Masai Mara National Reserve Safari Guide
Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve and one of the best safari destinations in Africa
Quick Facts
Peak Season
June – September
Best Time to Visit
July – September (Great Migration season)
Famous For
Incredible wildlife density and world-class safari experiences
Safari Cost
$750 – $1000 per person per day
Known For
The world-famous Great Wildebeest Migration
Kenya’s Most Iconic Safari Destination
The Masai Mara National Reserve (often spelled Maasai Mara) is Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve and one of the best safari destinations in Africa. Located in southwestern Kenya along the border with Tanzania, the reserve forms part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem, which supports one of the largest wildlife populations on Earth.
The Masai Mara is globally renowned for the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross from Tanzania’s Serengeti into Kenya in search of fresh grazing. This spectacular wildlife event attracts travelers, photographers, and filmmakers from around the world.
Visitors exploring the Masai Mara with Phronesis Tours can experience thrilling game drives, incredible predator sightings, and unforgettable safari adventures in Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife reserve.
Location
The Masai Mara National Reserve is located in southwestern Kenya, along the border with Tanzania.
• Approximately 270 km from Nairobi
• Part of the greater Serengeti–Mara ecosystem
• Accessible by road or domestic flights from Nairobi
Its proximity to the Serengeti makes it one of the most important wildlife conservation areas in Africa.
History of Masai Mara
The Masai Mara was originally established in 1961 as a wildlife sanctuary covering approximately 520 square kilometers.
Over the years, the reserve expanded and was later granted National Reserve status in the 1970s. Portions of the surrounding land were returned to the local Maasai community, allowing for a unique coexistence between wildlife conservation and traditional pastoralist lifestyles.
Today, the Masai Mara remains one of Kenya’s most important conservation areas and one of the top safari destinations in the world.
Reserve Size
Masai Mara National Reserve covers approximately 1,510 square kilometers (about 580 square miles).
Despite its size, the reserve hosts an extremely high concentration of wildlife, making it one of the best parks in Africa for game viewing.
Wildlife and Landscape
The Masai Mara offers some of the best wildlife viewing anywhere in Africa.
Wildlife you may see includes:
The reserve is especially famous for the Great Migration, when more than 1.5 million wildebeest move through the ecosystem each year.
The landscapes of the Masai Mara include:
- Vast golden savannah plains
- Rolling grasslands
- Acacia woodlands
- The Mara River, known for dramatic migration crossings
What to expect in our Mara Safaris
At Phronesis Tours, we offer carefully designed safari experiences that allow travelers to explore the Masai Mara in comfort and style.
Big Five Game Drives
Explore the vast plains of Maasai Mara National Reserve on thrilling game drives in search of lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Enjoy a breathtaking sunrise adventure over the Mara with a hot air balloon safari, followed by a bush breakfast in the wild
Maasai Cultural Visit
Visit a traditional Maasai village and experience the rich culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the local community.
Great Migration Experience
Witness the world-famous Great Wildebeest Migration, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River in a dramatic survival journey.
Each safari is designed to give travelers an authentic and unforgettable African safari experience.
Masai Mara Lodges & Camps – Accommodation
The Masai Mara offers a wide range of accommodation options for different budgets and travel styles.
Luxury safari lodges
Premium tented camps
Mid-range safari camps
Budget safari camps
Many lodges are located within or near wildlife corridors, allowing guests to enjoy incredible wildlife sightings directly from their camp.
Phronesis Tours carefully selects lodges and camps that combine comfort, location, and authentic safari experiences.
Reserve Entrance Fees
Fees are typically valid for 12 hours within the reserve.
Reserve Opening Hours
Game drives are usually conducted in the early morning and late afternoon, when wildlife activity is highest.
Featured Masai Mara Safaris
3 Nights Masai Mara Safari
Experience the world-famous Masai Mara with thrilling game drives, abundant wildlife, and opportunities to spot the Big Five in Kenya’s premier safari destination.
6 Days Amboseli – Lake Naivasha – Masai Mara Safari
Experience Kenya’s top safari destinations with game drives in Amboseli, boat rides at Lake Naivasha, and unforgettable wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara.
Explore More of Our Masai Mara Safari Packages