Maasai Mara
Exploring your destinations
Maasai Mara
Big cats and the migration months
The Mara is the reserve most people have in mind when they think of a Kenyan safari, and it earns that reputation. Open grassland, long sightlines and a high density of predators mean you can see more in a morning here than in several days elsewhere.
It is also the most visited part of Kenya. That is worth planning around rather than ignoring.
Plan My SafariThe Reserve and the Conservancies
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is the main public reserve. It is managed separately from the private conservancies around it, and visitors enter with the relevant reserve ticket. In busy months, popular sightings can draw many vehicles.
The conservancies bordering the reserve work differently. They are wildlife areas on Maasai community land, managed through agreements between landowners, conservation organisations and tourism operators. Mara North, Naboisho, Olare Motorogi, Ol Kinyei and Lemek are among them.
Wildlife moves freely between the reserve and conservancies, but the experience can be quite different. Conservancies generally have fewer vehicles. Where permitted by the particular conservancy and offered by the camp, they may also allow night drives, guided walks and more controlled off-road viewing. These activities are not permitted inside the main reserve or the Mara Triangle.
Conservancy stays usually cost more per night. For clients who value space, flexibility and time away from vehicle crowds, the difference is often worth it. We will explain the trade-off when preparing your itinerary.
The Migration
Wildebeest and zebra usually arrive on the Kenyan side from around July and remain into October, having moved north from the Serengeti.
River crossings at the Mara and Talek rivers can happen during this period, but they are not scheduled and cannot be promised. Herds gather at a crossing point, wait, sometimes for hours, then either cross or turn back. Seeing one takes patience and some luck.
The Mara is excellent outside migration season too. Resident predators do not leave, and the reserve is usually quieter and less expensive.
What Else Is There
Lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo and hippo are resident. Black rhino are present in small numbers and are harder to find.
Balloon safaris launch at dawn and end with breakfast in the bush. They are expensive, but most people who do one say it was worth it.
Getting There
The Mara is five to six hours by road from Nairobi, with the final stretch often rough. A light aircraft from Wilson Airport takes around 45 minutes to one of several airstrips.
If the trip is short, flying is usually worth it. A road journey takes up a game drive at each end.
How Long to Stay
Three nights is the sensible minimum. Two are possible, but leave little margin if weather changes or the wildlife is elsewhere.
Safaris
Trips that include Maasai Mara
Mara & Serengeti
Maasai Mara
Maasai Mara
Samburu & Maasai Mara
Plan a Maasai Mara Safari
Tell us how you want to travel
Tell us your dates, whether the migration matters, and whether you prefer the reserve or a conservancy. We will recommend the option that fits your time and budget.