travel to masai mara kenya

Dream of Africa and chances are that you dream of the Masai Mara. This huge expanse of gently rolling grassland – specked with flat-topped acacia trees and trampled by massive herds of zebras and wildebeest – is the ultimate African cliché. But for once the reality lives up to the image and the Masai Mara, which comprises not just the famous reserve but also around a dozen community conservancies, several group ranches and numerous Maasai villages, is for many people not just the highlight of their Kenyan adventure but the very reason they came in the first place.

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Masai Mara National Reserve

The world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve needs little in the way of introduction. Its tawny, wildlife-stuffed savannahs are familiar to anyone who…

Narok Museum

The town’s only official attraction is the small Narok Museum and its displays on traditional and contemporary Maasai culture, as well as that of other…

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How to plan the best safari in Masai Mara in Kenya

Itineraries, transportation, accommodation, safari prices, and best time to go. This is the best guide on how to plan the perfect safari in Masai Mara in Kenya.

Think about a perfect safari experience and you will probably end up imagining a safari in Masai Mara in Kenya. This world-renowned national reserve is not only Kenya’s biggest pride, but is also one of the most beautiful places in the world. Expect to see vast grasslands where more than 1 million zebras and wildebeest roam freely, herds of elephants drinking water next to water buffalos and if you are patient enough, lions, cheetahs and leopards quietly searching for a hunt.

Visiting Kenya without exploring Masai Mara is missing something special, and with so many wild experiences to look for, options to move around the park and prices that go from just a couple of hundreds of dollars to even thousands per day. Even so, it is important to understand what makes Masai Mara so special and how to make the most of your time and money. This is how you plan the best safari in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

Understanding Masai Mara

Known as “the greater Masai Mara ecosystem” , this large ecosystem consists of two natural reservoirs ( Mara Triangle and Masai Mara National Reserve ), several smaller private conservancies and some Masai villages around the parks. They are located 255km south-west from Nairobi (about 5-6 hours’ drive) and right next to the border between Tanzania and Kenya. In fact, Masai Mara limits the Serengeti National Park and you can even say they belong to the same ecosystem, just in a different country.

Before you visit Masai Mara, take into consideration how many days you want to spend inside the national reserve, where would you like to stay and what kind of activities are you planning to do. These decisions will significantly have an effect on how expensive your trip to Masai Mara will be.

Still, no matter if you are going on a group tour, a private safari or as an independent self-driving traveler, it is nice to understand the options you have.

Read more: Tsavo, Amboseli or Masai Mara – Which safari park in Kenya should you visit?

Masai Mara National Reserve

This is the largest section of the Masai Mara and home for the largest concentration of animals in the park. It is basically an obligatory stop if you want to explore the best of Masai Mara and no matter at what time of the year you go, it will never get boring.

Expect to see large concentrations of wildebeest, zebras, elephants and lions.

Mara Triangle

Located in the west side of the Masai Mara and isolated from the rest of the park by the Mara river, the Mara Triangle is considered by many safari experts as the most beautiful spot in the whole Masai Mara. “The Mara Triangle is what makes Africa the most beautiful continent on earth”, said my tour guide Chris, after I asked him what makes the Mara Triangle so special.

Here is the perfect spots to see less crowds of tourists, but also thousands of wildebeest taking a rest and waiting for the right moment to continue their migration.

Private conservancies

Private conservancies are usually owned by private luxury lodges. These are unfortunately not places you can simply get in and out, as you would have to pre-book a visit to any of the conservancies or stay at the lodges.

A visit to a private conservancy can be on one side very rewarding – they usually know better where to find big cats – but also way more expensive. It is the perfect option for those who want to splurge themselves on a holiday.

Take into consideration, visiting a conservancy does not mean you will see more wildlife than in the national reserve.

Keep in mind

Just like in most national parks in Africa, entrance fees will be the highest cost when planning a trip. While the 24 hour day pass to the Masai Mara National Reserve cost 70 USD per day, visiting the Mara Triangle conservation area will cost additionally 40 USD and visit a private conservancy can start at around 100 USD per day.

Check all prices at the official sites of the Mara Triangle , the Masai Mara National Reserve and the Mara Conservancies.

NOTE: Travelers with limited time and higher budget can also get a private charter from Nairobi airport to Masai Mara. Flights can be schedule regularly during the day from Wilson Airport in central Nairobi and it can take you from Nairobi to Masai Mara in just 30-45 minutes for around 200 USD.  Before booking a private flight , consult with your tour operator or lodge the fly-in safari tours they might offer.

Best places to stay in Masai Mara

With entrance fees to Masai Mara being your highest expense, and transportation costs being quite fix from the beginning, accommodation will determine if you are getting a more luxurious or budget experience in your safari.

It is true that if you check on hotel booking platforms, you will probably see lodges inside Masai Mara starting at hundreds of dollars. But don’t worry.  Most of these accommodation options include some kind of activity that you can also get on a private tour or organize yourself.

Masai Mara is one of the best national parks in Africa, when it comes to finding accommodation under your desired budget. Options are plenty and no matter if you go on a budget or stay in a villa with a private pool,  the quality of the safari experience will be almost the same.  

Read more: How to plan a visit to Amboseli National Park

With only three options available, public campsites are only located on the Mara Triangle side of the park with prices starting at 30 USD a night. Furthermore, 5 private campsites are also located inside the Mara triangle. Prices for these camps tend to be more expensive, but facilities and services are way better. From private campsites you can also schedule walking safaris or drives around the national park

Camping options and prices are available at the official website of Mara Bookings

Lodging outside the national park

An excellent option for keeping that budget under control is staying outside the national park. Don’t worry, sleeping outside the park does not mean staying out of the action. The towns of Talek, Keekorok or Kawai are located right next to the gates of Masai Mara and  here you can find accommodation for more than 1/3 of the price as inside the national reserve.  

What are the disadvantages? There is nothing more exciting and simultaneously scary as hearing lions roar in the middle of the night – something that is only possible if you stay inside the gates of the national reserve.

Lodging inside the national park

With most world-renowned lodge companies and luxury companies having accommodation options inside Masai Mara, here you can also have plenty of choice and pricing. Unfortunately, due to its outstanding location, expect prices to be way higher – a price to pay for a more rewarding experience. Lodges inside the Masai Mara National Reserve start at 150-200 USD a night per person.

Staying inside Masai Mara is an experience like no other. Hear baboons grunt in the early morning or lions roar in the middle of the night. If camping is not your cup of tea and you want to make the most of your experience in Masai Mara, this can be the right option for you.

Lodging in a private conservancy

With private airstrips and facilities that exceed the imagination, lodging in a private conservancy is an experience of a lifetime. Four seasons, Fairmont and &Beyond are some of the companies that have turn safari experiences into playgrounds for adults.  

Expect to be welcome with cocktails and smoothies, or simply getting woke up with a glass of ice coffee. At the same time, be prepared to spend at least a couple of thousand of dollars just for a few days.

NOTE: If you are planning to stay on a mid-range or a luxurious lodge, it is way better to plan your trip with a private local tour operator. Tour operators get better rates than private clients when booking accommodation and even though you have to book a full package including a driver and game drives, it will end up being way cheaper than planning it independently.

Other activities in Masai Mara

Doing 3-4 full days of safari in Masai Mara is not an activity for everyone. After hours of driving around the natural areas, landscapes can become monotonous and the excitement of seeing an elephant or a lion is not there anymore. I’m not saying it happens all the time, but anyone who has done a safari before knows what I’m talking about.

Fortunately there are lots of additional activities to do in Masai Mara. One of the most popular and recommended ones is a tour to a Masai village.

Read more: Everything You Need To Know About The Wildebeest Migration

These villages are located outside the natural reserve. Here, local Masai will tell you more about their culture, their traditions and how they used to live decades before globalization. You can also see some of the craft that the local families make, as well ask them questions about life as a Masai in the current age and their villages.

