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Where is Maasai Mara located? Where in Kenya is the Masai Mara? Where is Masai Mara located? The Masai Mara is located in the southern part of Kenya, close to the Tanzanian border. It is about 290 km south of the capital city, Nairobi.
The Masai Mara is part of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem and covers an area of 1,510 sq km (579 sq miles). The reserve is set in the Great Rift Valley and is among the most iconic wildlife areas for photographers and safari-goers in the world.
Masai Mara’s landscape is mostly grassy plains, rolling hills, and woodlands under the shadows of the Loita Hills. This area is home to a wide variety of wildlife including lions, elephants, cheetahs, zebras, buffalo, wildebeest, hyena and many more species.
In this guide, we will look at one of Africa’s most famous and popular safari destinations- the Masai Mara National Reserve. Let’s explore the home of the great migration together!
Reach us today at james@ajkenyasafaris.com or safarioffers@ajkenyasafaris.com to book the best tour packages for Masai 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
Land Cruiser
From Kes 140700
Safari Van
From Kes 113,500
Land Cruiser
From Kes 398,500
Safari Van
From Kes
Land Cruiser
From Kes 52,500
Safari Van
From Kes 49,300
Land Cruiser
From Kes 115,940
Safari Van
From Kes 104,440
Land Cruiser
From Kes 129,600
Safari Van
From Kes 102,600
Land Cruiser
From Kes 136,000
Safari Van
From Kes 109,000
Land Cruiser
From Kes 173,600
Safari Van
From Kes 146,600
Land Cruiser
From Kes 202,240
Safari Van
From Kes 202,240
Land Cruiser
From Kes 168,700
Safari Van
From Kes 141,700
Land Cruiser
From Kes 121,600
Safari Van
From Kes 121,600
Land Cruiser
From Kes 153,100
Safari Van
From Kes 126,100
Land Cruiser
From Kes 115,600
Safari Van
From Kes 88,600
Land Cruiser
From Kes 108,600
Safari Van
From Kes 81,600
Land Cruiser
From Kes 139,600
Safari Van
From Kes 112,600
Land Cruiser
From Kes 115,600
Safari Van
From Kes 88,600
Land Cruiser
From Kes 112,800
Safari Van
From Kes 85,800
Land Cruiser
From Kes 122,550
Safari Van
From Kes 88,550
Land Cruiser
From Kes 147,600
Safari Van
From Kes 120,600
Land Cruiser
From Kes 106,600
Safari Van
From Kes 79,600
Land Cruiser
From Kes 95,900
Safari Van
From Kes 68,900
Land Cruiser
From Kes 95,600
Safari Van
From Kes 68,600
Land Cruiser
From Kes 112,600
Safari Van
From Kes 77,100
Land Cruiser
From Kes 119,600
Safari Van
From Kes 92,600
Land Cruiser
From Kes 117,600
Safari Van
From Kes 90,600
Land Cruiser
From Kes 106,600
Safari Van
From Kes 79,600
Land Cruiser
From Kes 106,600
Safari Van
From Kes 79,600
Land Cruiser
From Kes 141,100
Safari Van
From Kes 114,100
Land Cruiser
From Kes 153,000
Safari Van
From Kes 126,000
Land Cruiser
From Kes 192,950
Safari Van
From Kes 195,950
The Masai Mara National Reserve was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1961 and covered an area of 520 square kilometers. At the time, it included the Mara Triangle and was later extended to the East and made a game reserve covering a total area of 1,821 square kilometers.
Masai Mara became a national reserve in 1974, but 159 square kilometers of its land was returned to the local Maasai community. It was reduced further to 1,510 square kilometers in 1984 when more land was returned to the community.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, getting this status in 1985. Today, there are several conservancies around the reserve, which includes Olare Motorogi and Mara North conservancies and are managed by local communities.
There are several ways to reach the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya whether coming from Nairobi, Diani, Mombasa, Amboseli, or any other place.
One of the most popular and cheapest ways to get to Masai Mara is by road. You can do this either through public or private transportation.
If you opt for public transportation, you’ll need to take a matatu from Nairobi which will have you at the gates of the reserve in approximately seven hours. You can also hire a private taxi or car-hire service which will get you there in less time.
However, when heading for a Masai Mara safari, the best way is to use a safari vehicle such as a 4×4 safari land cruiser with an openable rooftop. The best thing about using a safari vehicle is you get to enjoy the country side view and other attractions such as the Great Rift Valley Viewpoint.
There are several types of safari vehicles used to get to Masai Mara depending on the budget and size of your group.
The most efficient way to reach the reserve is by plane. There are regular flights from Nairobi to the Masai Mara’s airstrip, with the journey taking just under one hour. Once you arrive at the airstrip, you can arrange a private transfer with the reserve.
The benefits of flying to Masai Mara include experiencing a bird’s eye view, convenience, and shorter travel time. To ensure you get the best deal on flight bookings, it is always advisable to make inquiries weeks before your expected departure date.
One of the fastest ways to get to Masai Mara is by air. You can catch a local flight from Wilson Airport in Nairobi or any other airstrip in Kenya and land in the Masai Mara in Kenya. Here, you will find several airstrips such as:
A game drive in Masai Mara National Park will take you to some of the best parts of the reserve and introduce you to Africa’s greatest wildlife.
Here is a list of the common wildlife you will find in Masai Mara National Reserve during a game drive.
Masai Mara National Reserve is home to over 400 species of bird. During your Masai mara safari, you may spot some of the following birds:
Which part of the reserve is the best to visit? The greater Masai Mara ecosystem is a leading attraction in Africa and is made up of 3 different parts: Maasai Mara National Reserve, the Mara Triangle, and several Maasai Conservancies.
