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Why the Masai Mara is Kenya's top safari
The Masai Mara National Reserve (also spelled Maasai Mara) is the ultimate wildlife experience in Kenya and one of the most sought-after safari destinations in Africa. It lies in south-western Kenya along the Tanzania border and forms the northern part of the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem.
The reserve is world-famous for the Great Migration, when well over a million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles move between the Serengeti and the Mara in search of fresh grazing. Add year-round Big Five game viewing, some of the best predator sightings in Africa and wide golden plains, and it is easy to see why most first-time visitors to Kenya start here.
One of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, in a reserve smaller than many of its neighbours.
Location and size
- South-western Kenya in Narok County, on the border with Tanzania
- About 270 km from Nairobi, by road or a short domestic flight
- Covers about 1,510 km² (580 square miles)
- Part of the wider Serengeti–Mara ecosystem, with private conservancies around its borders
A short history
The Mara was first set aside in 1961 as a wildlife sanctuary of about 520 km². It was later enlarged and became a National Reserve in the 1970s. Parts of the surrounding land were returned to the Maasai community, which is why wildlife and traditional pastoralist life still exist side by side here today.
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Wildlife you can see in the Masai Mara
The open grasslands make animals easy to spot, and the Mara is especially known for its large lion prides, leopards along the rivers and cheetahs hunting on the plains.
Also look out for
- Spotted hyena
- Giraffe
- Hippo
- Nile crocodile
- Topi
- Eland
- Thomson's gazelle
- Jackal
- Vultures and raptors
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The Great Migration, month by month
The herds follow the rains in a huge loop between Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara. They are usually in the Mara from about July to October, when the famous Mara River crossings happen.
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Best time to visit the Masai Mara
The Masai Mara is excellent all year because its resident lions, leopards and cheetahs do not migrate. The season you choose changes the crowds, the landscape and the park fees.
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| July – October | Peak season. The Great Migration and Mara River crossings. The busiest and most popular time, so book early. |
| November – December | Short rains. Green plains, fewer vehicles and excellent big cat viewing. |
| January – March | Warm and dry. Great resident wildlife and lower park fees. |
| April – May | Long rains. Lush scenery and the lowest lodge rates. Some tracks can be muddy. |
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Things to do on a Masai Mara safari
Big Five game drives
Morning and afternoon drives in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, looking for lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos.
Hot air balloon safari
Float over the plains at sunrise, then enjoy a bush breakfast in the wild. A highlight worth booking ahead.
Great Migration river crossings
Wait by the Mara River as thousands of wildebeest and zebras make the dramatic crossing.
Maasai cultural visit
Visit a traditional Maasai village to learn about the culture, traditions and daily life of the community.
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Masai Mara lodges and camps
The Mara has a wide range of places to stay, from exclusive lodges and premium tented camps to comfortable mid-range and budget camps. We choose each one for comfort, location and an authentic safari feel.
Luxury & premium
Private game drives, gourmet bush dining and prime locations close to the main wildlife areas. Fly-in packages and private villas available.
Mid-range & budget
Reliable, authentic camps with good access to the reserve at a more affordable price, ideal for road safaris from Nairobi.
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How to get to the Masai Mara
By road from Nairobi
About 270 km and 5–6 hours in a 4x4 safari vehicle via Narok, with views over the Great Rift Valley. The more affordable option.
By air from Nairobi
Short scheduled flights land on airstrips inside the Mara in under an hour, giving you more time on game drives.
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Masai Mara park fees and opening hours
Entrance fees are set by the Narok County Government and may change. Fees are usually valid for 12 hours inside the reserve.
| Visitor (non-resident) | Fee per day |
|---|---|
| Adult, January – June | US$100 |
| Adult, July – December | US$200 |
| Child, 9 – 17 years | US$50 |
| Child, 0 – 8 years | Free |
Opening hours
The reserve gates are open every day from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Game drives usually run in the early morning and late afternoon, when animals are most active.
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