Some people complaint that most of these Masai do these activities for the money it provides and the experience is not “real”. However, everyone benefits from these cultural tours. We, by having more awareness about the disappearing Masai and them by earning the money they need to offer their families a better future.

Other options are walking safaris organized by the lodges (around 20-30 USD), as well balloon rides early in the morning (around 350 USD).

Read more: How ethical is to do cultural tourism in Africa?

Best time to visit Masai Mara

What is the best time to visit the Masai Mara? Well, this question can be quite open, as most of us plan a trip based on the budget and the experience we want to get.

Masai Mara is known for having excellent wildlife experiences all year round. However, most wildlife lovers agree that the best time to visit Masai Mara is during the wildebeest migration (mid-June to October). During this time, millions of wildebeest move from Kenya to Tanzania crossing the Mara river. This gives a great opportunity for encountering some of the wildest safari experiences in the world. At the same time, expect prices to almost double for safari tours and lodging to be booked months in advanced.

Additionally, November to February is still considered high season. Prices are not as high as during the migration, but still you can see plenty of wildlife.

March til May are on the other hand a low season. Grass is high due to the heavy rain and visibility is limited. Predators do not have difficulty to hunt and they can easily hide. Still, prices are way lower during this season and the chances to see all big five in a single trip is still there.  

Read more: What are the top safari experiences in Africa

Group tour, private tour or self-drive safaris

Any type of safari in Masai Mara is already a big expense. Safaris in Masai Mara are considered one of the most expensive experiences worldwide and considering which option is the one with most value is a very valid question when planning a visit to Masai Mara.

While group tours offer a very budget friendly option for travelers who want to focus on saving money, take into consideration that you will be traveling with lots of people (around 6-8 on a van). This will significantly affect how personal your experience in Masai Mara will be, as well the flexibility of the whole trip itself.

On the other hand independently driving to Masai Mara will give you all the flexibility you want, but zero knowledge of where you are going. Self-driving in Masai Mara means driving in very difficult conditions and budget wise, it won’t be cheaper than traveling with a tour.

Insurance costs, rental costs and park fees will be quite high if you travel to Masai Mara as a self-driver and unless you have a good understanding of wildlife and the Masai Mara itself, the chances of seeing big cats, will be quite small.

I personally found going on a private company the best option for visiting Masai Mara. Private operators adapt very easily to your budget conditions and offer the flexibility you simply can’t get on a group tour. It is definitely more expensive than going on a group, but I think it gave me way more value, than if I visited Masai Mara in a van full of people, or if I rented a vehicle and drove myself.

I booked my trip with Africa Kenya Safaris , a local company based in Nairobi. Before our trip, we discussed exactly what I wanted to explore and in what budget I was traveling. Since they also know all the lodges and camping sites, they could also analyze for me which ones would be the best according what I wanted and offered a good price. After comparing the prices of planning a trip independently or separately, this was the best value I could find.

NOTE: While foreign tour operators seem on their online presence to be most trustful than local companies in Kenya, getting in contact with a Kenyan company is the best way to get the best knowledge and value out of your tour.

Read more: How to prepare for your first safari trip

How much a safari in Masai Mara costs?

With so many variables and options, it is really difficult to fully calculate how expensive a safari to Masai Mara can be. Still, if you are planning to travel to Masai Mara on a budget, expect to spend around 600-700 USD for a four day tour in low season.

Furthermore, if you are staying in a mid-range lodge with all meals and private games drives included, plan anything between 800-1000 USD per person for a 2 person private safari.  

Read more: How to plan a trip to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania

What type of safari in Masai Mara should I book?

A budget safari can be fun, but you have to keep in mind that you will have to share vehicle, have less privacy and end up having less time.

Still, if the budget is a big concern for you. These are the best Masai Mara Tours under 400 USD in SafariBookings

If you are looking for a more private mid-range experience, you can also find private tours for a higher budget, but offering a more memorable trip. A mid range tour cost anything between 700 to 1200 USD and in these tours you will get a private safari vehicle, better lodging (4-star) and better guidance.

Finally, if budget is not a question and you want to experience Africa like the rich and famous, luxury tours start around 1500 USD per person for 3 days at Masai Mara and can go up to thousands more.

In SafariBookings , you can get in touch with operators from all over Kenya and create personalized tours directly with the top tour operators in the region

How would I plan my next trip to Masai Mara?

After getting a good glimpse of Masai Mara and try different activities, lodges and traveling options, I would plan my next trip mid-October or beginning November. It is a time when conditions are excellent for wildlife viewing and additionally, there are still large chances of seeing thousands of wildebeest crossing.

At these months, you would not encounter as many visitors as in other times like Summer or Christmas and because the peak season is almost ending, prices are lower and offers can be easily found.

Read more: How to cross overland from Kenya to Tanzania

How to book the best safari online?

When it comes to planning a safari, SafariBookings is by far the best platform to book safaris online

They have the largest database of tour operators in Africa and you can simply send a request and negotiate a tour and a price directly with the operator. You don’t have to pay any additional fees and you can send as many requests as you want.

I’ve used SafariBookings when traveling to Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Kenya. They made a huge difference for me in understanding prices, activities and local operators in the area. I was also able to find tours for as little as 300 USD when I traveled to Amboseli National Park in 2021.

These are some of the most popular tours in Masai Mara at SafariBookings

How do I find cheap flights to Kenya?

Finding a cheap flight anywhere around the world is not always easy. It’s about comparing platforms, selecting the right routes and booking at the right time. Fortunately, platforms like Skyscanner became known as an all-in-one tool for booking flights at the lowest cost possible.

They analyse every potential company and sub-contractor in order to find the lowest price available for you. Not only that, but you can also select the option “Travel Anywhere” and let Skyscanner find the cheapest place to travel at any selected date.

I check all my flights first at Skyscanner , and in 90% of the cases, I find the best option for me to book.

Also, by booking here using Skyscanner , you will support my blog and help me create more amazing and useful content.

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Saxon switzerland national park, masai mara natural reserve, bwindi impenetrable forest, white desert protected area, victoria falls national park.

Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya: The Complete Guide

brittak/Getty Images 

Along with Tanzania's Serengeti National Park (with which it shares an unfenced border) the Masai Mara in Kenya is often considered to be Africa's premier safari destination. Established in 1961, it protects a multitude of animals including the Big Five ; and welcomes the herds of the annual Great Migration every year from July to November. The park's name conjures up a hundred iconic images: a cheetah and cubs scanning the plains from the top of a sunlit termite mound, perhaps, or scores of wildebeest and zebra leaping into the crocodile-infested waters of the Mara River. To make your own Masai Mara memories, plan a trip using the guide below.

Location & Geography

The Masai Mara is a relatively small reserve, covering an area of approximately 580 square miles in southwest Kenya. Its southern boundary marks the Kenya-Tanzania border and the beginning of the Serengeti; while the remaining boundaries are adjoined by private conservancies. These conservancies are owned by tribal communities and managed by eco-tourism operators, and share unfenced borders with the national reserve. The remote western section of the reserve, known as the Mara Triangle , is also managed as a non-profit conservancy run by the local Maasai. It is considered one of the best areas for game-viewing.

The Masai Mara is intersected by three major rivers: the Sand, the Talek, and the Mara. The Mara River is famous for the dramatic spectacle of thousands of wildebeest and zebra attempting to cross as part of their annual migration. The riverbanks are densely lined with trees and shrubs; otherwise, the primary habitat of the Masai Mara is open grassland studded with acacia thickets. Use this helpful map to orient yourself when choosing which part of the reserve to visit.

Incredible Wildlife

One of the reasons why the Masai Mara is so famous is that despite its small size, it's home to an astonishing concentration of animal and birdlife. Sightings of the Big Five ( lion , leopard , elephant, buffalo, and rhino) are almost guaranteed, while cheetah and smaller felines also abound. Keep an eye out for elusive predators including bat-eared foxes and spotted hyenas; and a slew of antelope ranging from topi and eland to oribi, waterbuck, and gazelle. The park's rivers are home to hippos and crocodiles, while birders can look for more than 450 recorded avian species.

