Lions relaxing on the grass, giraffe calves walking alongside their mothers, herds of wildebeest attempting to escape the teeth of crocodiles as they cross the Mara River… The Masai Mara National Reserve is an ideal setting for witnessing nature's greatest spectacles. Discover this incredible reserve and all it has to offer in a safari.

Masai Mara: An Unforgettable Safari in the African Savanna

Safari enthusiasts have undoubtedly heard of the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya's premier wildlife reserve. Nestled in southern Kenya, on the border of Tanzania, it has gained worldwide fame for the spectacular migration of zebras and wildebeest, which cross the crocodile-infested Mara River in massive herds. Some will meet their fate in the jaws of crocodiles, while others manage to reach the other side.

Beyond this extraordinary spectacle, the reserve showcases plains and wooded savanna landscapes where predators and herbivores engage in an eternal struggle for survival. Luxury lodges welcome visitors throughout the year. Between jeep safaris, wildlife encounters, camping under the stars and cultural immersion with the Maasai people, the Masai Mara National Reserve promises unforgettable moments for travelers. Head to the Masai Mara reserve today and return from your Kenya safari with memories that will last a lifetime.

A Brief Overview of Masai Mara

The Masai Mara Reserve—spelled in various ways—was established in 1948. The Maasai people have inhabited these lands for generations. Historically, they lived exclusively through hunting and livestock herding. However, the advent of tourism has created new economic opportunities. Increasingly, Maasai men find employment as rangers or safari guides.

The Mara River gave its name to this magnificent Kenyan reserve. It's easy to understand why, when the river offers one of the most extraordinary migration scenes in the animal kingdom from July to October. Millions of wildebeest leave Tanzania's Serengeti National Park for the Masai Mara plains, where rainfall is more abundant and grass more tender. They must cross the waterway, swimming among crocodiles and struggling to escape their powerful jaws.

As a reserve with no fencing, animals roam freely across its vast expanse. This is why the Masai Mara Reserve is often described as an extension of Serengeti National Park.

The Reserve's Rich Biodiversity

Masai Mara is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. The Big Five can be spotted with relative ease throughout the reserve.

What to See and Do

Game Drive in a Jeep

From your 4x4, traverse endless savanna landscapes. Numerous African wildlife species will compete for your attention. Grassy plains are home to zebras, wildebeest, hartebeest, Grant's gazelles, elands, impalas and various antelope species. Lions are everywhere, with males distinguished by their thick manes. Elephants and giraffes prefer shaded areas with denser vegetation. That's not all. Your camera will capture countless predators. Spotted hyenas and cheetahs hunt across the plains, while leopards frequent waterholes, sheltering in trees.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Soaring over Masai Mara in a hot air balloon is another spectacular option. Flights depart from the Little Governors Camp. An excellent way to contemplate Masai Mara's splendor as the first light of dawn illuminates the river, plains and grassy savanna.

Birdwatching

While wildebeest migration captures most attention, the avifauna deserves not to be overlooked. More than 470 bird species frequent the reserve, from common ones like storks, sacred ibises and herons to rarest species like the African jabiru or the critically endangered secretary bird.

You may be walking quietly through the brush when a black shape suddenly moves: it's the southern ground hornbill, a large hornbill with a red casque, preferring terrestrial habitats unlike its tree-dwelling cousins.

Raptors thrive in Masai Mara. Keep your eyes open for vultures and martial eagles soaring above the Mara River, scanning for wildebeest carcasses.

Camping Experience

Campers will enjoy the pleasure of sleeping under a star-filled sky and waking to the sounds of nature. In the reserve's southwest, private concessions accommodate tourists. Upscale accommodations feature private bathrooms, sparkling pools and panoramic terraces for observing wildlife. Most lodges are serviced by charter flights from Nairobi.

Cultural Immersion with the Maasai People

After wildlife photography, an educational and cultural visit to Maasai lands comes highly recommended. Not only does this exchange broaden your horizons, it provides support to these traditional communities, many of whom live below the poverty line.

Practical Information

Entrance Fees

Reserve entry is charged: adult rate is $80, and children's rate is $45. Entrance tickets are valid for 24 hours.

Opening Hours

The reserve is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Only visitors with lodge reservations may stay overnight, and they must remain within their lodges. Night excursions are not permitted, nor are off-road safaris and walking treks.

When to Visit?

Rain falls year-round in Masai Mara. Peak tourism occurs in July, August and September, during the wildebeest migration. However, there is no single best season to visit the reserve.

Despite the short distance between Nairobi and Masai Mara (270 km by road), overland travel is physically demanding. Road conditions are poor, particularly during the rainy season. If your budget allows, flying is most practical. Depart from Nairobi's Wilson Airport and land at Mara Serena Airport or Kichwa Tembo Airport. The flight takes only 45 minutes, compared to over 6 hours by road.

Nearby Attractions

To extend your ecotourism circuit, head to Serengeti National Park or to Mfangano Island, which rises in the center of Lake Victoria.