Some of the best parts to visit in the Maasai Mara National reserve include:
The Mara Triangle is part of the reserve and is located on the western side of the attractions. It is famous for its views and makes up just under a third of the Masai Mara National Reserve.
The Maasai conservancies are located on private land, but they’re still managed and conserved by the local community. They offer some of the best game viewing opportunities in the greater Maasai Mara region, as well as a range of activities such as hot air balloon safaris, walking safaris, and cultural experiences.
Some of the top conservancies include:
The Wildebeest Great Migration is one of the most incredible spectacles on Earth. Every year, hundreds of thousands of wildebeests migrate in an endless cycle across the Serengeti National Park Plains and Maasai Mara National Reserve.
The journey takes them over great distances in search of food and water, as well as better breeding grounds for their calves. Along the way they also face danger from predators like lions, hyenas and cheetahs.
The cycle of the migration changes with the seasons, but it usually begins in early May when the herd arrives in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park from the south. Here they will start calving season and spend several months grazing on fresh grasses before heading towards Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve in July,
Once here, they will spend the remainder of the year grazing and giving birth to their young before beginning the long journey south again in mid-October, when cooler weather sets in. On their way, they must cross several dangerous rivers full of predators and rapids that can easily sweep a wildebeest away.
There are a lot of things you can do in the Mara to have the best safari in the world. Below are some of the top activities to do during your tour of the Masai Mara.
Masai Mara is a game reserve that offers great accommodations both in the park and the areas near to the reserve. Below are the top camps and lodges you may call home during your safari of the Masai Mara.
Mtito Safari Camp is located at the edge of Maasai Mara National Reserve. It’s the perfect spot for a luxurious safari in the wild, with lovely views of the savannah and close proximity to some of the best game viewing spots in Masai Mara.
The camp features traditional Kenyan architecture, with rooms and suites outfitted in modern furnishings. There’s also a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and spa onsite.
Mara Maisha Camp is situated on the banks of the Talek River. Here, you’ll be able to spot a variety of wildlife from up close in their natural habitat. The camp also offers game drives and cultural experiences for guests.
You will enjoy features like private verandas, spacious rooms, and an onsite restaurant. You’ll also have access to the main pool area and a bar for relaxing after a long day of game viewing.
Naboisho Camp is located in the heart of the Mara Triangle. It’s a great spot for wildlife viewing, with easy access to the main game viewing areas.
The camp offers nine luxury tents and a family suite, all of which are outfitted with modern amenities. There’s also an onsite restaurant, bar area, library, and swimming pool for guests to enjoy.
The Masai Mara Sopa Lodge is a luxurious option located on the banks of the Talek River. You’ll get direct access to the park’s wildlife and stunning views of the sunset over the nearby hills.
The lodge features a variety of amenities such as two swimming pools, a gym, and spa. It also has several dining options available including buffet style, a la carte and barbeque meals.
The Mara Serena Safari Lodge is located on a hill overlooking the Masai Mara. The lodge offers an array of features such as a pool, spa, and fitness center.
It also has several dining options available including buffet-style meals and ala carte selections. You can take in the stunning wildlife from the comfort of your balcony or take advantage of the many safari tours offered.
The Mara Explorer Camp is situated on the banks of the Talek River and offers stunning views. It features a variety of luxurious safari accommodation and provides an outdoor pool, spa, and gym.
The camp also has several great dining options from buffets to barbeques, and offers a variety of safari tours.
The Sentrim Masai Mara is located on the banks of the Mara River and surrounded by lush vegetation. The lodge offers a variety of accommodation options as well as several dining options.
You can take part in various activities such as game drives, balloon safaris and cultural experiences, all while enjoying stunning views of the landscape.
The Olare Mara Kempinski is located on the banks of the Talek River and offers luxurious safari accommodation. The lodge has a variety of features including two swimming pools, spa, gym and several dining options.
You can take in the beautiful scenery while participating in various activities such as game drives, hot air ballooning and cultural experiences.
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about Masai Mara National Reserve:
The location of Maasai Mara National Reserve is in the south-west of Kenya, bordering Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. The reserve is found in the land of the Maasai community and is part of the greater Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.
The Masai Mara is located approximately 200 miles (322 km) away from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. It takes about 5-6 hours to drive there, depending on the location of your accommodation.
The cost of a safari in Masai Mara varies from season to season and the accommodation you choose. It will cost you more to visit the reserve during the migration season than the green season.
The best time to visit the Masai Mara National Reserve is during the migration season, which begins in early July and continues until October. It’s also a great time for the game viewing as all of the animals are concentrated in the reserve due to the availability of food and water.
Both the Serengeti and Maasai Mara offer incredible wildlife experiences. The Serengeti is best for game viewing in April and May, while the Masai Mara is best during the migration season from July to October.
Both reserves are fantastic, so it really depends on what type of experience you’re looking for.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is approximately 1510 square kilometers (580 sq mi). It is one of the largest and most famous game reserves in Africa. Each part of the reserve covers several different ecosystems including grasslands, woodlands, and rivers.
The Serengeti National Park is slightly larger than the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. It covers 5,700 square miles (14,750 sq km), while the Maasai Mara covers an area of 580 square miles (1,510 sq km).
However, it’s important to remember that both reserves are part of a larger ecosystem and, together, they make up one of the most incredible wildlife experiences in the world.
Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Africa is not one of the seven wonders of the world. It is, however, part of a larger eco-system that includes Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and other conservancies in the area.
This eco-system has been declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site due to its unique wildlife and incredible landscapes.
The Maasai Mara Game Reserve has three main gates located in different parts of the reserve. These are Talek Gate, Sekenani Gate and Musiara Gate. There are also smaller gates located at several conservancies in the area.
These gates make it easy to access different parts of the reserve and offer great game viewing opportunities.
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