Between July and November every year, more than 1.5 million animals (mostly wildebeest and zebra ) arrive in the Masai Mara as part of their annual migration from the plains of the Serengeti. Predicting exactly when and where the herds are going to show up is difficult as their movements depend on seasonal rains and grazing; but if you can observe them on the move, it's a safari experience you will never forget.

Top Things to Do

Game Drives

Traditional guided game drives in an open-sided safari vehicle are the most popular activity in the Masai Mara. Most camps and lodges within the main reserve offer two daily excursions at the best times for wildlife viewing, i.e. early morning and late afternoon. Night drives are not allowed in the Masai Mara itself, but are permitted in the neighboring conservancies.

Specialty Safaris

There are many operators who offer day trips or entire itineraries dedicated to one specific activity. These include birdwatching safaris, photographic safaris , and safaris devoted to being in the right place at the right time to watch the migration herds cross the Mara River. If you stay on a conservancy, you may also have the option to go game viewing on foot or horseback.

Hot Air Ballooning

If you have room in your budget, a dawn hot air balloon flight over the Masai Mara deserves a space at the top of your bucket list. The unique aerial perspective allows you to see for miles across the reserve's vast plains, and to observe wildlife as it passes undisturbed beneath the basket. Flights with Governors' Balloon Safaris include a Champagne breakfast.

Maasai Cultural Tour

Many safari packages and itineraries include a visit to a traditional Maasai village. Sometimes these experiences are less than authentic, but if you're lucky, you will be given a memorable insight into the lives of Kenya's best-known pastoralist tribe. They are famous for their colorful traditional dress and their incredible prowess as warriors and herdsmen.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of accommodation options located in and around the Masai Mara. Most are luxurious, and range from permanent lodges to tented and mobile camps. Before choosing which property to stay at, decide which area of the reserve you want to be based in. The central and eastern regions of the main reserve tend to see the most visitors because of their proximity to Nairobi. Lodges in these areas include Mara Simba Lodge and Keekorok Lodge .

The western Mara Triangle is more remote and harder to access, but typically offers more rewarding game viewing. There are only two options in this part of the park: Mara Serena Safari Lodge and Little Governor's Camp . For the most exclusive safari experience and a wider variety of activities, opt to stay on one of the adjacent conservancies. Our top conservancy picks include Angama Mara , andBeyond Bateleur Camp , and Elephant Pepper Camp .

Weather & When to Go

The Masai Mara National Reserve has two distinct rainy seasons: the short rains (from December to January) and the long rains (from March to May). Due to Kenya's proximity to the equator, temperatures are relatively consistent throughout the year, with average highs of around 86 degrees F and lows of around 68 degrees F. The long dry season (from June to November) is considered the best time to visit because it coincides with the Great Migration, and because animals congregate at water sources and are therefore easier to spot.

Getting There

The reserve is located approximately 170 miles west of Nairobi , and although it is possible to drive there from the capital, the state of the roads makes the six-hour journey an arduous one. During the rainy season, roads may become impassable unless you have a 4x4 vehicle and experience with driving in poor conditions. For this reason, the majority of tourists choose to fly to the Masai Mara. There are several airstrips, including those at Kichwa Tembo and Mara Serena. Flights from Nairobi take approximately 45 minutes and depart from Wilson Airport; check domestic airline Safarilink for tickets and connections to other destinations.

Visitors to the Masai Mara National Reserve must pay a daily conservation fee. This is currently $80 for adults and $45 for children under 12 years of age.

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2024 Guide to your Masai Mara Safari in Kenya: All you need to know!

The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular safari destinations in East Africa . Without a doubt, a Masai Mara safari in Kenya   guarantees a memorable experience with spectacular game drives and stunning landscapes. This article will guide you through everything you need to know for a safari in the Maasai Mara in Kenya.

Why is Masai Mara famous?

About 300,000 tourists visit the Masai Mara each year because of the abundance of wildlife and its iconic Savannah landscape with desert date trees. The Masai Mara National Reserve is also famous for the Great Migration , referring to large numbers of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles crossing the Maasai plains and the Mara River searching for food and water between Tanzania and Kenya.

The Masai Mara is home to Africa’s Big Five game animals , as well as other impressive animals like cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and more. The Masai Mara is widely known as the most famous and leading safari destination in East Africa. It’s a paradise for photographers and travelers who love nature.

Despite covering only 0.01% of Africa’s total landmass, over 40% of Africa’s larger mammals can be found in the Mara.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is named in honor of the Maasai people , an indigenous ethnic group of semi-nomadic people famous for their culture and traditions like the red clothes. Visiting a Masai village is another reason why people choose Masai Mara, Kenya for a safari in Kenya .

The beauty of the Maasai Mara’s Landscape

The Maasai Mara Game Reserve is characterized by endless open Savannah plains, dotted (acacia) trees, and rolling hills. The word ‘Mara’ means ‘spotted’ in the ‘Maa’, language, which refers to the landscape in the reserve. The Mara River runs through the Mara National Reserve, which provides the only permanent source of water in the dry season. The Mara River plays an essential role in the Great Migration and is home to many other African animals like Nile crocodiles and hippopotamus.

The Maasai Mara in Kenya also offers big dramatic skies, beautiful sunrises, and outstanding African sunsets, which are a photographer’s dream to capture. There are also tour operators that offer more specialized photo safaris in the Maasai Mara.

Where is the Masai Mara National Reserve located?

The Masai Mara National Reserve is located in Southern Kenya, along the Great Rift Valley , and covers a surface of 1,510 square km (583 square miles). It’s about 224 km from Nairobi, the Capital of Kenya. The Masai Mara National Park borders Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, both are part of the larger Mara-Serengeti Ecosystem. The Mara-Serengeti ecosystem is one of the largest and most protected ecosystems on Earth.

Map Source: Maa Trust

How to get to Masai Mara?

There are several options to get to the Masai Mara in Kenya. The two most popular options are overland by (private) transfer or by plane. Another option is booking a complete safari tour . Many tour operators offer Masai Mara Safari Packages that include transfers from and to Kenya's stunning Masai Mara.

If you travel on your own, without a Masai Mara tour, you have four options; by plane, a transfer (taxi), public transport, or a self-drive.

Masai Mara by plane

Flying is the quickest and most comfortable way to get to the Masai Mara, but also the most expensive one. The Nearest International Airport to the Masai Mara Kenya is the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. It’s a 45-60 minute flight from the Mara, depending on the part you are staying in.

Luxury safari accommodations in the Maasai Mara often offer a private transfer by plane, and most of them have a private airstrip. There are also daily flights to the Masai Mara from Nairobi Wilson Airport , provided by airlines like SafariLink and Air Kenya . The aircraft will land on an airstrip near your camp. After this flight, a driver needs to pick you up for a drive to your accommodation . The cheapest return ticket by plane will start at around 350 US dollars.

Private transfer by car to the Masai Mara

In my opinion, a private transfer or taxi is the best option to travel to the Masai Mara from Nairobi airport.  The drive will take about 5-6 hours, depending on where you are staying. I love this way of traveling as get to know the country better by traveling overland. By driving through various villages, you get a glimpse of how the people live, and what they sell along the streets. It’s the best way to learn about Africa. Another reason to take a (private) transfer is that you can sit back and enjoy the scenery plus the opportunity to stop and take photos at the greater Rift Valley viewpoint, the world's largest valley . The downside of traveling overland is that the roads can be bumpy, especially the last part when you enter the long gravel road to the Maasai Mara. Be prepared for an 'African massage'.

The average price of a single transfer from Nairobi to Masai Mara is about 120 - 150 US Dollars per person. There is always an option to negotiate if you are traveling in a group.

