Explore Masai Mara with US
The Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s premier wildlife destination, renowned for its vast savannahs, diverse ecosystems, and the iconic Great Wildebeest Migration. Spanning 1,510 square kilometers in southwestern Kenya and bordering Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, this reserve is celebrated for its endless plains, dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration, and unparalleled biodiversity. In this article, we will share all the information you need to plan the best Masai Mara safari tours from Nairobi. But first, here is how to reach us to start planning your trip to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve in South West Kenya.
How to Book Masai Mara Packages from India with us.
MasaiMara.co.ke is fully owned by the Nairobi-based Ajkenyasafaris.com. We invite you to contact us via phone or WhatsApp Via (+254719222430 or +254748258880) or email ([email protected]) to start planning your Masai Mara trip with us.
The Mara’s Iconic Fauna
The Masai Mara Game Reserve sustains all members of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros), with lion densities reaching 25 individuals per 100km, among the highest recorded globally. Herds of elephants traverse the plains, while giraffes browse acacia canopies, and hippos jostle for space in muddy pools. The reserve’s apex predators—lions, leopards, and cheetahs—thrive here, making it a haven for big cats.
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The Great Migration: Nature’s Greatest Drama
Between July and September, the Mara becomes the epicenter of the Great Migration, a cyclical movement of approximately 1.5 million wildebeest, 500,000 zebra, and 200,000 Thomson’s gazelle, constituting the planet’s largest terrestrial mammal migration. This journey culminates in perilous river crossings where crocodiles lie in wait, creating scenes of chaos and survival that have been immortalized in documentaries.
A Landscape Sculpted by Nature
The Masai Mara’s topography is characterized by gently rolling grasslands punctuated by acacia woodlands, seasonal rivers, and the Oloololo Escarpment, which forms the western boundary of the Mara Triangle. The reserve derives its name from the Maasai people, a semi-nomadic pastoralist community indigenous to the region. In their native Maa language, the term “Mara,” means “spotted”—a reference to the scattered shrubs and cloud shadows that dot the terrain.
This mosaic of ecosystems supports a staggering density of wildlife, with the Mara River serving as both a lifeline and a stage for the annual wildebeest migration.
Masai Mara National Reserve Vs the Masai Mara Conservancies
| Feature | The Main Masai Mara National Park | Masai Mara Conservancies |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Open to all visitors. | Exclusive, fewer crowds |
| Wildlife Density | High, especially during migration. | Year-round resident populations. |
| Activities | Standard game drives. 6 am to 6 pm. | Night drives, guided walks, cultural visits |
| Accessibility | Open to all visitors | Exclusive, fewer crowds |
Key Attractions in Masai Mara National Park
- Mara Triangle: A well-managed western sector with lush grasslands and the Mara River, pivotal for migration crossings.
- Conservancies: Privately managed areas like Mara North Conservancy and Ol Kinyei Conservancy offer secluded safaris and support community-led conservation.
- Mara River: The Mara River is the dramatic backdrop for wildebeest river crossings and home to hippos and crocodiles.
Planning a Masai Mara Safari – Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit Masai Mara: Book your Masai Mara Safari from July–October for migration; December–March for birding and calmer crowds. April to June for best rates.
- Accommodation: Book 9+ months ahead for migration season. Conservancy lodges (e.g., Mara Serena Lodge) provide exclusivity.
- Getting There: Fly in safaris from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Mara airstrips take 45 minutes. Road Transfer using tour vans and 4×4 safari land cruisers from Nairobi to Masai Mara take 5-6 hours.
Highlight: The Mara is characterized by a mix of open grasslands, acacia forests, riverine woodlands, and wetlands. Major rivers like the Mara River and Talek River traverse the area. The terrain is part of the Lake Victoria basin and includes features such as rolling plains and escarpments like the Siria Escarpment.
Cultural Significance
The Maasai people play a vital role in the region’s identity. Known for their rich traditions and harmonious coexistence with wildlife, they consider themselves an integral part of this ecosystem.
Tourism Activities in Maasai Mara National Park
- Visitors can engage in game drives to view magnificent wildlife year-round due to favorable conditions in Maasai Mara.
- Birdwatching is another highlight with over 450 bird species recorded.
- Mara River crossing viewings (July-September)
- Hot air balloon safaris with champagne breakfasts ($450-$600/person)
- Big Five photographic safaris
- Maasai cultural visits to traditional villages
- Night game drives in private conservancies
Geography and Climate
The Mara is located at coordinates 1°29′24″S 35°8′38″E, and elevations between 1,500-1,900 meters. It features a subtropical climate with distinct wet (March-May, November-December) and dry (June-October) seasons. Annual precipitation averages 195mm, with January-February being the warmest months (30°C daytime) and June-August the coolest (10°C nights). This altitudinal climate supports both short-grass plains and riparian forests along the Mara and Talek rivers.
Masai Mara National Reserve Vs the Masai Mara Conservancies
| Feature | The Main Masai Mara National Park | Masai Mara Conservancies |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Open to all visitors. | Exclusive, fewer crowds |
| Wildlife Density | High, especially during migration. | Year-round resident populations. |
| Activities | Standard game drives. 6 am to 6 pm. | Night drives, guided walks, cultural visits |
| Accessibility | Open to all visitors | Exclusive, fewer crowds |
Beyond Game Drives: Balloon Safaris and Bush Dinners
A sunrise Masai Mara hot air balloon safari is a quintessential Mara experience, offering aerial views of grazing herds and culminating in a champagne breakfast on the savannah. Night drives, bush walks, and sundowner cocktails further enrich the safari itinerary, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rhythms of the wild.
