About Masai Mara
From the breathtaking spectacle of the annual wildebeest migration to thrilling encounters with Africa’s majestic big cats (lions, cheetahs, and leopards) the Masai Mara is a dream destination for every safari enthusiast. In the Masai Mara National Reserve, you can opt to rest in your lodge and see the animals from your private deck, or you can soar above the sweeping African savannah in a hot air balloon safari to capture a bird’s-eye view of the golden plains teeming with wildlife.
Masai Mara Travel Guide – Video by James Gatheru, Our CEO
For a more intimate Masai Mara safari experience, embark on an exhilarating jeep safari, where you might find yourself up close with the area’s iconic lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes and other abundant wildlife. The Masai Mara National Reserve and its conservancies consistently deliver unforgettable adventures. Ideally, plan a 3 to 5 days safari for a relaxed and intimate exploration of the Masai Mara.
For those seeking comfort and elegance, the Maasai Mara Game Reserve offers a range of luxury lodges that provide an unparalleled safari experience. In this article, we will share all the information you need to plan the best Masai Mara safari packages from India. But first, here is how to reach us to start planning your Masai Mara packages from India.
How to Book Your Masai Mara Safari from India
We invite you to contact us via phone (+254719222430 or +254748258880) or email (james@ajkenyasafaris.com) to get started. We are also available Via:
- Phone & WhatsApp: +254-748-258-880
- Email: james@ajkenyasafaris.com or safarioffers@ajkenyasafaris.com
You can also reach us through social media via:
Why Visit Masai Mara National Reserve?
The Masai Mara, situated in southwest Kenya, is a place where nature’s beauty unfolds right in front of you. Imagine a peaceful African savannah stretching endlessly, filled with countless wildebeest and zebras grazing calmly. This reserve is also a bird watcher’s dream, with over 450 bird species recorded. This amazing landscape is home to the highest number of wild animals on Earth, with more than 40% of Africa’s large mammals living here. Beyond the vast plains, the Masai Mara features many community conservancies, several Maasai pastoral ranches, and lively Maasai villages.
Masai Mara Landscape & Name Meaning
Named in honor of the Maasai tribe, the Masai Mara’s landscape is as captivating as its wildlife. Scenic flights over the Masai Mara provide a breathtaking perspective of the diverse landscape. The term ‘Mara’ translates to ‘spotted’ in the Maasai language, aptly describing the landscape dotted with short, bushy trees.
This vast ecosystem spans nearly 1,510 square kilometers, bordered by the Serengeti to the south and Maasai ranches to the north, east, and west. While the riverbanks of the Sand, Talek, and Mara Rivers are fringed with shrubs and trees, the majority of the reserve is open grassland punctuated by occasional flat-topped acacia trees. The region experiences two distinct rainy seasons: the long rains from April to May and the short rains from November to December.
About Masai Mara Conservancies
The Greater Masai Mara region encompasses the Masai Mara National Reserve, an open sanctuary where animals wander freely, along with several conservancies like the Mara North Conservancy. The Masai Mara game reserve GPS coordinates are 1.4821° S, 35.1300°. The Mara Triangle, positioned at the boundary of the Masai Mara, combines luxury with Kenyan hospitality amid breathtaking natural landscapes.
These areas are privately owned by Maasai families who lease them to safari lodges, enabling the Maasai to reinvest in their communities by supporting education and development projects. Occasionally, you might see Maasai farmers and their grazing cattle within the conservancies. This harmonious coexistence supports both environmental conservation and the Maasai people, facilitating rewilding efforts and community growth.
Many conservancies also offer night safaris, providing a chance to observe nocturnal wildlife, including the majestic buffalo and giraffes, as they roam the sweeping plains and riverine forests. The region is a natural habitat for numerous species and has been featured in the iconic Big Cat Diary, highlighting the thrilling lives of Africa’s big cats.
The Annual Wildebeest Migration in Masai Mara and the Mara River
From July to October each year, the Masai Mara becomes the stage for one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events—the wildebeest migration, also known as the Great Migration. Photographic safaris are particularly popular during this time, as visitors aim to capture the dramatic scenes of the migration. Witnessing the plains dotted with over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes embarking on their epic journey is a sight to behold. The Great Migration, shared with the Serengeti National Park, is an unparalleled spectacle. If you’re eager to experience this breathtaking phenomenon, plan your visit accordingly:
Mid-July: The herds enter the Masai Mara, embarking on the perilous Mara River crossing, where crocodiles and hippos await. Starting the 3rd week of July to end of August is the best time to see the dramatic river crossings as the herds actively cross from the Serengeti National Park, past the Nile crocodile infested River, into the Maasai Mara game reserve in South west Kenya.
September – October: Marvel at the incredible number of wildebeest feasting on the lush grasses of the Masai Mara’s endless plains.
Learn more about the Great Migration in Kenya.
The Migration is The Best Moment to Spot African Big Cats
During the migration season in the Masai Mara National Park, African big cats thrive. The continuous flow of migrating prey provides lions, leopards, and cheetahs with abundant hunting opportunities. At times, the cats just hunt for the thrill of it. Our Masai Mara Migration often include predator tracking experiences allowing you to follow and learn about the movements and behaviors of these majestic animals.
Many lion prides have called the Masai Mara home for generations. While female lions remain with the pride, male lions often face challenges from rivals. At night, you might hear the deep roars of male lions asserting their territory. For the best chance to witness a lioness on the hunt, embark on an early morning or late afternoon safari. Discover more about the wildlife in the Masai Mara.
Masai Mara History
The Masai Mara’s journey as a wildlife sanctuary began around 50 years ago. Established in 1961, it initially covered 520 square kilometers. Over time, the sanctuary expanded, and in 1974, it gained National Reserve status. Today, the Mara ecosystem encompasses 1,510 square kilometers, with portions of the land returned to local communities.
The Maasai people have traditionally relied on this land for cattle grazing and sustenance. The establishment of the reserve and conservancies has allowed the Maasai to preserve their way of life while enhancing their quality of life. Cultural tours have also become popular, offering visitors a chance to learn about the Maasai way of life and traditions.
The Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, located along the Saparingo River and near the Oloololo escarpment, exemplifies the luxurious lodges that have developed in the area, blending Kenyan hospitality with Maasai-inspired features.
The Ultimate African Safari Experience
Picture this: your quintessential African safari dream. In addition to jeep safaris, bush walks offer a unique way to explore the landscape and observe wildlife up close. Close your eyes and envision endless plains dotted with wildebeest, zebras, and the occasional acacia tree. Feel the thrill of an unexpected lion encounter or the excitement of witnessing a dramatic chase between predator and prey. The Masai Mara National Reserve and its conservancies offer a unique opportunity to make this dream a reality with a Masai Mara Safari.
