Masai Mara Safaris: Explore Kenya’s Best Wildlife Safari
The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and deep-rooted Maasai culture. A Masai Mara safari offers an unparalleled adventure, bringing travelers face-to-face with diverse species, including lions, elephants, and cheetahs. It’s also one of the best places for Big Five safaris in Kenya, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.
From exhilarating wildlife safaris in Masai Mara, featuring game drives across golden savannahs, to serene hot-air balloon safaris offering panoramic views, every experience is unforgettable. Cultural encounters with the Maasai people provide insight into their traditions and way of life.
A highlight of Kenya safari experiences is the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River in a dramatic struggle for survival. Whether you seek adventure, photography, or cultural exploration, the Masai Mara promises an extraordinary safari experience.
Why Choose a Masai Mara Safari?
Incredible Wildlife
The best safaris in Masai Mara bring you up close to the legendary Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard—along with over 95 other mammal species. From powerful predators to graceful giraffes, every game drive feels like a real-life wildlife documentary.
For a truly breathtaking experience, visit during the Great Migration safaris Kenya is famous for. Between July and October, millions of wildebeest and zebras brave the crocodile-infested Mara River in one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles.
Year-Round Safari Destination
Unlike many parks, Masai Mara offers incredible wildlife sightings throughout the year, making it a top pick for best safaris in Masai Mara any season.
Diverse Safari Options
Unlike many parks, Masai Mara offers incredible wildlife sightings throughout the year, making it a top pick for best safaris in Masai Mara any season.
Popular Masai Mara Safari Options
For those who enjoy scenic road trips, a road safari from Nairobi is an excellent choice. These packages combine comfortable travel with guided game drives, offering a full immersion in Kenya’s diverse landscapes.
Masai Mara Safari Tour
Masai Mara Big five tour tour
Lake Nakuru & Naivasha, Masai Mara Safari
Masai Mara safari tour & Amboseli
Amboseli , Lake Naivasha & Masai Mara
Ol Pejeta Lake Naivasha & Masai Mara
Amboseli , Naivasha, Nakuru & Masai Mara
Tsavo West, Amboseli , Naivasha & Masai Mara Safari
Amboseli, Lakes Naivasha and Nakuru, and the Masai Mara One week safari
Samburu, Aberdares, Lakes Nakuru & Naivasha, and Masai Mara
Masai Mara important information
When is the best time to visit Masai Mara National Reserve?"
The dry, winter months of June to August marks the best time to visit the Masai Mara National Reserve. The lack of rain means the low grass offers amazing game viewing opportunities. July is also the time to witness the Great Migration, thousands of wildebeest thundering across the Mara River from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
How much does a safari in Masai Mara National Reserve cost
With a variety of accommodation options to choose from, pricing for a Masai Mara National Park safari will cost between approximately USD400 per person sharing for larger, hotel-style accommodations or comfortable camping options, right up to over USD1000 per person sharing for more luxury and intimate camping or lodge experiences
How to get to Masai Mara National Reserve
By road, a drive from Nairobi to the Masai Mara National Park will take around six hours (229.5 km) while flying into the Masai Mara will take around an hour from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. There are several airstrips within the Masai Mara National Reserve and six entry gates if arriving by road.
What makes the Masai Mara National Reserve so special
Home to an immense number of wildlife species as well as incredible birdlife, around 500 bird species recorded. A highlight of visiting the Masai Mara is having the chance to witness the Great Migration where thousands of wildebeest cross between the Serengeti and Masai Mara.
What's the best way to see Masai Mara National Reserve
Open 4×4 safari vehicles or enclosed 4×4 safari vehicles with a pop-up roof is the best way to experience the magic of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Drives usually take place early morning and late afternoon. Taking a hot air balloon ride over the Mara is a wonderful way to get an aerial view of wildlife and wilderness.
What animals can I see in Masai Mara National Reserve?
The Masai Mara is home to the “Big Five” which are lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo, as well as a myriad of plains game. Nocturnal creatures include porcupine, white-tailed mongoose and civet cats. There are around 500 species of birds.
Do you need to book in advance to visit Masai Mara National Reserve?
