Explore the Wonders of the Maasai Mara
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of Africa's most celebrated wildlife destinations and the crown jewel of Kenya's safari circuit. Spanning over 1,500 square kilometres of rolling savannah, acacia woodlands and riverine forests, the Maasai Mara supports an extraordinary density of wildlife year-round.
Famous for the annual Great Migration - when over two million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles cross over from the Serengeti - the Maasai Mara offers unforgettable wildlife encounters in every season. The reserve is home to large populations of lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs and countless other species.
Basic Information
Named after the Maasai people, the indigenous inhabitants of this region, the Mara offers not just extraordinary wildlife but a genuine connection to one of Kenya's most vibrant cultural traditions.
- Destination
- Country
- Best Time to Visit
- Area (km2)
- Main Wildlife
- Reserve Size
- Nearest City
- Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Kenya
- Jul-Oct (Migration)
- 1,510
- Big Five & the Migration
- 1,510 sq km
- Nairobi
The Maasai Mara is Africa at its most alive - where the Great Migration thunders across the plains and the Big Five roam beneath endless golden skies. It is the safari that every traveller remembers forever.
The Gorge Tours Safari Guide
The best time to visit the Maasai Mara is during the dry season from July to October, when the Great Migration crosses the Mara River and wildlife is most concentrated. The reserve is spectacular year-round, with lush green landscapes and abundant game during the rainy season months of November to June.
Whether you come for the drama of the river crossings, dawn hot-air balloon flights over the savannah, or the colourful culture of the Maasai people, the Mara delivers moments of pure wonder that linger long after you head for home.
Sample 3-Day Maasai Mara Itinerary
Depart Nairobi in the morning and drive to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, arriving in time for lunch at your safari lodge or camp. Enjoy an afternoon game drive across the savannah, searching for lions, elephants, giraffes and other wildlife. Return for dinner and overnight at your accommodation.
Spend a full day on game drives with your expert guide, exploring the Mara River, open plains and wooded areas. Enjoy a packed lunch on the savannah. Optional dawn hot-air balloon safari at an additional cost, and an evening game drive before returning to camp for dinner.
Take an early morning game drive for the best wildlife viewing, then return to camp for breakfast and check out. Enjoy a scenic drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon for a transfer to your hotel or the airport.
This is a sample itinerary and can be fully customized to suit your dates, budget and interests.
Highlights
- Game drives in search of the Big Five
- Witness the Great Migration & Mara River crossing
- Dawn hot-air balloon safari over the savannah
- Visit a traditional Maasai village
- Bird watching - over 500 recorded species
- Guided nature walks along the reserve plains
- Photographic safaris at golden hour
