When is the best time to visit Maasai Mara?

The best time to visit Maasai Mara is usually from July to October during the Great Migration season, although the reserve offers excellent wildlife viewing all year round.

How do I get to Maasai Mara from Nairobi?

Travellers can reach Maasai Mara from Nairobi by a scenic road transfer of about five hours or by a short domestic flight of around 45 minutes.

What wildlife can I see in Maasai Mara?

Maasai Mara is famous for the Big Five as well as wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, crocodiles, and many bird species.

How far in advance should I book a Maasai Mara safari?

For peak Great Migration season between July and October, it is best to book six to twelve months in advance to secure the best camps and rates.

Kenya, East Africa

Maasai Mara

World's greatest wildlife spectacle — where the wild things truly are

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Location Southwest Kenya

Area 1,510 km²

Climate 17°C – 30°C

Best Season Jul – Oct

Tribes Maasai People

Maasai Mara Safari Guide

Why Visit Maasai Mara?

Maasai Mara is one of the best safari destinations in Kenya and Africa, famous for Big Five wildlife viewing, the Great Migration, luxury tented camps, scenic game drives, and unforgettable savannah landscapes. Whether you are planning a Kenya safari holiday, a honeymoon, a family trip, or a photography adventure, Maasai Mara offers one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in East Africa.

Travellers can combine Maasai Mara with our 3 day Maasai Mara safari package, browse more Kenya safari packages, or extend the trip with Diani Beach holidays for a classic bush-and-beach itinerary.

THE RESERVE

Africa’s Most Iconic
Wildlife Reserve

Straddling the Kenya-Tanzania border, the Maasai Mara is a seamless extension of the Serengeti ecosystem. Here, the ancient rhythms of nature play out on a stage so vast and beautiful it defies description. Travellers looking for a shorter itinerary can explore our Maasai Mara safari package or browse more Kenya safari packages for custom holiday planning.

Named after the indigenous Maasai people and the Mara River that bisects it, this 1,510 km² reserve is home to the Big Five and countless other species. The endless golden plains, acacia-dotted horizons, and rolling hills create a landscape that has inspired explorers, filmmakers, and dreamers for generations.

Big Five Great Migration Year-Round Safari UNESCO Listed

2M+

Wildebeests cross the Mara annually

Natural Wonder

The Great
Migration

Each year, over two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle undertake a 3,000 km circular odyssey in search of fresh pasture and water. The Mara River crossings — where thousands plunge through crocodile-infested waters — are among the most heart-stopping spectacles in all of nature.

Jul – Oct

Peak crossing season

3,000 km

Annual migration route

2M+

Animals in movement

Wild Encounters

Meet the Residents

Lions

One of Africa’s highest lion densities

Elephants

Gentle giants roaming the plains

Zebras

Thousands stripe the golden savanna

Wildebeest

2 million strong during the Migration

The Mara River

Where Predator Meets
Prey

Activities

Unforgettable Experiences

Game Drives

Morning and evening drives in custom 4×4 vehicles with expert Maasai guides who read the land like a map.

Bucket List

Hot Air Balloon

Drift silently over the golden plains at sunrise, watching the herds below from a completely unique vantage point.

New

Photography Safaris

Dedicated photography vehicles with roof hatches and professional naturalists to help you capture the perfect shot.

Cultural

Maasai Village Walk

Meet the indigenous Maasai warriors, learn about their traditions, and experience their vibrant culture firsthand.

Plan Your Trip

When to Visit

The Mara rewards visitors year-round, but each season offers a distinctly different experience.

Jan – Feb

Dry Season

Great visibility as animals gather around water sources. Warm, dry days.

Wildlife Excellent

Crowds Moderate

Mar – May

Long Rains

Lush green landscape, fewer tourists, calving season begins in the Serengeti.

Wildlife Good

Crowds Low

Best Time

Jun – Oct

Peak Season

The Great Migration peaks. River crossings at their most dramatic. Book early.

Wildlife Outstanding

Crowds High

Nov – Dec

Short Rains

Brief afternoon showers keep the plains verdant. Great bird watching season.

Wildlife Very Good

Crowds Low

Peak

01 Jul – 31 Oct

High

01 Nov – 19 Dec

Mid

01 Jun – 30 Jun

Low

01 Apr – 31 May

ROOM TYPE	PEAK	HIGH	MID	LOW
Single Room	$0	$0	$0	$0
Double Room	$0	$0	$0	$0
Triple Room	$0	$0	$0	$0
Child Sharing	$0	$0	$0	$0

Rates note 1
Rates note 2

Where to Stay

Curated Camps & Lodges

Luxury

Muthu Keekorok Lodge

4.9

From $680/night

Private Game Drives Bush Dinners Spa Pool

Premium

Sarova Mara Game Camp

4.7

From $340/night

Daily Game Drives Full Board Sundowner Walks

Classic

Enkorok Mara camp

4.5

From $180/night

Guided Walks Campfire Evenings Stargazing

Essential Info

Travel Tips

Book 6–12 months ahead for peak Migration season (July–October)
Bring neutral-coloured clothing — avoid bright whites and blues
A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required
Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport has direct international connections
Local currency is Kenyan Shilling; USD widely accepted at lodges
Altitude is ~1,600m — sun protection and hydration are essential

Getting There

Fly into Nairobi (NBO), then connect to Maasai Mara via a 45-min charter flight or 5-hr scenic drive.

Quick Facts

Language Swahili, English

Currency KES (USD accepted)

Time Zone EAT (UTC +3)

Visa eTA available online

Vaccinations Yellow Fever required

Driving Left-hand side

Maasai Mara

Why Visit Maasai Mara?

Africa’s Most Iconic
Wildlife Reserve

2M+