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Masai Mara is in which county? Masai Mara is a region in Narok County, Kenya. It is part of the Greater Mara Ecosystem, which includes the adjoining Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
In 2010, the Maasai people of the area formed a county council and named it after their ancestral language, with ‘Mara’ meaning ‘spotted’.
The Great Migration is the annual migration of over two million wildebeest, zebras and other animals through the Masai Mara in search of pasture. It typically takes place between July and October each year, with the herds arriving at different times depending on rainfall patterns.
Maasai Mara National Reserve was established as a game reserve in 1961 to protect wildlife from hunting and human encroachment. It is now a popular tourist destination, offering safaris and game drives for visitors to see the abundant wildlife.
Masai Mara Park is also home to the Maasai people, who have lived in the area for centuries, using traditional practices such as cattle herding and seasonal migration. They are known for their unique culture and brightly coloured clothing, which includes red clothes worn by both men and women.
The Masai Mara also supports a wide variety of bird species, including the African Fish Eagle, which is the national bird of Kenya. Other birds that can be found in the region include crowned cranes, steppe eagles, common ostriches and yellow-billed storks.
With its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, Masai Mara is a truly spectacular place to visit. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, you’ll find it here in the heart of Narok County!
Reach us today at james@ajkenyasafaris.com or safarioffers@ajkenyasafaris.com to book our cheap flights from Nairobi to Mara. We are also available through phone and WhatsApp at +254-748-258-880.
Masai Mara Safari Deals/Offers/Tours | High Season 1st Nov 2023 – 15th Dec 2023 | Festive Season: 16th Dec 2023 – 3rd Jan 2024 |
3 Days AA Lodges Offer | KES 46,784 Per Person | KES 60,280 Per Person |
3 Days Miti Mingi Eco Camp Safari | KES 48,400 Per Person | KES 53,400 Per Person |
3 Days Orng’atuny Mara King Camp Tour | KES 49,400 Per Person | KES 58,400 Per Person |
3 Days Sentrim Masai Mara Offer | KES 50,800 Per Person | KES 63,000 Per Person |
3 Days Zebra Plain Mara Deal | KES 53,500 Per Person | KES 71,100 Per Person |
3 Days Mtito Safari Camp Offer | KES 55,100 Per Person | KES 62,650 Per Person |
3 Days Basecamp Masai Mara Package | KES 55,950 Per Person | KES 64,520 Per Person |
3 Days Mara Sopa Lodge Package Tour | KES 56,035 Per Person | KES 66,050 Per Person |
3 Days Mara River Lodge Deal | KES 57,400 Per Person | KES 68,400 Per Person |
3 Days Crocodile Camp Tour | KES 58,500 Per Person | KES 71,100 Per Person |
3 Days Mara Maisha Camp Package | KES 59,800 Per Person | KES 77,400 Per Person |
3 Days Mara Crossing Camp Tour | KES 79,400 Per Person | KES 96,400 Per Person |
Things Included in the Maasai Mara National Reserve Packages
The Maasai Mara National Reserve was established in 1961 as part of the larger Narok County. The area has long been home to the Maasai people, who have lived in the region for centuries and continue to use traditional practices such as cattle herding and seasonal migration.
In 1974, the reserve was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its importance as a wildlife corridor. Today, the reserve is one of Kenya’s most popular tourist destinations and provides refuge for over 95 species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles.
In 1994, the Trans Mara County Council was established on the western side of the game reserve, and management was shared between the new council and the Narok County Council. Today, the national reserve is directly managed by the Maasai people, unlike other parks that are managed by the KWS.
The Great Migration takes place within the Masai Mara National Reserve each year between July and October. This phenomenon attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world who come to witness millions of wildebeest, zebras and other animals crossing the Mara River in search of new pasture.
Maasai Mara is in Which County? Maasai Mara is located in Narok County, Kenya. It is about 225km (140 miles) from the capital city of Kenya.
Most people visit Masai Mara as part of an organized tour or safari, which will usually include transport to and from the park. There are also several airstrips located within the reserve for visitors who wish to fly in directly.
There are different ways to get to the Masai Mara Game Reserve from Nairobi. We will discuss the most common options.
The most popular way to get to the Maasai Mara National Reserve is by road. From Nairobi, take the Narok Road and you will arrive at the Maasai Mara after about 4-5 hours.
You can also drive from other towns in Kenya, such as Kisumu, Mombasa or Nakuru. Just make sure to plan your route carefully so as not to get lost!
The best thing about travelling to the Mara with a professional tour company is you get to enjoy the sights along the way like the Great Rift Valley Viewpoint. Apart from the Great Rift Valley, you also get to stop at Narok town and explore this town.
If you book your safari with the Masaimara.co.ke team, we take you to the Maasai Mara National Reserve using a safari vehicle. The two common vehicles used at the 4×4 safari land cruiser and the 4WD safari van.