Guests embarking on a Masai Mara National Reserve will usually be pre-booked on their safari experience, noting that booking as far out as 12 to 18 months in advance is sometimes required.
What hotels, lodges, and camps are near Masai Mara National Reserve?
Some of the top safari lodges are present within the main Masai Mara National Reserve. Ilkeliani Camp is an intimate camp with only 12 luxury tents while the Sarova chain of hotels presents the Sarova Mara with up to 72 tents in all.
What attractions are near Masai Mara National Reserve?
The key focus of visiting the Masai Mara National Reserve is to enjoy an exceptional safari within the reserve, however guests will have a chance to visit a local Masai Mara village and embrace local tradition and community culture.
Top Safari Experiences in Masai Mara
Game Drives
A Masai Mara game drive is the heart of any safari adventure. Morning and evening drives in 4×4 safari vehicles Kenya ensure optimal wildlife viewing. Expect thrilling moments—spotting the Big Five, witnessing a cheetah hunt, or watching a herd of elephants gracefully move across the plains. These are truly the best wildlife safaris you can experience!
For a luxury safari experience, nothing beats a hot-air balloon safari Kenya is known for. As you float above the savannah at sunrise, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of herds below. After landing, indulge in a champagne breakfast in the wild—a perfect way to complete your Masai Mara aerial safari.
Cultural Visits to Maasai Villages
An authentic cultural experience Kenya offers is visiting a Maasai village. Here, you’ll engage in Maasai traditions and lifestyle, witness their famous dances, and explore their colorful beadwork in an unforgettable Maasai village cultural tour.
Walking Safaris & Night Game Drives
For a more intimate experience, walking safaris Kenya allow you to track wildlife on foot, while night game drives Masai Mara reveal the mysterious nocturnal creatures like leopards and bush babies. These exclusive safari experiences provide a unique perspective of the wild.
Fly-In Safaris from Nairobi or Coastal Resorts
Fly-in safaris are perfect for travelers with limited time. Arrive directly in the reserve from Nairobi or Kenya’s coastal resorts like Mombasa and Diani. These packages are ideal for those looking to combine a beach vacation with a wildlife adventure.
Combination Tours with Serengeti and Other Parks
Extend your adventure with a combination of safaris that include the Serengeti, Amboseli, or Lake Nakuru. These itineraries allow you to experience the best of East Africa’s wildlife and landscapes.
Masai Mara lodges & camps
Comfort Level
Prideinn Mara Camp
Osero Camp
Enkorok Mara Camp
AA Mara Lodge
Sentrim Mara Camp
Mara Sopa Lodge
Mara Leisure Camp
La Maison Royale Mara Camp
Sentrim Mara Lodge
Luxury Level
Mara Simba – Tent Rooms
Mara Maisha Camp (Main Camp)
Tipilikwani Mara Camp
Keekorok Lodge
Matira Bush Camp
Loyk Mara camp
Mara Engai camp
Mara River Camp
Ashnil Mara Camp
Karen Blixen
superior luxury Level
Saruni Mara Camp
Olare Mara Kempinski Camp
Porini Mara Camp
Entumoto Safari Camp
Kicheche Mara Camp
Mara Bushtop Luxury Camp
&Beyond Kichwa Tembo Camp
Entim Mara Camp
Mara Explorer Camp
Mara Eden Safari Camp
Mara Ilkeliani Mara Camp
Mara Ngenche Safari Camp
Masai Mara safari FAQs
The Masai Mara is renowned for its rich wildlife, Big Five, and the annual Great Migration, which is considered one of the world’s most spectacular natural events.
A 2–4 day safari is ideal for exploring the reserve’s key attractions, including game drives, cultural visits, and river crossings.
The peak migration season runs from July to October, when the wildebeests cross the Mara River.
Pack lightweight clothing, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, binoculars, and a good camera. A hat and insect repellent are also essential.
Yes, many lodges and camps offer family-oriented amenities, including kid-friendly activities and private game drives tailored for families.
Absolutely! Combination packages are available, allowing you to explore other parks like Amboseli, Serengeti, or Lake Nakuru, or even add a beach holiday on Kenya’s coast.
