conservation, improving the lives of local communities and helping wildlife numbers to increase.

Mara North Conservancy

On the northwestern edge of the Masai Mara National Reserve, the 74 000-acre Mara North Conservancy is one of the best concessions for its abundant wildlife, quintessential savanna landscapes, and commitment to community conservation.

Projects here work to rehabilitate overgrazed land and natural habitats and support the management of grazing areas.

Game viewing is excellent, and particular highlights are big cat sightings and the dramatic herds of the Great Migration . Out of all the conservancies, it has the greatest number of camps – ten in total – but there’s still a lot of space and privacy, with nearly 700 acres per tent.

Mara Naboisho Conservancy

It’s easy to see why this 50 000-acre conservancy is hailed by many as the top concession in the Masai Mara for Safari.

To the north of the national reserve, the Mara Naboisho Conservancy has only seven camps (877 acres per tent), so there’s plenty of wilderness without other cars, and the environmental impact is limited.

Here the concentration of wildlife is high, with abundant big cats and herds of wildebeest, elephants, and giraffes. It also ticks all the boxes for successful community conservation.

The conservancy was established when more than 500 Maasai land-owning families decided to connect their land to allow for wildlife movement. The Maasai now practice controlled grazing to allow the land to recover from intensive herding.

Enonkishu Conservancy

At the northern end of the Greater Mara Ecosystem, the 6000-acre Enonkishu Conservancy is focused on improving cattle management so that the ecosystem and wildlife can regenerate and local communities have sustainable income from grazing and conservation fees.

Wildlife to spot includes plenty of plains game, giraffes, buffalo, elephants, and a pride of lions that lives on the edge of the conservancy.

Ol Kinyei Conservancy

With only two small camps (as well as two mobile camps) on its 18 700-acres of grassy plains and undulating hills, the Maasai-owned Ol Kinyei Conservancy provides ample privacy and exclusivity.

It offers superb wildlife viewing, with a resident lion pride and leopards, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and more than 300 bird species. The camps in the conservancy also offer game drives in the neighboring Mara Naboisho Conservancy.

Olare Motorogi Conservancy

One of the oldest and most successful conservancies, Olare Motorogi (made up of the former Motorogi and Olare-Orok Conservancies), has been a blueprint for other concessions and community conservation in the Masai Mara.

It also offers exceptional wildlife viewing (with large numbers of lions and elephants), with one of the highest concentrations of animals and the lowest tourist densities in the Mara.

There’s a 94-bed limit on the conservancy with just one room per 700 acres on its 33 000-acres of riverine forest, valleys, and acacia woodland.

Olderikesi Conservancy

Along the eastern border of the national reserve close to the Serengeti in Tanzania, the 24 700-acre Olderikesi Conservancy is located in one of the most remote areas in the Masai Mara ecosystem.

It’s also one of the most exclusive concessions, as there are only 20 rooms on the entire conservancy – a distribution of one room per 1200 acres.

Olderikesi is your spot if you’re looking for solitude on your Masai Mara Safari. It’s also particularly rich in game and is known for fantastic lion, leopard, and cheetah sightings.

Mara Siana Conservancy

Recently established in 2015 by 1200 landowners, the 7898-acre Mara Siana Conservancy lies some distance from the Masai Mara National Reserve to the east.

If you want to get off the beaten track, this is a good option, as it’s more remote than some of the other conservancies and only has two lodging options.

In this secluded valley, there’s plenty of wildlife to be spotted, from prides of lions, herds of elephants, cheetahs, leopards, buffalo, and the occasional Black rhino and pack of wild dogs.

Loita Hills

Lying to the northeast of the Masai Mara, the little-visited mountain range of Loita Hills is home to Maasai communities and beautiful landscapes of immense plains, thick forests, verdant hills, and mountain peaks that loom up to 2150m (7054ft).

While this isn’t a conservation area, and there’s less wildlife than in the conservancies, there’s still game to be spotted, from buffalo and bushbuck to Colobus monkeys, as well as plenty of birds.

However, the main reason to visit Loita Hills is to witness the traditional Maasai culture, visit community projects and experience a walking safari with Maasai guides in an area where few other tourists venture.

There are a few options for walking safaris: staying at a base camp and doing day walks into the surrounding area or making a multi-day trip of up to 12 days staying at mobile camps with all your equipment and provisions carried by donkeys.

Loita Migration

While everyone has heard about the Great Migration, hardly anyone knows about the Loita Migration.

Around May, at the start of the dry season, a smaller movement of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and other antelope make their way from the Loita Plains (that lie to the north of the Masai Mara National Reserve) southwards into the reserve itself.

The animals move through the Mara Naboisho, Olare Motorogi, and Ol Kinyei Conservancies, so if you want to experience this mini version of the migration, book a stay at one of the camps in these concessions for your Masai Mara Safari.

Travel Tips

• The peak Great Migration months of August to October are especially busy in the Masai Mara, so be sure to book well in advance for lodging at conservancy camps.
• Keep in mind that many camps are small and intimate, so they only offer a few tented rooms and get booked up quickly.

• The best and easiest way to access lodges and camps on the conservancies is by flying into conservancies’ airstrips, where the lodge you’ve booked will have staff waiting to pick you up. You can drive to the conservancies, but you’re not allowed to self-drive inside the conservancy.
• If you stay in a conservancy, you can take game drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve to see the Mara River crossings during the Great Migration months.

Located in the far southwest of Kenya in the Great Rift Valley, the Masai Mara National Reserve is the East African country’s flagship park: a vast wilderness of abundant big game, spectacular landscapes and the scene of one of the planet’s most dramatic wildlife migrations. The reserve is named after the Maasai people, a semi-nomadic tribe of pastoralists who have long inhabited the region, and their word to describe this landscape – “mara” – which means “spotted” – a reference to the trees and bushes, as well as the shadows of passing clouds, that dot the plains.

The Masai Mara was established in 1961 as a wildlife sanctuary and today it encompasses an area greater than 370 000 acres, with no fences between the park and the neighbouring wilderness of the Serengeti National Park, across the border in Tanzania. The national reserve is only a small part of the Greater Mara Ecosystem, which also includes group ranches, community land and private conservancies.

The Masai Mara is one of the best places in Africa to see wildlife: the concentrations of game here are astounding. Resident in the reserve are the Big Five (although not many rhinos, and they’re hard to spot), as well as huge herds of plains game, hippos and crocodiles in the rivers and more than 500 species of birds. The reserve is particularly famous for its big cats – lions, leopard and cheetah – and the nature documentary show BBC’s Big Cat Diary was shot on the reserve’s plains. While the wildlife viewing at almost any time of the year is superb, the Masai Mara is best visited during the months of the Great Migration, when millions of zebra, wildebeest and gazelle make their way north into the park from the Serengeti, crossing the Mara River in search of fresh grazing. Watching vast herds of animals on the move, as well as the thrilling kills by the big cats that pursue them, is one of the most exciting safari experiences you can have, and it’s no wonder that the Great Migration is at the top of most safari travellers’ bucket lists.

Apart from wildlife, the landscapes of the Masai Mara are stunningly beautiful: the classic Out of Africa backdrops of seemingly never-ending savanna studded with photogenic acacia trees. To the west, the park is bordered by the Oloololo Escarpment, a dramatic plateau, while the rest of the park is made up of rolling grasslands, acacia woodlands, riverine forest and rocky hills.

Two major rivers – the Talek and the Mara – cut through the Masai Mara National Reserve, splitting it into three sectors: the Sekenani Sector, which lies to the east of the Talek River, the Musiara Sector, which is sandwiched between the two rivers, and the Mara Triangle, which is west of the Mara River. The Musiara and Sekenani Sectors are controlled by the Narok County Council, while the more remote Mara Triangle is administered by a non-profit conservancy company, the Trans Mara County Council.

Musiara Sector offers great game viewing in the Musiara Marsh, as well as some of the most spectacular wildebeest crossings at the Mara River. In the southeast of the park and bordered by the Sand, Talek and Mara Rivers, the Central Plains makes up the largest part of the reserve. The expansive grasslands of the Central Plains attract vast herds of plains animals, especially during the Great Migration from August to October, while the area is also famed for exciting big cat sightings. Within the Central Plains, the savanna of Paradise Plain is prime cheetah territory, while Rhino Ridge for black-backed jackals, spotted hyena and bat-eared foxes. Head to Lookout Hill for incredible panoramas of the Olpunyaia Swamp and sightings of hippo, as well as for scenes of wildebeest crossing the river during the months of the migration. As the closest area to Nairobi and with a huge number of lodges, hotels and camps, the Central Plains is the most popular area of the reserve for tourists.

The Masai Mara’s rivers are home to hippos and massive Nile crocodiles, as well as many species of waterbirds, while the Mara River, which wends its way through the national reserve, plays host to the biggest pods of hippos and also to the perilous crossings of wildebeest during the Great Migration.

One of the biggest mammal migrations on the planet, the Great Migration (otherwise known as the Great Wildebeest Migration), sees around two million wildebeest, gazelle and zebra – followed by hungry predators – move between the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania north to the Masai Mara National Reserve between June and September in search of fresh grass after seasonal rains. It’s been called the Eighth Wonder of the World and it’s easy to see why: the sheer scale of the herds is quite literally breath taking, and the everyday dramas of survival, hunting and attacks by predators are among the most thrilling wildlife sightings you can have. The most sought-after scenes from the Migration are the dangerous river crossings that the animals make across the Mara River, which usually take place in July and August in the Masai Mara. With a choice of lodges and camps near the Mara River, you’ll be able to stay close to the action, and spend game drives travelling between different crossing points on the river.

Going for a hot air balloon ride at dawn above the plains of the Masai Mara is an unmissable experience. Getting a bird’s eye view of the endless savanna dotted with game is definitely one way of taking your safari up a notch. There are several companies that offer sunrise balloon flights and trips can be booked through your lodge and the price includes transfers from your lodge as well as a champagne breakfast when you land.

Make a visit to a traditional Maasai manyatta (village) to learn more about the fascinating culture and history of the semi-nomadic people who call the Mara home. Learn about daily life in the manyatta and some of the traditional rituals and ceremonies that make up Maasai culture and see the villagers singing and dancing – the Maasai are famous for their jumping dance, where the warriors come together in a circle with one dancer in the centre jumping higher and higher along to the singing voices of the warriors. You’ll also be able to buy some of the exquisite and distinctive beaded jewellery pieces that the Maasai wear – a perfect souvenir or gift to take home.

If you want a unique experience in the Masai Mara, consider a Maasai homestay: spending a night or two in a Maasai manyatta just outside the reserve’s gates. You’ll get to see what daily life is really like for a Maasai community by helping out with village chores such as milking cows, and learning to make jewellery, but you’ll also get to spend time in nature doing bush walks with a Maasai guide.

• As one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations, the Masai Mara gets very busy, especially during the peak months of the year from June to September, when the Great Migration takes place, and during the Christmas holidays. The busiest region of the park is in the southeast, near the Talek, Sekenani and Olumuna gates, where there’s a spread of large hotels. The central part of the reserve is also particularly full during the Great Migration.
• The south of the Mara River has the park’s concentration of hotels and lodges, with 5000 beds, whereas to the north of the river there are only 500 beds. If you want to escape the crowds, head to the Mara Triangle in the west or stay in a camp on one of the many private conservancies that border the park to the north. Another way to avoid the crowds is to travel in early June or during October, when you’ll still have superb wildlife sightings but you’ll be sharing them with far fewer other cars. Early December is another great time of year to visit the Masai Mara – while you’ll have a bit of rain, the park is very quiet, and you’ll have the bonus of lush green landscapes and migratory bird species. It’s a good idea to book far in advance for lodging during the busiest months of June to October, but you should think about reserve a year in advance for accommodation and tours during the Great Migration – although you can also find some great last-minute offers.
• While there’s a general pattern for the movement of the Great Migration herds each year, the exact timing of the movements can be hard to predict, because it all depends on seasonal rainfall. There’s also no exact route that the herds take: large numbers of animals trek across the Mara River, crossing from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara and moving through the Mara Triangle in the west of the park, then turning east and crossing the Mara River again to move into the Sekenani and Musiara sectors of the park. The herds then make their way north into the conservancies that border the national reserve until the rains start in the Serengeti again and the animals start to move back south to Tanzania in search of fresh grass.
• To help you follow the herds, we have developed a web-based app – HerdTracker – which plots the exact location of the wildebeest migration in real time to a Google map. Sourced from pilots who fly over the parks, as well as local rangers and safari guides on the ground, HerdTracker works out the distances between the migrating herds and the camps and lodges in the Masai Mara (and the Serengeti across the border in Tanzania), which gives you the chance to find last-minute lodging as close to the herds as possible. We also have a live availability calendar to help you see which lodge still has last-minute rooms.

• Most travellers who come to the Masai Mara book an all-inclusive package which covers lodging, food, transport to and from the park and activities such as game drives. Booking a package is the most cost-effective way to travel to a pricey safari destination. If you’re travelling independently, you can hire a car and a driver to travel to the park from Nairobi (a six-hour drive) or from the closest town of Narok (three hours’ drive away) and to travel around the park. You can also travel on public transport to the park from Nairobi and Narok, although many lodges will be able to organise transfers. The most convenient and hassle-free way of getting to the park is by flying in – either to a camp’s private airstrip or to one of the several landing trips spread around the park, where your lodge’s game drive vehicle will be waiting to pick you up.

It offers superb wildlife viewing, with a resident lion pride and leopards, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and more than 300 bird species.

The camps in the conservancy also offer game drives in the neighboring Mara Naboisho Conservancy.

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When is the best month to travel to masai mara.

• Masai Mara in January

• There’s less rain in January than in December, with an average of 15 days of rainfall in the month. If it does rain then it’s usually a short shower in the afternoon. January is one of the warmest months of the year, and day time temperatures can reach 28C, with nights dropping to a minimum of 12C.
• January is a great month to visit the Masai Mara if you’re a birder: the birdwatching at this time of year is superb and there are many migratory species to spot. It’s also the birthing season, so this is the time to go to the Mara if you’d like to see baby animals taking their first steps.
• Masai Mara in February

• February gets more rain than January, with an average of 17 rainy days a month. Temperature wise, it’s the same as January: average highs of 28C and average night-time lows of 12C.
• February is a good month to visit the Masai Mara if you want to see lots of baby animals (up to half a million wildebeest are born this month), and you don’t mind afternoon thundershowers. Wildlife viewing is good, and birdwatching is excellent, with many migratory species present in the park.
• Masai Mara in March

• March is a rainy month. Nearly every day of the month will have afternoon thundershowers and there may be continuous rain.
• High rainfall in March means that roads get very muddy and can be challenging to drive on, and some camps close down until May. The park sees fewer visitors this month, while the landscapes are lush and green. A highlight in March is spotting migratory birds.
• Masai Mara in April

• April is the wettest month of the year, with an average of 23 days of rain. It’s slightly cooler than March but still warm with average maximum highs of 26C.
• Because it’s so wet, the roads can be tricky and some lodges close down, making April one of the least ideal months to visit the Masai Mara. On the plus side, it is the low season so you can get discounts on lodging and there are far fewer other tourists so the park is much quieter. It’s also the last month to spot migratory bird species.
• Masai Mara in May

• There’s slightly less rain in May than in April, but it’s still one of the wettest months of the year. May marks the start of several slightly cooler months (with average daytime highs are 25C), lasting until September.
• May isn’t an ideal time to visit the Masai Mara because of the amount of rainfall making wildlife viewing and driving around the park more challenging. Some lodges and camps are also closed because of the rain. One plus of visiting at this time of year is discounted rates for package tours and lodging and far fewer visitors to share sightings with.
• Masai Mara in June

• After the rainy season months of March to May, June is much drier – down from 20 days of rain to an average of 12 days of rain during the month.
• June marks the start of the busy season in the Masai Mara – the weather is dry, and the days are cooler than at other times of the year, and the wildlife viewing is excellent, although the majority of the herds of the Great Migration have not yet arrived.
• Masai Mara in July

• Along with August, July is the coolest month of the year, and night times can dip below 10C so bring along warm clothes and lots of layers for early morning game drives. Day time temperatures are pleasantly warm. July is also the driest month of the year, with an average of only 11 days of rain.
• In July the herds start moving into the Masai Mara from the Serengeti at the start of the Great Migration so it’s an ideal month to travel to the park if you want to witness the thrilling spectacle. The lack of rain at this time of year also means that the bush is thinning, making it easier to see animals. The downside of travelling in July is that it’s one of the busiest months of the year: prices go up and sightings can be very crowded.
• Masai Mara in August

• August is one of the driest months of the year, and has the same cooler temperatures of July: average lows at night of 11C and highs during the day of 25C.
• August is very popular time for people to visit the park to witness the daily dramas of the Great Migration. As the dry season progresses, it becomes easier to see animals in the thinning bush. In terms of wildlife viewing, it’s hard to beat. Along with September, it’s the busiest and most expensive month to visit the reserve.
• Masai Mara in September

• September is slightly warmer than August, going up to an average daytime high of 27C, however, nights can be as chilly as 12C so bring along warm gear. September remains in the dry period, with little rain to disrupt game viewing.
• Together with August, September is the most popular month to visit the Masai Mara (expect lots of other tourists and the highest prices of the year), as the spectacle of millions of animals moving in the Great Migration is in full swing.
• Masai Mara in October

• October is one of the warmest months of the year, but luckily temperatures don’t rise much above an average of 28C during the day. It’s also a relatively dry month with little rainfall.
• October is a wonderful month to visit the Masai Mara, as the majority of the herds from the migration are in the park, but there are fewer visitors, so viewings aren’t as crowded as August and September.
• Masai Mara in November

• November marks the start of the second rainy season of the year – the so-called “short rains”. With an average of 20 days of rain this month, you’ll likely to see thundershowers on most days of your visit, although they are often only short afternoon rain showers, after which the skies clear up.
• November is a good time to visit the Masai Mara to catch the end of the migration as the herds start making their way back down to the Serengeti in Tanzania. It’s a good month for birders too, as migratory bird species begin to arrive in the park. The only downside can be the rain but the thundershowers are usually short bursts of rain in the afternoon and are unlikely to disrupt your game viewing too much.
• Masai Mara in December

• December falls during the “short rains” – the second rainy season of the year – in the Masai Mara, and sees and average of 17 days of rain during the month. While the rain can be heavy, it usually only pours for a short time in the late afternoon and shouldn’t affect your game viewing too much.
• Longer grass from the rain makes wildlife viewing a little more challenging this month, although December is a fantastic month for birdwatching in the Masai Mara as the migratory species can be spotted. The birthing season which is called “Toto Time” starts this month, so if you fancy seeing baby animals being born and taking their first steps then plan on visiting the park between December and February. It’s less busy in early December than during the peak months of June to October, but it gets very busy in the park during the Christmas holidays.

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Faqs about maasai mara.

• Safari lodges have guest rooms similar to a hotel with en-suite bathrooms. They are comfortably furnished with facilities normally associated with a hotel rooms, except your rooms are normally set in beautiful wilderness settings, with nature and wildlife around.
• Tented lodges have rooms which are tents on a platform and with a roof and also have en-suite facilities with showers, flush toilets and hot water. Basically all the amenities of a hotel room, except canvas walls and roof.
• The boutique lodges and camps can be very stylish and smart in terms of design and decor, often with very spacious rooms and even going so far in some cases as having plunge pools for each room.
• Eco-camps and smaller tented camps have insect-proof tents with en-suite facilities including a safari shower and flush toilet.  They give a more authentic safari experience but the tents are comfortably furnished with proper beds and you don’t need to bring your own sleeping bag! The emphasis is usually on having excellent guides and great wildlife viewing away from the crowds. Guests often eat together and people travelling alone usually say that they found the atmosphere friendly and enjoyed meeting other like-minded travellers around the campfire in the evening or at dinner.
• The Adventure Camps are a budget option with guests bringing their own sleeping bags and towels. Accommodation is in small dome tented with a mattress on the floor. Each tent has its own nearby cubicle with a flush toilet, safari shower, and wash basin. The Adventure Camps are suitable only for those who don’t mind “real camping” and can put with some degree of “roughing it”. Apart from the accommodation in simple dome tents, the meals and the guiding are the same standards as the higher quality camps and game drives are in 4x4 safari vehicles. For those on a limited budget, the Adventure Camps are a good alternative to the big tourist lodges and minibus tours for those for whom the safari experience is more important than hotel accommodation.
• If the weather causes unforeseen problems on the day of your hot air balloon safari, we will try to move it to another day or you will be refunded.
• The Masai Mara is an excellent all year safari destination, providing travellers with reliable sightings of it's resident wildlife. However, if you're planning a migration safari, it's best to travel during the months of August and October if you wish to witness the Mara River crossings.
• Kenya has a world of variety when it comes to tented accommodation camps, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another realm in the bush as your every desire comes try.