4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with Openable Rooftop
The 4×4 safari land cruiser is more comfortable as it has a bigger space and an openable rooftop allowing you to get good views of the game while in the reserve. It also offers air conditioning for those hot days out on safari.
4WD Safari Van with Closed Rooftop
The 4WD Safari vans are great for smaller groups or couples. The vans also have an openable rooftop and are comfortable and offer air conditioning as well. They are the budget option.
One of the most efficient ways to get to the park is by air. You can take a direct flight from Nairobi Wilson Airport to any of the airstrips in the Maasai Mara National Park and enjoy spectacular views of the reserve as you fly over it.
The flight from Nairobi to Maasai Mara takes only 45 minutes, meaning that you get more time to enjoy the game drives in the park. You can also get flights from other airports including Mombasa and Kisumu.
Some of the best airstrips you can use when flying to the Masai Mara Game Reserve include
This is the main airstrip in the park, located 3 kilometres from Sekenani Gate. It has a 4,500-meter runway and it’s serviced by most of the domestic airlines operating flights to Maasai Mara.
The second most popular airstrip in Masai Mara National Reserve is Olkiombo. It is located in the heart of the Mara Triangle and it is less than 1km from Olare Motorogi Conservancy.
The third airstrip in Masai Mara Game Park is Keekorok. This airstrip was formerly used mainly by small aircraft, but now most domestic airlines fly to this airstrip. It is located on the edge of Masai Mara National Reserve near Keekorok Lodge.
The fourth airstrip in Masai Mara Game Park is Kichwa Tembo. It is located on the northern side of the park, near the famous Mara River. This airstrip has limited flights and is mainly used by private charter planes and light aircraft.
Ngerende is among the best airstrips you can land in Maasai Mara National Reserve, and it is located close to the Sand River. This airstrip has a relatively short runway of only 2,000 meters and it is mainly used by private charter planes.
Another airstrip in Maasai Mara National Reserve is the Serena Airstrip. It is located at the famous Mara Serena Lodge and it has a short runway of just 1,200 meters. This airstrip is mainly used by small private charter planes and light aircraft.
Alternatively, you can travel to Masai Mara by Road and then take a flight out of the park. This way, you will not miss out on the sightseeing adventure of the road and you will avoid the long road when traveling back.
When you are visiting the Maasai Mara National Reserve, you will be in awe of its vastness and beauty. The park is home to abundant wildlife. Some of the popular animals you will find here include:
Other types of wildlife you can find in the Masai Mara include baboons, hyenas, mongoose, bushbabies, jackals and many more.
The Masai Mara Game Park is also home to dozens of birds, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Some of the common names you will find in the reserve include:
Other birds you can find in the Masai Mara include cranes, pelicans, hornbills, sunbirds and many more.
There are also hundreds of reptiles, amphibians and insects in the Masai Mara Game Reserve, making it a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts. They include:
Watch out for other animals you may stumble across in the reserve such as hippopotamus, warthogs and numerous species of antelope.
The greater Masai Mara area is a vast landscape with numerous conservancies and wildlife reserves. Some of the popular conservancies surrounding the Maasai Mara National Reserve include:
This 32,000-acre conservation area borders the northern boundary of Masai Mara Game Reserve. It offers great game viewing opportunities with its abundant wildlife including lions, cheetahs, giraffes and elephants.
The Mara Triangle Conservancy is situated in the southwestern part of Masai Mara Game Reserve. It covers an area of 32,000 acres and it is home to several species of wildlife including hippos, crocodiles, lions and cheetahs.
The Olare Motorogi Conservancy is situated in the eastern part of Masai Mara Game Park and it covers an area of 25,000 acres. It is home to abundant wildlife including lions, cheetahs, elephants and hippos.
The Koyiaki-Narasha Group Ranch is situated on the border of Masai Mara Game Park and covers an area of over 255,000 acres. It includes savannah grasslands, acacia woodland and swamps which provide excellent habitats for animals such as lions, leopards, cheetahs and elephants.
The Ol Kinyei Conservancy is situated in the southeastern part of Masai Mara Game Park and it covers an area of over 45,000 acres. The conservancy is home to large herds of zebras, giraffes, topis and impalas. It also provides excellent game drive opportunities with its abundance of lions, cheetahs and leopards.
The Kilima Maasai Group Ranch is situated in the western part of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve and it covers an area of over 190,000 acres. It is home to a variety of wildlife including lions, cheetahs, elephants and giraffes. The Conservancy also provides excellent game viewing opportunities with its numerous herds of wildebeests, zebra and gazelle.
The Mara Naboisho Conservancy is situated in the eastern part of Masai Mara Game Park and it covers an area of over 50,000 acres. The conservancy includes grassland savannahs, rivers, wetlands and woodlands which provide excellent habitats for wildlife including lions, cheetahs, elephants and wildebeests.
