Maasai Mara Safari Tours and Wildlife Experiences
Welcome to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of Kenya’s most famous wildlife destinations and one of the best places in Africa to experience a safari.
The Mara is known for its open savannah plains, large numbers of wildlife, big cats, and the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration. A Masai Mara safari gives you the chance to see lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and many other animals in their natural environment.
Located in southwestern Kenya in Narok County, the Maasai Mara forms part of the larger Mara-Serengeti ecosystem and borders Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.
Whether you are looking for a short safari from Nairobi, a Great Migration safari, a honeymoon trip, a family holiday, or a longer Kenya and Tanzania safari, we can help you plan your journey.
Masai Mara Safari Packages
Explore the Maasai Mara with a safari package that fits your travel plans. We offer short Maasai Mara trips as well as longer Kenya and East Africa safari itineraries.
Which Masai Mara Safari Is Right for You?
| Safari | Duration | Best For | |
| Masai Mara Express | 3 Days | First-time visitors | |
| Mara River Crossing | 4 Days | Migration | |
| Mara Honeymoon | 6 Days | Couples | |
| Mara + Serengeti | 7 Days | East Africa | |
| Mara + Nakuru + Amboseli | 7 Days | Kenya wildlife | |
Choose from our most popular safari packages below and inquire for a free quote, or send us an inquiry and let us craft a tailored itinerary that fits within your budget and time.
Why Go on a Masai Mara Safari?
The Maasai Mara is a great choice for travelers who want to see wildlife in a natural and beautiful setting.
The reserve has wide open grasslands, scattered acacia trees and rivers that attract wildlife. During game drives, you may see predators hunting, large herds crossing the plains, or elephants moving through the savannah.
The Mara is also famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, when large herds of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles move through the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.
For many travelers, the combination of wildlife, scenery, culture and the chance to see the Big Five makes a Masai Mara safari one of the highlights of a Kenya safari. See all our Masai Mara safaris.
Wildlife in Maasai Mara National Reserve
One of the biggest attractions of the Maasai Mara is its rich wildlife.
The Big Five
The reserve is home to the famous Big Five:
- Lions
- Leopards
- Elephants
- Cape buffaloes
- Rhinos
Other Wildlife
You can also see:
- Cheetahs
- Wildebeest
- Zebras
- Giraffes
- Hippos
- Hyenas
- Warthogs
- Antelopes
- Hartebeests
- Waterbucks
- Reedbucks
- Many other species
The reserve is also a good destination for bird watching, with more than 500 recorded bird species. See all animals in Masai Mara.
Great Wildebeest Migration in Maasai Mara
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the main reasons people visit the Maasai Mara.
Millions of wildebeest, together with zebras, gazelles and other grazing animals, move through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grass and water.
When the herds reach the Mara River, the river crossings can be a dramatic part of the migration. Crocodiles wait in the river while lions, leopards, cheetahs and other predators follow the herds.
The migration is generally associated with the Maasai Mara from around July to October, although the exact timing changes each year depending on rainfall, pasture and animal movements.
If the Great Migration is the main reason for your trip, we can help you choose suitable travel dates and a safari itinerary. Explore the Wildebeest Migration.
Things to Do on a Masai Mara Safari
A safari in the Maasai Mara is not limited to game drives. Depending on your itinerary, you can enjoy several different experiences.
Game Drives
Game drives are the main way to explore the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Morning and afternoon drives take you across the savannah in search of wildlife. You can spend several hours exploring different areas of the reserve with an experienced safari guide. Discover more activities and what to do in Masai Mara.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
A hot air balloon safari gives you a completely different view of the Maasai Mara.
The flight normally starts early in the morning, giving you the chance to see the sunrise over the savannah while looking down on the landscape and wildlife from above. Learn more about hot air balloon safaris.
Walking Safaris
A guided walking safari allows you to experience the Mara on foot and pay closer attention to the plants, birds, tracks and smaller details of the ecosystem.
Maasai Cultural Visits
A cultural visit gives you the opportunity to meet members of the Maasai community and learn about their traditions, lifestyle, crafts, music and dance. Learn more about the Maasai culture.
Horseback Safaris
Horseback safaris offer another way to experience the open landscapes around the Maasai Mara.
Bird Watching
The Maasai Mara is home to more than 500 bird species, making it an interesting destination for bird lovers as well as wildlife enthusiasts.
Top Attractions in Maasai Mara National Reserve
The Maasai Mara has a variety of wildlife and natural attractions to explore.
