Destination Overview
Situated in the southwest of Kenya, covering an area of 1,510 square km (583 square miles), the Masai Mara National Reserve is a land of breathtaking vistas, abundant wildlife and endless plains.
Why visit the Masai Mara?
DIVERSE EXPERIENCE. The Masai Mara offers an array of adventure opportunities. Take advantage by staying on a private concession and enjoy bush walks, dinners under the stars and night drives, or soar in a hot air balloon. With an abundance of wildlife and over 500 bird species, the game drives are a naturalist and photographers paradise.
YEAR ROUND ABUNDANCE OF WILDLIFE. Blessed with an astounding year-round concentration of animals, the Masai Mara National Reserve provides an unsurpassed wildlife experience. Roaming the terrain is an abundance of the Big Five, big herds of elephant and resident lion prides, as well as elusive leopard, endangered black rhino, giraffe and cheetah. The Mara River is home to large rafts of hippo and some of Africa’s largest crocodiles.
MEET THE MAASAI PEOPLE. Traditionally a semi-nomadic tribe, the Maasai are recognised worldwide for their unique cultural dance, colourful clothing and intricate handcrafts. Seen as distinguished warriors, they still follow many traditions and rituals. This glimpse of authentic Maasai culture is a fascinating experience.
IN THE PATH OF THE GREAT MIGRATION. One of nature’s biggest wildlife spectacles, the wildebeest migration passes through the Masai Mara from July to October. Watch in awe as the migration criss-cross back and forth across the Mara River in the Masai Mara. Our game drives are carefully planned to anticipate the progress of the Great Migration and our guides make every effort to explain the movement of the herds and get sightings of the dramatic river crossings.
Timing is Everything
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big 5 game viewing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Night Drives - nocturnal animals | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Safari walk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | X | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ |
| To view the Great Migration crossing over the Mara river | X | X | X | X | X | X | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | X |
| Maasai Boma visit | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hot air ballooning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| To enjoy a less crowded Masai Mara, with good rates in low season | X | X | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | X | X | X | X | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seasonal Rates | $$$/$$ | $$ | $$ | $ | $ | $/$$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$ | $$/$$$ |
** The $ / $$ / $$$ references are used to indicate rate variation and are not associated with specific values.