Our Recommended Activities in Maasai Mara

• Masai Mara Adventure

The breadth and diversity of lodging and activities offered in the Masai Mara National Reserve means that every kind of traveller is catered for. Solo travellers will find it easy to join up with group tours that run the gamut from budget-friendly camping trips to all-out luxury with all the special touches, adventurous travellers will be able to self-drive in the park and pitch their tents in a campsite, families will find child-friendly lodges with a host of kids’ activities, while travellers looking for a romantic holiday will be pampered at luxury camps that are well-geared for intimacy and romance, with private pools and decks, beautiful rooms and indulgent extras such as private champagne breakfasts for two in the bush.

Travellers who are looking to experience the Masai Mara without lots of other vehicles around sightings should consider the Mara Triangle. There’s a limited choice of lodging options: the lodge is large and offers a lot of facilities – so would be better suited to families and solo travellers looking to meet other travellers – while the camp is small and intimate, which would be perfect for romantic travellers. Alternatively, there are 10 camps located in private conservancies outside of the Mara Triangle that offer game drives in the area, so staying outside the Triangle itself is also an option.

Adventurous travellers on self-drive trips will love the Mara Triangle, as this is the only place in the reserve where you can pitch your own tent. It’s also easier to self-drive in this sector.

Travellers – whether solo, family, adventurous or romantic – looking to get a bit off the beaten track and escape the crowds of the national reserve should book a stay at a private conservancy for their Masai Mara trip. Solo travellers looking for peace and quiet should look at staying at one of the smaller camps in a conservancy, while adventurous travellers will enjoy doing activities such as bush walks which are not permitted in the national reserve. Families are well catered for at some lodges and camps in the conservancies – just do your research to find out which ones have family tents or rooms and offer special kids’ activities. Romantic couples and honeymooners will find the intimate camps of the conservancies perfect for a special safari holiday.

See Maasai Mara in Your Comfort

• Affordable Safari in the Masai Mara
• Budget Masai Mara Safari
• Masai Mara Luxury Safari

The most cost-effective way to do a mid-range trip to the Masai Mara is to join a safari tour which offers transport, a guide and lodging as part of the package.

For those travelling independently, you have a lot of options for mid-range lodging. Outside of the park gates you’ll find the best selection of mid-range lodges, camps and hotels but there are also some excellent mid-range options inside the park. The eastern region of the park has the best concentration of value-for-money lodges and camps, but it is the busiest area of the park, so be prepared to share sightings with many other cars, especially during the peak months. Considerations to keep in mind are the size of the camp or lodge. If you’re looking for peace and quiet in the bush, book a smaller camp with only a few tents or rooms, rather than one of the 150-bed lodges.

If you want a good deal on lodging, avoid travelling during the peak months of August and September and instead travel during October and November instead, when you’ll still be able to see the migration but lodge prices are lower. If you don’t mind muddy roads and rain, travel during the wettest months (the low season) of April and May, when you can pick up great deals on discounted lodge rooms.

The Masai Mara is an expensive destination and everything from daily park fees to lodging is pricey, however, you do have some choices when it comes to planning a budget trip. The best budget-friendly way to travel is on a group safari and stay in campsites: your transport, guide, park entrance fees and meals are included in the package price.

You can travel to camps on the outskirts of the park on public transportation from the town of Narok and then book game drives into the park from your camp. There are a number of campsites outside the park gates – the least expensive lodging option – where you can either bring your own tent, rent a tent or pay more to sleep in a permanent erected tent. Another lodging option is to organise a homestay and spend the night with a Maasai family in a village outside of the park.

Some adventurous travellers prefer to hire their own 4×4 (and rent camping equipment from Nairobi) and explore the park on their own steam, staying at campsites outside the park or in the Mara Triangle. Having your own vehicle gives you plenty of freedom, and camping in the bush is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in nature. Be aware that the roads leading into the Masai Mara National Reserve are in bad condition – particularly between the town of Narok and the Talek and Sekenani Gates. It’s good to have some 4×4 driving experience in Africa and understand the rules of the park if you’re driving yourself: don’t ever go off road, and leave the wildlife plenty of space.

Inside the park, your camping options are limited to the Mara Triangle, where you can stay in either the public campsite or special campsites (which need to be reserved in advance). If you’re camping inside the park you need to be entirely self-sufficient and take in all of your own food, water and firewood.

Prices in the Masai Mara are highest during the peak migration months of August and September and lowest during the rainy season of April and May, so if you’re looking to pick up good deals on lodging, consider travelling during the wettest months of the year.

There’s no shortage of luxury lodging in the Masai Mara, so you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to picking a superb place to stay, whether it’s an intimate tented camp or a stylish lodge. Upmarket camps and lodges usually offer fully-inclusive packages that encompass all your meals and activities, such as twice-daily guided game drives, and if you’re on a concession, then night drives and bush walks. Extra activities such as hot air balloon rides can also be arranged through your lodge. From high-end properties you can expect fabulous locations stylish décor, lots of attention to detail, excellent service and amenities such as infinity swimming pools and spas.

To escape the crowds don’t stay in one of the large hotels in the east of the park but rather at one of the camps in the Mara Triangle in the west, or for even more exclusivity, book your trip at one of the luxury camps or lodges situated in one of the many conservancies that border the park. These private conservancies have a limit of the number of beds per hundreds of acres, as well as vehicle limit at sightings, so you’re guaranteed to avoid the cars that can pile up around a sighting in the Masai Mara itself.

For the ultimate Great Migration experience, stay at one of the mobile luxury tented camps which move position in the Greater Mara Ecosystem along with the herds of animals between July and October. These minimal footprint camps get you closer to the action than anything else, and you’ll get to experience the magic of camping in the bush – without actually camping. There’s no sacrificing comfort, as the spacious tents come with en suite bathrooms (flush toilets and hot bucket showers) and solar power, as well as communal dining and lounge tents decked out in rugs and antique furniture. Gourmet meals and attentive staff seal the deal. Mobile camps usually only have less than 10 tents, so you’re guaranteed an intimate experience that makes the most of an immersion in the wilderness.

Wherever you stay, consider hiring one of the top private freelance guides to the Maasai Mara – such as Jackson Looseyia, one of the presenters of BBC show Big Cat Diary – who will join you for all of your game drives and enhance your wildlife viewing immeasurably.

By far the easiest (and most luxurious) way of getting to the Masai Mara, or any of the conservancies, is by flying in on a scheduled or chartered plane. Some camps have their own private airstrip but if they don’t then you’ll be able to land at one of the landing strips scattered around the park, and your camp will arrange a pick up and transfer. If you’re travelling around Kenya after your Masai Mara safari, you’ll be able to fly to Mombasa or Malindi on the coast, as well as other safari destinations, or to Nairobi.

While you can organise your own luxury Masai Mara safari, many travellers prefer to have a tour operator put together a tailor-made package of flights, guides and safari lodges. Going through a tour operator will take a lot of the hassle out of arranging the trip, and also ensure that you’re staying at the right lodge or camp at the right time of year to see the best of the park’s wildlife.

Who is Travelling to Maasai Mara with you?

• Family Safari in the Masai Mara
• Masai Mara Honeymoon
• Solo Travel in the Masai Mara

A family holiday in the Masai Mara is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that your kids will never forget. Exploring one of Africa’s greatest wilderness areas seeing elephants, lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffes and massive herds of antelope against photogenic savanna backdrops will enchant kids of all ages. The Masai Mara is also one of Africa’s best safari destinations for families because of the ease of spotting game on the open plains, the thrilling dramas of the Great Migration scenes, and a host of child-friendly places to stay.

Having the perfect family holiday in the Masai Mara is all about where you stay. Research family-friendly lodges (some lodges have minimum age limits) and be sure to book one that offers family tents or rooms (with their own dining and lounge areas), kids’ activities such as nature walks, treasure hunts, bow and arrow shooting, fire making, storytelling and special extras such as kids’ adventure clubs.

Consider staying at a lodge or camp on a conservancy where you can do guided bush walks, to give the kids a break from long game drives (walks are not permitted in the national reserve). Some lodges offer child minding services but these usually need to be requested before your trip. Most upmarket lodges and camps that allow children will be able to cook child-friendly meals.

Another option for families is renting one of the private houses on conservancies bordering the Masai Mara. These houses – which come with their own team of staff – can only be booked exclusively, which means you’ll have privacy as well as more freedom for the children.

If you have young children, it’s a good idea to book a private game drive vehicle for your family, so that you can tailor the length of your game drives and choose your own schedule (usually morning game drives start very early) and also not disturb other guests.

Keep in mind that many camps and lodges are unfenced, so you need to keep a careful eye on your children and not let them wander around on their own.

Doing a fly-in safari is the easiest option if you have small children, as the drive to the Masai Mara from Nairobi is long and on bumpy roads. It’s a short flight on scheduled or chartered planes from Nairobi (and other destinations in Kenya) to the airstrips in the reserve or in the conservancies. You won’t need your own car once you’re in the reserve as most lodges and camps offer guided game drives, and will pick you up from the airstrip.

As with any African travel with kids, make sure that you get any required vaccinations at least six months before you travel. The Masai Mara is a malarial area, and you should consult your doctor about the necessary prophylactics. The most important thing is to prevent being bitten, so always dress your kids in long-sleeved shirts and trousers and spray with mosquito repellent – especially around dawn and dusk – and use a mosquito net when sleeping.

If you’re looking for a romantic safari destination , the Masai Mara will tick all of your East African safari fantasies: quintessential savanna landscapes, an abundance of animals and big cats, the drama of the Great Migration, as well as excellent camps and lodges that add special touches for Masai Mara honeymooners or romantic couples.

For the ultimate Masai Mara Honeymoon, prioritise exclusivity and intimacy when choosing your camp or lodge. Rather than staying at one of the massive lodges in the eastern section of the park – some of which have 150 beds – pick a small camp that has less than 10 tented rooms on your Honeymoon Masai Mara Safari.

A great option for romantic couples who want to escape the crowds of the Masai Mara is staying in one of the many private conservancies that border the reserve, which offer the same superb wildlife viewing and photogenic landscapes, but with a restricted number of beds per acre and a limited number of vehicles per sighting, which makes for a much more exclusive wilderness experience on your Kenya Honeymoon experience.

Mobile tented camps are also a wonderful option for a Safari Honeymoon in the Masai Mara, as they are usually very small, with only a few beds, and give you the chance to experience life under canvas in remote locations – but with the creature comforts of hot bucket showers, flush toilets, five-star quality food and stylish furnishings.

The best of the luxury camps – whether on a conservancy or in the reserve itself – combine incredible settings with romantically designed rooms – think lots of privacy, open-air bathrooms, private plunge pools, and, at one camp, even a four-poster bed under the stars. You can also book private game drives for more wilderness time without other guests.

The special experiences that camps can organise for romantic couples on their Masai Mara Honeymoon to make your stay even more memorable include private champagne breakfasts in the bush, couples’ massages, sundowner cocktails in spectacular locations, private candlelit dinners on your balcony or deck and sunrise hot air balloon rides for two.

Solo travel in the Masai Mara is an exciting adventure in one of the world’s top safari destinations, whichever way you choose to travel.

Self-drivers will have the freedom to explore the park on their own, while if you would prefer to join up with a group, there are plenty of options for organised tours, ranging from budget-friendly safaris where you stay at campsites, all the way up to the most luxurious and exclusive camps and lodges. Travelling on a tour is by far the most affordable way to experience the Masai Mara. Independent travellers looking to meet other travellers will have opportunities to socialise with other people at their lodge or camp either on game drive or at dinner (some camps do communal dinners).

If you’re looking to stay in a big hotel or lodge with lots of facilities, then pick a property in the eastern sector of the park or outside the park gates, as this is where the biggest concentration of large hotels is. For a quieter wilderness experience, choose to stay at a lodge in either the Mara Triangle or on one of the private conservancies, where guest numbers are limited and camps tend to be small and intimate.

What You Need To Know

• Welcome to the Masai Mara
• Highlights of the Masai Mara
• Wildlife in the Masai Mara
• Masai Mara Weather

Kenya’s flagship park, the Masai Mara National Reserve, is one of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations where quintessential safari landscapes of vast acacia-dotted savannas teem with animals. The stellar highlight of the Masai Mara is, without a doubt, the Great Migration, an annual movement of millions of wildebeest, gazelle and zebra migrating between neighbouring Tanzania the Kenyan park. Seeing the dramatic daily scenes of the Great Migration – the massive, noisy herds, the animals making the perilous crossing of the crocodile-infested Mara River and the thrilling big cat hunts – are among the best and most exciting wildlife experiences you can have in Africa.

Apart from the Great Migration, the Masai Mara has excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year, and sightings of four of the Big Five – leopard, lion, elephant and buffalo – are pretty much a given, making it a perfect first timer’s safari destination. The Mara is famous for its leopard, lion, and cheetah, but there’s plenty more game to see on the wide-open plains, from giraffe and eland to smaller predators such as bat-eared fox, spotted hyena and black-backed jackal.

While there’s a wide range of lodging options to accommodate all budgets, the Masai Mara’s luxury lodges and camps really stand out. Scattered across the park – in some truly spectacular remote locations – they offer a taste of the “Out of Africa” safari romance: tented rooms and suites that open right onto plains full of grazing animals, impeccable décor and antique furniture, four-poster beds, infinity pools and outdoor canvas bathtubs – as well as excellent service and well-trained guides who are not only experts at finding wildlife, but will also bring the bush to life with their storytelling skills. Luxury mobile tented camps that occupy different seasonal locations in the park give you the chance to get as close to the migrating herds as possible, without having to rough it. These camps combine an intimate low-key wilderness experience with luxury comforts: a recipe for the perfect safari.

While game drives are the focus of a Masai Mara safari, there are other plenty of other activities to include in your itinerary, from sunrise hot air balloon rides over the plains, cultural visits to local Maasai villages, picnics and sundowners in the bush, horseback rides, and visiting the locations from the film Out of Africa, while some lodges and camps offer a host of kids’ activities such as storytelling, bow and arrow shooting and fire making.

The Masa Marai National Reserve makes up just one part of the Greater Mara Ecosystem, which is also made up of community ranches and private conservancies owned by local Maasai, and which offer privacy and the exclusivity of limited numbers of visitors spread out across vast areas. As the Masa Mara has increased in popularity, many safari goers now choose to stay on these conservancies – many of which were established in the last 10 years – for the same wildlife experiences as the Mara but with far fewer other cars around. What’s also special about the conservancies is the option of doing walking safaris with Maasai guides, an exciting activity that is not on offer in the reserve. With their abundant game, spectacular scenery, commitment to community conservation and low tourism densities, the Masai Mara conservancies are now up there with East Africa’s best safari destinations.

Few places have a higher concentration of wildlife than the Masai Mara, and sightings of four of the Big Five are almost a guarantee on any trip (although rhino are harder to spot). The Mara is also one of the best reserves on the planet for seeing the three big cats: leopard, lion and cheetah. It’s no wonder that the BBC TV show Big Cat Diaries is filmed on the reserve.

Along with the Serengeti in Tanzania, the Masai Mara plays host to the greatest wildlife spectacle on Earth: the Great Migration. For most nature lovers, witnessing the movement of millions of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle across the Mara River and streaming through the vast plains of the Masai Mara, is one of the ultimate wilderness experiences. Seeing the daily dramas of survival and death are the stuff nature documentaries are made of.

The Masai Mara conservancies – private concessions which border the reserve and make up part of the Greater Mara Ecosystem – are reason alone to visit the safari area. These conservancies encompass nearly as much land as the national reserve and offer the same incredible wildlife densities – as well as the Great Migration herds – but without the crowds, as each conservancy adheres to a limited number of beds per acre.

The Maasai, one of Kenya’s most recognisable tribes, are part of what makes a visit to the Masai Mara so unique. These semi-nomadic pastoralists have a rich and fascinating culture and visiting a Maasai village or doing a homestay with a Maasai family can be one of the most memorable aspects of a trip to the Masai Mara. Many guides in the lodges and camps of the Mara are Maasai, and they share their superb tracking skills to wildlife spotting and a wealth of knowledge about the ecosystem, animals, plants and birds with guests. The private conservancies that border the national reserve are either owned by or leased from the Maasai, and the tourism industry provides important financial support to local communities as well as an incentive for continuing conservation projects and initiatives.

The Masai Mara has one of the best concentrations of game in the world and is the best reserve for spotting big cats – and that’s not to mention the legendary Great Migration that takes place here annually, providing the kind of dramatic scenes that you usually only see on nature documentaries. There’s plenty to the Masai Mara to warrant return trips.

As with any safari destination, there’s much to be said for returning to the Masai Mara at different times of the year for various natural attractions. The Great Migration months of July to October promise thrilling sights, but the other months of the year have their own attractions, such as migratory birds between November and April and baby animals being born during the rainier months of the year. Travelling during the quieter months of the year will also mean that you have more of the wilderness to yourself, as the migration period and the Christmas holidays can get incredibly busy, and it’s not uncommon to have many cars packed around a sighting.

The conservancies that border the Masai Mara are destinations in their own right, offering abundant game, spectacular scenery and the exclusivity of only a few camps over massive areas. If you stay inside the park itself on your first visit, it’s definitely worth returning to the Mara for a different experience on a conservancy and for the chance to do walking safaris.

The Masai Mara has wildlife in abundance: the reserve is home to the Big Five, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to see lion, leopard, buffalo and elephant on any trip, although black rhinos are harder to spot. The reserve is particularly famous for its populations of big cats, with one of the highest concentrations of lion in the world, as well as large numbers of leopard and cheetah. Other predators include spotted hyena, black-backed jackal and bat-eared fox, while antelope species include topi, eland, reedbuck, impala and Thomson’s gazelle. Masai giraffe – the largest subspecies of giraffe found only in Kenya and Tanzania – is easily spotted.

The Great Migration is the most famous wildlife spectacle in the world, and the reason that many people travel to the Masai Mara. Each year, millions of antelope move across the savanna from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara, crossing the Mara River and falling prey to predators along the way.

While the Masai Mara is more renowned for its wildlife than its birds, its varied habitats are still home to more than 500 species of birds, from kori bustards, ostriches and ground hornbills in the grasslands to saddle-billed storks and goliath herons in the swamps to Schalow’s turaco and Ross’s turaco in the riverine forest and seven species of kingfisher in the rivers. There’s an incredible diversity of raptor species – 57 recorded species – as well as seven species of vulture, while migratory birds arrive in the reserve in November and stay until April.

Located near to the equator in southern Kenya, the Masai Mara is warm year-round, with higher temperatures from October to March and slightly cooler weather from June to August. There are two rainy seasons: March to May (known as the “long rains”) – April being the wettest month – and November to December (known as the “short rains”). The months of June to October are the driest in the year.

Weather wise, the best time to visit the Masai Mara is from June to October for the low rainfall and comfortable day time temperatures, although wildlife viewing is good in the park all through the year.

A big consideration for timing your trip to the Masai Mara is witnessing the Great Migration at the best time. The annual movement of animals into the park changes every year based on rainfall, but in general the herds move into the Masai Mara from July to October, while August and September are the peak months to see the migration.