The Olderkesi Wildlife Conservancy is situated in the southwestern part of Masai Mara Game Park and it covers an area of over 140,000 acres. The conservancy includes acacia woodlands, savannah grasslands and riverine forests which provide excellent habitats for wildlife including lions, cheetahs, elephants and wildebeests.
The Lemek Conservancy is situated in the northern part of Masai Mara National Reserve and it covers an area of over 100,000 acres. The Conservancy provides great game viewing opportunities with its abundance of wildlife including lions, cheetahs, giraffes and elephants. It also includes a variety of habitats such as grasslands, swamps, rivers and woodlands.
The Ol Choro Oiroua Conservancy is situated in the western part of Masai Mara Game Park and it covers an area of over 70,000 acres. The Conservancy provides great game viewing opportunities with its abundant wildlife including lions, cheetahs, giraffes and elephants. It also includes a variety of habitats such as grasslands, swamps, rivers and woodlands.
Which is the best time to visit the Maasai Mara Game Reserve? The Maasai Mara is a year-round destination and offers different experiences during the different seasons.
With that said, there are different seasons in Masi Mara that you will experience during different months of the year. They include the following:
The rainy seasons occur between April to June and November to December. April to June experiences the long rains while November to December is the short rains season.
The dry season is between July to October and December to March. During this time game viewing is at its peak.
The Maasai Mara is a great destination for both local and international visitors with its abundance of wildlife, stunning landscapes and incredible camps and lodges. There are numerous options to choose from when visiting Masai Mara, but here is our selection of the top 15 camps and lodges in the Mara and outside.
We will start with the lodges and camps located outside the Reserve. These include:
Mtito Safari Camp is one of the best camps you will be outside the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. It is situated about 10 minutes from the main gate of the reserve.
The camp features luxurious safari tents with breathtaking views of the Mara River and the wildlife. It is among the mid-range accommodations of the Maasai Mara.
AA Lodges is located just outside the main entrance of the Masai Mara. The lodge features a range of luxury tented accommodations with private verandas and stunning views of the Mara plains.
This is one of the most budget accommodations of the Mara Game Reserve in Kenya. You can count on having a great experience during your stay.
If you want to stay in a budget place, then the Crocodile Camp is the place for you. It is located about 15 minutes from the main entry gate of the reserve and it provides a great atmosphere with an abundance of wildlife in its surrounding area.
You can expect to see a lot of wild animals such as elephants, zebras, buffaloes, giraffes and hippos during your stay at the Crocodile Camp.
Mara Maisha Camp is among the most luxurious accommodations you will find outside of the park. It is located about 10 minutes from the main gate of the reserve and provides a great safari experience.
The camp features 5-star tents with private verandas, an infinity pool and an on-site spa. You can expect to have a luxurious stay here along with amazing game drives in the Masai Mara.
Orng’atuny Mara King Camp is one of the Maasai Mara’s top camps and is situated just outside the main gate of the reserve. The camp is built around an ancient Maasai village and it features luxurious safari tents with private verandas.
You can expect to have some great game drives in the Mara with access to both the Mara Triangle and Loita Plains of Masai Mara Game Reserve.
The Maasai Mara is home to a wide variety of wildlife and the Enkorok Camp Mara Camp is situated just 15 minutes from the main gate. The camp offers luxurious safari tents as well as different activities such as hot-air balloon rides, game drives and cultural tours in the area.
This camp is perfect for those looking to explore the rich wildlife of Masai Mara without breaking the bank.
There are many great accommodation options in Masai Mara and Zebra Plains Masai Mara is among them. It is located about 10 minutes from the main gate of the reserve and offers luxury tents with stunning views of the surrounding area.
The camp features an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of local and international cuisines. You can also expect to have some amazing game drives in the Mara during your stay.
These are just a few of the top lodges and camps outside the Masai Mara Game Reserve. You can expect to have an unforgettable experience during your visit to this incredible destination.
The Maasai Mara is also home to some of the best camps and lodges inside the Reserve. Here are a few of them:
The Mara Serena is one of the most luxurious lodges in the Mara Triangle. It is located on top of Oloololo Hill, which provides incredible panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The lodge features luxurious rooms with private balconies, an infinity pool and a spa. You can expect to have some great game drives in the Mara Triangle during your stay here.
Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is among the best-tented camps in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. It is located at the edge of the Mara Triangle and provides a great atmosphere with stunning views of the surrounding area.
The camp features luxury tents with private balconies, an on-site restaurant and bar, as well as an outdoor swimming pool. You can also expect to have some amazing game drives in the Mara during your stay here.
Basecamp is a great accommodation option for those looking to explore the Mara Triangle. It is located at the edge of the Triangle and offers comfortable rooms as well as luxurious tented camps with private terraces.
