Masai Mara National Reserve

Home to Africa’s Iconic Big Cats and Legendary Wildebeest Migration.

The Masai Mara National Reserve provides year-round wildlife encounters and Africa’s most stunning migration. Endless plains teem with predators and prey, providing spectacular safari experiences. From giant cats to vast herds, the Mara offers stunning views at every bend of your journey.

Area

1,510 sq km

Established

1961

Location

Southwest

Altitude

1,500 – 2,180 m

Climate

Moderate Tropical

Terrain

Rolling Grasslands

Fauna

Wildebeest Herds

Flora

Open Savannah

A Wildlife Haven Beyond Imagination in Kenya!

Masai Mara safari

Between July and mid-September, the Masai Mara hosts the Great Migration, when over a million wildebeest and zebras migrate from the Serengeti, braving crocodile-infested waterways in a breathtaking natural drama.

The reserve’s name is derived from the Maasai people, whose culture and traditions are inextricably linked to the land. A stay here guarantees fantastic animal viewing, cultural diversity, and timeless African beauty.

Masai Mara National Reserve is a world-renowned safari destination that combines stunning landscapes with spectacular wildlife experiences. It spans 1,510 square kilometres and features vast golden plains sprinkled with acacia trees against a backdrop of stunning African skies.

The reserve is home to an astounding diversity of animals, including all of the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and countless antelope species that graze freely.

Masai Mara safari trips

Best Time to Visit Masai Mara National Reserve

The prime months for wildlife viewing are June to October, with July to October offering the best chance to witness the Great Migration in action across the reserve’s breathtaking landscapes.

Best Time

July to October

High Season

June to October

Low Season

April to May

Best Weather

June to October

Best Time

July to October

High Season

June to October

Low Season

April to May

Best Weather

June to October

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Why Masai Mara is Worth Visiting

Masai Mara safari

Tourism in the Masai Mara also supports local communities. Visitors help create jobs, promote cultural exchanges with the Maasai people, and contribute to Kenya’s economy through conservation and tourism activities.

Conservancies around the reserve provide additional protected land for wildlife. They also give local families opportunities to earn an income through land leases, creating a balance between nature and community development.

Masai Mara National Reserve is one of Kenya’s most important wildlife areas. It protects a large number of species and plays a central role in conservation.

The reserve is home to over 95 species of mammals and close to 550 types of birds. This makes it an excellent destination for both safari adventures and birdwatching.

Masai Mara travel tips
Masai Mara safari vacations

Beyond the migration, the reserve’s open grasslands and acacia-dotted scenery create a perfect setting for photography. Every sunrise and sunset fills the landscape with golden light, capturing the essence of wild Africa.

The Masai Mara also promises year-round excitement, with abundant wildlife, guided walks, and hot-air balloon safaris offering new perspectives of this remarkable wilderness.

The Masai Mara is best known for the Great Migration, one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on Earth. Each year, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the Mara River in search of greener pastures.

Watching the herds move across the endless plains, pursued by predators, is a raw and breathtaking reminder of nature’s rhythm. It’s a moment that defines the spirit of African safaris.

Masai Mara safari

Masai Mara National Reserve FAQs

Where is the Masai Mara National Reserve located?

The Masai Mara is located in Narok County in southwestern Kenya. The national reserve covers around 1500 sq km and borders the popular Serengeti National Park. It is one of Africa’s best-known wildlife reserves and is famous for watching the Great Migration.

You may go to the Masai Mara at any time of the year. But the optimum period is from June to October. This is the dry season when you will see a lot of animals, and this is the same time period when the famous wildebeest migration happens. For these two reasons, the dry season is often regarded as the Best Time to visit Kenya for any safari.

Yes, it’s really safe to go to the Masai Mara. The guides who accompany you on your Kenya Safari ensure your safety by providing expert guidance throughout your game drives. The night guards who are on duty at camps also ensure that wildlife interactions (if any) are handled responsibly.

The Masai Mara is special as it is one of the best places in Africa to see wildlife. It is famous for its big cats, elephants, and the Great Migration. Many travellers think that it is one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders.

It costs roughly $80 for adults and $45 for kids to get into the Masai Mara for 24 hours. The residents pay KES 1200 for each adult and KES 300 for each child, with extra fees for cars.

A 3-day, 2-night stay is ideal for fully experiencing the Masai Mara National Reserve. It gives you ample time to go on several game drives, see beautiful places, and see a wide range of animals, including the Big Five and migrating herds.

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"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

Jon H

JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

Jon H

JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

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