Masai Mara by Public transport

Traveling to the Masai Mara in Kenya by public transport might be the cheapest and Africa’s most authentic way but at the same time the most uncomfortable and challenging way. To get to the Masai Mara by public transport , you need to use a   local public transport bus, called a "Matatu". There is no direct connection from Nairobi to Masai Mara and the journey will take about 9-11 hours without technical problems.

To reach Masai Mara by public transport, you first need to travel from Nairobi to Narok. The buses from the transport operator ‘Narok Line’ embark from Nairobi’s ‘River Road’ area, in the Central Business District. The matatu buses in Kenya will only depart when they are full, so there are no scheduled departure times. It’s advised to be there at about 07.00 AM. You can expect a bumpy, dusty, and uncomfortable drive.

Easy Coach Bus

Another option is booking a bus ticket with Easy Coach LTD to Narok ($10), either online through the Easy Coach website (Mpesa payment only), or at one of their offices.

Note that Easy Coach isn't going to the Maasai Mara, but when you arrive at the bus station in Narok , you can either take a matatu or a taxi from there.

A taxi shouldn't cost you much more than $50 and you can often share a taxi. I tried this option myself, and it worked perfectly fine for me. I booked my ticket online (Nairobi to Narok) and could choose my seat. From Narok, I arranged a private taxi to the Northern Maasai Mara Conservancies (Lemek, Enonkishu, Ol Chorro). Get in touch if you need contacts for a private transfer!

Be aware that if you choose to go with a matatu, your luggage will be squeezed inside, and the buses are mostly dirty and old. The drive from Nairobi to Narok will cost about 3 USD without a tip for the driver. To continue your way to the Masai Mara, you need to take another matatu in Narok. The matatu from Nairobi drops you off at the top of a hill, 1.5 km away from the buses that depart to the Masai Mara. You can either walk or ask a motorbike driver to bring you to the ‘Naivas supermarket’, that’s where the buses depart.

To continue your journey to the Masai Mara, you need to take a bus towards Sekenani Gate , located on the eastern side of the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Make sure to have accommodation in this area and tell your driver where you’re staying before you leave Narok, so they know where to drop you. This second drive from Narok to the Masai Mara will cost about 5 USD excluding a tip for the driver.

Self drive in the Masai Mara

It is possible to do a self-drive in the Masai Mara , but it’s recommended to go with a local field guide who knows the area, the rules, and who understands the seasonal patterns and behavior of the animals. Roads toward and inside the reserve can be tough, and it can be quite complicated to find where to go in the Masai Mara.

If you choose to do a self-drive in the Masai Mara, you need to be well-prepared. Do your research about the areas in and around the reserve, within the Greater Masai Mara ecosystem , the different entrance gates, the fees, your car maintenance like refueling, and the road conditions.

Wildlife Course in the Maasai Mara

Have you ever considered doing a wildlife course in the Maasai Mara as an alternative to a regular safari trip?

If you are a nature and wildlife lover and want to enhance your knowledge of the natural world and African wildlife, a field guide course in the heart of the Maasai Mara is the perfect fit!

These wildlife courses - varying from 6 days to 1 year - are not only for the ones who pursue a career as a safari guide but for all nature enthusiasts who want to spend meaningful time in the African bush in order to get a better understanding of the natural environment and animal behavior. It's a great alternative to an 'ordinary' group safari trip, ticking off the Big Five as you will learn so much more from all the experienced trainers.

  I wrote an article about my personal experience of doing a wildlife course in the bush and 14 reasons to consider a safari guide course .

Since October 2021, I'm a qualified Field Guide (NQF2), and as a photographic tour leader, I offer private or small group photo safaris in Africa. Send me an e-mail at [email protected] to enquire about the possibility of going on a Kenya photo safari with me or if you want to receive more information about booking a wildlife course in the Maasai Mara .

The Best Time for Safari in Masai Mara, Kenya

The Masai Mara Kenya is an all-year-round safari destination   because of the excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year. In general, the best time to go on safari in Masai Mara is from July to October, during the dry season. During these months, the chances of sightings near waterholes and rivers are high and there is no or little rainfall.

The most popular time to visit the Masai Mara  is during July and August because of the highest chance of seeing the Wildebeest migration. At the same time, it’s the busiest and most expensive period to travel to the Masai Mara.

When planning your Masai Mara safari it’s important to be aware of the two rainy seasons . You can expect long rains from April to May and short rains in November and December. The advantage of the rainy season is that the scenery is green, which is great for birders. From October onwards, you can also be lucky to spot more newborns.

I love to plan my Masai Mara safari in June, September, October, or November.

    RELATED: What to pack for safari in Africa? Use this Safari Packing Guide !

The Great Migration in the Maasai Mara

During July and August, the Mara plains are full of wildebeest, zebra, and antelopes who migrate between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. Every year, more than 2 million animals are crossing the mighty Mara River in search of food and water. This world’s largest multi-species migration is a phenomenal wildlife viewing. While crossing the Mara River there’s always a high risk of getting caught by crocodiles and other predators.

This natural spectacle of the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara attracts many tourists every year and is the busiest - and most expensive - time in the Masai Mara. Therefore, it's advisable to plan your stay in advance if you want to view this natural phenomenon.

Fun Fact: Did you know the Wildebeest (or Gnu) is part of The Ugly Five animals of Africa? And that these five ugliest safari animals in Africa can all be found in the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the surrounding conservancies?

Is Masai Mara safe?

Safaris in the Masai Mara are safe, especially if your safari is primarily an organized tour or organized by your accommodation. For your safety, listen to the advice of your safari guide and make sure to follow the safety rules. The reserve itself is well protected by professionally trained and certified park rangers . The Mara is located far from agitated areas, so there’s no need to worry about safety in the Maasai Mara .

How many days do you need in Masai Mara?

A 3-day Masai Mara safari is the minimum to get the best out of your experience. It’s recommended to have at least two to four full days in the park to explore the variety of wildlife and sceneries. Many tour operators offer Masai Mara safari packages, which can be interesting because you don’t need to arrange everything on your own. If you have time, I recommend staying at two or three different lodges in different parts of the Mara and I also highly recommend booking a balloon safari .

  RELATED: What to expect on a hot air balloon safari?

Is Masai Mara expensive?

The Masai Mara is an expensive tourist destination . Depending on the style you are used to traveling, prices vary. Masai Mara Safari packages cover all costs for accommodation, fees for Masai Mara National Reserve, (private) guides, meals, the vehicle, fuel, and more.

For instance, a budget 3-day Masai Mara safari package starts at 270 USD per person sharing. Budget means staying in a budget camp and sharing a vehicle with a group of 6 to 12 persons. Luxury safaris in Masai Mara can easily cost 1000 USD per person per night.

If you are an adventurous traveler and want to arrange everything on your own, you can spare some money. However, the park fees of the Maasai Mara National Reserve are not negotiable and they are not cheap. Until 2023, they were 80 USD per persoon for non-resident adults, but increased up to 200 USD in 2024.

Park Entry Fees Masai Mara 2024

The Narok County Council has increased the Masai Mara entry fees for 2024 and they differ per season.

The entrance fee for Masai Mara in 2024 for non-resident adults varies from 100 USD from 1st January until 3th June 2024, to 200 USD per person for the daily entrance fee into the Masai Mara National Reserve from 1st July until 31st December 2024. Children from 9 to 17 years old pay 50 USD, and children under 8 can enter free of charge.

Here's an overview of the Masai Mara Park Entry Fees in 2024 :

• USD 100 per day, per adult
• USD 50 per day, per child from 9-17 years
• Children 8 years and below are free
• USD 200 per day, per adult

Which part of Masai Mara is best?

The two rivers of the reserve, the Mara River and Talek River , naturally divide the reserve into three parts; Sekenani, the Mara Triangle, and Musiara.

Mara Triangle

It takes some more effort to drive to the Mara Triangle because it’s more remotely located and only a few accommodations are based there. This part is less crowded, and it’s the gateway to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Especially during the Great Migration, it would be great to spend time in or near the Mara Triangle, but in general, I would suggest focusing more on the accommodation than the location in the Mara.

