KENYA DESTINATIONS
Masai Mara Safari
Kenya’s most famous reserve: open grasslands full of lions, cheetahs and leopards, and the stage for the Great Migration’s river crossings.
Why go
The Masai Mara (also spelled Maasai Mara) is one of the best places in Africa to see big cats, and wildlife is excellent all year. It borders Tanzania’s Serengeti, and private conservancies around the reserve offer quieter game viewing and walking safaris.
- Lions, cheetahs and leopards
- Elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and hippos
- The Great Migration and Mara River crossings, usually July to October
- Sunrise hot-air balloon flights and Maasai village visits
When to go
The Mara is good all year. July to October brings the Great Migration and the busiest season. January to March is dry, quieter and great for predators. April and May are the long rains, with lower prices and green landscapes.
Getting there and how long to stay
About 5 to 6 hours by road from Nairobi through the Great Rift Valley, or a short flight. We recommend at least 2 nights, ideally 3 or more.
Safaris that visit the Masai Mara
Masai Mara safari packages
There is a Masai Mara safari for every budget. All of ours include a professional driver-guide and a Land Cruiser 4×4 with a pop-up roof; what changes is where you sleep and whether you share the vehicle.
- Budget group safari: shared Land Cruiser, comfortable budget camp, 3 days from $650 per person plus park fees. See the 3-day Masai Mara safari.
- Mid-range: well-located lodge or tented camp with en-suite rooms and full board, 3 days from $950 per person.
- Private: your own vehicle and guide, combined with Lake Nakuru and Amboseli on the 6-day safari.
- Luxury: four nights at a top camp, often in a private conservancy, on our 7-day luxury safari.
The reserve, the Mara Triangle and the conservancies
The Masai Mara National Reserve is managed by Narok County. Its western section, the Mara Triangle, is run by a non-profit conservancy and is known for well-kept roads and river crossings on the Mara River.
Around the reserve, Maasai landowners have created private conservancies such as Olare Motorogi, Naboisho and Mara North. They limit the number of vehicles and, unlike the main reserve, often allow walking safaris, night drives and off-road driving to sightings. Many luxury camps are found here.
Not sure which suits you? We choose the area based on your dates, budget and what you most want to see.
A typical day on safari in the Mara
- Early morning: coffee, then out at first light when lions and cheetahs are most active.
- Mid-morning: breakfast at camp, or a bush breakfast out in the reserve.
- Midday: lunch and rest during the heat, or a full-day drive with a picnic to follow the herds.
- Afternoon: back out from around 4pm until the reserve closes at sunset.
- Evening: sundowners, dinner and stories around the fire.
A sunrise hot-air balloon flight is a popular extra, usually around US$400–500 per person including a champagne breakfast. We book it for you.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in the Masai Mara?
Two nights is the minimum to see the reserve properly. Three or four nights gives you time to follow the wildlife without rushing, and is ideal in migration season.
Can you fly to the Masai Mara?
Yes. Light aircraft fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to airstrips in the Mara in about an hour. Flying saves the long drive, but bags are usually limited to about 15 kg in soft luggage.
How much are Masai Mara park fees?
For non-resident adults they are $100 per day from January to June and $200 per day from July to December. See our park fees guide for details.
Is it Masai Mara or Maasai Mara?
Both spellings are used. “Maasai” refers to the Maasai people; the reserve’s name is often written “Masai Mara”.
Is the Masai Mara good outside migration season?
Yes. Lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants and plenty of plains game live in the Mara all year, and outside July to October it is quieter and cheaper.
Ready to plan your Kenya safari?
Tell us your dates and how you like to travel. We’ll reply with a tailored itinerary and price.