Some of the best-known attractions include:
- Mara River
- Mara Triangle
- Oloololo Escarpment
- Mara North Conservancy
- Olare Orok Conservancy
- Ol Choro Oiroua Conservancy
- Ol Kinyei Conservancy
- Lemek Conservancy
- Great Wildebeest Migration
- Maasai cultural experiences
The Mara River is particularly famous during the Great Migration, while the surrounding conservancies offer additional opportunities to experience the wider Mara ecosystem. See all attractions in Masai Mara.
Where Is Maasai Mara National Reserve?
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is located in southwestern Kenya in Narok County, about 180 kilometres from Nairobi.
The reserve forms part of the larger Mara-Serengeti ecosystem and borders Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to the south.
You can reach the Maasai Mara by road or by air. A road trip from Nairobi normally passes through Narok, while flights can connect travelers from Nairobi and other safari destinations. See Masai Mara location and how to get there.
Maasai Mara National Reserve Gates
There are several gates providing access to different parts of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
The main gates include:
- Sekenani Gate
- Talek Gate
- Oloololo Gate
- Oloolaimutia Gate
- Musiara Gate
- Sand River Gate
The best gate for your safari depends on your itinerary, the area you want to explore, and where you are staying.
Sand River Gate is particularly useful for some Kenya-Tanzania safari itineraries because it is close to the Serengeti border. See all Masai Mara Gates.
Masai Mara Safari from Nairobi
A Masai Mara safari from Nairobi is a popular choice for travelers starting their Kenya holiday in the capital.
You can travel to the reserve by road or fly from Nairobi to one of the airstrips serving the Mara.
A road safari takes longer but allows you to enjoy the changing scenery between Nairobi and the Mara. Flying is a good option if you have limited time and want to reach the reserve quickly.
If you only have a few days, a 3-day Masai Mara safari can provide a good introduction to the reserve. See all Masai Mara safari packages.
Combine Maasai Mara with Serengeti
The Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park form part of the larger Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.
Combining the two destinations allows you to experience more of East Africa’s wildlife and landscapes on one trip.
You can also combine Maasai Mara with other popular Kenya destinations such as Lake Nakuru and Amboseli. See all Kenya safaris.
Plan Your Masai Mara Safari
Planning a safari is easier when you have the right itinerary.
Tell us your preferred travel dates, number of travelers, and what you would like to see. We can help you choose the right number of days, safari route, and activities for your trip.
Whether you want a short Masai Mara safari, a Great Migration experience, or a longer Kenya and Tanzania safari, we can help you plan it.
Ready to Explore Maasai Mara?
Send us your travel dates and safari preferences, and let us help you create your Maasai Mara safari.
REQUEST A SAFARI QUOTE | VIEW SAFARI PACKAGES | BOOK YOUR SAFARI
Frequently Asked Questions About Maasai Mara
Is Maasai Mara a national park?
The official name is Maasai Mara National Reserve. Many travelers and online searches use the phrase Masai Mara National Park, but the destination is officially a national reserve.
What is Maasai Mara famous for?
Maasai Mara is famous for its wildlife, Big Five sightings, open savannah landscapes, and the Great Wildebeest Migration. The Mara River crossing is one of its best-known wildlife experiences.
How many days do I need for a Masai Mara safari?
Three days is a good starting point for travelers with limited time. Four or more days gives you more time for game drives and wildlife viewing. The Mara can also be combined with other Kenya or Tanzania destinations for a longer safari.
What animals can I see in Maasai Mara?
You can see lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, cheetahs, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, and many other animals.
When is the best time to see the Great Migration?
The Great Migration is generally associated with July to October in the Maasai Mara, although the exact timing depends on rainfall and the movement of the herds.
Can I combine Maasai Mara with Serengeti?
Yes. Maasai Mara and Serengeti are part of the wider Mara-Serengeti ecosystem and can be combined in a Kenya and Tanzania safari.
How do I get to Maasai Mara?
You can travel to Maasai Mara by road from Nairobi or fly to one of the airstrips serving the reserve. The best option depends on your safari itinerary and available time.
Book Your Masai Mara Safari
Experience the wildlife, landscapes and culture of Maasai Mara National Reserve.
From the Big Five and Great Wildebeest Migration to game drives, balloon safaris and Maasai cultural experiences, the Mara offers an unforgettable Kenya safari.
Let us plan your Masai Mara safari.