Mara Conservancies

Apart from the areas inside the reserve, several private conservancies border the Masai Mara National Reserve. These conservancies are also part of the Mara-Serengeti Ecosystem, all without fences so that the wildlife can roam freely from the Maasai Mara National Reserve into the conservancies and vice versa. If it suits your budget, it’s a lovely way to get a more exclusive experience and an abundance of wildlife. Examples of Mara Conservancies are Enonkishu Conservancy , Lemek Conservancy, and Naboisho Conservancy.

Which is better, Serengeti or Masai Mara?

Serengeti and Maasai Mara are both amazing safari destinations that share the same ecosystem, wildlife, climate, and types of landscapes but there are some differences. For example, The Serengeti National Park is larger than the Masai Mara National Reserve and also more expensive. The main reason for the price difference is that tourists stay inside the Serengeti, where you have to pay a daily concession fee in addition to the National Park fee (140 USD in total).

I honestly can't say which is better, the Serengeti or the Masai Mara. Both offer an outstanding safari experience, but my favorite is the magical Maasai Mara.

Is Masai Mara malaria free?

Malaria is sparse in the Masai Mara because of its altitude. Mosquitoes generally do not live at those elevations, but they can exist. On my last visit to the Masai Mara, I brought antimalarials but I didn't take them. I do use mosquito repellant and I wear long trousers when the sun starts setting. I'm not a doctor, so my best advice is to consult a doctor before heading to Africa.

Is Masai Mara fenced?

There aren't any fences between the Mara and Serengeti and the surrounding conservancies, so wildlife is free to roam throughout the land. Communities or private establishments use fences, but it can harm the animals. There is a lot of attention to preventing fencing in the area.

How to enter the Masai Mara National Reserve?

There are 6 entry gates to Masai Mara to make it easier to reach the beautiful National Reserve. Below you can find the 6 Masai Mara gates. Using the correct Masai Mara gate can save you hours of extra driving.

• Sekenani Gate , located on the Eastern border of the reserve
• Talek Gate , located on the Northwestern side of Masai Mara National Reserve
• Musiara Gate , located on the north-eastern side of the reserve, near Oloololo gate
• Oloololo Gate , located on the north-eastern side of the reserve, near Musiara Gate
• Ololaimutia Gate , located on the northeastern side of the reserve
• Sand River Gate , located on the southern end of Masai Mara national reserve

Where to stay in Masai Mara?

Where to stay in the Maasai Mara depends on your wishes and budget. In the southeastern part of the reserve, near the Talek, Sekenani, and Olumununa gates, you can find many accommodations varying from budget to luxury lodges.

We prefer staying at a private Mara conservancy . These exclusive conservancies have strict limitations on visitor numbers, they are smaller and often allow off-road driving. Most of the guides are local (Masai) people, who know the area very well. Last but not least, the population of wildlife is often higher because of strict conservation management. Below you can find examples of accommodation I have stayed at:

• Mid-Range : Wild Bandas , Enonkishu Conservancy
• Mid-Range :   Maasai Mara Sopa Lodge , Ololaimutia Hills, on the northeastern side of the reserve
• Luxury : Ashnil Mara Camp , Talek, Masai Mara National Reserve
• Luxury : House in the Wild , Enonkishu Conservancy

Is a safari in Masai Mara worth it?

Yes. a Masai Mara safari is totally worth it!  Whether it’s your first safari or one out of many, you won’t regret going (back) to the Mara. The amount of wildlife is stunning, the landscapes are wonderful, the guides and staff speak English, and you can join a cultural experience with the Maasai tribe.

Book a Maasai Mara Safari in Kenya

Looking for the best deals for a safari in the Maasai Mara operated by 5-star rated tour operators? Find interesting deals and Maasai Mara Safari Packages , ranging from budget safaris to luxury safaris.

Maasai Mara Safari in Kenya

In case you have any questions about planning your safari in Kenya or getting around in the Maasai Mara, feel free to contact me. If you are planning your first-ever safari, it might be useful to read the following articles:

• What to expect on a game drive in Africa? 15 things you need to know
• 7 tips to make the most out of your safari game drive
• If you're a keen photographer you might be interested in reading my tips for planning a photography safari in for example the Masai Mara
• What to pack for a safari in Africa? Use this Safari Packing Guide

I hope this article was helpful for you to plan your Maasai Mara safari itinerary. If so, I would be extremely thankful if you'd share this blog on social media and leave a comment below.

Pin this guide to a Maasai Mara Safari in Kenya for later use!

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The Masai Mara in Kenya is nature's epic masterpiece.

A little bit about Masai Mara

Rolling hills, sprawling savannahs, dramatic river crossings and of course... more wildlife and adventure than any movie could ever portray. Welcome to the Masai Mara, home to the lions of ‘Big Cat Diary’, temporary residence of the ‘Great Migration’, mighty Maasai warriors and some of the most luxurious safari lodges on earth.

The Masai Mara features a stunning kaleidoscope of wild and rugged landscapes, warm and welcoming people and an exciting array of creatures – big and small. World famous for hosting the epic Great Migration, the Masai Mara welcomes 1,5 million wildebeests onto its sprawling savannahs each July through October. The Masai Mara National Reserve and conservancies are brimming with life and offer safari travellers a wide variety of activities to choose from. Whether you take to the skies for a high-flying hot-air balloon adventure at sunrise or hit the road for a 4x4 safari, you’re sure to leave the Masai Mara with unforgettable experiences and lifelong memories.

Going on a Masai Mara safari

Part of the fun of going on safari is planning your safari. We’ve been there... and know how it feels. As avid travellers we can imagine you have loads of questions while planning your trip to the Masai Mara. Very few places on earth are as unspoilt, adventurous and authentic as the Mara eco-system.

Reading up on the Masai Mara, finding out what you might encounter, exploring your accommodation options... we've done most of the work for you and created this site to help you find all the answers to any questions you may have. To top it off, we've brought together a top-notch collection of Masai Mara safari lodges and camps for you to choose from. Naturally, we're only an e-mail or message away if you need a little extra help planning your safari.

About the Masai Mara

Known as one of the world’s most famous wildlife areas or ‘the world’s eight world wonder’, the Masai Mara has endless plains, breath-taking vistas and abundant wildlife. Learn more about the Masai Mara here.

Masai Mara special offers

Dreaming of the perfect safari holiday? We’ll help you find your way while planning your trip and provide you with a selection of the best available deals. Check out our latest Masai Mara special offers and discounts.

Getting to Masai Mara

Whether you’re arriving from far, far away or travelling to the Masai Mara from a destination in the region. We’ll guide you through your options for getting to the Mara and for getting around once you’re here.

As newbie safari travellers, we were blown away by our experience of the Conservatory - the animals in abundance; the landscapes; the people; the smells and sounds.

It was an amazing experience to actually see the river crossings, that we had seen so many times on TV during the wildebeest migration.

We saw a leopard on a tree and we were lucky enough to watch four lionesses and three cubs eating a fresh hunt. In the evening safari we were able to explore a massive variety of hippopotamus and a crocodile.

Masai Mara lodges & camps

The Masai Mara is rough and rugged, however you don't have to rough it during your stay. Eco-chic safari lodges with four-poster beds, sundowners with your favourite G&T and infinity pools overlooking the African savanna await.

We’ve selected a variety of warm and welcoming Masai Mara safari lodges and camps for you to choose from during your stay. Each of the accommodation options we’ve selected is known for offering premium safari activities, first-class accommodation and every creature comfort you could wish for during your stay.

All accommodations in Greater Masai Mara

Browse all camps & lodges

National Reserve accommodation

Browse Masai Mara NR accommodations

Mara conservancies accommodation

Browse conservancy lodges & camps

Masai Mara lodges we love

We would like to share a few accommodation options with you for your stay in the Masai Mara. Our safari lodge options come in a variety of price ranges, giving you plenty of possibilities to find the right Masai Mara safari camp for your travel budget.