You can expect to have some incredible game drives here, along with different activities such as hot-air balloon rides, horseback safaris and cultural tours in the area.
Sand River Camp is a great accommodation option if you are looking for an intimate experience in the Mara. The camp is situated near the Sand River and features spacious tents with private verandas and stunning views of the surrounding area.
The camp is managed as part of the Elewana Collection and it provides a great atmosphere with amazing game viewing in the park.
Sala’s Camp features luxury tents with private bathrooms and amenities, as well as stunning views of the surrounding area. It is located in the heart of Maasai Mara Game Reserve and provides a great atmosphere for game viewing.
The location of the camo is ideal for any person who wants to witness the Great Migration during the peak season.
Governors’ Camp is one of the most luxurious camps in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. It is located on the banks of the Mara River and offers luxury tents with private bathrooms and amenities, as well as stunning views of the surrounding area.
You can expect to have some great game viewing here, along with different activities such as hot-air balloon rides, horseback safaris and cultural tours in the area.
Masai Mara Sopa Lodge is one of the top lodges in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. It is located at the edge of the reserve and provides a great atmosphere with panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The lodge features luxurious rooms with private balconies, an outdoor swimming pool and a spa. It is among the budget-friendly camps in Kenya for the residents.
Sentrim Masai Mara is among the top camps in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. It is located near the main gate of the reserve and provides a great atmosphere with stunning views of the surrounding area.
The camp features luxurious safari tents, an on-site restaurant and bar, as well as an outdoor swimming pool. You can enjoy some amazing game drives in the Mara during your stay here.
There are some costs paid to the reserve management and the hotels that you will incur when you visit.
The park entrance fee for the Maasai Mara Game Reserve is Ksh. 1000 per person per day. This fee covers entry into the reserve and access to all facilities within it.
The cost of accommodation varies depending on the type of lodge or camp chosen. Prices usually range from Ksh. 4,000 to Ksh. 20,000 per person per night for high-end lodges and camps within the reserve.
The camping fee for the Maasai Mara Game Reserve is Ksh. 500 per person per night, and this includes access to the campsite and a tent with basic amenities provided by the reserve management.
We will now look at some of the most frequently asked questions about the Maasai Mara National Park.
Conservancies are part of the reserve and they provide additional protection to areas outside the game reserve. The Mara Conservancy is one of these conservancies and it helps to protect the Maasai Mara National Park.
Masai Mara is managed by the local community as well as the Trans Mara County Council and the Narok County Council. There are the main people and organizations responsible for managing the reserve.
The best time of year to visit Maasai Mara is from July to October, which is when you can witness The Great Migration. This is when millions of wildebeest and zebra migrate to the Mara in search of fresh grass.
The Masai Mara Game Park is located in Narok County, Southwestern Kenya. It covers an area of 1510 sq km and it borders Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to the south. The reserve is easily accessible from Nairobi or Mombasa by road or air.
No, the Masai Mara Game Park is located in Narok County in Southwestern Kenya. It borders Tanzania’s Serengeti to the south and covers an area of 1510 sq km. The reserve is easily accessible from Mombasa or Nairobi by road or air.
The distance from Nairobi to Masai Mara is approximately 222 km or 139 miles by road. The journey takes around 5-6 hours by car, depending on the route taken. It can also be accessed via a short flight from the capital to the Mara airstrip, which takes about 45 minutes.
The distance from Nairobi to Masai Mara is approximately 222 km or 139 miles by road. The journey takes around 5-6 hours by car, depending on the route taken. It can also be accessed via a short flight from Wilson to the Mara airstrip, which takes about 45 minutes.
Masai Mara Game Park is located in Narok County, Southwestern Kenya. It borders Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to the south and covers an area of 1510 sq km. The reserve is easily accessible from Nairobi or Mombasa by road or air.
The Masai Mara Game Park is home to a variety of animals including the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. It also features other animals such as cheetah, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, hyena and several species of antelope. The park is also renowned for its abundant bird life.
Yes, the Masai Mara Game Park is open all year round. However, it is best to visit during the peak season from July to October when you stand a better chance of witnessing The Great Migration.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is generally considered safe for visitors as long as certain safety precautions are followed. It is important to note that the reserve has large predators, so you must always be vigilant and keep a safe distance. It is also advised to only visit the reserve in vehicles with experienced guides.
The climate of the Masai Mara Game Park varies depending on the season. During the dry season from June to October, temperatures are mild and range between 14°C and 27°C. The wet season from November to May generally has higher humidity levels and temperatures ranging between 17°C and 33°C.
Yes, there are several get-friendly camps in the Masai Mara National Reserve. These include Entim Camp, Olonana Camp and Sentrim Masai Mara. Each of these camps provides a great atmosphere with stunning views of the surrounding area as well as luxurious safari-style accommodation.
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