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Kenya · National Parks & Wildlife
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Big cats on open grassland, Maasai culture and the Great Migration, in Kenya’s most famous safari country.
Location
Narok County, Kenya
Reserve size
About 1,510 km²
Best time
July to October
Ideal stay
Three to four nights
The reserve
Where the plains never end
The Maasai Mara rolls south-west from the Great Rift Valley to the Tanzanian border, where it joins the Serengeti. Its open grasslands, river forests and scattered acacias support one of the highest concentrations of predators in Africa, from lion prides to cheetahs and leopards.
Between roughly July and October, huge herds of wildebeest and zebra arrive from the Serengeti in the Great Migration, crossing the Mara and Talek rivers as crocodiles wait below. Timing changes every year with the rains, so no crossing is ever guaranteed, but the resident wildlife makes the Mara superb in any month. Around the reserve, private conservancies run by Maasai landowners offer quieter game drives and guided walks.
Many guests combine the Mara with Amboseli and Lake Nakuru, or cross into Tanzania for the Serengeti.
Places your guide will show you
Mara RiverTalek RiverMusiara MarshMara TriangleParadise PlainsOloololo Escarpment
Great Migration
Herds usually arrive July to October
Wildlife
Big cats and great herds
The Mara is famous for predators, but every game drive brings a mix of grazers, giants and birdlife.
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01
Lion
Large prides rest in the shade by day and hunt in the cool of dawn and dusk.
02
Leopard
Often spotted along the rivers, resting in fig and acacia trees.
03
Cheetah
Hunts by day on the short grass, using termite mounds as lookouts.
04
Elephant
Family herds move between the river forests and open plains.
05
Buffalo
Big herds and grumpy old bulls graze the marshes.
06
Wildebeest
Hundreds of thousands arrive with zebra during the Migration.
Experiences
More than game drives
Choose how you meet the Mara: from the air, on foot, with Maasai hosts or at the river’s edge.
Game drives
Morning, afternoon and full-day drives with an English-speaking driver-guide.
Hot-air balloon safari
Float over the plains at sunrise, then land for a bush breakfast.
River crossings
In Migration season, wait by the Mara River for the herds to cross.
Maasai village visit
Learn about Maasai homes, dances and traditions from your hosts.
Conservancy walks
Guided bush walks with Maasai rangers in the private conservancies.
Bush sundowners
End the day with a drink as the sun drops over the plains.
When to visit
The best time for Maasai Mara
The Mara rewards visitors all year. Migration timing follows the rains, so it can arrive early or late.
Jan – Mar
Hot and dry
Warm days, short grass and excellent predator sightings, with fewer vehicles.
Apr – Jun
Long rains
Lush green plains, lower rates and very few visitors. Some roads get muddy.
Jul – Oct
Peak season
Migration season
The herds arrive and river crossings are possible. The busiest months, so book early.
Nov – Dec
Short rains
Brief afternoon showers, newborn animals and quieter camps.
Getting there
Reaching Maasai Mara
By road
About 270 km from Nairobi, five to six hours with a stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint.
By air
Daily light-aircraft flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport take about 45 minutes to the reserve’s airstrips.
Combined routes
The Mara links with Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru, or with the Serengeti for a cross-border safari.
Where to stay
Lodges, camps and stays
01
Inside the reserve
Lodges and tented camps close to the action, ideal for early starts.
02
Private conservancies
Fewer vehicles, night drives and walking safaris on Maasai-owned land.
03
Near the gates
Budget-friendly camps outside Sekenani and Talek gates.
Reserve entry fees are set by Narok County and charged per person per day. Ask us for current rates when you request your quote.
Ready-made trips
Maasai Mara safari tours
From short group trips to longer Kenya circuits, these safaris all include time in the Maasai Mara.
- Aberdare, Solio Game Reserve, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate, Amboseli
- 8 Days 7 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli
- 6 Days 5 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru
- 4 Days 3 Nights
Good to know
Maasai Mara FAQs
Where is the Maasai Mara?
In Narok County in south-western Kenya, on the border with Tanzania, where it joins the Serengeti ecosystem.
When does the Great Migration reach the Maasai Mara?
Usually between July and October, but the timing depends on the rains and changes every year. River crossings are never guaranteed.
How many days do you need in the Maasai Mara?
Three to four nights is ideal. It gives you time for several game drives and a better chance of seeing all the big cats.
Can you see the Big Five in the Maasai Mara?
Lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo are seen regularly. Rhinos live in the reserve but are rare, so sightings are a bonus.
Is the Maasai Mara worth visiting outside Migration season?
Yes. Resident wildlife and predators stay all year, and the green season brings lower rates and fewer vehicles.
Can I take a hot-air balloon safari?
Yes. Balloon flights leave at dawn from several camps and lodges. We can book one as part of your itinerary.
What are the conservancies?
Private areas bordering the reserve, owned by Maasai communities and leased to camps. They limit vehicle numbers and allow walks and night drives.
Talk to a planner
Still deciding?
Our Nairobi team can answer anything about Maasai Mara and shape a route around your dates.
- +254 111 318 596
- +254 705 223 484
- info@topmatoursandsafaris.com
- Mon – Sat: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Your journey
Start your Maasai Mara journey
Tell us your dates, group size and budget, and we will shape a Maasai Mara itinerary around the season and the experiences you want.