Keep in mind that the following are simply suggestions. We offer tailor-made safari experiences and look forward to creating just the right mix of Masai Mara safari accommodation and activities based on your personal preferences. We look forward to helping you create the bespoke Masai Mara safari of your dreams.

Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

lodge location Mara Triangle

Kenyan hospitality meets Maasai-inspired luxury on the lush green banks of the Saparingo River. &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp lies on the edge of the Oloololo escarpment, where riverine forest meets the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara.

from US$ 435 per person per night

Cottars 1920s Safari Camp

lodge location Olderkesi

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp offers guest vintage luxury at its very best. Cream-coloured tents decorated in 1920s epic safari style, professional Maasai safari guides and above all a sense of elegance and class - this classic Kenyan safari camp has it all.

from US$ 1,059 per person per night

Elewana Sand River Camp

lodge location Musiara Sector

Ideally situated in one of the most remote parts of Masai Mara National Reserve, Sand River Camp pays homage to romantic 1920s safaris. Its design reminds guests of the many African adventure themed Hollywood movies created in that time period.

from US$ 670 per person per night

There were lion cubs galore, a baby zebra born in front of my eyes, pretty much everything an avid photographer could hope for.

The Maasai people were extremely welcoming, and were there to make sure our experience was nothing but the best. We will definitely be back.

The Big 5 and more - giraffes, zebras, hippos, lions with their families, cheetahs and hundreds of wildebeests - no shortage of amazing game sightings every day...

Masai Mara highlights

The Masai Mara is a dream come true for everyone who ever watched ‘Out of Africa’ and longed for the adventurous, romantic nostalgia of an African safari in the wild. The Great Migration, big cats and Maasai warriors await.

The Masai Mara is a photographer's paradise. This region is known for pristine riverine forests, dramatic towering escarpments, stunning sprawling savannahs and of course... all the creatures, big and small, that roam the land. Add a visit to a Maasai village to your stay for a cultural immersion and gain some insight in the day-to-day life of your hosts. For an extra special birds-eye view of the African plains, take to the skies during a hot-air balloon safari. When it comes to crafting the safari of your dreams, the sky is the limit.

Balloon safari

View golden plains from above

Maasai people

Extraordinary cultural meetings

Exhilarating wildlife

Wildlife up close and personal

The Great Migration

Wildlife spectacle in the Masai Mara

Safari activities

Drive, walks & more

Masai Mara National Reserve

Kenya's premier wildlife reserve

Luxury accommodation

A luxury safari home from home

Mara North Conservancy

Enjoy the perks of a conservancy

Conservancies in Kenya are the way to go; protecting the extraordinary wildlife whilst giving the local community an income, together with education on the interaction between the two.

Wonderful area for wildlife viewing. Having been there twice both times were awesome experiences! Will return again.

The highlight of our trip to Mara was seeing the migration at the Mara river. A once in a lifetime experience to see the Wildebeest migrating. An amazing scene of nature it was.

Masai Mara video

The best way of understanding what the Masai Mara and its conservancies are about is by seeing some thrilling footage from the area. Watch this video to experience Kenya's Masai Mara, its splendour and to meet some of our celebrity wildlife species.

Be careful, after watching this video you can be sure that you want to travel to Kenya. Today.

We saw 8 lions in one drive, and a hippo pod being circled by a dozen crocodiles that launched into the water, trying to get the baby hippos in the center of the pod. Wow!

I was fortunate that when I was recently in the Mara North Conservancy there were so few tourists. I saw plenty of wildlife. The sightings of big cats were especially good.

The Mara Triangle is the most beautiful, lush area of the Masai Mara. Loads of elephants and all types of wildlife without all the land cruiser traffic found in other areas of the Mara.

Send your enquiry

We hope you have found all information needed to decide that the Masai Mara in Kenya is the perfect place for your next safari adventure. Still have questions? Or maybe you would like some more specific information about the different lodges? Please fill in the contact form and we will get back to you soon!

• Masai Mara National Reserve & conservancies
• [email protected]

Self-Drive Masai Mara | Everything you need to know

The Masai Mara, or the Mara, as most Kenyans call it, is a beautiful national reserve in Kenya that borders the Serengeti in Tanzania. For first-timers, it can be difficult to understand how the Mara ''works'' - which entrance gates to use, which roads to avoid, and what fees to pay. 

In this Masai Mara self-drive travel guide, we take you by the hand so you can explore this world-class Kenyan safari park prepared and with peace of mind.   

Entrance gates to the Masai Mara ecosystem

The greater Masai Mara ecosystem is comprised of three large sections and several smaller private conservancies:

• Masai Mara National Reserve: Most visitors access the reserve through the Sekenani gate from Narok town. Additional entry points include Oloolaimutia Gate and Talek Gate (east), Musiara Gate (north), and Purungat Mara River Gate (south). Permits can be obtained upon arrival at any of these gates, with payment options including credit card or MPESA Mobile Money.
• Mara Triangle: The primary gateway is the Oloololo Gate, where you must pay your entry fees. However, a transit permit must be secured at Sekenani Gate.
• Mara North Conservancy: Situated to the north of the Mara Reserve, this conservancy mainly offers luxurious camps primarily tailored for all-inclusive game drive packages, making them less suitable for self-drivers.
• Private Conservancies: Bordering the three main sections are various private conservancies, of which Naboisho is the largest. Should you stay in one of the lodges inside a private conservancy, then conservation fees will be added to your hotel bill automatically. Should you camp in one of the conservancies, then an entrance fee is still required when visiting the National Reserve or the Triangle, where most of the wildlife is found. 

Safari trips in the Mara are not easy on your wallet. For an overview of all entrance fees for the Masai Mara, we recommend checking out our  National Parks of Kenya page . 

Can I explore the Masai Mara on a self-drive trip? 

Yes, self-drive safaris are allowed in the Masai Mara. The Masai Mara and the Serengeti in Tanzania are probably the the best known safari parks in the world. Nevertheless, some of the roads leading to these touristic highlights are the worst roads you will experience in Kenya. Also, for a first-timer, it can be quite complicated to understand where to go as the tracks inside the Mara Reserve are not marked, making it easy to get lost.

So, while we allow self-drive visits to the Mara, we recommend exploring the Mara with a local  driver-guide . Our team at Roadtrip Africa works with well-trained and truly lovable driver-guides who know everything there is to know about Kenya and the Masai Mara. Alternatively, most lodges in the Mara also offer game-viewing packages, which can provide you with guided safari tours. You can also ask one of the rangers at the gates to guide you on a trip. Do note that these rangers are not designated drivers from Roadtrip Africa, and therefore not allowed to drive our vehicles. 

Driving times and road conditions to the Masai Mara :

• Nairobi to Narok (gateway town to the Mara Reserve): Approximately 4 hours on a smooth tarmac road.
• Narok to Sekenani Gate (main gate to Mara Reserve): Allow 2 hours, with the recommended and fully tarmacked route being the C12. Avoid taking the C11, even if directed by Google Maps while en route to Sekani gate, as it is a rough road, detrimental to your vehicle, and significantly extends travel time. Instead, stick to the C12 and, if interested in visiting Maji Moto, branch left at the signpost to Maji Moto Eco Camp.
• C13 Route: This route leads to Oloololo Gate of the Mara Triangle and the Musiara and Talek Gates of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Expect a journey of approximately 7 hours. However, the road is in poor condition and we strongly recommend you to avoid it when you can.

For the best possible self-drive experience in the Mara, we recommend concentrating on the Mara Reserve and the Mara Triangle exclusively.

Are there campsites in the Masai Mara?

Camping inside the Masai Mara is an unforgettable wilderness experience, and we strongly recommend it. 

The Maasai Mara Triangle offers three public campsites—Oloololo, Eluai, and Iseiya. No advance booking is required for these public campsites. Additional information about camping in the Triangle can be found on this website .

