Kenya Safari Destination
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Golden plains, big cats and the great migration. Plan a safari to the reserve that defines Kenya for most travellers.
Location
Narok County, Kenya
Size
About 1,510 sq km
Ideal stay
3 to 4 days
Best time
July to October
Famous for
Migration and big cats
Kenya, Narok County
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, where rolling golden grassland runs to the Tanzanian border and joins the Serengeti to form one vast ecosystem.
From July to October, huge herds of wildebeest and zebra arrive from the south and brave the crocodile-filled Mara River. Lion, leopard and cheetah hunt here all year, and Maasai communities have shared this land with wildlife for generations.
Why the Maasai Mara tops every Kenya itinerary
Six reasons the Mara remains Kenya’s most loved safari destination.
The great migration
Huge herds of wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara River in one of nature’s great spectacles.
Big cats everywhere
Some of Africa’s highest densities of lion, leopard and cheetah.
The Big Five
Elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard are regular sightings, with rhino for the patient.
Golden landscapes
Open grassland under huge skies, perfect for photography.
Living Maasai culture
Visit Maasai communities and learn traditions passed down for centuries.
Great all year
Resident wildlife means excellent game viewing outside the migration months too.
When to visit Maasai Mara
Maasai Mara rewards visitors in every season. Choose the window that matches what you most want to see.
July to October
Migration season
River crossings and the reserve at its most dramatic, with the herds close to the Mara River.
January to March
Great wildlife
Dry weather, strong predator sightings and excellent general game viewing.
April to May
Green season
Lush landscapes, dramatic light and far fewer vehicles on the tracks.
November to December
Short rains
Fresh scenery, strong birding and quieter camps than peak season.
Wildlife you can expect to see
From big cats to the migration herds, these are the animals most visitors meet in the Mara.
Lion
Large prides own the open plains, and sightings are almost guaranteed.
Leopard
Look for them draped in trees along the rivers and rocky ridges.
Cheetah
The open grassland suits the fastest cat on earth.
Elephant
Family herds move between the plains and the riverine forest.
Buffalo
Big herds graze the grasslands, often with oxpeckers riding along.
Wildebeest
Resident herds all year, joined by the migration from July.
Things to do in the Maasai Mara
Game drives come first, but there are many ways to experience the Mara.
Guided game drives
Explore the plains in a pop-up roof vehicle with an expert guide.
Hot air balloon safaris
Drift over the plains at sunrise, followed by a bush breakfast.
Migration viewing
Time your visit for the dramatic Mara River crossings.
Big cat tracking
Follow lion prides and search the rivers for leopard.
Maasai village visits
Learn about Maasai culture and daily life on a guided visit.
Sundowners
Watch the sky turn gold over the savannah, drink in hand.
Planning your trip to Maasai Mara
Practical details to help you decide how to get there and where to stay.
Getting to the Mara
- By road: roughly five to six hours from Nairobi, via the Great Rift Valley.
- By air: scheduled light-aircraft flights from Wilson Airport take under an hour.
- Combined routes: pairs well with Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli or the Serengeti.
Where to stay
- Inside the reserve: lodges and tented camps close to the action.
- Private conservancies: quieter camps bordering the reserve, some with walks and night drives.
- Every budget: from comfortable mid-range camps to luxury lodges.
Maasai Mara safari tours
Itineraries built around the Mara, from short two-day trips to classic Kenya circuits.
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli
- 6 Days 5 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru
- 4 Days 3 Nights
Good to know
Maasai Mara questions, answered
Still wondering about something? Ask our Nairobi team any time on WhatsApp.
Where is the Maasai Mara?
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is in Narok County in south-western Kenya, on the border with Tanzania, where it joins the Serengeti.
How many days do you need in the Maasai Mara?
Three to four days is ideal. It allows several game drives, a chance to see the big cats well and, in season, time to wait for a river crossing.
When does the great migration reach the Mara?
The herds usually arrive around July and stay until October. Exact timing changes each year with the rains, so river crossings are never guaranteed.
Can you see the Big Five in the Maasai Mara?
Yes. Lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo are seen regularly. Rhino are present but rare, so sightings take patience and some luck.
Is the Maasai Mara worth visiting outside migration season?
Yes. Resident wildlife and big cats are excellent all year, and the quieter months bring lower rates and fewer vehicles.
Can the Mara be combined with other parks?
Yes. It pairs well with Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Amboseli, or with the Serengeti on a combined Kenya and Tanzania safari.
Start Planning Your Maasai Mara Safari
Tell us your travel dates and we will build a Mara itinerary around the season and the experiences you want most.