Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara: Kenya's Legendary Savannah
The Masai Mara National Reserve is the safari most people imagine: endless golden grassland, scattered acacia trees and more lions, cheetahs and leopards than almost anywhere else in Africa. It covers around 1,500 square kilometres in south-west Kenya and continues south across the border as Tanzania’s Serengeti.
From about July to October, the Mara hosts the most famous part of the Great Migration. Huge herds of wildebeest and zebra arrive from the Serengeti and plunge across the crocodile-filled Mara River. Yet the reserve is superb all year, because its resident predators never leave.
Things to Do in the Masai Mara
Game drives and the Big Five
Morning and afternoon game drives reveal lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffalo, giraffes and huge herds of plains game. Black rhinos live in the Mara Triangle and the eastern reserve, although sightings are rare.
Great Migration river crossings
Crossings usually happen between July and October, but the exact timing depends on the rains. Patience pays off: herds can gather on the bank for hours before the first animal jumps.
Hot-air balloon safari
A sunrise balloon flight over the plains, followed by a champagne bush breakfast, is one of Africa’s great experiences.
Conservancies and Maasai culture
Private conservancies bordering the reserve, such as Naboisho, Olare Motorogi and Mara North, limit vehicle numbers and allow night drives and guided walks. Visiting a Maasai village adds insight into the people who share this land with wildlife.
Best Time to Visit the Masai Mara
July to October is peak season for the migration. January to March is also excellent, with dry weather and good predator sightings, while the April to May rains bring lush scenery and fewer visitors.
How to Get to the Masai Mara
The drive from Nairobi takes around five to six hours, often via the Great Rift Valley viewpoint. Daily scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport reach the Mara airstrips in under an hour.
Plan Your Masai Mara Safari
Choose the 4-day affordable Masai Mara safari, the 5-day Kenya Big Five safari or the romantic 6-day Masai Mara honeymoon. You can also combine the Mara with gorillas on our 6-day Kenya and Uganda tour.
Masai Mara FAQs
How many days do I need in the Masai Mara?
At least two full days, ideally three, to see the reserve properly and give yourself the best chance of a river crossing in season.
Is the Masai Mara the same as the Serengeti?
They are one ecosystem divided by the Kenya-Tanzania border. The Mara is smaller and more accessible from Nairobi, while the Serengeti is far larger.
This dramatic spectacle typically peaks between July and October, offering unparalleled opportunities for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Beyond the migration, the reserve is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including the iconic Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros—as well as cheetahs, hyenas, and diverse bird species, making every game drive a potential adventure. In addition to its renowned wildlife, Masai Mara National Reserve offers a wealth of activities designed to deepen visitors’ engagement with the environment.
Guided game drives provide close-up encounters with the reserve’s inhabitants, while hot air balloon safaris offer a bird’s-eye view of the landscape’s sweeping vistas and wildlife below. Cultural experiences are also a highlight, with opportunities to interact with the Maasai people, learn about their traditions, and visit local villages. For those seeking a more immersive experience, walking safaris led by knowledgeable guides reveal the intricate details of the Mara’s flora and fauna. Night game drives and photographic safaris further enrich the visit, offering unique perspectives and enhancing the overall experience of Kenya’s premier wildlife destination.
Where to Stay in the Masai Mara
Every Traford safari comes in three styles: Signature (luxury), Classic (mid-range) and Adventurer (budget). These are the camps and lodges we recommend most often; final choices depend on your dates and availability.
- Signature: Angama Mara on the Oloololo escarpment, Governors’ Camp on the Mara River, and luxury tented camps in the private conservancies.
- Classic: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Ashnil Mara Camp and Sarova Mara Game Camp.
- Adventurer: comfortable budget tented camps near the Talek and Sekenani gates.
