Kenya safari destination
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Golden plains, legendary big cats and the Great Migration. Plan a safari to Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve.
Location
Narok County, Kenya
Size
About 1,510 sq km
Ideal stay
3 to 4 days
Best time
July to October
Famous for
Great Migration and big cats
The wild heart of Kenya
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s most celebrated safari destination. It lies in Narok County in the south-west of the country and forms the northern part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, a single landscape shared with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.
The Mara is world famous for the Great Migration, when vast herds of wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara River. Yet its resident lion, leopard and cheetah, open grasslands and Maasai heritage make it a rewarding safari in every month of the year, not only in migration season.
Why the Maasai Mara tops every Kenya itinerary
Six reasons the Mara is the safari so many travellers dream about.
The Great Migration
Watch huge herds of wildebeest and zebra brave the crocodile-filled Mara River.
Big cat country
One of the best places in Africa to see lion, leopard and cheetah hunting in the open.
The Big Five
Elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard are seen regularly, with rhino present in small numbers.
Golden landscapes
Rolling grassland, lone acacias and vast skies that glow at sunrise and sunset.
Living Maasai culture
Meet Maasai communities whose way of life is tied to this land.
Great safaris all year
Resident wildlife means excellent game viewing even outside migration season.
When to visit the Maasai Mara
The Mara rewards visitors in every season. Choose the window that matches what you most want to see.
July to October
Migration season
The herds arrive from the Serengeti and river crossings are possible. The busiest and most dramatic time to visit.
January to March
Dry and warm
Excellent predator sightings, good weather and fewer vehicles at sightings.
April to May
Green season
Lush grass, dramatic skies and the lowest rates of the year, with fewer crowds.
November to December
Short rains
Fresh scenery, strong birding and quieter camps before the festive season.
Wildlife you can expect to see in the Mara
From big cats to vast herds, these are the animals most visitors meet on a Maasai Mara game drive.
Lion
Large prides rule the plains, often seen resting in the grass or on a hunt.
Elephant
Family herds wander between the woodland and the open grassland.
Leopard
Elusive but regularly seen draped in the acacias along the rivers.
Cheetah
The open plains are perfect for watching cheetah sprint after prey.
Buffalo
Big herds and grumpy old bulls are found throughout the reserve.
Things to do in the Maasai Mara
Game drives come first, but the Mara offers some of the most memorable experiences in Africa.
Guided game drives
Explore the open savannah at first light and late afternoon, when the big cats are most active.
Hot air balloon safari
Float over the plains at sunrise, followed by a bush breakfast.
Migration viewing
Time your visit for the dramatic Mara River crossings.
Maasai village visits
Learn about Maasai traditions and daily life on a guided visit.
Sundowner drinks
End the day with a drink as the sky turns gold over the plains.
Planning your trip to the Maasai Mara
Practical details to help you decide how to get there and where to stay.
Getting to the Maasai Mara
- By road: about 270 km west of Nairobi, usually a drive of five to six hours.
- By air: scheduled light aircraft fly from Nairobi to airstrips across the Mara in about an hour.
- Combined routes: the Mara pairs well with Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli and the Serengeti.
Where to stay
- Inside the reserve: lodges and tented camps close to the main wildlife areas.
- Private conservancies: quieter camps bordering the reserve, with night drives and walking safaris.
- Every budget: we match camps to your style, from comfortable mid-range to luxury.
Maasai Mara safari tours
Itineraries that include the Maasai Mara, from short safaris to longer journeys across Kenya and Tanzania.
- Mount Kenya, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli
- 10 Days 9 Nights
- Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara
- 9 Days 8 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate, Amboseli
- 7 Days 6 Nights
Maasai Mara FAQs
Quick answers to the questions travellers ask us most often about visiting the Mara.
Where is the Maasai Mara National Reserve?
The Maasai Mara is in Narok County in south-west Kenya, about 270 km from Nairobi. It borders Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, forming one connected ecosystem.
How many days do you need in the Maasai Mara?
Three to four days is ideal. It gives you several full game drives, time to find the big cats, and the flexibility to wait for a river crossing in migration season.
When is the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara?
The herds are usually in the Mara between July and October. Exact timing depends on the rains each year, and river crossings can never be guaranteed.
Can you see the Big Five in the Maasai Mara?
Yes. Lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo are seen regularly. Rhino live in the reserve in small numbers and are seen less often.
Is the Maasai Mara worth visiting outside migration season?
Yes. The Mara has excellent resident wildlife all year, and the quieter months often mean fewer vehicles and lower prices.
Can the Maasai Mara be combined with other parks?
Yes. It is often combined with Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Amboseli in Kenya, or with the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.
Start planning your Maasai Mara safari
Tell us your travel dates and we will build a Maasai Mara itinerary around the season and the experiences you want most.