• Why Masai Mara

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• Where to Stay and Play in Kenya’s Masai Mara, a Game Reserve for Wildlife Safaris

There are more than 100 safari camps in Kenya's most iconic safari destination. But just a few stand above the rest.

Karthika gupta, karthika gupta's most recent stories.

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But it can difficult to know where to start. 

So how do you differentiate between those that offer a great safari experience to those that simply check the boxes? Here is a look at some of the best of the best—from private sole-use tented camps to 100-year-old lodges that provide an elevated guest experience with lots of extras, along with an eye toward sustainability and community engagement.

Bateleur Camp, Masai Mara

Rates range from $850 to $1,815 per night, per person for a luxury tent. Family tents range from $3,045 to $6,355 per night.

Mara Plains Camp, Olare Motorogi Conservancy

Rates range from $1,300 to $2,540 per person, per night .

Sanctuary Olonana, Masai Mara

Sanctuary Olonana is a stunning luxury safari lodge located at the foot of the Siria Escarpment on a private stretch of the Mara River in the heart of Masai Mara. A unique feature of Olonana is that it has 14 glass-sided suites, giving a different feel to a classic safari lodge. It is the perfect place to take in all of Masai Mara’s breath-taking natural wonders and wildlife against the backdrop of the river which flows right past the lodge. The Olonana offers a prime viewing spot during the great migration; you can even see some of it from your glass-sided suite. For a bird’s eye view of the landscape, opt for a hot air balloon flight or a scenic flight across the great African wild. Other features include game drives, cultural visits, and sundowners. For an extra special stay, the newly opened Geoffrey Kent Suite includes two ensuite bedrooms, private dining, infinity pool and a dedicated safari vehicle with guide—perfect for a family vacation.

Prices at Sanctuary Olonana range from $630 to $2,000 per night, per person.

Angama Safari Camp, Mara Triangle

Prices range from $1,500 to $2,500 per person, per night in peak season (July through Sept., Dec. through Jan.).

Cottars 1920’s Safari Camp

While not new, Cottar’s safari camp is an iconic lodge offering incredible safari experiences for around 100 years. Located in the private Olderkesi Conservancy, which borders the Masai Mara National Reserve, the camp is centered around conservation. It’s also Fellow Members of the Long Run and one of only 10 Global Ecosphere Retreats. One of their popular and unique offerings is the Budding Conservationist program —a four-day program for a family that includes a half-day vulture rehabilitation experience, a foraging and feasting experience, reforestation seed balling, a conservancy tour, a visit to a Masai warrior school, stargazing sessions, and interacting with female conservation rangers.

Rates vary based on season starting around $1,100 (off-season) to $1,300 (peak and high season during the great migration and Christmas) per person, per night.

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Masai Mara Safari

What makes the masai mara so special.

The Masai Mara lies along the Great Rift Valley in southwest Kenya, bordering Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.  

Experience the journey of a lifetime with an Asilia Masai Mara safari, the awe-inspiring wildlife reserve in Kenya's southwest region bordering Tanzania. The Masai Mara National Reserve and its surrounding conservancies are Kenya's crown jewel of natural beauty and biodiversity.

By day, feast on the drama of the Great Migration, the thrill of spotting a cheetah on a hunt, or the grace of a leopard lazily lying on a branch. Immerse yourself in the Maasai people's wisdom, cultures, and traditions, who have lived in harmony with this land for centuries. As the day starts to wane, witness the golden light of late afternoon sunsets while sipping your favourite cocktail. Enjoy the romance of the moment, the changing light as the sun slowly slips behind an iconic flat-topped acacia, with plains game silhouetted against the horizon.

As darkness falls, take in the splendour of the night sky accompanied by the whooping of hyena and the roar of lion penetrating the silence. A Masai Mara safari with Asilia is more than just a holiday; it's a life-altering adventure. With Asilia Africa, you can embrace it in the best way possible. Join us now and explore one of the world's most incredible natural wonders.  

Browse our image and video galleries below to see some of the wildlife, scenery, activities and accommodation in the Greater Masai Mara.

Guests stopping for a drink and snack while out exploring the region on a game drive.

Encounters with wildebeest out on the open plains.

We are incredibly proud of the amazing people who are a part of our Asilia family.

Community visits are a wonderful and informative way of experiencing local cultures.

A young elephant calf follows closely behind its mother.

A leopard basks in the morning sunlight.

A lioness cools down with a drink.

Top 6 Masai Mara Activities

Wildebeest Migration: The glittering jewel in the crown of the Masai Mara is arguable the annual migration of thousands of zebra and wildebeest that occurs annually. From the dramatic river crossings to the sight of grazing herds as far as they eye can see – it’s one not to be missed.   

Game Drives : Our custom-designed and resilient 4x4s come equipped with power points and fridges to ensure complete comfort while exploring the Mara and getting close to spectacular wildlife.  

Photographic Safaris: You can capture wildlife shots at eye level for stunning photos from our specially modified photography vehicle at Naboisho Camp. Equipped with essential gear like camera rests, beanbags, and 360° swivel seats, you'll have everything you need to capture award-winning wildlife photographic memories.  

Big-Cat Conservation: Learn about the Masai Mara's famous big cats by visiting Kenya Wildlife Trust research units, or have researchers come to you and share their work at Asilia Africa's Rekero Camp.  

Cultural & Community Visits: Join our guides on visits to their local communities to learn about the diverse cultures and traditions of the Maasai lifestyle or visit The Maa Trust to experience one of the most successful community development and upliftment programs in the country.   

Hot-air Balloon Rides: Experience the East African landscapes from a unique birds-eye perspective and capture breathtaking photographs as you float silently through the sky in a hot-air balloon.  

Video Gallery

Getting to the Masai Mara

For the most convenient access to your desired camp, we suggest flying into Nairobi International Airport (NBO), followed by a road transfer across town to Wilson Airport. Flying time to the Mara is usually about an hour, landing at the airstrip closest to your camp. Your safari guide will meet you at the airstrip for your drive to camp.    

Masai Mara Safari Camps

Experience the ultimate wildlife safaris at our boutique and welcoming Masai Mara camps. Get close with awe-inspiring animals and explore the region with our knowledgeable local guides. Choose from Encounter Mara Camp, Naboisho Camp, or Rekero Camp for guaranteed unforgettable adventures.  

Encounter Mara Camp : Encounter Mara is a sustainable camp in the private community-operated Mara Naboisho Conservancy. The 10-tent camp offers unparalleled privacy and prolific wildlife viewing, alongside opportunities for genuine cultural interactions.    

Naboisho Camp : Naboisho, also located in the private conservancy neighbouring the National Reserve, provides a picturesque camp environment for passionate wildlife lovers. Immerse yourself in the variety of activities offered, enjoying game drives, walking safaris, and night drives in this game-rich environment.   

Rekero Camp: Rekero boasts breathtaking views of a critical migration crossing point over the Talek River. Its prime location allows for optimal wildlife sightings in the Masai Mara throughout the year.  

Encounter Mara

Situated on the edge of the savannah under the shade of acacia trees, Encounter Mara is a 10-tent camp within the Mara Naboisho Conservancy, bordering the famed Masai Mara reserve in southwest Kenya.

Naboisho Camp

The Mara Naboisho Conservancy in southwest Kenya is a dream for wildlife enthusiasts. As well as cheetah, elephant and giraffe, the area has one of the highest concentrations of lion in the world.

Rekero Camp

Witness the greatest wildlife concentration and diversity in the world in the heart of the Masai Mara in Kenya. The camp overlooks the Talek River migration crossing point.

Masai Mara Itineraries

Experience the Masai Mara just as you imagined with a personalised itinerary tailored to your preferences by Asilia Africa. Our expert and knowledgeable team will guide you through the entire process and offer valuable insights and suggestions to ensure an unforgettable safari adventure. Get in touch with us today to begin planning your Masai Mara safari.  

All Asilia: Reserve circuit

Experience the best of Tanzania and Kenya in style and comfort over 10 days.

All Asilia: Kenya circuit

Embark on this thrilling safari adventure through Kenya over 9 days.

All Asilia: Family safari with younger children

Discover the hidden wildlife gems of Kenya’s famous safari circuit with your family.

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A family safari is a holiday like no other. You’ll create memories that will last a lifetime, enjoy new experiences together and spend quality time away from the distractions of the real world. You wi…

Kenya Explored

Uncover some of Kenya’s most wildlife-rich and scenically stunning landscapes on this exciting safari.

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This itinerary offers an experience of the essence of Kenya, starting with a night in Nairobi and then 3 nights each in two different safari locations. The exploration can end there or continue for an…

Mara Uncovered

The Greater Mara Area refers to the Masai Mara Reserve as well as the private conservancies adjacent to the reserve and in the surrounding area. By combining the Masai Mara with the Mara Naboisho Cons…

Explore East Africa

For a safari experience that captures some of the best locations and experiences on offer across Kenya and Tanzania (and optionally, Zanzibar), look no further than this itinerary. Incorporating the M…

Lake and Mara

Don’t be fooled by the length of this safari, it may be short, but it packs a punch combining two of Kenya’s most iconic destinations - The Rift Valley and The Masai Mara!

Pure Kenya is ideal for those who wish to experience African wilderness in the legendary Chyulu Hills, combined with incredible sightings of Africa’s Big Five in the famous Masai Mara.

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Land of the Maasai people Masai Mara National Reserve

What is the masai mara national reserve.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is located near the Kenya and Tanzania border. The Masai Mara is north of the Serengeti national park and is southwest of the famous city Nairobi, Kenya.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is a popular destination due to its enormous population of wildlife. This Masai Mara is home to 1.5 million wildebeest, thousands of zebras, elands, and Giselle’s. This tourist destination is a great place to go for those who love wildlife.

The reserve is approximately 580 square miles of flatlands that have scenic inclines to them. These scenic flatlands have unique types of trees and shrubbery, along with a beautiful atmosphere that is picture-perfect. This area is one of Africa’s seven wonders. Expert photographers from around the world come here to capture the beautiful scenery and incredible wildlife that is characteristic of this part of Africa.

What Makes Masai Mara National Reserve Unique?

What makes Masai Mara unique is undoubtedly the great migration of wildlife that occurs every year. The unique aspect of visiting the Masai Mara reserve is the ability to witness the great migration of 1.2 million wildebeest. Safaris run just about every day during the migration. Those who have seen the movement noted that the event is one of the most breathtaking sites that they have ever seen. Pictures cannot tell you how amazing the great wildebeest migration is. You cannot capture in photos the sounds, the grand nature of the event, and the experiences with others on a safari.

For more on The Great Wildebeest Migration- Click Here

Another unique aspect of the Masai Mara Reserve is the nature. This reserve is mainly untouched by human beings giving the area a natural beauty uninhibited and interrupted by urban infusion. This famous African vacation destination is a true getaway from the requirements of life. The ecosystem within the reserve includes hundreds of different wildlife, including exotic birds. On a safari, you will see animals that are near extinction due to outside reserve poaching efforts. In this animal oasis, you will see the realities of nature. You are likely to witness animals chasing after each other and children cuddling with their parents late in the day. These realities you cannot experience at home and are only available at an African vacation destination to the Masai Mara.

Why You Should Visit Masai Mara National Reserve for Vacation?

Masai Mara is one of the very few unique vacation destinations in the world. The wildlife is breathtaking. The great wildebeest migration is one of the most-watched animal movements by African tourists.

A vacation at Masai Mara game reserve is likely to be full of events and experiences that will last a lifetime. Safaris run almost every day and have experience guides that will guide you through the Masai Mara. Safari guides will bring you to strategic locations where there is plenty of wildlife. Strategic locations include picnic areas and safe sites to take pictures.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Masai Mara?

The best time to go to the Masai Mara reservation is during the massive wildebeest migration. Safaris will help you experience the movement up close by driving near and close to the wildebeest migration. The migration occurs during the dry season from June through November of every year. The dry season is the best time to go because the shrubbery tends to be smaller and out of sight. With smaller wilted plants in the distance, you can see animals roam freely without the obstruction of plants.

The off-dry season is from November through May. During this part of the season, there are fewer people in the area. However, you can still feel the excitement of being around nature and wildlife that is in the area. During the rainy season, you will experience scenery that is much greener than the dry season, making the area an excellent place for photography.

Masai Mara Reservation has accommodations for all budgets. There are luxury accommodations along with more modest accommodations. Safaris and tours are one of the best in the world and have experienced guides. The guides have a sophisticated understanding of the area and know what you want to see. Not only is the scenery exciting, but the other travelers you may share experiences with will be interesting as well. The reservation is host to an international audience that appreciates wildlife and game. You are likely to meet people from around the world.

What Animals are Commonly Seen in Masai Mara National Reserve?

The animals that roam here are wild and rare. You will likely never see animals like this in your life. The reservation is host to 95 mammal species and over 570 birds. There are so many wild birds that the scientists could not count them all.

Known for their “large” stance in the African wilderness are the big five animals. The big five includes the lion, rhinoceros, cape buffalo, leopards, and the elephant. These animals are seen frequently on every safari.

Safaris are the best way to get up close and see the wildlife. Safaris also include the ability to see the wildebeest migration progress. Here are some animals that you might encounter on a safari in the Masai Mara Reserve.

• Bat-Eared Foxes
• Hartebeests
• Marabou Storks
• & Much More!

Not included in this list is the numerous exotic birds that fly in the area. When you take a safari or tour, remember to keep an eye on your lunch because the birds may fly down and take it from you.

Masai Mara Reservation People

Exotic animals are not the only aspect of wildlife that you will see. You will experience, at times, the local people and culture.  The “Mara” is not a National Park but instead a National Reserve belonging to the Maasai people. The people of the land of Masai are an ancient group of people who frequently roam among the animals in the reservation. This ancient culture has traditions with rituals that are practiced in the area. You might see this community near Masai rivers and animals on your safari.

What to Expect from a Masai Mara Safari?

Safaris are directed and led by an African nature expert who understands the Safari area. Best of all, the safari guide knows what you have in mind — a good time. The experienced safari leader knows from experience the best places to roam, including areas where there is majestic scenery. You will encounter wildlife while safe in a safari vehicle that is built to have your safety and experience in mind. Best of all, you can interact with passengers who will share the same experiences with you.

Safaris range from one day to four days. Safaris usually begin in the early morning just before the sun rises so that you can experience the wildlife and scenery awaken. The morning sun will gradually waken the wildlife as you will hear nature’s gift of a new day. Birds will chirp, lions will yawn, elephants will get up, and the river will be populated with animals awakening themselves to an early morning drink. Throughout the day, you will see nature as it has never been told. Your friendly safari guide will help you understand the wildlife of the area. At strategic safe areas, your safari will stop so that you can take pictures, eat food, and enjoy the moment.

There are night game drives available. Experience the evening wilderness with international tourists. Sounds scary but you will have a safari expert with you.

What Activities Can You Do in the Masai Mara?

Safaris are the main attraction at the Masai Mara reservation. However, many activities are available include walking safaris, fishing, Masai tribe cultural visits, and balloon safari.

Get some exercise in while experiencing the grandeur of the reservation. Try a walking safari. Walking safari guides will be with you to help you experience a safe and beautiful experience through the Masai Mara game reserve area. Walking near wildlife will help you see the lovely atmosphere up close.

Fishing at river camps in safe areas is exciting because the experience gives you a good cultural understanding of the area. Like the local tribe, you will fish for food during the day. You are likely to see large animals in the distance as they swarm up to the rivers to take a long drink from nature’s river.

Masai villages allow vacationers to visit and experience their tribe’s rituals, dances, and culture. Experience what life is like for the Masai ancient culture that has survived over a thousand years in the African wilderness.

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon safari through the Masai Mara. A recommendation for any bucket list. Balloon safari take off early morning providing you with the most magical African sunrise. As you ascend in the air, you will see the beautiful landscape of the Masai Mara as well as amazing wildlife. See herds of elephants eating breakfast, pods of hippos grunting and flapping water, lion prides walking for a drink of water, and much more. No two balloon safaris are the same!

For more on hot air balloon safaris- Click Here

The vast open country of the Masai Mara is an untouched oasis for endangered animals. One of Africa’s seven wonders of the world is filled with over 1.2 million wildebeests that migrate every year to survive. Be witness to the world’s most massive migration of animals by visiting this natural wonder. See almost extinct animals in their natural habitat nursing their young to revitalize their colony. Swim in an immaculate pool at your resort and look out at the atmosphere or grazing animals in the distance.

Enjoy the experience of being with an international crowd that loves the outdoors. Gain exceptional experiences by being with a safari guide who will show you his understanding of the area by putting you in spots near animals. You can only dream of being near leopards and lions back home. Get the satisfactory sensation of experiencing something wild without risking anything. Don’t wait and book your safari to the Masai Mara today.

Explore the Masai Mara in Kenya and Discover- “ Top Things to See and Do in Masai Mara “

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masai mara safaris

A safari in Masai Mara is arguably the best wildlife adventure experience in the world and this is certainly not an over statement. The reserve is home to some of the most diverse collection of animals, not just the 'Big Five' but also the 'Big Nine' most of which can be seen during a safari tour in Masai Mara. Though the wildbeest migration season from July to September is the highlight of the year, a Masai Mara safari is a rewarding experience all year round. We are listing several 2023 and 2024 Masai Mara tour packages below which range from budget road tours to luxury Fly-In Safaris staying at boutique Tented Camps. You can also check some of our recommended Kenya Safari itineraries here.

FLY-IN SAFARIS

SAFARIS BY ROAD

Fly ~ in safari tours.

Fly~in or "Flyng Safaris" as these are also known offer the convenience of getting to Masai Mara within an hour from Nairobi and are norm for certain Safari Camps in Maasai Mara which are more remote or those that only offer packaged stays including safari drives. Flights take off from Wilson airport in Nairobi twice daily and upon arrival at the airstrip in the Mara, guests are received and transfered to their respective Camp or Lodge in time for lunch. Game drives are provided in 4x4 Safari Tour Vehicles by the property.

2 days Fly-In Safari

From US$ 850 to US$ 1050

3 days Fly-In Safari

From US$ 1150 to US$ 1500

4 days Fly-In Safari

From US$ 1260 to US$ 1785

Road Safari Tours

The most popular mode of getting to Masai Mara is by road, typically starting and ending in Nairobi, with the choice of vehicle being a 4x4 Landcruiser Jeep or the less costly Safari Minibus (Tour Van). The trip from Nairobi to Masai Mara typically takes 5 to 6 hours depending on which Camp has been booked for your tour. The benefit of a safari by road is the typically lower tour cost as well as getting to see and experience more of the real Kenyan countryside. The downside is that stretches of road on the route are of below average condition.

3 days Masai Mara Safari ~ Budget

From US$ 440 to US$ 840

3 days Masai Mara Safari ~ Mid Range

From US$ 540 to US$ 1290

3 days Masai Mara Safari ~ Luxury

From US$ 860 to US$ 2375

4 days Masai Mara Safari ~ Mid Range

From US$ 840 to US$ 1710

4 days Masai Mara Safari ~ Luxury

From US$ 1845 to US$ 3855

5 days Kenya Safari

From US$ 955 to US$ 1815

5 days Safari ~ Luxury

From US$ 1630 to US$ 3380

6 days Kenya Safari

From US$ 1200 to US$ 2205

7 days Kenya Safari

From US$ 1420 to US$ 2625

safari vehicles

There are two basic types of Safari Tour vehicles used in Kenya and Tanzania for wildlife and adventure safaris. These are the Tour Minibus / Van and the 4x4 Toyota Landcruiser Jeeps. Both of these have game viewing roofs which are opened when on Safari, UHF radio calls ( useful for locating wildlife in the park and for logistics) and are fully safari customized. Click this link for more on these tourist vehicles Safari Vehicles in Kenya . Independent travelers who wish to book their own hotels and lodges while in Kenya can also hire these tour vehicles with Driver ~ Guides for their local transport requirements.

You can also check our Masai Mara Honeymoon packages here.

The Ultimate Guide to the Masai Mara Safari

The Masai Mara Safari is, without a doubt, a top tier bucket list activity. Together with the Serengeti, it is one of the, if not the ultimate destination for an African safari.

