The Maasai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s most famous safari destination and one of the best places in Africa to see big cats, vast herds and the annual Great Migration. Set in south-western Kenya along the border with Tanzania’s Serengeti, the Mara’s rolling grasslands, acacia-dotted plains and winding rivers support an extraordinary concentration of wildlife all year round.
Wildlife and the Big Five
A Maasai Mara safari offers excellent chances of seeing all of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. The reserve is especially known for its lion prides and cheetahs hunting on the open plains, while hippos and crocodiles fill the Mara and Talek rivers. Game drives also reveal giraffes, zebras, topi, hyenas, jackals and more than 450 species of birds.
The Great Migration
Between July and October, more than a million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, move north from the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing. The dramatic Mara River crossings, where herds brave strong currents and waiting crocodiles, are among the most spectacular wildlife events on earth. Timing varies each year with the rains, so we help you choose dates that give you the best chance of seeing the crossings.
Things to do in the Maasai Mara
- Morning, afternoon and full-day game drives with a professional driver-guide
- Sunrise hot air balloon safaris over the plains (optional)
- Visits to a Maasai village to learn about traditions, homesteads and dances
- Sundowners and bush meals in the private conservancies around the reserve
- Wildlife photography, with the soft light of early morning and late afternoon
Best time to visit
The Maasai Mara is rewarding throughout the year. The dry season from July to October brings the Great Migration and easier wildlife viewing, while January and February are also dry and less busy. The green season from March to May brings lush landscapes, newborn animals and lower rates.
Getting there
The Mara is about five to six hours by road from Nairobi, with a stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint on the way. Daily scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport land at airstrips inside and around the reserve in under an hour.
Plan your Maasai Mara safari
From a quick two-day escape to a five-day stay, or a circuit combining the Mara with Lake Nakuru and Amboseli, Atzum Adventures designs every Maasai Mara safari around your dates, budget and interests.
