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08Mar

Kenya, Masai Mara

The Masai Mara National Reserve

Maasai Mara Game Reserve

Overview

The Maasai Mara Game Reserve is one of the most famous safari destinations in Africa, located in the Great Rift Valley in southwestern Kenya. Covering about 1,510 square kilometers, it is renowned worldwide for its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unique cultural experiences.

History

Established in 1961 as a wildlife sanctuary, the reserve has grown in size and prestige over the decades. Its name comes from the Maasai people, who have lived in harmony with the land for centuries, and “Mara,” meaning “spotted,” which describes the landscape dotted with acacia trees, shrubs, and shadows of clouds.

Wildlife

The Maasai Mara is home to the legendary “Big Five” — lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos. It is also famous for cheetahs, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, hippos, and over 450 bird species. Discover more about other destinations like Lake Nakuru National Park.

The Great Migration

One of the park’s greatest highlights is the annual Great Wildebeest Migration, where more than two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Learn more from the official UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

Cultural Experience

The Maasai people, with their rich traditions, play an important role in the reserve’s identity. Visitors can experience Maasai culture through village visits, traditional dances, and storytelling, offering insights into their pastoral way of life. You can also check out our Kenya holiday specials for cultural experiences.

Safari Experiences

From game drives and guided walking safaris to hot air balloon rides at sunrise, the Maasai Mara provides unforgettable adventures. Explore our tailored Kenya safari packages for an ultimate experience.

Masai Mara Safari from Nairobi – Itinerary

Day 1Nairobi to Maasai Mara (Road Package Option)

» Pick up from your Nairobi hotel / Nairobi Airport / your residence (0700HRS)
» Nairobi – Masai (Approx. 300 km. 5-6 Hrs. – Drive)
The six-hour road trip to Masai Mara by road in a 4×4 Safari Land-cruiser will have you in the hotel just in time for lunch. On the way to the Masai Mara, you will have one or two stops. You will have the early afternoon to relax, freshen up and settle in. There will be an evening game drive perfect to catch some of the more discreet wildlife. Afterwards you can sleep to the natural sounds of nature.

Day 1Nairobi to Maasai Mara (Flying Package Option)

» Pick up from your Nairobi hotel / Nairobi Airport / your residence (0700HRS)
» Nairobi – Masai (Approx. 300 km. 45 Min – Flight)
When you arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport you will be received and transferred to Wilson Airport for your flight to Masai Mara. If you will be in a hotel or your residence, we can organize transfers to Wilson Airport.
The flight to Masai Mara from Nairobi will take around 45 minutes. This is a great low flight over the over the scenically beautiful Great Rift Valley.
On arrival in Masai Mara you will be received and transferred to your camp/hotel for lunch and later an afternoon game drive in the park.

Day 2Masai Mara Safari Package

Wake up to the sights and sounds of one of the world’s premier wildlife destinations. The Mara appeal is gentle. It gives you time to explore its riches. Understands that its size is daunting but will make it worth visiting every inch of the reserve. It offers endless plains, spectacular views and a whole lot of flora and fauna. On the second day you will enjoy 2 Game Drives, a morning and an evening game drive.
Game drives are not all the Mara has to offer. You can spice up you Safari by adding a hot air balloon safari in the Masai Mara (We have great packages for this)to your itinerary.
In the afternoon you will get a chance to visit a Maasai village nearby. It will offer deep insight into the lives and culture of the Maa people who are not only the main inhabitants but also have managed to co-exist with the wildlife. You can also buy a few curios and trinkets from their market. Once done you can have a game drive as you make your way back to the lodge to retire for the night

Day 3Masai Mara Safari Package

This will be the final leg of your 3-day Masai Mara Safari. Wake up for an early morning game drive and after breakfast, you will be driven to the airstrip for a flight to Wilson airport or if you are on the road package option, you will check out and drive back to Nairobi.

Masai Mara Safari in Kenya

Wondering when is the best time to visit the Masai Mara in Kenya? Masai Mara is a year-round destination for both exceptional game viewing and spectacular scenery. If you are looking to take your 3-day Masai Mara Safari in Kenya, here is what to expect at any time of the year.

Jan – Mar

Apr - Jun

Jul - Oct

Nov – Dec

January, February and March the most comfortable months for traveling as they are warm and dry, and wildlife is generally found around the seasonal waterholes during these months, so game viewing is great. The cost of a Masai Mara safari in Kenya is relatively low during this season with comfortable number of guests in the park.

There 3 Months mark the green season (Manly because of the rains), April, May and June. For a good number of guests these are the best months to travel and stay long. Most of the Luxury camps have lower prices and special offers running. A Masai Mara safari in Kenya at this time is not such a bad idea. The numbers of tourists can be low, thus more exclusive use of the park and hotel facilities. The rains do not deter game viewing.

July, August, September and October mark the peak season in the Masai Mara. The greatest attraction is the annual wildebeest migration where up to 1.4 million wildebeest and other animals cross over from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya in search of fresh grazing. The number of tourists during this period is high and hotel prices are also high due to the demand.

Tip: if you have to book your Masai Mara safari in Kenya trip during this period here are a few things to consider;

Book your Masai Mara Trip Early
Go to the smaller luxury camps for a more personalized experience
Consider a 3-day Masai Mara flying package

November and December are great months to travel. There is always a slim chance to experience the migration go the wildebeest back to Serengeti. The weather is good, minimal rains may be experiences but nothing to hinder you from enjoying your Masai Mara safari in Kenya. The cost is relatively low during this season with comfortable number of guests in the park. Note rates tend to increase over the festive Christmas and New Year holidays.

So, whenever you are in Kenya, take the 3 days off and experience the Masai Mara. If the 3 days are not enough stay longer. Because every day in the Masai Mara is different.

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