Although the Masai Mara is heavily touristed during the Great Migration, it continues to remain a natural wilderness. The Masai Mara and its Conservancies (like Mara North and Naboisho) continue to be a sanctuary to the world’s dwindling megafauna.

What is the Masai Mara?

The Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, along with the Serengeti plains, is one of Africa’s greatest savannahs, and a natural wonder of the world. It is part of the Mau-Mara-Serengeti ecosystem , one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. The Masai Mara is also home to the earth’s most charismatic animals.

This unique ecosystem is also the homeland of the Maasai people, who are the custodians of the reserve. Their vibrant culture, colourful fashion, and deep connection with nature have contributed significantly to the appeal of the Masai Mara.

What is the Masai Mara Famous for?

Think of the African savannah. What came to your mind? Was it an elephant, silhouetted against the pink sky of the African dawn?

Or maybe, it was an image of an endless grassy plain, filled with great herds of wildebeests, dotted with towering giraffes feeding on acacia trees. Or perhaps, a fiery sunset and a pride of lions, walking amongst the tall, golden grasses as they begin an evening hunt.

Children and adults the world over have been captivated by the African savannah through great television programmes, and many come to the Masai Mara to experience the magic for themselves.

The Great Wildebeest Migration

The Masai Mara safari is popular in the summer months because of the Great Migration. There are many incredible parks on the African continent. Still, only the Masai Mara and the Serengeti can offer this spectacular phenomenon. The largest land mammal migration in the world, the wildebeests, zebra and other antelopes number in the millions as they move in search for greener grazing.

Watching the Great Migration can be a real test in patience. If you’re a photographer, you’ll also need to be prepared for what to expect. We’ll be writing a guide on how best to see and capture this extraordinary event. Also, if you’re interested in our experience when the park was almost empty, you can read about it here: Kenya’s Wildebeest Migration .

The Maasai People

The Maasai are one of the most charismatic, friendly and open people you will meet. Their culture remains one of the best preserved on the African continent, and their incredible fashion sense is world famous. The Maasai straddle two worlds – their traditional pastoral ways, and technological progress coupled with conservation awareness. They are the custodians of the East African savannahs, and their image is associated with grassroots wildlife conservation.

TIP: Walking Safaris with the Maasai

One truly unique activity we recommend is a walking safari with the Maasai. Eagle View Camp in Mara Naboisho organised our walking safari, and it was an incredible experience. We felt it was one of the best ways to completely immerse yourself in nature and get a glimpse into local Maasai culture. Not all lodges organise walking safaris and you can only do them in the Conservancies. You can’t do them in the Masai Mara National Reserve.

For more on our walking safari experience with the Maasai, check out our post, Walking Safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara .

Largest Concentration of Lions

The largest concentration of lions in the world can be found in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy. No safari is complete without a lion sighting (let’s not kid ourselves), so on your Masai Mara safari, you should consider a couple of nights in Naboisho.

It was here in Naboisho we had our most intimate lion sighting . Lion prides have a vast range, and they can be found anywhere in the Mara area, but the largest pride, consisting of 20 lions, have made Naboisho their home. With a Masai guide from the area, you are sure to spot several of these magnificent cats!

Planet Earth and The Big Cat Diaries

Without a doubt, BBC’s Planet Earth and The Big Cat Diaries did a lot to promote the Masai Mara. Blockbuster nature documentaries like it play a large role in promoting wildlife parks and greatly influence people’s decision on where to go for safari.

The BBC documentaries feature the Masai Mara’s most charismatic cats, and people do visit hoping to see some of the animals they’ve seen on screen.

When you go on your Masai Mara safari, talk to your guide and lodge staff about the televised animals. Most of them are familiar with these superstar cats and will regale you with stories of sightings. Lions and cheetahs don’t live very long in the wild, so many of these animals have passed on. However, some have left incredible legacies.

On our safari, we met a family of cheetahs , a mother and her cubs. The mother was the grand-daughter of one of the cheetahs featured by the BBC. If you want to spot some of the dynasties, find a local Maasai guide familiar with the area who will know best where to find them.

When to Go for Your Masai Mara Safari

The seasons used to be predictable in Kenya, but this is getting less and less so. For example, the Great Migration usually happens from July to September, but this seems to be moving up the calendar. But nevertheless, there are some general rules. For more on the seasons, weather and how climate change is impacting the Masai Mara, check out The Weather in the Masai Mara .

Migration Season

July to September, “Peak Season”

The great wildebeest migration takes place from July to September. The wildebeest begin to arrive in the Masai Mara from the end of June onwards, munching their way through the taller grasses. They are also accompanied by thousands of other grazers like zebras and antelopes. These follow in the wake of the wildebeests to get at the young, green shoots the wildebeests leave behind.

Migration season is expensive, but if you’re planning a once in a lifetime trip, this might be the best time to come as the spectacle can be truly incredible. As the last remaining multi-species migration on earth, it is an event worth experiencing at least once in your life.

A bounty of prey and short grasses make this the perfect time to catch predators in action, with unobstructed views.

Wildlife Season

October to November, “High Season”

On the back of the Great Migration, wildlife season is an exciting time. Prey continues to be plentiful, and the grasses of the Masai Mara have been trimmed short by the wildebeest. The short grasses mean excellent visibility when it comes to spotting predators and observing them hunt.

Furthermore, this is when different migratory herds of wildebeest begin to gather in unbelievable numbers. When we visited, the rains had started early, and we witnessed this gather – it is a truly incredible event, with an uncountable about of wildebeests stretched over an endless plain.

Green Season

April to June, “Low Season”

The green season is called the way it is because these are the months of the long rains. During this time, the savannah is transformed into a lush paradise with lots of wet green grass. During this time, there is the synchronised birth of hundreds of baby antelopes, impalas, waterbucks and kudus.

This baby bounty, in turn, attracts a variety of predators. During this time you’ll have a good chance of spotting the hunt, and not just by the big cats. Hyenas and jackals also do their fair share of hunting and we had the opportunity to observe a jackal hunt .

This period is also ideal for bird watching on your Masai Mara safari, as there will be plenty of migratory birds from Europe and North Africa still around. But even without these migratory birds, there there is no shortage of variety when it comes to birds on the Masai Mara.

How Much does a Masai Mara Safari Cost?

Due to its fame and the fact that it hosts the Great Migration, the Masai Mara is one of the most expensive safari destinations in Africa. However, prices vary greatly between the seasons. The following is a breakdown for a four day safari – the minimum amount of time we recommend for a safari in the Masai Mara. They are for “budget” hotel options with a 4×4 Land Cruiser. If you want pricing for the “comfort” and “luxury” options, check out the website of Natural World Kenya Safaris , a local tour operator offering prices that can compete with booking a safari on your own.

In the low season, it is $227 per person, per day for two people sharing. It is $180 per person, per day for four people sharing.

In the high season, it is $252 per person, per day for two people sharing. It is $207 per person, per day for four people sharing.

In the peak season, it is $265 per person per day for two people sharing. It is $212 per person, per day for four people sharing.

Where to Stay for Your Masai Mara Safari

Choosing where you wish to stay is critical to your Masai Mara safari experience. There is a vast array of hotels catering to a wide variety of budgets. Still, extra cash can buy you exclusive access to a front-row seat at the Conservancies.

As a rule, we highly recommend staying inside the Masai Mara, or inside the Mara Conservancies. These lodges are more expensive, but they save you precious game drive time as the wait at the gates to enter the Masai Mara can be frustratingly long. Many lodges claim to be “inside the Masai Mara”, but this is not always true. Make sure to double-check that you do not have to pass a gate to enter the reserve.

Masai Mara National Reserve vs the Mara Conservancies

The title Masai Mara is often used to encompass both the Masai Mara and the Mara Conservancies. Where the wildlife is concerned, there is no distinction as the animals do not care about land boundaries. However, for the safari goer, it is important to know the difference.

The Masai Mara National Reserve consists of The Greater Mara and The Mara Triangle. Adjacent to the Masai Mara National Reserve are various Conservancies, including Mara North and Naboisho. The Mara Triangle is a sort of Conservancy, owned by the Narok County (the local area) while the Greater Mara is government owned. Mara North and Naboisho are privately owned.

You can pay to enter the Masai Mara National Reserve – both the Mara Triangle and the Greater Mara. In order to enter Mara North or Naboisho, you need to book at least one night in one of the lodges in these Conservancies. For a full day of game drives, you’ll need two nights. Because the Conservancies limit visitor numbers by beds, you’ll have a more relaxed experience if you decide to stay there.

Considerations for Picking a Lodge

Road accessibility.

When considering a lodge, always check with your guide about road accessibility. Some lodges have better accessibility than others, especially during the wetter months as roads do get flooded.

Depending on how you want to organise your game drives, this can have a big impact. For example, some lodges in Mara North get “rained in” during the wetter season. If you want to get from a lodge that has been isolated because of rains, and into the Masai Mara, it might take you more time than expected.

Wildlife Experience

The lodges located along the Mara River and inside the protected areas are an excellent spot for wildlife and wildlife photography. The lodges often plant trees and bushes on their grounds and protect them from predators. The greenery and safety attract grazing animals and smaller creatures. Hippos are common along the banks of the Mara River, and you might see them from your room.

Photographing and Observing Big Cats

One of the main benefits of staying in a conservancy, and this is a big one, is the ability to follow big cats around. For example, If you’re on a game drive in Mara North or Naboisho, and you spot a cheetah, your guide is allowed to take you off-road to get close to the cheetah. You can also follow the cheetah around in your land cruiser for as long as you want. If you have a local guide who knows how to get back to your lodge after dark, there’s also the possibility to follow the cat well after sunset.

Opportunities for Night Drives

Another important consideration is whether or not you want to do night drives. These are only possible if you stay in the Conservancies. Not all lodges have the capacity to do night drives, so check before you book. I was initially sceptical about animal watching in complete darkness. However, my scepticism was unfounded. Our night drive ended up yielding one of the most incredible wildlife encounters we had on our safari.

Where to Stay in the Mara Triangle

Our guide recommended the Mara Serena Safari Lodge for its incredible view and location. This lodge is right in the middle of the Mara Triangle, which means your game drive starts the moment you exit the lodge grounds.

Where to Stay in Mara North

We stayed at the Royal Mara Safari Lodge (and will always choose to return to it for future safaris). This lodge has an excellent location, and the accessibility is good. In fact, this is probably our favourite lodge for the entirety of our 45 days visit to Kenya.

The Royal Mara Safari Lodge is located in a fabulous bend in the Mara River, right by a hippo lagoon with over a hundred hippos. There is an incredible amount of wildlife here, and every walk from the room to the restaurant is a safari walk. Many of the animals have made their dens on the lodge grounds.

Where to Stay in Naboisho Conservancy

There are very few lodges in Naboisho Conservancy, as the conservancy is focused on low-density tourism and limited the number of beds per acre of savannah. We stayed in the world-famous Eagle View Camp , which has consistently been voted as one of the most amazing hotels in the world.

The view from the camp is truly spectacular, and it was here we witnessed the most breath-taking sunset, And this is in the land of incredible sunsets. The camp also has dedicated Maasai guides for safari walks and experienced trackers to help find the local lion prides.

How to do Game Drives in the Masai Mara

Two items on our Masai Mara checklist were 1) Capture the Wildebeest Migration 2) Photograph Big Cats (lions, cheetah and leopards).

General Advice

For the most part, animals are less active the hotter the day gets, so we don’t always find all-day game drives useful. The best times are around the “golden hour”.

As photographers, we prefer starting with a pre-breakfast game drive, around 15 – 20 minutes before dawn, so we are on the open savannah for sunrise. Then, we would continue on until lunchtime before heading back. You can get your lodge to provide a packed breakfast and lunch.

We head back out again around 4 PM until sundown for the evening game drive. Our most exciting encounters were during this period.

Witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration

The Wildebeest Migration, however, happens in the afternoon, usually any time between 10 AM and 4 PM. It seems that as the day gets hotter, the more likely they are to cross the river. The crossing points get crowded, so you will usually have to come much earlier to get a good spot.

Photographing Lions

Lions hunt at night and get more active the closer it comes to sunset. Early evening is best for observing interactions between lions. We had our best lion encounter around 20 minutes after sundown. If a pride has cubs, they are most likely to be playful around this time. The later it gets, the more likely they are to set off for hunting. Therefore, it is better to do night drives not too long after sunset, as there will be a higher chance of finding the lions hanging out in their favourite spots.

Lions are also easier to spot early in the morning when they are more likely to be out in the open, taking in the warmth of the sun.

The African Conservation Experience has a great guide to lion behaviour .

Photographing Cheetahs

Cheetahs are diurnal, and it is commonly believed that they hunt during the day. That said, recent advancements in night photography have made it possible to observe cheetahs hunting at night. The newest research shows that 1/3 of cheetah hunts happen after dark. They seem to be more active in the early morning and early evening. We had our best cheetah sighting about an hour or so before sundown.

Photographing Other Carnivores (Scavengers)

The Masai Mara’s scavengers are often overlooked by visitors, in favour of the big cats This is a real pity as they form an important part of the Masai Mara Ecosystem. Because of this, they are fascinating to observe. Like the big cats, they are most active in the early mornings and evenings, when it is cooler on the savannah. We observed a large hyena clan feasting on a wildebeest under the dawn light of the Masai Mara one morning, it was a truly incredible spectacle. We immediately assumed that the hyenas had stolen the kill, however this was an unfair conclusion as recent research has shown most of the prey consumed by hyenas are the result of their own hunting efforts. For more, check out our post: the scavengers of the Masai Mara.

How to Book A Safari in the Masai Mara

Even if you’re only interested in booking a safari in the Masai Mara, we would still recommend going with a tour operator. We met others who self-booked their safari, but we think this route can come up more expensive. If you self-book, check the price per game drive with your lodge. Ask if the price includes both a driver and a guide or just the driver.

How Many Days in the Masai Mara

We recommend, at the very least, five days, four nights in the Masai Mara and the Mara Conservancies. This will give you three full days. Note that if you go during the Great Migration, you’ll spend most of one day waiting for the wildebeests to cross the Mara River.

Drive-in Safari vs. Fly-in Safari

Safaris to the Masai Mara are organised as “drive-in” or “fly-in”. Flights are not expensive relative to the cost of a Masai Mara safari, and they come in around €100 from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Masai Mara Musiara Airport. Driving in can be an adventure, especially from Nairobi. However, driving in from the capital will give you a chance for some spectacular views of the Rift Valley, and also an opportunity to see a bit of everyday life in Kenya’s towns.

Booking With a Tour Operator

We would recommend, especially for first-timers, to book with a tour operator. There are plenty of operators to choose from on Trip Advisor and Safari Booking. Take some time to read through different itineraries. Also, don’t forget to read the reviews for the operator, read all of them – the good, average and one-star reviews. They will help inform your decision. Take a look at the photographs, especially of the vehicles you will be using since you’re going to spend a lot of time in them.

Safari Vehicle Limitations in the Masai Mara

Kenya is planning to ban minivans from their parks soon. Currently, all the Mara Conservancies do not allow minivans. To access a conservancy, make sure you have a green 4×4 jeep. In general, we do not recommend minivans for the Masai Mara park terrain (or any park terrain for that matter). The park is sprawling, and you can be in real trouble if there’s a break-down.

Crossing from the Masai Mara into Serengeti

I’m going to end with a note on considerations for getting from the Masai Mara in Kenya into the Serengeti in Tanzania. This was something we had considered doing but decided against.

Kenya and Tanzania have been working for a while on a cross border treaty in these two parks, which are adjacent to each other. The idea is that vehicles can come and go between borders within the parks, but cannot leave them. However, this has not yet happened and it is unclear when it will.

To enter the Serengeti from a lodge in the Masai Mara, you will have to drive out of the park to the Isebania border which takes half a day. It takes another 6 hours to get from the border to a lodge in the Serengeti. Adding in border hold-ups, which can be significant, you would lose between one and a half to two days of your safari holiday travelling.

We found the whole affair to be too complicated and decided to save the Serengeti for a trip dedicated to Tanzania alone.

Health and Safety on the Masai Mara

The Masai Mara is a safe place to visit. Kenya is a safe and stable country with plenty of foreign investment and tourism contributing a large share of its annual GDP. In the past (i.e. in 2013) there were concerns over terrorist groups, but those days are long gone and the government has been very successful with its no-tolerance policy towards terrorist groups.

The Masai Mara and its conservancies are policed by skilled Maasai rangers from the region. Furthermore, the local Maasai communities in the area do not allow trespassing of their land. There is no threat to tourists from poachers or terrorists on the Masai Mara.

Malaria Concerns in the Masa Mara

Your travel doctor will likely advise you to take antimalarials when you visit Kenya. If you are visiting Kenya for a short time you should take the prevailing advice and use an antimalarial. You should also use DEET on exposed skin, and sleep inside a mosquito net.

That said, malaria is not prevalent in the Masai Mara. We did not get bitten by a single mosquito during the peak season (September, which is a cool and dry month). We spoke to an expatriate who lived in Nairobi where there is a higher risk of malaria than the Masai Mara – he suggested that for long stays, travellers are better off risking malaria over long-term consumption of antimalarials. This is because malaria is easy and cheap to treat and is preferable to long-term consumption of antimalarials.

Safety Precautions when Observing Wildlife

Observing wildlife in the Masai Mara, from your vehicle, is very safe. Predators like lions, leopards and cheetahs are not interested, and do not feel threatened by safari vehicles. In general, staying in your vehicle will ensure your safety. You can get out of the vehicle if you need to answer the call of nature, however wait for your guide to pick an appropriate and safe spot first.

Elephants on the road are the only animals that may present a possible danger while in the vehicle. A trained guide and driver will know what to do in this case. As long as the vehicle does not come between an elephant and her calf there should be no trouble. If the elephant starts walking towards the vehicle, the vehicle should reverse and try to maintain distance until the elephant gets off the road. However, elephants on the road are not common in the Masai Mara.

What to Wear on Your Masai Mara Safari

The Masai Mara is usually cool in the early morning and evenings, chilly at night, and warm during the day. We recommend packing light long-sleeved shirts for game drives. The sun is incredibly strong in the savannah, and if you are prone to sun-burn, sun cream protection may not be enough protection. If burns are not a concern, t-shirts are fine for the day,

The Masai Mara can be quite chilly in the mornings, especially during the peak and high season months (July to September). Temperatures are around twelve degrees just before dawn. Most Kenyans use a warm fleece sweater, but if you are more tolerant to the cold, a good cardigan might be enough.

FAQs for the Masai Mara Safari

The Masai Mara is a vast African savannah in southwestern Kenya, adjacent to the Serengeti in Tanzania. Together, they form one of the world’s most unique grassland ecosystems. It is one Africa’s best preserved savannahs, home to the wildebeest migration and filled with predators like lion, cheetah and leopard.

The Masai Mara safari takes place in the area known as “The Mara” which includes surrounding conservancies like Mara North and Naboisho, along with the Mara Triangle and The Greater Mara.

The Masai Mara is a very safe place to visit and there are no threats from terrorists, poachers or thieves. Lodges have their own private armed guards trained by the Kenya Wildlife Services. There is minimal risk of malaria on the Masai Mara.

You can book with a local tour operator or book directly with lodges in the Masai Mara. Lodges can arrange game drives with guides and trackers at extra cost.

Pack light clothing for the day and moderately warm clothing for the evenings and early mornings. Bring DEET. Make sure you have binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens.

The Masai Mara migration takes place between July to September, Kenya’s “dry season”. This is when great herds of wildebeests, zebras, antelopes and other ungulates pass through the Masai Mara National Reserve.

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Experience Kenya – Photo Gallery

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Masai Mara National Reserve

• Best Time To Visit

• Weather & Climate
• Getting There
• Malaria & Safety

​Best Time To Visit – Masai Mara NR

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

The best time to visit Masai Mara National Reserve is during the Dry season from June to October. At this time, animals draw near to rivers and waterholes and vegetation is thinner, making wildlife easier to find and to see. During the rains (especially March, April, November and December), some driving tracks can be difficult to navigate. Your best chance to witness the spectacle of the great migration is between August and October.