Within the Mara Reserve, public campsites are not available. Camping options can be sought just outside the park, close to Sekenani, Talek, or Oloololo Gate.

Mark Davies, a fellow roadtripper, shared his camping experience in the Mara Triangle:

“Camping in the Mara Triangle is truly exceptional. I highly recommend a self-drive here, as it offers a more manageable and straightforward navigation compared to the main Masai Mara National Reserve. While Eluai lacks facilities, Oloololo provides a small cooking area, showers, and toilets. The rangers are remarkably friendly, and everyone is willing to pass on game information."

Want to know more about camping in Kenya? Visit our camping page for all you need to know about camping gear, campsites and tent-options!

When to visit the Masai Mara?

The Masai Mara offers superb wildlife viewing year-round. The best time to visit the Masai Mara depends on what you want: wildebeest migration or wilderness feel. Your preferences will guide you through the seasons:

• Peak Season (Mid-June to September): This period marks the Mara's peak season, coinciding with the popular wildebeest migration. While witnessing millions of wildebeests can be captivating, it draws a significant amount of tourists to the area. Mobile Camps near the river become expensive, and the landscape is filled with countless safari vehicles. And even though we understand the wish to capture iconic moments - such as a crocodile seizing a wildebeest - such an event is highly unpredictable and impossible to time with your visit.
• High Season (October to February): This is the Mara's high season, offering abundant wildlife and a steady flow of visitors. 
• Low Season (March to May): This is the time of the year with the most rainfall, so prepare to get stuck in the mud. However, for the self-reliant adventurer, this period presents an excellent opportunity to explore the Mara with good wildlife viewing and fewer crowds. Lodges within the Masai Mara reduce their rates, requiring less advance booking, and the landscape during this time turns beautifully green.

It's worth noting that the Mara Triangle, especially its western part, receives the least number of visitors, improving the potential for a more exclusive and peaceful wildlife experience.

Where can I get fuel in the Masai Mara? 

Securing fuel during your self-safari in the Masai Mara is essential. Here are the options:

Narok Town: The nearest Total and Shell fuel stations are located in Narok Town.

Talek and Sekenani Gate: Smaller, and also pricier, refuelling stations are available at Talek and Sekenani Gate.

Inside the Masai Mara Reserve: Fuel can also be obtained at Sarova Mara Lodge or Serena Hotel within the Masai Mara Reserve.

For a stress-free safari experience, Roadtrip Kenya Landcruisers boast an impressive action radius of 1100-1300 km. By refuelling at Narok Town, you can indulge in several days of game driving without concerns about running out of fuel.

Can I cross from Masai Mara to the Serengeti?


Do you want to visit the Tanzanian Serengeti National Park? Although the Serengeti and the Masai Mara are part of the same ecosystem, they are separated by a land border. To enter the Serengeti, you must drive around both parks, using the Namanga, Isabania, or Loitokitok border. This detour adds at least 1,5 travel days to your journey. 

As applies to any African roadtrip, less is more. We truly believe it is more rewarding to explore a small number of National Parks in-depth, engaging in various experiences such as nature walks, night game drives, sundowners, and lion tracking. This approach is far more rewarding than trying to tick off all the boxes and rush from one safari park to the next. Both the Masai Mara and the Serengeti ecosystem provide very similar safari experiences, also reducing the need to visit both parks in one trip. 

What other Kenyan highlights can I combine with the Masai Mara?

Depending on the time that you have, there are wonderful itineraries and routes available in Kenya that include a visit to the Masai Mara. At Roadtrip Africa, our well-planned routes range from a short 9-day circuit  to an  exciting 16-day safari and beach roadtrip , showing you all the marvels and diversity that Kenya has to offer. For roadtrip inspiration, view all our Kenya itineraries here . 

Taking off on your Kenya self-drive adventure

Are you ready to rent a car and explore Kenya and the Masai Mara on a self-drive trip? Get in contact with our experienced team at Roadtrip Africa to check availability, and secure your 4x4 now!

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Masai Mara, Kenya: Ultimate Travel Guide

• Author david
• Date December 21st, 2023

Welcome to Masai Mara, Kenya ! If you’re seeking an authentic African adventure, filled with breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and rich cultural experiences, then look no further. Masai Mara is a true gem, a destination that will ignite your sense of wonder and leave you mesmerized.

With its vast savannahs, dotted with acacia trees and rolling grasslands as far as the eye can see, Masai Mara National Reserve offers a photographer’s paradise. But it’s not just the scenery that captivates; it’s the abundance of wildlife that calls this place home. From majestic lions, graceful cheetahs, and towering giraffes to majestic elephants and elusive leopards, Masai Mara is a true haven for animal enthusiasts.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating Maasai culture, where you can interact with the locals, witness traditional ceremonies, and learn about their exceptional way of life. And if you’re lucky, you might even witness the Great Migration, a spectacular event where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River in search of greener pastures.

I explored the wonders of Masai Mara in November 2022 with my friends at Kumbukumbu Tours . From spending time with the beautiful Maasai people to seeing majestic animals up close, it was a life-changing experience, and I can’t wait to share it with you. These are the top things you must do in Masai Mara, Kenya.

What is Masai Mara National Reserve?

Masai Mara National Reserve is a renowned wildlife destination located in southwestern Kenya. It’s named after the Maasai people, a pastoral semi-nomadic tribe known for their colorful clothing, elaborate beadwork, strength, and resilience. The second half of the reserve’s name comes from the Mara River, which flows through it.

Masai Mara covers an area of approximately 1,510 square kilometers and forms part of the larger Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. It is famous for its abundant wildlife, including the “Big Five” (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhinoceros) and the annual Great Migration. It’s known for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and incredible opportunities for game viewing and photography. It is a must-visit destination for all nature and culture enthusiasts.

Spend Time with the Maasai Tribe

As famous as Masai Mara is for its wildlife, you can’t visit this spectacular place without meeting the people it’s named after. In one of the most rewarding experiences in my travel career, I got to meet members of the Maasai tribe , learn about traditional dances and local cuisine, and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Maasai way of life. I also got to see how they preserve their traditions in the modern era.

The Maasai tribe is composed of various clans spread across Kenya and Tanzania. Kariya, our local contact, donned traditional clothing and intricate jewelry, and carried a machete as took us around the village. First, he introduced us to the local chief.

Within the village, there are roughly sixty people across ten families. I learned that they live in unique houses constructed using cow dung as a building material. We were invited into a local house and got to see its sitting room, kitchen, and guest room with a bed. It had a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Then, they invited us to have a meal with them! Members of the tribe cooked a local lamb dish outdoors. They prepared it over a fire with stones and served it with a corn-based mash called ugali. The combination of starchy ugali with the tender, juicy meat was amazing in its simplicity and tasted amazing. Afterward, Kariya even presented us with a traditional Maasai shawl!

Stay at Oldarpoi Mara Camp in Masai Mara

You’ll need a place to stay during your time in Masai Mara. I highly recommend Oldarpoi Mara Camp , a luxury safari camp that captures the true spirit of East Africa. They offer first-hand views of the annual wildebeest migration, safari excursions, and immersive experiences with the local Maasai people. The camp offers three different accommodations: Superior Cottages, Superior Tents, and VIP Wageni Camps.

I stayed in a Superior Tent, a large luxury tent with multiple rooms. It even had a separate room for people traveling with kids. We also had lots of furniture and even a separate bathroom.

The dining at Oldarpoi Mara Camp is a top-notch experience. Much of the food is made with Western palates in mind, with grilled chicken, roast lamb, celery soup, and tomato rice on the menu. I also loved the chana dal. But the best part about dinner is that members of the Maasai tribe put on a cultural song and dance performance afterward! In another positive, the camp is just five minutes from the Sekenani Gate where you enter the park!

