Situated in southwest Kenya’s Narok County, the Masai Mara National Reserve shares a border with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Named in honor of the Maasai people, the reserve is renowned for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. The name “Mara,” meaning “spotted” in the Maasai language, reflects the many dotted trees that scatter the landscape. The reserve is characterized by rolling hills, expansive grasslands, and acacia woodlands, providing diverse habitats for a variety of wildlife.
Initially gazetted as a wildlife sanctuary, Masai Mara became a wildlife reserve in 1961. Today, it covers 1,510 square kilometers (580 square miles) and sits at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,170 meters above sea level. The reserve is home to the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos) and hosts millions of wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes during the annual Great Migration. This migration, one of the seven natural wonders of Africa, sees these animals traverse 500 kilometers from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara, often encountering predators along the way.
Wildlife and Bird Watching
Masai Mara is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, offering frequent sightings of elephants, cape buffaloes, lions, giraffes, hippos, black rhinos, cheetahs, and leopards. Bird watchers will also delight in the reserve’s 450 resident and migratory bird species, including ostriches, lilac-breasted rollers, Denham’s bustards, turacos, grey kestrels, and hornbills.
The Great Migration
The Great Migration is a spectacular event that sees millions of animals, including wildebeests, zebras, elands, and gazelles, move from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara. This journey, starting in May and peaking between July and October, involves dramatic river crossings where crocodiles lie in wait. The Mara Triangle, a wedge-shaped area within the reserve bordered by the Mara River and the Oloololo Escarpment, offers prime viewing spots for this incredible natural phenomenon.
Activities in Masai Mara National Reserve
Game Drives
Experience the thrill of seeing wildlife up close with a series of game drives across the vast savannah.
Balloon Safaris
Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Mara’s wildlife and landscapes from a hot air balloon, typically at dawn, followed by a champagne breakfast on the plains.
Photography Competitions
Participate in photography competitions such as the Greatest Maasai Mara Photographer of the Year, hosted by Angama Mara safari camp.
Community Visits
Engage with the Maasai people, learn about their traditional culture, and visit their manyattas (homesteads).
Best Time to Visit
The Masai Mara can be visited year-round, but the best time is from July to October, coinciding with the Great Migration.
Getting There
Masai Mara is located about 270 kilometers from Nairobi, a drive of approximately five hours or a 40-minute flight. The road is generally good, except for the section from Narok to the Sekenani Gate.
Additional Activities
Enchanting Sundowner in Mara Plains
Watch the sunset over the Mara plains from the Oloololo Escarpment while enjoying a chilled drink. Observe elephants, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, and warthogs as they move towards a waterhole.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Take a hot air balloon safari at sunrise for an unparalleled view of the Mara plains and wildlife below. Conclude with a memorable champagne breakfast.
Guided Walking Safari
Reconnect with nature on a guided walking safari, following ancient paths and listening to the sounds of the wild.
Cultural Experiences
No visit to Masai Mara is complete without a cultural experience with the Maasai people, learning about their pastoral lifestyle and ancient traditions.
Witness the Great Migration
Witnessing the Great Migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with over 1.5 million wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of zebras, elands, and gazelles moving across the plains, constantly pursued by predators.
The Masai Mara National Reserve offers an extraordinary blend of wildlife, culture, and natural beauty, making it one of the premier safari destinations in Africa.