June to October – Dry Season

• Although rarely hot, it is sunny and dry
• Animals gather around rivers and waterholes, making them easy to spot
• August and September are best for seeing wildebeest crossing the Mara River
• Most of the park gets very crowded and good sightings tend to attract a lot of vehicles

Wildlife Photos

November to May – Wet Season

• The park is less busy, which makes wildlife viewing special
• The skies are clear of dust, the park is green and there are lots of flowers
• Good time to see newborn animals
• Low-season rates apply in April and May
• There are plenty of resident animals in the Mara, and wildlife viewing is still good
• Bird watching is excellent and migratory birds are present
• Rain in March, April, November and December will sometimes interfere with your planned activities
• Roads can become tricky to travel

Best Time To Go by Major Park

• Amboseli National Park Amboseli National Park Excellent "> Jan J Excellent "> Feb F Good "> Mar M Fair "> Apr A Fair "> May M Excellent "> Jun J Excellent "> Jul J Excellent "> Aug A Excellent "> Sep S Excellent "> Oct O Fair "> Nov N Good "> Dec D
• Buffalo Springs NR Buffalo Springs National Reserve Excellent "> Jan J Excellent "> Feb F Good "> Mar M Fair "> Apr A Fair "> May M Excellent "> Jun J Excellent "> Jul J Excellent "> Aug A Excellent "> Sep S Good "> Oct O Fair "> Nov N Good "> Dec D
• Lake Nakuru National Park Lake Nakuru National Park Excellent "> Jan J Excellent "> Feb F Good "> Mar M Fair "> Apr A Fair "> May M Excellent "> Jun J Excellent "> Jul J Excellent "> Aug A Excellent "> Sep S Excellent "> Oct O Excellent "> Nov N Excellent "> Dec D
• Masai Mara NR Masai Mara National Reserve Good "> Jan J Good "> Feb F Fair "> Mar M Fair "> Apr A Good "> May M Excellent "> Jun J Excellent "> Jul J Excellent "> Aug A Excellent "> Sep S Excellent "> Oct O Fair "> Nov N Fair "> Dec D
• Samburu National Reserve Samburu National Reserve Excellent "> Jan J Excellent "> Feb F Good "> Mar M Fair "> Apr A Fair "> May M Excellent "> Jun J Excellent "> Jul J Excellent "> Aug A Excellent "> Sep S Good "> Oct O Fair "> Nov N Good "> Dec D
• Tsavo East National Park Tsavo East National Park Excellent "> Jan J Excellent "> Feb F Good "> Mar M Fair "> Apr A Fair "> May M Excellent "> Jun J Excellent "> Jul J Excellent "> Aug A Excellent "> Sep S Excellent "> Oct O Fair "> Nov N Good "> Dec D
• Tsavo West National Park Tsavo West National Park Excellent "> Jan J Excellent "> Feb F Good "> Mar M Fair "> Apr A Fair "> May M Excellent "> Jun J Excellent "> Jul J Excellent "> Aug A Excellent "> Sep S Excellent "> Oct O Fair "> Nov N Good "> Dec D

Want To Visit Masai Mara NR?

1,682 Masai Mara Safaris

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3-Day The Famous Mara - Luxury

$1,150 to $1,690 pp (USD)

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You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Nairobi (End)

Spirit of Kenya

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5-Day Masai Mara, Lakes Nakuru and Naivasha, Hells Gate

$534 to $780 pp (USD)

Kenya: Shared tour (max 7 people per vehicle) Tented Camp & Hotel

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Hell’s Gate NP, Nairobi (End)

Bienvenido Kenya Tours and Safaris

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4-Day Masai Mara & Nakuru Luxury Private Safari

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You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Nairobi (End)

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Destinations | AFRICA

How to plan a safari in masai mara – kenya.

27 Sep 2021 | Africa , Destinations , homepage , Kenya

Kenya ranks as one of Africa’s greatest safari destinations and is a bucket list destination for anyone who loves nature. The animal kingdom with all its spectacles like the Great Wildebeest Migration makes safari holidays perfect for a family or couple vacation. In this guide, I will share how to plan a safari in Masai Mara Kenya!

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How to plan a safari in Masai Mara Kenya 

Kenya is the third-largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa after Nigeria and South Africa, but it is the safari and the wilderness that make it special. 

Kenya’s Masai Mara Reserve is the place to be for an epic safari experience. Masai Mara is known for its wildlife conservation and wilderness areas in Africa, and sightings of lions, African leopards, cheetah, and African bush elephants.

Masai Mara Reserve is located in southwestern Kenya, it is on the headwaters of the Ewaso Ng’iro River and is adjacent to Tanzania’s Serengeti plains which makes these some of the best wildlife viewing sites in Africa. The big five can all be seen here as well as a profusion of other animals and birds.

To help you plan your dream safari in Masai Mara, Kenya, check out these tips for a perfect family-friendly Kenya experience.

Planning Tips: When is the best time to visit Kenya?

The best months for wildlife spotting in Kenya are during the dry season, from late June to October. 

The Great Wildebeest Migration usually reaches the Masai Mara in July and the herds remain in the reserve until October, before making their way back to the Serengeti in Tanzania. However, decent wildlife viewings are possible all year round.

Here are some top timing tips when planning a trip to Kenya:

• Best time to visit : June to October, January to February.
• High season: July to November, January to February (some of the parks might get very crowded, especially the Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru).
• Low season : March to May.
• Best weather: June to October.
• Worst weather : March to May.

Read here more about the best time to visit Masai Mara . 

What’s included in a Masai Mara Safari Excursion?

A trip to Masai Mara National Reserve entails a short flight from Nairobi followed by an hour and a half drive to the main entrance of the reserve. Once you’re through with formalities, you get on your open-top 4×4 safari vehicle and set off for a game drive in search of wild beasts and birds.

The itinerary usually includes

• Masai Mara National reserve or Samburu National Reserve safari holiday
• Full board accommodation at lodges/camps that are lucky enough to have a view of the animals
• All park entrance fees and game drive in an open-top 4X4 safari vehicle with an English-speaking guide.

Packages can be tailored to suit all budgets and tastes, and if that is not enough, the sky’s the limit for money-can’t-buy experiences.

Options for Masai Mara Safari Tours

It is a good idea to book a tour as the local Maasai people who lived here for hundreds of years will know the landscape better, and will provide you with the best guidance and experience at the reserve. 

You can easily book Masai Mara tours online. Companies such as G Adventures are very reputed and they organize small group tours for 3 to 5 days. These tours include accommodation, sightseeing, and meals.

Tours commence in Nairobi and end there as well. International flights are not included in these packages. On average expect to pay $300 USD per day per person. 

On websites like Tripadvisor and Tourradar, you will find many options including tour operator listings to choose from. Do take some time to review each tour, and check what inclusions are added to each package. I like to check the sightseeing stops, number of meals, accommodation level (budget, luxury), and transportation. 

As always, check the reviews online. Be prepared to provide a deposit to secure your spot, and lock in discounts. 

It is normal for tour operators to ask for passport and visa information, address, and trip preferences (like meals, etc.) I highly recommend insuring your trip – medical and cancellations. 

Safari in Masai Mara: Tips & Our Experience

The Masai Mara is a nature reserve in southwestern Kenya. It expands over 1,700 square kilometers and borders the Serengeti plain. The major attraction for safari enthusiasts is the Great Wildebeest Migration: the massive seasonal migration of the wildebeest and zebras. 

There’s an extensive network of unpaved roads throughout the park. The roads are accessible for all types of cars during the dry season. The landscape mainly consists of grassy plains, with occasional acacias and river forests. 

Two major rivers flow through the park – the Talek and the Mara – and the latter is famous for its migration. Most of the rain falls in the northern part of the park, which means that the density and diversity of wildlife vary over time.           

As mentioned, most of the Masai Mara safari tour operators will offer 3-day experience, up to 5 days or more. This also includes a tented camp accommodation. 

How to get to Masai Mara Reserve 

Kenya’s capital and central transport hub is Nairobi. When traveling internationally, Nairobi will be your first point of entry into the country. If you want you can also aside a few days (or even a day) to explore. 

For our accommodation, we stayed in the Safari Park Hotel , located out of town and away from all the crowds.

Home to some of Africa’s best all-year-round wildlife viewings (as well as the annual Great Wildebeest Migration!) it’s no wonder the Masai Mara National Reserve attracts thousands of visitors every year. 

Masai Mara flights

There are daily flights to the Mara that take around 45 minutes to an hour. On arrival, the aircraft will land on an airstrip nearest to your camp. Tickets are $200 USD one way. 

Masai Mara by car

You can also go to Masai Mara National Park by car – but the traffic is hellish like almost anywhere in Central Africa. Motorcycles, dilapidated buses, overloaded trucks, jeeps, dogs, and thousands of people along the road. 

Everybody fights for every centimeter and blares their car horn for almost anything. Driving around in Central Africa is an adventure in itself!

The distance varies from 225 km (140 miles) to 275 km (170 miles) depending on the gate or entry point of Masai Mara you want to access.

Where to stay in Masai Mara: Our Safari in Kenya

During our three-day safari we stayed in luxury tents in Kilima Safari Camp .

Narrow-minded luxury aficionados might turn up their noses at Kilima Camp. Who sleeps in a tent nowadays? But let us state clearly that these were no ordinary tents. Our tent was sixty square meters in size, equipped with a rain shower. Ingenious in its simplicity. Call it ‘staying in Out of Africa style’. 

Moreover… what a view! 

The panorama from the terrace of our luxury tent was breathtaking. We looked over the savannah for miles and the Mara River glistened beautifully in the sun.

Nothing is as delicious as breakfast in the morning chill of the jungle, with hot coffee in tall jugs and a fresh campfire as a companion. 

The Maasai appear everywhere as trained bodyguards. Their presence is great but ubiquitous. Maasai is the name given to a largely nomadic people in East Africa, mainly living in Kenya and Tanzania. 

The total population of the Maasai is estimated at 900,000 – half of which is in Kenya. There isn’t any exact data as accurate census data isn’t available, but most notably they have no national borders. 

Livestock is indispensable for the Maasai. They eat the meat and blood, drink the milk, use the skins for their houses and produce tools and combs from the bone. Despite the growing influence of civilization, the Maasai manage to preserve their ancient traditions. 

Today, however, their traditional lifestyle is under great pressure for various reasons. The government of Kenya wants to take parts of their pasture for livestock to expand the national parks like the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara.

 “Several dozen Maasai are indirectly involved in this village,” the lodge manager explained to us. “It secures our past and gives us a fair future. In addition, we appreciate their active involvement in tourism.” 

Breakfast and dinner were served in the camp, and we enjoyed delicious picnics in the afternoons during our day trips.

Our experience at the Masai Mara National Reserve

We spent the next three days on the main reason for the trip – the safari. Our main goal: to see a piece of the migration. That meant touring around, stopping a lot, and simply observing nature. 

Safari means ‘journey in Swahili – and we soon saw why. We switched ourselves into slow mode and tried to live in the rhythm of the jungle. We didn’t worry about what we wanted to see but instead focused on being content with what we got. 

Surrounding the Masai Mara National Reserve are several community-owned conservancies and along with the reserve it makes up the Greater Masai Mara area. 

The Mara is also well known as one of the best places in Africa for game viewing. There are over 90 animal species and hundreds of bird species in their ecosystem for you to explore. In a game drive, you can witness so many varied landscapes and wildlife in wide-open spaces. 

So, we drove along the border of Serengeti National Park which is probably the most famous park in Tanzania. The name is derived from Siringet, a Maasai word that literally means ‘endless plains. 

It’s a region of savannahs and forest landscapes, spread over the north of Tanzania and the south of Kenya. The total area is about 30,000 square kilometers, of which eighty percent is in Tanzania. 

About 1.6 million herbivores and thousands of predators live in the area, but the region is best known for the Great Migration. Nearly two million wildebeest, gazelles, and zebras migrate from Serengeti Park to Masai Mara and back every year. 

The Mara has the highest lion density in Kenya, and leopard and cheetah are common sights, too.

It is, and remains to be, one of the most spectacular animal migrations on the planet. They have to cross the Mara River on their travels, which is guaranteed to be a spectacle. This is an annual party much anticipated by the crocodiles!

During our stay we got spoiled and quickly spotted the Big Five, including lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos. As well as these great breathtaking animals, you can also spot popular species like ostriches, crocodiles, cheetahs, zebras, hyenas, gazelles, and giraffes along the way.

Exploring Lake Naivasha

On the last day of our trip (after a well-deserved day of relaxation at the hotel!) we enjoyed another day trip to Lake Naivasha and went sailing on a boat among the hippos.

Lake Naivasha is the highest lake in Kenya (1884 meters) and served as Kenya’s main airport during colonial times. The seaplanes from London landed on the lake to break up the long flight to Cape Town. 

Around the lake, there are several colonial buildings where you can spend the night and feel the atmosphere of times gone by. In addition to ospreys, many other waterfowl live around the lake – such as the saddle-billed stork, various kingfisher species, and the African spoonbill.

The area is known for exclusive excursions that aren’t possible anywhere else in Kenya. Here are some of the different options:

Boat Safari at Lake Naivasha 

Boat safaris are offered on Lake Naivasha, where you can enjoy the waterfowl, hippos, and crocodiles in peace. You can also spot different forms of wildlife quenching their thirst on the banks.

Mountain Biking Excursions

Hell’s Gate National Park offers the unique opportunity to cycle among the wildlife on a mountain bike. The feeling of being actively involved in the setting of steep cliffs and grazing zebras and giraffes is a highlight of this national park. 

From the entrance of the park, it’s 8 km by bike to the Hell’s Gate gorge.

Walking and wandering around

The bike ride can be combined with a hike in the Hell’s Gate gorge deeper in the park. The gorge’s steep cliffs and views make for an adventurous hike – including a part that must be scrambled across! 

A local guide informs you about the geology, bird species and provides guidance during the more difficult parts.

Rock Climbing 

In the middle of the park are the two lava towers, Fischer’s Toren and Central Toren, that can be climbed. They’re a tough challenge and a technical climb, so rock climbing experience is definitely required.

From Lake Naivasha it’s also possible to go to Mount Suswa, a large volcano hardly visited by tourists. It’s about a three-hour walk to the top of the crater, and around eight hours to walk around. If you do visit Mount Suswa you’ll also spend the night here, camping on a flat piece of grass.

This tour is not recommended without a guide – you can arrange a local Maasai guide in advance who will make this two-day trip with you.

Travel Tips to Enjoy Kenya and Masai Mara to the fullest

Here are some additional tips to plan your safari, effortlessly:

Do get vaccinations before you visit Kenya  

Vaccinations before embarking on your trip to Kenya are highly recommended. There is a severe threat of malaria throughout Kenya, with the exception of high-altitude areas above 2,000m like Nairobi.

Most safari parks are high-risk zones. The highest risks for infection are during the rainy season, from September to April.

Budget tips for Masai Mara Safari

To save costs you can drive to Masai Mara by car – but bear in mind this is a six-hour trip on unpaved roads. I wouldn’t recommend driving by yourself in Kenya, as the roads are very poorly maintained. Instead, rent a car with a local driver to take you to your destination.

Secondly, always negotiate the prices for products and services. Negotiating is culturally expected, so be aware of this to avoid paying too much. Make sure you always have some cash in your pocket too, because it’s not always possible to pay with a credit card.  

Safety Tips in Kenya

It’s not recommended to walk around the streets alone at night as a tourist. Hotels will advise you not to venture out after sunset without the company of a guide.

Essential packing tips for Masai Mara Kenya

Here are some packing tips for your safari

• Loose-fitting and comfy clothes: Pack comfortable and loose-fitting clothes so that you are at ease when you are on a safari. Also, keep in mind that daytime temperatures are very hot and so airy clothing is essential.
• Cardigan: With that, a sweater or a cardigan is also handy for early mornings, and evenings in the camp.
• Hiking boots: You will be walking, hiking, and exploring Masai Mara at the park, and in and around the camp area, so wear comfortable hiking boots/shoes. One pair is enough for a 3-day tour. Here are my favorite hiking shoes .
• Sunscreen: You will need sunscreen all throughout the trip, so carry some.
• Sunglasses: Sun protection is also important when you are hiking and on a safari
• First Aid Kit: Take a first aid kit with you to Kenya! This is super handy for small cuts, bruises, etc. on the go.
• Medications: I’ve visited the country twice and have been super sick twice, despite the fact that we always stayed in decent hotels. Pills for headaches, stomach pain, and diarrhea are definitely recommended.
• Camera: Don’t forget your camera to capture some of the stunning shots of wildlife, wilderness, and your safari moments. Buy a wider lens, and a camera that is great for low lighting captures (at night).
• Phone: Your cell phone is important. Save all the essential travel details for Kenya.
• Travel documents: Lastly, don’t forget to carry your valid passport, tourist visa, tour reservations, insurance, and cash & credit cards.

Masai Mara is the place to be for an African safari. I highly recommend adding this to your travel bucket list – this is one experience that you will never forget!

I hope you found this post useful in planning your trip to Kenya. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below. 

Pin for later: Kenya Masai Mara Safari Experience 

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Really well done and detailed article.

Hope you get to enjoy the adventures that this country offers as much as possible.

Karibu Kenya

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Maasai Mara National Reserve

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is a breathtaking wildlife sanctuary located in the Narok County of Kenya. Named after the Maasai people, the area’s indigenous inhabitants, and the Mara River which divides it, this reserve is globally renowned for its exceptional wildlife population, picturesque landscapes, and unique cultural experiences. Spanning approximately 1,510 square kilometers, the Maasai Mara offers visitors an unforgettable opportunity to witness the beauty of nature at its finest.

Established in 1961, the Maasai Mara National Reserve forms a part of the greater Mara ecosystem, which also includes the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The reserve is situated at an altitude of 1,500 to 2,170 meters above sea level, providing a variety of habitats to support its diverse wildlife population. The area experiences two rainy seasons: the long rains from March to May and the short rains from November to December.

The Maasai Mara is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the famous “Big Five” – African elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinoceros. Additionally, it hosts over 450 bird species, including vultures, marabou storks, and ostriches. The reserve is globally renowned for the annual Great Migration, during which over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the Mara River in search of greener pastures between July and October.

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. With its unparalleled natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural experiences, a visit to the Maasai Mara is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Activities to Do in The Mara

Walking safari, horseback safari, wildlife photography.

