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Kenya safari destination
Maasai Mara, home of the Great Migration
Big cats, endless plains and the river crossings the whole world wants to see.
Quick facts
Park at a glance
Location
Narok County, Kenya
Reserve size
About 1,510 sq km
Ideal stay
3 to 4 nights
Best time
July to October
Reserve overview
Kenya’s most famous safari country
The Maasai Mara National Reserve stretches across south-western Kenya, where rolling grasslands meet Tanzania’s Serengeti. Together they form one vast ecosystem, and from roughly July to October more than a million wildebeest, joined by zebras and gazelles, move north into the Mara in search of fresh grazing.
Beyond the migration, the Mara is one of the best places in Africa to see lions, leopards and cheetahs. The private conservancies on its borders, run in partnership with Maasai landowners, add quieter game drives, guided walks and night drives.
- About 270 km west of Nairobi
- Excellent big cat sightings all year
- Conservancies for quieter, exclusive drives
Why go
Six reasons the Mara never disappoints
What makes this reserve Kenya’s best-loved safari destination.
The Great Migration
Vast herds of wildebeest and zebra arrive in the Mara, usually between July and October.
Big cat country
Lion prides, leopards and cheetahs are seen regularly on the open plains.
Mara River crossings
Watch the herds brave the river and its crocodiles, one of nature’s great spectacles.
Balloon safaris
Float over the plains at sunrise, followed by a champagne bush breakfast.
Maasai culture
Meet the Maasai, whose land and traditions are woven into the Mara’s story.
Wildlife all year
Even outside the migration, resident wildlife makes every season rewarding.
Wildlife
The stars of the Mara
Famous for big cats and the migration, the Mara delivers wildlife at every turn.
Lions
Large, well-known prides rule the plains and are often seen on morning drives.
Leopards
Shy and elusive, often spotted resting in trees along the rivers.
Cheetahs
Hunting at speed across the open grassland, usually in the cooler hours.
Wildebeest and zebra
The migration’s great herds, filling the plains from horizon to horizon.
Elephants
Family herds moving between the woodlands and the riverbanks.
Buffalo
Big herds graze the grasslands, often with oxpeckers riding along.
When to visit
The Mara through the year
Every season has its own rewards. Pick the one that matches what you most want to see.
Peak season
July to October
Migration season
The herds arrive and river crossings are possible. The busiest months, so book early.
Great time
January to February
Short dry season
Warm, settled weather and excellent big cat sightings with fewer vehicles.
Quiet season
March to May
Long rains
Lush green plains, quieter drives and lower rates at many camps.
Good value
November to December
Short rains
Fresh grass, resident wildlife and calmer roads before the festive rush.
Things to do
More than game drives
Fill your days with views, culture and unforgettable moments.
Game drives
Morning, afternoon and full-day drives across the plains and along the rivers.
Hot-air balloon safari
A silent sunrise flight with sweeping views over the reserve.
River crossings
Wait by the Mara River for the herds to make their dramatic crossing.
Maasai village visit
Learn about Maasai life, dances and beadwork from the community.
Big cat photography
Patient time with lions, leopards and cheetahs in beautiful light.
Sundowners
End the day with a drink as the sun sets over the savannah.
Plan your visit
Getting there and staying over
The practical details, so you can focus on the wildlife.
By road
About 270 km from Nairobi, usually five to six hours by safari vehicle, often with a stop at a Great Rift Valley viewpoint.
By air
Scheduled light-aircraft flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport reach airstrips across the reserve in around an hour.
Where to stay
Stay inside the reserve, close to the action, or in a private conservancy for fewer vehicles and walking safaris.
Maasai Mara safaris
Trips that include the Maasai Mara
From a short Mara escape to longer journeys across Kenya. Every itinerary can be tailored to you.
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli
- 6 Days 5 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru
- 4 Days 3 Nights
Good to know
Maasai Mara questions, answered
The things travellers most often ask before visiting. Anything else, our Nairobi team is happy to help.
Three or four nights gives you time for several game drives and a much better chance of special sightings.
Crossings usually happen between July and October, but the timing depends on the rains and is never guaranteed. Spending more days improves your chances.
The reserve is open to all visitors, while conservancies limit vehicle numbers and allow activities such as walks and night drives.
For many travellers it is the highlight of the trip, offering a completely different view of the plains at sunrise.
Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli all pair well, and many travellers continue to the Serengeti or the coast.
Yes. Many camps welcome children, though some activities such as walking safaris have minimum ages.
Ready for the Maasai Mara?
Tell us when you would like to travel and we will plan your Mara safari around the season, your budget and the moments you came for.
