Masai Mara National Reserve

Masai Mara National Reserve Video Overview

The Masai Mara National Reserve is a wildlife reserve in Kenya (Africa) where abundant wildlife thrives, offering a unique safari experience. Located in southwest Kenya, this vast reserve spans approximately 580 square miles and is adjacent to the Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania. This proximity makes it one of the premier destinations for witnessing the great migration, where a million wildebeest traverse the landscape in search of greener pastures.

Booking Your Masai Mara Safari with US

We invite you to explore the wonders of the Masai Mara National Reserve on an awe-inspiring Masai Mara safari organized by our experts. Connect with us via:

Phone & WhatsApp: +254-748-258-880
Email: james@ajkenyasafaris.com or safarioffers@ajkenyasafaris.com

Getting Ready to Visit Masai Mara National Park

Planning a visit to the Maasai Mara National Reserve is an exciting endeavor that requires some thoughtful preparation. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your adventure:

Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to explore the Maasai Mara is during the dry season, from July to October. During these months, the weather is mild, and the grasslands are dry, making it easier to spot the abundant wildlife. This period also coincides with the spectacular annual wildebeest migration, which occurs between August and November, offering a breathtaking natural spectacle with dramatic river crossings. The best times to see the Mara River crossings of the great wildebeest migration are the weeks between mid-July and last week of August.
Where to Sleep: Whether you prefer the rustic charm of a tented camp or the luxury of a safari lodge, the Maasai Mara has something for everyone. Popular choices include the Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp in the Mara Triangle, known for its stunning views and exceptional service, and Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp in the Olderkesi area, which offers a nostalgic safari experience.

Fun Things to Do: The Maasai Mara is a playground for nature enthusiasts. Embark on thrilling game drives, capture stunning wildlife photographs, or join a naturalist excursion to learn about the local flora and fauna. For a truly unique perspective, consider a hot air balloon safari at dawn, where you can float above the African savannah and witness the wildlife from the sky. The reserve is a photographer’s paradise, especially during the great migration when big cats like lions and cheetahs are on the prowl.
Meet the Maasai People: The Maasai Mara is named after the Maasai tribe, who have called this region home for centuries. Visitors can immerse themselves in Maasai culture by visiting one of the many Maasai pastoral ranches. Here, you can learn about their traditional way of life, customs, and vibrant heritage, interacting with Maasai warriors in their colorful attire.

Wide-Open Spaces: The Maasai Mara is renowned for its vast, open plains that stretch as far as the eye can see. These endless plains provide a sanctuary for a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, hyenas, lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Lots of Animals: With over 450 species of birds and a plethora of mammals, the Maasai Mara is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo—as well as other fascinating creatures that call this reserve home. Don’t miss the chance to see the elusive black rhino during your visit.
The Mara River: The Mara River is a lifeline for the Maasai Mara National Reserve, teeming with large rafts of hippos and enormous crocodiles. A boat trip along the river offers a thrilling opportunity to observe these magnificent animals up close. The river is also a focal point during the migration, with dramatic river crossings providing an amazing experience for visitors.
Go to Serengeti National Park: Just across the border in Tanzania lies the Serengeti National Park, another iconic destination for wildlife lovers. A day trip to the Serengeti allows you to experience the seamless transition of the endless plains and witness the incredible biodiversity of this region.

By considering these factors, you can plan a successful and enjoyable trip to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, ensuring an unforgettable adventure in one of East Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations.

There are four distinct types of landscapes in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve: sandy soil with small bushes in the east, the dramatic Oloololo Escarpment in the west, lush grassy lands and riverine forests where the riverine forest meets the Mara River, and sweeping plains dotted with acacia trees. In this article, we will provide all the information you need to plan an unforgettable Masai Mara safari. But first, here is how to reach us to plan your Masai Mara National Park adventure.

Masai Mara National Reserve Adventure

Imagine a cheetah and her cub looking out over the golden plains from a dusty termite hill, or zebras and wildebeests jumping into the crocodile-filled Mara River. You might also see Masai herdsmen guiding their cattle, dressed in colorful traditional clothes.

The Masai Mara National Park is a premier safari destination known for its exceptional wildlife diversity and breathtaking landscapes. The Masai Mara National Reserve is a place that sparks the imagination and makes people want to explore it, just like a real-life adventure story.

How to Get to Maasai Mara From Nairobi

The Masai Mara National Reserve is about 270 kilometers from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. If you fly, it takes only about 40-45 minutes to get there. If you drive, it will take around six to seven hours. Most roads are okay to drive on but try to avoid the bumpy road through Lemek and Aitong Town.

A Masai Mara safari offers diverse activities such as hot-air balloon rides, game viewing, and opportunities to connect with the Maasai people, making it a unique and sought-after adventure.

Something for Everyone

The Masai Mara National Reserve is divided into three parts by two rivers: the Talek River and the Mara River. The remote Mara Triangle is in the west and is known as the gateway from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara. The Sekenani Sector is in the east and is the busiest area.

Musiara Area

Right between the Talek and Mara rivers is the Musiara Sector. This area has a famous swamp full of wild birds and other animals. Long ago, Maasai herdsmen would travel here to let their cattle eat during the dry season. Now, Masai cattle aren’t allowed in the reserve, but you might see them in the conservancies. Buffalos and other animals love to take mud baths here. The Musiara Sector is also home to the famous ‘Marsh Pride’ of lions, made popular by the BBC’s documentary ‘Big Cat Diary’. It’s a great spot to watch the wildebeest river crossings at the Mara River.

Sekenani Area

If you’re driving from Nairobi, you’ll probably pass through the Sekenani Sector. This part of the reserve isn’t as interesting for safaris. It has lots of big hotels and budget camps. Because of the many tourists and developments, it doesn’t feel as wild as other parts of the reserve. It’s okay to travel through to get to other parts, but we suggest spending more time in other areas of the reserve that have more to offer.