MAASAI MARA FACTS

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the world’s most famous and important wildlife conservation and wilderness areas. Here are some facts about it:

Great Migration

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• Explore the Karen Blixen Museum , housed in the former home of the famous Out of Africa author. Discover the captivating life and inspiration behind her renowned literary work.
• Experience the Giraffe Centre , witness the conservation of native Rothschild's giraffes, and interact with and feed them. Get lucky kisses from these gentle giants.
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• Enjoy dinner and spend the night in your Lake Nakuru hotel.
• Meet your private driver-guide and enjoy one-day game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park.
• Enjoy the morning game drive , and witness the breathtaking sight of thousands of birds, including the pink flamingos, foraging and hunting for fish in the water.
• Return to your hotel to freshen up and indulge in a delicious lunch.
• Embark on an afternoon game drive to encounter over 50 species of wildlife, including the Big Five, especially the white and black rhinos, while marvelling at impressive herds of zebras, giraffes, impalas, and predators.
• Indulge in a delightful dinner and unwind for the night at your Lake Nakuru lodge.
• Immerse yourself in the natural marvels of Lake Nakuru with an early morning safari , offering glimpses of leopards, lions, and a black rhino thriving amidst the African savanna.
• Take a private transfer to the beautiful Lake Naivasha.
• Enjoy a 1-hour serene boat ride across Lake Naivasha , where you'll glide past curious hippos and encounter exotic fish.
• Indulge in a guided walking Safari on Crescent Island , and get up close to giraffes and wildebeests, immersing yourself in a truly unforgettable wildlife encounter.
• Savor a delectable dinner and relax for the night at your Lake Naivasha lodge.
• Meet your private driver-guide and enjoy a short transfer to the captivating Hell's Gate National Park .
• Embark on an exciting guided bike tour through the Hells Gate NP and be prepared to witness an abundance of captivating wildlife passing by.
• Take a guided game walk to explore the park's beauty, where you will be left truly enchanted by the sight of gracefully grazing gazelles, majestic antelopes, zebras, and giraffes.
• Transfer back to your Lake Naivasha lodge and spend the night there.
• Meet your driver-guide in the morning and transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve.
• Savor a delicious lunch upon arrival at your Mara lodge.
• Experience an exhilarating afternoon game drive , venturing into wildlife hot spots to spot elusive animals, such as leopards. Your expert guide will determine the locations to visit, leveraging their intimate understanding of animal behaviour and tracking techniques.
• After the game drive, you will be escorted back to the lodge to freshen up before enjoying a delectable lodge dinner.
• Depart from the lodge with your expert guide for a morning game drive in the crisp air. Watch out for elephant herds, lion pride, and the abundant wildlife in the Masai Mara along the way.
• Explore the famous Mara River with the guidance of a Maasai warrior dressed in traditional attire, who will lead you to the dwelling place of hippos.
• Enjoy a bush breakfast in a serene clearing by the hippo pool, with chilled sparkling wine or fresh juice.
• Discover the iconic Big Five or explore lesser-known wildlife in the dynamic Masai Mara. Keep an eye out for hyenas, gazelles, impalas, giraffes, zebras, vultures, cranes, eagles, falcons, and ostriches.
• Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch amidst the expansive African savanna, under the shady branches of a beautiful acacia tree, while taking in the breathtaking views.
• Experience an afternoon game drive , where endless excitement awaits! Discover the rich wildlife diversity of the region, including the renowned Big Five.
• Savor a delightful dinner and experience an enchanting overnight stay at your Mara Lodge.
• Enjoy a serene pre-dawn breakfast by the fire before a thrilling safari adventure.
• Embark on a captivating 2-hour morning game drive to the Lemek Conservancy, where you'll pass by herds of graceful impala and majestic giraffes grazing on the plains. Keep your eyes peeled for the presence of elusive predators in this wildlife adventure.
• Immerse yourself in the vibrant Maasai culture by visiting their community and gaining insights into their rich traditions, unique way of life, and the captivating dynamics of their village.
• Relish the classic safari experience by enjoying a sundowner from our custom-built 4x4 safari land cruiser, while witnessing the breathtaking sun setting over the rolling plains.
• Indulge in a unique night safari and experience the magic of the African wilderness after dark: alert gazelles, roaring lions, and the mysterious calls of hyenas.
• Savor a delightful dinner and enjoy an overnight stay at your Lemek lodge.
• Experience a captivating morning bush walk accompanied by a Maasai warrior. Leave the jeep behind and establish a deep connection with the land, the flora, and the smaller wildlife.
• Indulge in a delightful lunch amidst the heart of Masai Mara , beneath a tree that provides shade and tranquillity.
• Enjoy an exhilarating afternoon game drive , where you can spot predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, and jackals.
• Explore the Rhino Sanctuary —a haven for two majestic rhinoceroses, dedicated to safeguarding these incredible creatures from the brink of extinction.
• Gather around a mesmerizing bonfire and witness an enchanting Massai dance performed by our Maasai friends in your lodge.
• Embark on a thrilling morning game drive and keep an eye out for majestic wildlife, including elegant giraffes, powerful elephants, and colourful birds.
• Return to the lodge to freshen up, then head to the Mara Airstrip for a short flight to Amboseli National Park.
• Meet your private driver-guide upon your arrival at Amboseli Airstrip and head to your Amboseli Camp/Lodge.
• Embark on an incredible afternoon game drive through Amboseli National Park and be amazed by the sight of free-roaming elephants and a diverse range of fascinating species.
• Savor a delightful dinner and experience an enchanting overnight stay at your Amboseli camp/lodge.
• Rise early to witness the breathtaking sunrise as it bathes the park in warm golden hues and showcases the majestic silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Experience the thrill of a morning game drive , with sightings of large herds on the move, and catch a clear view of Mount Kilimanjaro in the cloud-free early morning as it becomes rarely visible in the afternoon.
• Head back to your camp for a refreshing pause and savor a delectable lunch.
• Immerse yourself in an extraordinary afternoon game drive through Amboseli's diverse landscapes, allowing you to encounter the majestic Big Five specifically the free-roaming elephants, observe different mammal species, and marvel at a multitude of bird species.
• Drive up Observation Hill the only spot where you can step out of the jeep for a leisurely walk, experiencing a serene atmosphere with cool winds from Mount Kilimanjaro and breathtaking panoramic views of the park.
• Embrace the thrill of an early morning game drive to search for predators, grazers, and diverse birdlife, immersing ourselves in the awe-inspiring nature that surrounds us.
• Return to the camp and take a moment to freshen up before treating yourself to a delicious breakfast.
• Enjoy a private transfer to Nairobi International Airport for your flight back home.

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Masai Mara safaris

Best safari camps and lodges in the masai mara.

Stuart Butler

• In this guide
• Samburu, Buffalo Springs & Shaba
• Meru National Park
• Lake Nakuru National Park
• Amboseli National Park
• Nairobi National Park
• Off the beaten track
• Kenya besides safari
• Where to stay
• How to get there

The very essence of a Kenyan safari landscape, the Masai Mara stretches along the Kenya-Tanzania border and forms the northern fringe of the greater Serengeti ecosystem (most of which is in Tanzania ).

The Masai Mara is the part of Kenya in which I have spent the most time (months and months if I added it all up), and was the scene of one of my best ever travel experiences. Some years ago a Maasai friend and I set out on a five week hike that took us across the entire Mara ecosystem. By day we walked alongside the wildlife and Maasai herders. By night we camped out under the stars and slept in traditional Maasai villages. An unforgettable adventure!

Ready to experience it yourself? Here's my essential guide to the best safaris in the Masai Mara.

Lions prowling in the Masai Mara

The best Masai Mara safari camps & lodges

Our expert's top picks, masai mara national reserve, mara north conservancy, naboisho conservancy, olare motorogi conservancy, ol derikesi conservancy.

Nashulai Maasai Conservancy

One of the great success stories of Kenya safari has been the emergence of networks of conservancies, usually adjacent to the better known national parks. These are community-run or privately-operated protected areas, run for the benefit of wildlife and local communities. In the Masai Mara, the Nashulai Maasai Conservancy is particularly interesting, as it’s the only one that was 100% established by local Maasai and the only one where the Maasai remain in their homes within the conservancy. I can also highly recommend Mara North, Naboisho, and Ol Dereski; you’ll likely have an amazing time in any of them.

Offbeat Mara

Mara North is perhaps the best known conservancy in the Masai Mara, and Offbeat Mara is one of my favourite camps in the entire place. It's a small, un-showy camp of just seven tents including two family tents. In addition to the standard game drives you can do night drives, guided bush walks, horse riding, hot air balloon flights and even do some Maasai running coaching!

Saruni Eagle View

Naboisho is a ground breaking conservancy working hard to protect wildlife and local communities. The scrubby terrain here is packed with big animals. There are eight camps here, all of which are excellent but Saruni Eagle View is one of my favourites. There are nine tents, making it very small and intimate, and all the usual conservancy activities on offer: night game drives, bush walks and some fascinating Maasai culture talks at night around the campfire.

Kicheche Bush Camp

With one of the densest populations of lions in Kenya you’d be hard pushed to go wrong at Olare Motorogi, a simply stunning conservancy. There are five camps here, one of my favourites is Kicheche Bush Camp with six tents spread out under the Acacias. It's a popular spot for photographers; the 4X4s are modified for SLR cameras and extended game drives are the norm.

Cottars 1920’s Camp

Ol Derikesi Conservancy, tucked into the remote southeast corner of the Mara region, is Kenyan safari at its best. There’s an incredible amount of wildlife around here – including lots of lions – and just one spectacular camp; Cottars 1920’s Camp, whose 11 tents are presented in a nostalgic 1920s style.

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Where to stay in the masai mara, accommodation types in the mara.

The Mara has a huge range of accommodation options. In fact, with over 300 registered camps and lodges, many conservation experts fear that there is too much tourism development.

Options range from shabby, basic and cheap (think around USD $50-150 per night) to something fit for the royals and with a price tag to match (it’s not hard to find places costing USD $1,000+ a night).

The three main gates into the Mara (Sekenani, Talek and Oloolaimutiek all have lots of budget and mid-range accommodation. These vary from Maasai homestays (book through www.semadepngo.com), and basic campgrounds to well-turned out Maasai-run safari camps.

There are also a smattering of high end safari camps where acting in an environmentally and socially aware manner is as important as all the bells and whistles that come with a stay.

If you want to stay inside the reserve then options are more limited and tend to revolve around a couple of dated safari ‘package hotel’ style lodges or much more impressive intimate safari camps.

But in my opinion, by far the best areas to stay are in the conservancies that fringe the national park. These conservancies have vastly expanded the amount of land under some kind of protection. Staying in a conservancy is unquestionably expensive, but everyone should try and allow for a couple of nights in a conservancy camp.

Remember also the high prices aren’t just paying for the uniformly magnificent accommodation and superb safari experience but a great bulk of what you’re paying contributes to leasing the land and devoting it to conservation. Essentially your money is paying to preserve the wildlife habitat.

There are around 16 conservancies fringing the Mara but not all are fully set-up to safari tourists. Some of the best include Mara North, Naboisho, Olare Motorogi, Ol Derikesi, and the excellent, community-run Nashulai Maasai Conservancy.

Masai Mara safari highlights

What to see and do.

The Masai Mara and the rest of the Serengeti ecosystem has the greatest population of large animals on the planet. Sit on a ridge here and watch as thousands of grazers mow the grass while keeping a beady eye out for the predator population that includes famously big lions, as well as cheetah, elusive leopard and cackling hyena.

All of the famed “ big five ” (so named because they were the prize targets of early-20th century hunters) are present here: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino. All but the rhino (there’s a growing population but they remain elusive) can be easily seen.

As well as up to a million plus wildebeest, there are dozens of species of antelope, gazelle and other herbivores including huge numbers of zebra, impala, Thompson’s gazelle and giraffe. And the rivers are stuffed with hippos and crocodiles.

Then there’s the smaller creatures who are even more numerous than the big boys: Aardvarks and porcupines, jackals and warthogs, baboons and vervet monkeys, squirrels and agamas.

From ostrich to weaver birds, birders will also delight. Over 500 bird species have been recorded in the Mara – that’s about the same as found in the whole of the UK!

The migration

One of the Mara’s top draws is the arrival of the wildebeest migration between June and October, when around 1.2 million wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of zebra, gazelle and impala cross over from the Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania.

Safari-goers flock to the Mara River to watch the migration’s most spectacular moment, as hordes of wildebeest thunder into the water, running the gauntlet of waiting crocodiles. It’s nature on its grandest scale – but also the busiest time to go on safari in the Masai Mara. If you’d rather see the migration untroubled by crowds, I recommend you look at Tanzania instead.

Conservancies

The Mara is fringed by private and community conservancies, which together double the size of the protected area. These conservancies protect key migration routes (especially for elephants) and areas of hilly woodlands, as well as the classic grassland savannah.

In many cases wildlife populations are actually greater in the conservancies than within the reserve itself. And, with visitor numbers strictly limited to guests of the handful of camps and lodges within each conservancy (some conservancies, such as Olderkesi, have just one camp – in this case it’s the spectacular Cottars 1920’s Safari Camp – it’s easy to feel as if you have a great swathe of African bush all to yourself.

Staying in a conservancy guarantees you the finest wildlife guides in the business, quality safari vehicles, wonderfully romantic accommodation and superb food as well as a whole host of activities not available within the reserve itself (such as bush walks, bush breakfasts, sundowners and the opportunity to learn more about conservation).

Balloon rides

Riding high on the morning thermals above the plains is a quintessential Kenyan experience and the Masai Mara is the place to do it. From on up high you'll marvel at snake-like lines of migrating wildebeest, watch the shadow fall from an acacia tree at dawn and, if you’re really lucky, see lions or cheetah readying themselves for the a pounce.

Nothing brings the Mara alive like exploring it on foot. You’re not allowed to do a walking safari within the reserve itself but if you’re staying in a camp on the edge of the reserve or in one of the conservancies then a bush walk should be easy to organise.

The best time to visit the Masai Mara

Seasons and climate in the mara.

When the wildebeest roll through the Mara between July and early October the safari goers arrive en masse. But, even with high season prices and crowds this is still by far the best time to be in the Mara. The wildlife show is quite simply spectacular, the grass is green and the weather – not too hot and not too cold – is just perfect.

Another popular time is Christmas through to mid-March. The wildebeest migration might be far away (but resident wildebeest remain) but there’s still a massive amount of other wildlife on hand.

Mid-March-early-May is the height of the rainy season and many camps close and wildlife is dispersed. June, before the high season crowds arrive is a very rewarding time to be here.

The best time to visit Kenya for safari

January & FebruaryThis is a hot and dry period…

How to get to the Masai Mara

The easiest and most common way of getting from Nairobi to the Masai Mara is by small plane. There are numerous small, unsurfaced air strips within the reserve and surrounding conservancies and dozens of planes (each carrying around 8-12 passengers) fly in and out every day.

The two main airlines serving the Mara are Air Kenya ( www.airkenya.com ) and Safari Link ( www.flysafarilink.com ). As well as linking Nairobi with the Mara they also link individual air strips within the Mara and offer frequent flights to Malindi and Diani beaches and other major national parks. Baggage weight limit is normally only 15kg. Excess baggage fees are steep.

Budget safaris and fully independent visitors often come overland from Nairobi or other parks and reserves. On a good day with light traffic leaving Nairobi it’s possible to drive from the city to the Sekenani gate in just five hours. However, a day of light traffic around Nairobi is as rare as a squat giraffe so allow a full day for the journey.

Masai Mara safari FAQs

Your questions, our expert answers, can you recommend any family-friendly camps/lodges in the masai mara.

I would suggest rather than staying within Masai Mara proper, stay in one of the conservancies that now fringe the Mara.

In the most basic of terms these are like private, community-run wildlife reserves. Conservancy operators lease the land from local people and each local family receives a guaranteed monthly payment. The conservancy also provides employment and sets up development projects. People continue to graze their cattle but in a more controlled manner. And in return, fences are removed and the wildlife encouraged to return to the lands they were once driven out of. The conservancies have been a great success both for wildlife and local people. And, for tourists, they offer a very exclusive experience and the world's finest safaris.

Each conservancy has only a handful of very discreet high end camps and only guests of those camps can go on a safari in the conservancy, which means crowds of vehicles around a lion are non-existent.

The conservancies also allow activities not permitted within the reserve such as walking (highly recommended), bush camping, night safaris, etc. This makes them ideal for kids because it breaks up the routine and allows a little more freedom.

The safari vehicles and guides used in the conservancies are absolutely the best in the game and the wildlife populations are the equal of the actual reserve. However, there's a catch (of course...), conservation like this doesn't come cheap. All of the conservancies are superb but some names are Naboisho, Mara North and Nashulai Maasai Conservancy (this last one being slightly cheaper than the others and lots of focus on meeting local people). As for actual camps you cannot go wrong with any of them. All the conservancy camps are superb. I'm a big fan of the Basecamp offerings, Off-Beat and Kicheche. All are a little less extravagant than some of the other camps.

If you want to only visit the reserve and not a conservancy then I suggest either Basecamp Mara, Oldarpoi or you could go for a Maasai homestay in Sekenani village. Expect basic but perfectly comfortable rooms but an amazing experience. Your kids would really enjoy this.

We're visiting the Masai Mara but would like to visit another area on safari in Kenya. Can you recommend anywhere very different to the Masai Mara to see different wildlife and landscapes?

The most common combinations for a short add-on to the Masai Mara are Amboseli , Laikipia or the Samburu area.

For your requirements of a different habitat and wildlife then without doubt I would suggest Samburu National Reserve. This is a much drier and hotter area than the Mara with different vegetation and animals. And, even the animals you might have seen in the Mara are different up here with different species of giraffe, zebra and ostrich all present (and in my opinion all more beautiful than the kinds in the Mara). The park is also superb for elephants.

Samburu, though still popular, is notably quieter than the Mara and, once away from the river, it's easy to feel you have the place all to yourself (and especially if you go into the co-joined Buffalo Springs and Shaba reserves). Depending on when you are there you will find direct flights from the Mara, but otherwise will have to go via Nairobi. If you're driving it's a long way – a 10 hour non-stop drive, so flying is the better option.

Is February a good time to visit the Masai Mara, or would June-July be better? What would be the differences?

February is a very good time for safari in the Masai Mara , but also very different to the experience in June and July.

It's hotter and drier in February and generally there are fewer other tourists. There will still be plenty of zebra and wildebeest around but these are the non-migrating resident herds, so they don't form the massive iconic herds that you might see on TV.

July is good because the migrant wildebeest are all normally in the Mara by then, but its also absolute peak high season so can be busy and expensive. June is perhaps my overall favourite month. Everything is green after the rains and it's nice and cool with far fewer tourists than July, but the first migrant wildebeest might start to arrive (it all depends on rains and the state of the grass).

In short, all three months are excellent but each is different so it might be best to go with whatever just suits your timings better.

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About the author.

Stuart is an award-winning travel journalist covering safari, trekking and conservation in Africa for the Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, BBC, Bradt Travel Guides, amongst many others. He is the author of Walking With The Maasai , a journey through some of Kenya's lesser-visited Maasai lands.

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Best Safari in Kenya – The Masai Mara

• by Jonny Duncan
• March 6, 2021 September 23, 2022

One of the best things to do in Kenya is to visit the world-famous wildlife reserve of the Masai Mara which is the best safari in Kenya.

It has the same variety and similar terrain to that found in the large Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, its neighbour.

This is an account of a budget Masai Mara safari leaving from Nairobi. I go into details of how to do this at the bottom of the post.

If you will be in Kenya for a while taking a look at my  two-week itinerary for backpacking in Kenya   (link opens in new tab) to give you some ideas of what to do.

Side note: If you’re wondering which is the best month to do the best safari in Kenya for the wildlife it’s during the dry season, from June until October.

Find places to stay in Nairobi here before going on safari.

Day 1 of The Masai Mara Safari

Hitting a dusty, bumpy road for about two hours after driving from Nairobi for a while, you arrive at the gates to the Masai Mara Reserve.

At three in the afternoon, the light is obscured by clouds and the lush green of the rolling hills comes to life with the hoofed beat of the animals.

Roaming around in a minivan the first signs of life come in the form of two male impalas butting horns in a fight.

A group of giraffes passed by with their haughty look seemingly in disapproval, moving towards some trees for a feed.

They move elegantly across the open space of the savannah, with their tall height silhouetted against the horizon.

With the sun making a short appearance through the grey sky the dry grass of the savannah showed more clearly, as a huge herd of buffalo relaxed and chewed on the grass.

The African buffalo is a very dangerous animal and ill-tempered. In fact, if you ask safari rangers throughout Africa many will tell you it’s the animal they fear the most.

Two male lions were seen sleeping under a bush, lazy in the daytime heat.

It’s always exciting to find lions as many times they are feeding in a big group, or stalking some prey. But other times there is only so much excitement that can be had looking at them having a rest.

They are cats after all.

On the journey back to camp that day two lionesses were seen with a young buffalo in their jaws, the buffalo still alive.

They had been stalking the herd of buffalo seen earlier, and the hunt itself had been missed by only a few minutes.

Lions don’t kill their prey instantly, they slowly wear down the animals they hunt until they are exhausted.

They then suffocate the buffalo by holding the mouth in theirs and by biting the neck, and the animal will succumb.

Seeing the process in action is quite gruesome, especially seeing the young buffalo still fighting for its life.

The buffalo’s struggle was hopeless as there is no way of escaping these lionesses, as one of them roars its delight, sending a chill down the spine.

The buffalos death was not far away.

If the lions do not kill then they do not live, and neither do their young cubs. As hard as it is seeing the buffalo being killed, it’s part of life.

Leaving the national park to go to the campsite, as the sun slowly sets, there is excitement about the full day safari coming up the next day, and what wildlife wonders will be seen on the Masai Mara.

I could easily see why this has been described as the best safari in Kenya.

Day 2 of The Best Safari in Kenya

Lions are the top predator in the Masai Mara where almost every other animal is a dinner for them. So it was fascinating on this safari to witness a lion chase, and a large pride eating together.

This was my second visit so I knew the great wildlife spectacle that was to come.

The Masai Mara did not disappoint, with a large male lion and his pride feasting on the remains of a buffalo kill that was seen the night before.

Leaving the lions to eat the remains we continued driving through the African savannah.

Plenty of zebra and antelope were spotted, as well as a huge herd of buffalo and wildebeest.

Vultures snacked on the remains of a kill.

While more beautifully coloured birds were seen elsewhere.

The best thing so far was when we found a cheetah trying to cool off from the heat in the shade of a bush.

The cheetah is one of my favourite animals and this made it the best safari in Kenya by far just for seeing one in the wild. The cheetah is such an elegant cat and is the fastest land animal.

The cheetah moved closer into the shade and let out a big yawn as it relaxed, getting ready to take a nap.

Further on driving through more herds of zebra and wildebeest, a fast movement was spotted running in the distance.

It was a lion chasing a zebra.

Racing to the scene the zebra had managed to escape before we got there, and the lioness was panting hard.

But with so many herds around, the lioness was soon stalking another group of zebra.

The Lion Hunt In The Masai Mara

We shadowed the movements of the lioness for twenty minutes, following from around thirty metres away, watching her drop in and out of the bush stalking.

The first group of zebras spotted her (zebras have excellent eyesight), and ran away snorting warnings to the others.

A group further ahead didn’t notice the commotion and the lioness slowly moved towards them.

Suddenly there was a burst of movement ahead and the chase was on.

The lioness charged into the zebra, who ran for their lives. Arriving to see her exhausted in front of some zebra but she didn’t make a kill.

Even though there was no-kill, the sheer excitement of watching the stalking and the chase was amazing to see.

In hunger she ended up chasing away some vultures from a half-eaten wildebeest, picking it up and moving it into the shade.

She probably didn’t eat it as lions like freshly killed meat, not rotting corpses.

Spotting another lioness a hundred metres away watching it became obvious that they were trying to work together to hunt, but just didn’t have the best plan for the recent one.

The second lioness spotted a young zebra walking not so far behind her, but even with all the good bush around as cover, she didn’t bother giving chase.

Having seen buffalo killed the day before, and lions appearing everywhere, it really is the lion’s den in the Masai Mara.

Leaving the lion chase behind we moved on to the Mara River that is the border between the Masai Mara on the Kenyan side, and the Serengeti on the Tanzanian side.

Stopping for lunch beneath a tree a herd of giraffes slowly sauntered by in the distance.

Best safari in Kenya? Yep!

Moving closer to the giraffes after finishing lunch we got right up close to them.

Baboons jumped around them as we headed over to the Mara River to see some dead wildebeest that didn’t make the crossing during the migration.

In the Mara River, some rather huge crocodiles lurk, waiting for the un-expecting animals to cross their domain.

Submerged hunters, or sunbathing on the banks of the river, are very menacing.

Keeping the crocodile’s company in the water are large pods of hippos, their grunt noises booming across the land.

The great wildebeest migration may be over but there were still a few herds late in leaving.

Seeing one such group of wildebeest crossing the dirt road ahead was impressive for the sheer number of them.

We left the herd after the call came over the radio that cheetahs had been spotted.

Driving for a short time we saw a cheetah mother with her two older cubs amongst the thick grass, feasting on a fresh kill.

Cheetahs are beautiful cats and always great to see as I said earlier, so finding three of them at once was a real treat.

The mother let the cubs eat first as she kept an eye out for predators. occasionally grabbing a bite herself.

All three cheetahs then sat up together looking in all directions for any threats.

They have to eat fast because they are no match for lions looking for an easy meal.

Having to leave the park before dark, we left the cheetahs.

Spotting some elephants on the way out we moved on to the Masai Mara lodge where we were staying.

Sitting by a campfire under the vast amount of stars and the sound of the African bush, you feel truly in touch with nature.

Day 3 in the Masai Mara

Getting up early the next day for a last drive around part of the Masai Mara, a big pride of lions feasting on an ostrich were seen straight away.

This was a good way to leave the reserve. Seeing one last big lion pride.

The pride had several lionesses and many adorable cubs.

The adults relaxed in the sun after feeding, while the cubs ate the remaining meat, fighting over the best pieces.

They may look cute but they are lions and quite vicious in their young way.

The youngsters came to get attention from the adults but some lionesses can’t be bothered, while others lick clean the blood on their fur.

What to say about the Masai Mara?

I have enjoyed quite a few safaris in East Africa and with this experience, I can say that the Masai Mara National Reserve is deservedly high up there as far as any safari experience goes and makes the best safari in Kenya.

Best Safari In Kenya Advice

This was a budget safari and so the cost of the Masai Mara safari was not so bad, in comparison to the big ones and as it’s the best safari in Kenya it’s a must-do.

Naturally, you get what you pay for and your campsite will be quite rustic, but it has a unique charm in that regard.

The best way to arrange a Masai Mara safari in Nairobi is to meet other travellers in your hostel there (if you’re looking for a cheap safari I’m assuming you’re staying in a hostel) and ask in the hostel recommendations.

There are lots of travel agencies in the centre of Nairobi so head to some that your hostel or other travellers recommended and ask around for the best price.

Don’t forget to bargain.

You can normally get a Masai Mara safari for around $120. Two nights and three days is a good enough time for your safari.

You can also book a Masai Mara safari in advance.

After the Masai Mara if you’re planning on travelling around more you don’t need to head back straight to Nairobi with the safari vehicle.

Get out at the main turnoff towards Nairobi on the way back and take a bus for an hour to Lake Naivasha to travel in that direction, and for some more safari fun, albeit cheaper.

More info on the Masai Mara here .

Good luck spotting wildlife!

Learn more about safaris in East Africa in my guide.

I recommend using SafetyWing Travel Insurance for your trip, just in case, it’s best to be prepared.

If you liked this article about a safari into the Masai Mara a share would be cool! 🙂

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You have successfully subscribed, 14 thoughts on “best safari in kenya – the masai mara”.

It looks like you got up really close to those animals! How close were you?

It was different distances with the animals, but I would say an average of 20 metres away. That big herd of buffalo for example were right next to the road.

Wow, you got some great shots of the lionesses. Counting the day when I can make my dream trip to Masai Mara. Great read by the way.

We were very lucky running into the lionesses at the end of the day for sure, and got close enough for some good photos. If you ever want more detailed information on a trip to Masai Mara send me a private message, you will love it there. Thanks for the compliment!

Thanks Jonny. Following you on Twitter. I will surely get in touch when my Masai Mara dream turns to reality. 🙂

No worries! 🙂

Love the post, cool pictures. Must of been a nice experience !

Hey Dorian. Yes was really good!

fascinating!

A very interesting read, you even feel like you are on safari and the pictures beautiful.

Thanks Catherine.

would appreciate if you can share the safari costing…nairobi to nairobi .

Hi Sandeep,

It’s been a while now and I cant remember exactly how much it was plus they have switched from mini-vans to 4wd cars so price went up. Should be around $120 a day I’m guessing or more.

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• Mara Expedition Camp

Welcome to Mara Expedition Camp

A journey of discovery where lessons learned will change your life and the way you view the world….

“Mara Expedition Camp, a Great Plains Conservation Explorer-Collection safari camp, is positioned in a grove of typical East African acacia trees overlooking a valley in the Masai Mara Reserve. It is on private land, so very exclusive but offers affordable Kenya safari opportunities and access to some of the region’s best wildlife. The camp tells the story of early-day explorers with touches of campaign furniture and open-air space under light canvas. It is an ideal camp to start your safari, looking for big cats such as cheetahs and lions. Most days, you don’t even have to go very far!” – Dereck Joubert, CEO.

Mara Expedition Camp is a stylish experience and adventure camp unique to the industry and fits the service levels, specialised guiding and design that has become associated with Great Plains Conservation. The camp is a magical revisiting of the past, drawing from Africa’s original explorers’ designs and designed for those who search for East Africa’s romantic safari era. Here, you will experience the best of both worlds: the intense action of the Maasai Mara ecosystem and the more private 28,000-hectare Mara North Conservancy.

It is safari chic with five light and airy, spacious canvas tents, plus one 2-bedroom family tent . It is set down low, hidden from lights and noise from other camps or any sign of mankind. Under the grove of African acacia trees, its humble main area is lit by lantern and candlelit, simple in design but just enough for all the comforts. This camp’s ambience and ‘back to the classic’ safari design will be a sure hit with private groups and safari enthusiasts alike.

Mara Expedition Camp is a place for the ardent safari-goer seeking an affordable Kenya safari experience. The camp is locally famous for its leopard residents wandering nearby. It is positioned to take the best advantage of two migrations – the famous annual Serengeti migration and the green season migration from Loita Plains, an additional 50,000 wildebeest and over 100,000 zebras vying for grazing rights. Full days, with picnic breakfast (and often lunch, too), traverse some of Africa’s richest game country, renowned for extraordinary predator density and frequent hunts. Access to Mara North Conservancy gives guests options of more privacy when not out exploring the Masai Mara Reserve.

Great Plains Foundation aims to restore indigenous trees to landscapes across Kenya, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Working with local communities and schools, Conservation Roots teaches the value of indigenous trees and their critical role in functioning ecosystems. To date, we have planted trees in partnership with schools in Botswana and Zimbabwe as part of our conservation education outreach work and planted more than 5000 indigenous trees in deforested areas bordering Maasai Mara. We need to give the planet’s lungs a second chance and we encourage guests to join us by planting a tree during their stay. Learn more at www.greatplainsfoundation.com/conservation-roots/

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The above rates are in US$ and based on a per person per night sharing basis. Single guest, child rates, private safari drive and guide rates are available on request

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3 days masai mara safari

Nairobi, Kenya

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Explore the Splendor of Masai Mara Nairobi: Your Ultimate Safari Guide

How do you turn a Nairobi stopover into a breathtaking safari in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya? Our guide cuts straight to the chase, giving you essential travel tips, expected journey times, and a glimpse of the natural marvels en route. With a focus on practical advice without padding, you’re in the right place to arrange the leap from Kenya’s capital city hustle to the tranquil Masai Mara Nairobi plains.

How to Book Our Maasai Mara National Reserve Packages

If you are looking for the best Masai Mara National Reserve safari, then you have come to the right place. We are among the leading tour operators in Kenya that will show you Maasai Mara better than anyone else.

Our safari adventure to Maasai Mara Game Reserve starts in Kenya’s capital Nairobi and also ends in Nairobi. For booking, inquiries, or questions about our Maasai Mara National Reserve safaris, please contact us at [email protected]   or [email protected] or WhatsApp/Call +254-748-258-880 .

Our Most Booked Masai Mara National Reserve Packages and Other Tours

Key takeaways.

• Travel to Masai Mara from Nairobi can be done by flight, road trip, or guided tours; each offering a unique experience with flight being the fastest. Road trips provide scenic views and cultural engagement, and guided tours deliver a comprehensive safari package.
• The Masai Mara National Reserve is an outstanding safari destination with optimal wildlife viewing from July to October during the dry season and the Great Wildebeest Migration. Visitors are encouraged to plan a 3 to 4-day itinerary for a full experience, including game viewing, nature walks, and cultural visits.
• There are various accommodation options in and near the Maasai Mara National Reserve catering to different budgets and preferences. They range from luxury tented camps like Little Governors Camp and Sand River Camp to eco-friendly lodges or hotels and budget campsites like Mtito Safari Camp and Mara Maisha Camp, ensuring every traveler can find a suitable place to stay.

Masai Mara to Nairobi Images

Journey from nairobi to masai mara.

Venturing from the urban city of Nairobi to the natural wilderness of the Masai Mara National Reserve is an adventure in its own right. Whether you’re soaring through the clouds on a chartered flight, winding through scenic routes on a road trip, or experiencing the thrill of a guided safari tour, each journey to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve is packed with anticipation and excitement.

Flight Options to Maasai Mara

For those eager to catch a bird’s eye view of Africa’s breathtaking landscapes, a flight to Masai Mara, Mara North Conservancy, Mara Triangle, or Olare Motorogi Conservancy is your best bet. With airlines such as:

• Hahn Air Systems
• World Ticket Ltd

offering daily scheduled flights and private charters, you can reach the reserve in a mere 45 to 60 minutes. Departing from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, these flights land at various airstrips within the Main Reserve or conservancies, bringing you closer to your safari adventure.

With flexible scheduling and a range of ticket prices, flying to the Maasai Mara is a convenient and time-efficient option to kickstart your Kenya safari journey.

Road Trip Adventures

For those with an adventurous spirit and a little extra time, a road trip from Kenya’s capital to the Masai Mara in south west Kenya is the way to go. The journey, which takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, traverses the heart of Kenya, offering tourists a variety of scenic views and opportunities to immerse themselves in local Kenyan life.

Various routes, including the main route through Narok and Sekenani Gate or alternative routes through Lemek and Aitong towns, promise a captivating journey filled with diverse landscapes and wildlife. Depending on your group size and preferences, you can opt for air-conditioned coaches, private vans, 4×4 jeeps, or even open-sided jeeps for your safari road trip and game drive.

The road to the Maasai Mara is fully tarmacked and generally in good condition, offering a comfortable trip. Specific driving times to different Masai Mara gates vary, but expect a journey of approximately 5.5 to 6.5 hours, depending on the gate chosen. Remember to stay vigilant for wildlife, especially when traversing the route to the Oloololo Gate where wild animals are known to roam freely.

Guided Safari Tours

For those seeking a hassle-free and comprehensive experience, guided safari tours are the perfect choice. These packages encompass:

• All transfers, including the domestic travels to the Masai Mara
• Wildlife sightings and game drive
• Birds watching and nature walks tours
• Accommodation in most hotels
• Entry fees and Narok county council charges

In addition to the convenience of one-way travel by road or flight to/from the reserve, guided tours also offer the flexibility to customize your safari itineraries. Be it budget-friendly group safaris or exclusive private tours. With typical packages like the 3-day Maasai Mara safari, you can enjoy:

• Multiple game viewing in the main reserve or conservancies to give you a chance of spotting the big cats like cheetah, leopard, and lion
• Meals in hotel or in wilderness as you watch the animal roam freely
• Safari tent accommodations with swimming pool

All tailored to your preferences and budget.

Planning Your Nairobi to Masai Mara Itinerary

Planning your itinerary from the capital to the Maasai Mara is an exciting prospect that requires careful consideration. The best time to visit, attractions along the way, and the duration of stay all play a crucial role in shaping your safari experience. Whether you’re keen on witnessing the Great Migration, exploring lesser-known conservation areas like Mara Triangle or Olare Motorogi Conservancy, or immersing yourself in Maasai culture, a well-planned itinerary ensures a fulfilling and memorable safari adventure.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Maasai Mara is during the dry season from July to October when wildlife viewing is at its peak. This period coincides with the spectacular wildebeest migration, a must-see event where over a million animals traverse the plains in search of greener pastures from Serengeti National Park.

Daytime temperatures average around 77 F (25 C) from June to August, providing a comfortable climate for game watching and explorations. To enhance your safari experience, consider a hot air balloon safari during this time, offering extraordinary views of the great migration and wildlife below.

Attractions Along the Way

The journey to the Maasai Mara is as exciting as the destination itself, with several sightseeing destinations along the way. One of the key attractions is the Great Rift Valley ViewPoint, which provides travelers with breathtaking views of the vast valley landscape. Imagine standing on the edge of the escarpment, gazing out over the sprawling valley, its floor dotted with volcanoes and lakes – it’s a sight you won’t forget while in Africa.

Further along the route, you’ll encounter the vibrant town of Narok. A bustling center of Maasai culture, Narok offers tourists a chance to shop for necessities, engage with the local community, and learn about the region’s rich culture and traditions. Whether it’s trying local cuisine or purchasing handcrafted Maasai souvenirs, a stop in Narok is a delightful addition to your Masai Mara Kenya journey.

Duration of Stay Recommendations

Choosing the right duration for your Masai Mara safari is crucial to fully appreciate the park’s wildlife and landscapes. A minimum of 4 days and 3 nights is recommended for a thorough exploration, including:

• Multiple game viewing to ensure that the tourists explore Masai Mara, Mara Triangle, and other attractions in this side of south west Kenya
• Time for rest in the hotel, camp or lodge
• Full days dedicated to morning and evening game viewing
• A visit to a local Maasai village
• A comfortable pace for relaxation and enjoyment
• Birds watching in the wilderness

This duration allows for a comprehensive experience of the Masai Mara, including the mara triangle. However, travelers with less time or budget constraints can opt for a shorter stay of 3 days and 2 nights, still allowing for at least two game viewing and a condensed but rewarding experience.

Accommodation Options Near Masai Mara

Finding the perfect hotel, camp, or lodge near the Masai Mara can enhance your safari experience manifold. Whether you’re looking for the luxury of tented camps, the sustainability of eco-friendly lodges, or the affordability of budget-friendly campsites, the Masai Mara offers a diverse range of hotels. Each accommodation or hotel type caters to different travel styles and budgets, so you can find the perfect lodging that matches your needs and enhances your safari experience.

Luxury Tented Camps

Luxury tented camps in the Masai Mara, including those in Mara North, Mara River, and Talek River offer an exquisite blend of comfort, exclusivity, and thrilling wildlife encounters. Places like Angama Mara, perched on the Oloololo Escarpment, provide sweeping panoramic views of the Mara plains and mara river, creating a scenic and exclusive safari experience. These camps offer a range of high-end amenities, including outdoor pools, spa services, massages, swimming pools, safari tours, lush gardens, and complimentary wi-fi for guests.

With prices starting from US$ 1,650 per person per night, luxury tented camps offer a truly indulgent safari experience. Other luxury hotels to try include Sand River Camp, Little Governors Camp, and others.

Eco-friendly Lodges

For travelers committed to sustainable tourism, eco-friendly hotels in the Masai Mara offer the perfect blend of comfort and conservation. Lodges like Sanctuary Olonana Safari Lodge and Basecamp Masai Mara emphasize eco-friendly practices while offering traditional tented accommodations. These hotels not only provide a unique safari experience but also actively engage with the local community, fostering an inclusive approach to conservation.

With prices starting from US$ 249 per person per night, these lodges offer an accessible eco-tourism option near the Masai Mara. Most of the luxury and mid-range hotels should be booked in advance for peak season that starts from July as the majority border the wildebeest migration paths.

Budget-Friendly Campsites

Budget-friendly hotels, campsites and homestays in the Masai Mara offer an affordable yet memorable safari experience. Greenwood Safari Camp, for instance, allows guests to pitch their own tents at the border of Talek Gate from just $10 USD. For a more traditional stay, Osim Country Lodge provides budget-friendly lodging roughly 70 kilometers from Masai Mara’s main gates with prices under $20 USD.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, these budget-friendly options ensure that everyone can enjoy an unforgettable safari in the Masai Mara without breaking the bank.

Wildlife and Safari Experiences in Masai Mara

From the roar of a lion to the swift dash of a cheetah or leopard, the Masai Mara is a wildlife lover’s paradise. The reserve is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife, including the famed ‘Big Five’ and an expanded ‘Big Nine’, which adds cheetah, giraffe, hippo, and zebra to the quintet.

Whether you’re embarking on a Kenya safari, soaring above the plains in a hot air balloon, or exploring the bush on foot during a walking safari, the Masai Mara offers an array of wildlife and safari experiences that are sure to leave you in awe. Additionally, the Serengeti National Park is another destination worth considering for an unforgettable adventure.

Game Drives and Big Cat Sightings

Game viewing in the Masai Mara offer a thrilling opportunity to encounter a wide range of wildlife, including the Big Five, Big Nine, and Big Cats:

The game reserve is known for its significant lion population, with extensive territories that vary from 30 to 400 square kilometers per individual male lion. These drives offer an unrivaled opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat and were the home for the big cat diary due to their large population.

In addition to lions, the Masai Mara is also an excellent location to observe cheetahs, the fastest land animals. Often seen hunting in groups, these incredible creatures can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour in mere seconds. Watching a cheetah sprint across the open savannah is truly a sight to behold, and one that you’ll treasure long after your safari ends.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

For a truly unique perspective, consider experiencing the Masai Mara from the sky with a hot air balloon safari. As you float above the plains, rivers, and forests of the reserve, you’ll gain a panoramic view of the stunning landscape and its inhabitants. Conducted in the early morning hours, these balloon safaris offer breathtaking views of the sunrise and the wildlife as the day begins.

The hot air balloons fly over areas of the Masai Mara that are restricted to safari vehicles, allowing passengers to see parts of the reserve that are otherwise inaccessible. After the flight, guests are often treated to a bush breakfast and a champagne toast to celebrate the experience. Booking a hot air balloon safari typically involves arranging the experience through specialized tour operators who offer these flights as part of a safari package.

Walking Safaris and Cultural Visits

Walking safaris offer a unique way to intimately experience the reserve by exploring it on foot. Led by experienced Maasai guides, these safaris bring the flora, fauna, and smaller wildlife details into focus, making for a rich sensory journey through the bush. These guided walks typically take place either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat, with durations ranging from a short 45-minute walk to extended treks covering 9 to 15 kilometers.

In addition to walking safaris, cultural visits to Maasai villages offer a deeper understanding of the region. These visits not only enrich the safari experience by offering interactions with the Maasai people but also enable visitors to learn about their customs, traditional homes, and lifestyle. Whether it’s witnessing demonstrations of Maasai warrior skills or purchasing handcrafted souvenirs, these cultural visits offer a unique insight into the rich Maasai heritage.

Conservation Efforts and Community Impact

Conservation efforts and community impact are at the heart of the Masai Mara experience. Some key aspects of preserving the unique ecosystem and cultural heritage of the Masai Mara include:

• Sustainable tourism
• Wildlife protection
• Community-based conservancies
• Adherence to park rules and regulations

By understanding and respecting these efforts, visitors not only contribute to the conservation of this extraordinary reserve but also enrich their own national parks safari experience.

Protecting the Mara’s Wildlife

Efforts to protect the wildlife of Masai Mara in Kenya are a key aspect of conservation in the area. The Mara Elephant Project (MEP), employing over 100 Kenyans primarily from local Maasai communities, is dedicated to elephant protection and anti-poaching in the Mara ecosystem. Through a combination of on-the-ground patrols, intelligence operations, and partnerships with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Kenya Forest Service (KFS), the MEP combats poaching and habitat destruction, thereby playing a crucial role in the preservation of the Masai Mara’s rich biodiversity.

Community-Based Conservancies

Community-based conservancies and eco-lodges play a significant role in promoting sustainable tourism in the Masai Mara. One such example is the Mara North Conservancy, which not only offers unique safari experiences but also actively engages with the local community, fostering an inclusive approach to conservation.

By focusing on sustainability and empowering local communities, these conservancies and eco-lodges help to ensure a balanced and sustainable relationship between tourism and conservation.

Sustainable Tourism Practices

Sustainable tourism practices are an integral part of conservation efforts in the Masai Mara. Establishments like the Kicheche Mara Camp set a benchmark for eco-friendly lodging with their adherence to strict environmental policies such as using solar lighting and executing responsible waste management.

Moreover, visitors to the Masai Mara are required to adhere to specific environmental regulations such as the prohibition of littering and the non-removal of natural specimens, ensuring the preservation of the Masai Mara’s ecosystem.

Essential Travel Tips for Masai Mara Visitors

Before embarking on your safari adventure, it’s essential to arm yourself with some key travel tips. From packing the right gear to observing health and safety precautions, to navigating park rules and regulations, being well-prepared can enhance your Masai Mara experience and ensure a smooth and memorable safari.

What to Pack

When packing for your Masai Mara safari, remember to bring binoculars for better wildlife viewing from a distance without disturbing the animals. As restroom facilities in the park during game drives are limited, it’s also advisable to be prepared for this aspect of your safari.

Health and Safety Precautions

Health and safety are paramount during your Masai Mara safari. Apart from the usual travel and health insurance, it’s recommended to:

• Get vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Meningitis, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever
• Ensure you have an up-to-date Tdap, MMR, and Polio immunization
• Bring anti-diarrheal medication and Ciprofloxacin in case of gastrointestinal issues

Remember, a yellow card as proof of Yellow Fever vaccination may be required upon entry, even for travelers coming from countries without a Yellow Fever risk.

Navigating Park Regulations

Navigating park rules and regulations is essential for a smooth and enjoyable safari experience. The Masai Mara reserve maintains strict opening and closing times – 6:00 am and 7:00 pm daily – which must be observed by all visitors. Adherence to the park’s rules, such as speed limits, noise restrictions, and respect for animal crossings, is vital to protecting wildlife and enhancing the safari experience.

Failure to comply with these rules may result in serious consequences, such as on-the-spot fines or being banned from the reserve.

Summary & Frequently Asked Questions

A safari to the Masai Mara is a journey like no other. From the moment you embark on your trip from Nairobi, whether by flight, road, or guided tour, you step into a world teeming with wildlife, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking landscapes.

With a diverse range of accommodation options, a plethora of wildlife viewing opportunities, and a commitment to conservation, the Masai Mara offers an unforgettable experience that’s as exhilarating as it is enlightening. So why wait? Start planning your Masai Mara safari today and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!

1. How do I get from Nairobi to Maasai Mara?

To get from Nairobi to Maasai Mara, you can choose between traveling by road or by air. The road is more affordable but slower, while flying is quicker but more expensive. Consider your preference, budget, and time to decide the best option for your trip.

2. How long is Masai Mara from Nairobi?

Masai Mara Game Reserve is approximately 310 kilometers from Nairobi, and the journey by road takes around five hours without stops.

3. Why is Maasai Mara so famous?

Maasai Mara in Kenya is famous all over Africa and the world because it is one of the best wildlife destinations in Kenya and Africa, serving as a premier conservation area where wild animals and their ecosystem are highly protected. It is also popular for the wildebeest migration that sees thousands of wildebeest get to Masai Mara for Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

Masai Mara is also popular for its bird population as well as great hotels and camps. You can opt to chill in a luxury hotel for days and get to see wildlife without leaving the hotel’s area.

4. When is the best time to visit the Masai Mara?

The best time to visit the Masai Mara is during the dry season from June to October. This is when wildlife viewing is at its peak and the Wildebeest Great Migration occurs as the wildebeest migrate from Serengeti in Tanzania to Kenya. This period offers the best opportunity to see a wide variety of animals in their natural habitat. You should book your safari in advance since hotels get fully-booked fast during this time of the year.

5. What is the ‘Big Nine’ in Masai Mara?

The ‘Big Nine’ in Masai Mara includes lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffalos, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and hippos, offering a diverse and captivating wildlife experience.

6. Can I combine a Maasai Mara safari with Serengeti in Tanzania?

The two countries are in East Africa and offer the best for wildlife safaris in the world. Tourists combine Masai Mara and Serengeti when they visit Africa mainly to see the wildebeest migration. They also get to see the big five and other wildlife.

Plan your trip to Kenya

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Top Tips for Experiencing the Great Migration Masai Mara: Prime Viewing Strategies

Explore the Best of Africa: Exciting Tour Packages in Kenya for Every Traveler!

Explore the Majestic Wild: Top Picks for Your Ultimate Kenya Safari Adventure

Masai Mara Trip – Masai Mara National Reserve Tour, Packages, and Price

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Animals Around the Globe

Masai Mara Wildlife

Posted: October 31, 2023 | Last updated: November 2, 2023

History of the Masai Mara

Maasai Mara, also sometimes spelled Masai Mara and locally known simply as The Mara, is a large national game reserve in Narok, Kenya, contiguous with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. It is named in honor of the Maasai people, the ancestral inhabitants of the area, who migrated to the area from the Nile Basin.

Northern, central, and southern Kenya, as well as northern Tanzania, are home to the Maasai, a Nilotic ethnic group. Due to their location near the various wildlife parks of the African Great Lakes, as well as their peculiar customs and dress, they are among the most well-known local populations in the world.

Sunshine or rain, a visit to the Masai Mara will never be in vain. Although most would prefer bright blue skies and sunshine during a safari trip to the Masai Mara, there's beauty in the African ‘rains’ as well. As you may recall, even the 1980 rockband Toto ‘Blessed the rains down in Africa’. Before packing up your suitcase, here's a look at what you can expect as far as weather and climate in the Masai Mara.

The "Big Five" is a term that is used to refer to the 5 African animals that early big game hunters considered most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot in Africa . These animals include the African elephant , lion, leopard, Cape buffalo, and rhinoceros.

The Secret Seven are all unique animals who value their privacy, but their adapted coping techniques for surviving in the wild set them apart. The aardvark, African wild cat, civet, huge spotted genet, pangolin, porcupine, and serval have all been discovered.

If you’re walking through the Masai Mara, you might be inclined to keep your eyes on the ground, bushes, and plants in front of you. There’s also plenty to view in the skies over the African plains. The region is home to around 500 different bird species. The good news is that most trackers and guides will make sure you don’t miss out on the brightly colored birds that soar about you. The vivid green and yellow feathers of a Fischer’s Lovebird or the Kori Bustard are not to be missed.

What is the Great Wildebeest Migration ? The Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest animal migration in the world. Every year, more than 2 million animals (wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle) migrate in a clockwise direction across the ecosystems of the Serengeti (Tanzania) and the Masai Mara (Kenya). Some experts regard wildebeest to be a “keystone species.” As a result, the creatures have a significant impact on the habitats in which they reside. Large carnivores, particularly lions, prey on wildebeest. Wildebeest, in general, generate favorable conditions for other large mammals.

Game viewing

Game drives in the Masai Mara are unforgettable due to the abundance of wildlife and the spectacular landscapes. … The Great Wildebeest Migration passes through the Mara for approximately three months each year. Game drives may last from a couple of hours to the whole day, with a picnic breakfast and lunch.

Nocturnal animals are animals which are more active at night than during the day. In many cases, these animals spend most of their daylight hours sleeping. They include hippos, lions, leopards, porcupines, civet cats , white-tailed mongoose, aardvarks and cape hares. To spot these animals, you have to experience a night game drive.

Night game drive experiences are not attained inside the confines of the Maasai Mara National Reserve hence guests who wish to go on night drives are advised to book their stay in one of our camps in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy where we conduct successful night game drives.Our night game drives in Mara Naboisho are conducted by experienced Masai guides in our tailor-made 4×4 safari cruisers or land cruisers that are fitted with powerful lights for proper sightseeing at night.

Nothing is more spectacular than launching at sunrise & floating effortlessly in a hot air balloon over the  Masai Mara Game reserve . This is a true one-of-a-kind adventure activity, and the Mara serves as the ideal background for the incredible balloon ride. The journey lasts around an hour as you fly gracefully above the African savannah, admiring the spectacular wildlife below. The pilots have a lot of experience, and the activity has a great safety record. The most thrilling of these activities has to be the early morning Hot Air Balloon expedition.

The Serengeti ecosystem, which includes both Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, spans around 30 000 km2. A number of other private game reserves and protected areas are also included. The Masai Mara National Reserve, located in southwest Kenya and measuring 1,510 square kilometers (583 square miles), is a country of beautiful landscapes, plentiful wildlife, and unending plains.

Summary on Masai Mara Wildlife

The post Masai Mara Wildlife appeared first on Animals Around The Globe .

If you enjoyed learning about the unique Masai Mara wildlife, have a look at our blogs on where to see the endangered painted dogs of Africa; wild dog packs and the best tours to encounter lions on guided walking tour safaris in Africa.

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A NEW ERA FOR MARA RHINOS

The Safari Collection and Footprint Trust are excited to be part of a pioneering rhino monitoring project in Kenya. We recently helped coordinate a successful seven-day operation to GPS tag and ear notch 13 black rhinos in the Masai Mara National Reserve.

A black rhino receives ear notches, giving it a unique identification code

The tagged rhinos belong to one of only two free-ranging, indigenous eastern black rhino ( Diceros bicornis michaelli) populations in Kenya. This means they are not constricted by fences and free to roam across borders. Already, hourly updates from the ear tags are providing invaluable data to the Reserve’s Rhino Ranger Unit and adding to our understanding of how best to protect these critically endangered creatures.

Approaching with caution as the darting drug takes effect

“Ear notching is needed to individually identify rhinos; it is part of the rhino monitoring protocol, which aims for 60% of any population to be notched and identifiable. Ideally, notching is needed every 2 to 3 years, depending on the population.”

~ linus kariuki, kws head of rhino ..

Ear notching is the method of clipping a small section or sections (usually in a ‘v’ shape) from a rhino’s ears to allow the animal to be easily identified and monitored.

Why the need?

The Mara has the potential to support one of the largest black rhino populations in Kenya. However, despite witnessing a significant increase in numbers from a low of 11 in 1984 (due to poaching), to approximately 55 to 70 individuals (with around 38 ear-notched) at present, the population remains below its recorded peak of around 150 in the 1960s. The Mara black rhino population holds immense significance as one of Kenya’s two ‘indigenous’ populations, with no translocation of individuals from other areas.

Black rhino in the Masai Mara, newly ear notched and tagged

To safeguard the future of black rhinos in the Mara, slow population growth and range expansion are crucial concerns. Factors like the decline in woodlands, disturbance of breeding areas by tourism and inadequate coordination of rhino surveillance across the ecosystem pose significant challenges.

“It’s trying to find the balance between how we can get the most out of the Mara without compromising the success of a critically endangered eastern black rhino population. Using the technology that we have at our disposal, LoRa networks, ear tags and horn implants etc., we must bring all this data together to help the Masai Mara.” ~ Grant Burden from 51 Degrees

Effective management of this population is vital in achieving the goals of the Kenya Black Rhino Action Plan , which recommends standardised rhino monitoring and reporting protocol across the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. It also suggests at least 90% of the Mara-Serengeti rhino population should be genetically profiled.

Aerial view of the tagging exercise

Today, thanks to the dedication of the Mara Rhino Ranger Unit , black rhino numbers are increasing. We’re passionate about doing everything we can to support this upward trend. However, it takes expert daily monitoring to protect these majestic creatures; a key issue hindering efficient rhino monitoring is the lack of real-time tracking.

“In the Mara, we have a team of 37 rangers dedicated to protecting these animals. Keeping 37 rangers travelling 1,500 km² is not easy. It’s not easy to spot these animals on normal patrols, you have to dedicate a lot of time, resources and equipment to be able to track them. We have a transboundary population that cross between Kenya and Tanzania, sometimes they go for a long time, so ear notching helps to identify individuals, whilst GPS tagging helps to inform us how far they go into community areas and how far they cross into the border.” ~ Samuel Leposo, Chief Officer, Tourism and Wildlife Management, Narok Country Government

The Masai Mara National Reserve is installing cutting-edge technology as part of the Reserve’s new Management Plan. The system, called EarthRanger, works alongside a new wireless LoRa WAN (long range wide area network) to collect, integrate and display real time data from tracking devices across the Reserve, greatly improving management, monitoring and anti-poaching efforts.

Each rhino was darted from the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust helicopter by a skilled KWS vet

Collaboration for rhinos

The operation was a partnership between the Narok County Government, the Kenya Wildlife Service, the Wildlife Research and Training Institute, The Safari Collection Footprint Trust, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Mara Conservancy and 51 Degrees Ltd

The professionalism and collaboration which characterised the tagging operation was incredible. A team of over 60 people came together from different government agencies and conservation organisations, each with their assigned roles and each making the most of the opportunity of having a critically endangered wild animal at hand.

“My team and I have firsthand experience in managing these rhinos. We know them by their home ranges, their IDs and also their names, so I was really active in locating them.” ~ Stephen Kenta, Mara Rhino Warden for Narok Country Government

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust lent their helicopter and pilot, an invaluable tool in helping to locate and dart the rhinos ©Roan Carr-Hartley

“Communication between the ground team and air team is vital”.

~ dr isaac lekolool, head of operations and kws head vet.

Although the main objective was to ear notch the rhinos, scientists from the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) collected all manner of samples at the same time, which will help to advance rhino knowledge and conservation efforts. Vets and researchers took the opportunity to collect blood, skin, horn and fecal specimens. Details from these will be fed into the national rhino database, ‘Kifaru’, as well as the international Rhino DNA index system ‘RhODIS’. Three rhinos received horn implant sensors, but since the horns need be large for these to safely fit, most of the rhinos were fitted with GPS ear-tags.

A WTRI Scientist collecting data whilst the notching was underway

“My role was to make sure we selected the right candidates for ear notching, and the notch patterns were well placed. We also coordinated research in terms of sample collection. We need to collect samples for genetics, for population performance in terms of looking at ages of reproductive health and also the health status of the species in the Mara.” ~ Cedric Khayale, Research Scientist, Wildlife Research & Training Institute.

It’s all hands on deck to fit the tag, notch the ear and take samples once the rhino is down

Pioneering technology

Only 40 rhinos in the world (all of which are in Kenya) now have this GPS ear tag tracking technology fitted. But it is the combination of these transmitters alongside the new EarthRanger system and LoRa network, which makes this operation so exciting. We can now really gain an insight into where and how these animals are moving and behaving within the landscape. It will revolutionize rhino monitoring in the Mara and hopefully set a benchmark for more effective rhino management across Kenya.

KWS Senior Veterinary Officer, Dr Mukami Ruoro-Oundo, administering the antidote to wake the rhino

“These animals for me represent success and growth. After their steep decline in the 80s, we have seen efforts to conserve them, we have put in a lot of work, a lot of resources and we’ve seen the community, together with the government, coming in to ensure that these animals have their population grow. When I see them out in the wild living and thriving, it makes my heart very happy. It reminds me that we can still do some good here on this earth.” ~ Dr Mukami Ruoro-Oundo, KWS Senior Veterinary Officer

A team effort – bravery and skill were essential, both in the air and on the ground

With the introduction of this innovative technology heralding a new era for rhino conservation in the Mara, the data being collected each hour is already providing an invaluable insight into daily habits of the Mara’s rhino population. By providing a clear picture of how rhinos use the landscape, this new-found understanding will help the Rhino Rangers and Reserve Management to make informed decisions on how to protect them. In line with the Mara Management Plan (2023-32) , the implementation of conservation technology will help professionalise the way the Reserve is managed, as well as aid research and monitoring of its wildlife.

A GPS tracker being fitted into a rhino’s horn. This is only viable on larger horns

An ear being notched and a GPS tracker being fitted onto a rhino’s ear

This operation forms part of Kenya’s Black Rhino Action Plan which aims to have at least 60% of the black rhino population notched by 2026. Another ear notching and tagging operation will likely take place in two to three years’ time and we are very keen to play our part in making this happen.

“It [protecting the Mara’s rhinos] means a lot to the community, as it means they earn money through the park by doing safaris, by earning from tourist properties and for management and employment of people who work in the park. It means a lot to all of us.” ~ Marley Sianto, Assistant Director, Tourism and Wildlife, Narok County Government

The exercise would not have been possible without the expert flying and spotting skills of brothers Taru (helicopter pilot) and Roan (fixed-wing pilot) Carr-Hartley from the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, along with Asuka Takita (fixed-wing pilot) from the Mara Conservancy.

Want to help protect critically endangered black rhinos in Kenya? There are many ways in which you can support the work of the Mara Rhino Rangers or even help fund the next tagging and notching operation. Get in touch with our Footprint Trust to find out more at: [email protected]

IN: Conservation , Footprint , News

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