Experience Morning and Evening Game Drives

Staying at luxury safari camps and paying for game drives can be expensive, for sure. But it’s important for travelers to know that, just because you’ve paid for a game drive, doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to see many animals. It’s very much luck of the draw, which is why I recommend going on as many as you can afford in Masai Mara. It’ll raise your chances of encountering the animals you want to see!

That said, on my first evening in Masai Mara, I was fortunate to spot several giraffes, buffalo, a hyena, hartebeest, and an Egyptian goose. After a while, the landscape transitioned to open savannah, where an older male lion calmly strolled past our vehicle! I was in awe of how close he got!

But the real treat came the following morning during my second game drive. Almost immediately, we came across warthogs, an African elephant with her baby, and a large herd of buffalo. We also saw an amarula tree, known for being a favorite of elephants and used by the local tribe to make an alcoholic drink.

As our morning continued, we also saw antelope, topi, hyenas, zebra, wildebeest, a herd of elephants, two male cheetahs, and an ostrich. At the Mara River, we even came across two of the area’s more dangerous animals, crocodiles, and hippos.

But the highlights came near the end of our session, when we saw a rare black rhino crossing into Tanzania. Sightings of these massive creatures can be rare, so seeing one is a real treat!

The other highlight of my Masai Mara game drives was getting to see a pair of mating lions! We spent several minutes observing them from a distance. Seeing lions mating in the wild is also extremely rare, so coming across them is something I’ll never forget!

Enjoy a Sundowner with the Maasai Tribe in Masai Mara

After your evening game drive, I suggest experiencing a Sundowner. This is essentially a social gathering involving food, drinks, and music in the park at sundown. I was fortunate enough to experience one with members of the local Maasai tribe. The tribe members sang, danced, and performed around a fire, sharing their vibrant culture with e. Their energy and passion were contagious.

Later, they showcased their incredible jumping abilities. I couldn’t believe how high their vertical leap was! I couldn’t come close to the heights they reached. After giving up on matching their jumping skills, we topped off the experience with some amarula . The Maasai make this creamy drink from the sausage-shaped fruit found on the trees I had observed earlier. It was smooth and creamy, and reminded me of Bailey’s. It was the perfect ending to my unforgettable adventure in Masai Mara.

Book a Trip to Masai Mara National Reserve

While the urban centers of Nairobi and Mombasa are exciting and fast-paced, Masai Mara is the crown jewel of Kenya. There’s something extremely serene about this beautiful, untamed land. With its gorgeous wildlife, stunning vistas, and immersive cultural experiences, there’s nothing quite like it.

I can’t recommend Masai Mara enough to anyone considering a trip to Kenya. Meeting the people who have lived on the land for generations was a lesson in strength and resilience. And, as an animal lover, getting to see rare lions, rhinos, and other amazing creatures made my time there a magical experience. Book a trip to Masai Mara to experience it for yourself!

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• Where to Stay and Play in Kenya’s Masai Mara, a Game Reserve for Wildlife Safaris

There are more than 100 safari camps in Kenya's most iconic safari destination. But just a few stand above the rest.

Karthika gupta, karthika gupta's most recent stories.

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But it can difficult to know where to start. 

So how do you differentiate between those that offer a great safari experience to those that simply check the boxes? Here is a look at some of the best of the best—from private sole-use tented camps to 100-year-old lodges that provide an elevated guest experience with lots of extras, along with an eye toward sustainability and community engagement.

Bateleur Camp, Masai Mara

Rates range from $850 to $1,815 per night, per person for a luxury tent. Family tents range from $3,045 to $6,355 per night.

Mara Plains Camp, Olare Motorogi Conservancy

Rates range from $1,300 to $2,540 per person, per night .

Sanctuary Olonana, Masai Mara

Sanctuary Olonana is a stunning luxury safari lodge located at the foot of the Siria Escarpment on a private stretch of the Mara River in the heart of Masai Mara. A unique feature of Olonana is that it has 14 glass-sided suites, giving a different feel to a classic safari lodge. It is the perfect place to take in all of Masai Mara’s breath-taking natural wonders and wildlife against the backdrop of the river which flows right past the lodge. The Olonana offers a prime viewing spot during the great migration; you can even see some of it from your glass-sided suite. For a bird’s eye view of the landscape, opt for a hot air balloon flight or a scenic flight across the great African wild. Other features include game drives, cultural visits, and sundowners. For an extra special stay, the newly opened Geoffrey Kent Suite includes two ensuite bedrooms, private dining, infinity pool and a dedicated safari vehicle with guide—perfect for a family vacation.

Prices at Sanctuary Olonana range from $630 to $2,000 per night, per person.

Angama Safari Camp, Mara Triangle

Prices range from $1,500 to $2,500 per person, per night in peak season (July through Sept., Dec. through Jan.).

Cottars 1920’s Safari Camp

While not new, Cottar’s safari camp is an iconic lodge offering incredible safari experiences for around 100 years. Located in the private Olderkesi Conservancy, which borders the Masai Mara National Reserve, the camp is centered around conservation. It’s also Fellow Members of the Long Run and one of only 10 Global Ecosphere Retreats. One of their popular and unique offerings is the Budding Conservationist program —a four-day program for a family that includes a half-day vulture rehabilitation experience, a foraging and feasting experience, reforestation seed balling, a conservancy tour, a visit to a Masai warrior school, stargazing sessions, and interacting with female conservation rangers.

Rates vary based on season starting around $1,100 (off-season) to $1,300 (peak and high season during the great migration and Christmas) per person, per night.

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Where to stay in masai mara.

The Mara accommodations we recommend are located in five zones: northern, eastern, southern, western and central. Staying at both the conservancy and main reserve offer a discerning experience.

MIGRATION IN MASAI MARA

Masai Mara is the most noted location of the Great Wildebeest Migration due to its famed Mara River crossings. As such, our travelers place great importance on having front row seats to the event.

SAFARI & TOUR IN MASAI MARA

Game drive experienced in varied outbacks from riverine woodlands to the great plains is the most widespread tour activity. Other activities are bush walks, village visits, ballooning trip and more.

BEST TIME TO VISIT MASAI MARA

The migration season from July to October is considered the best time of the year to visit the Masai Mara. Game viewing is optimal at this time as there is plenty of predator and prey interactions.

BALLOON SAFARI IN MASAI MARA

A balloon safari over the Mara is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As you ascend, beautiful features unfold before your eyes: rolling hills, meandering rivers, lush plains, all teeming with wildlife.

MASAI MARA CONSERVANCIES

The Masai Mara conservancies offer the lowest density of guests, distint activities, unique accommodations, as well as incredible flora and fauna experiences in the most pristine wilderness areas.

AFRICANMECCA REVIEWS

We had a fantastic trip to the Masai Mara. Thank you for helping to organise it. We will definitely recommend yourselves to our friends who are planning on travelling to Kenya. Thank you again.

Tadhg Jones - AIG Inc - Croydon, United Kingdom

We had a fantastic trip to the Masai Mara. It was well organized by AfricanMecca Safaris and I had no worries. We loved the baby lions and were also able to see the leopard stalking its prey.

Ken and Pam Daut - California, United States

Jambo Raza!!! The safari trip was spectacular! Everything went off without a hitch. We loved the Masai Mara. The migration was awesome. You listened to what I wanted and delivered it perfectly.

Judi & Chaim Platt - Toronto, Canada

My trip to Kenya was beyond fantastic. I loved every second of it and I must thank you and your staff at AfricanMecca Safaris for making my travels to Masai Mara possible and most enjoyable.

Katie Chakey - New Jersey, United States

Raza, Thank you for all your diligent assistance in coordinating our photo safari to the Masai Mara. Thanks again for all of your help in making this a truly dream vacation. I will be recommending you.

Rusty Phenix - (Phenix & Crump Attorneys At Law) - Texas, United States

We had an incredible experience in Masai Mara & on the beach. Everything went very smoothly and the AfricanMecca representatives were fantastic. Thank you for putting together this amazing trip for us.

Dr Cory M. Bryant - US FDA - Washington D.C, United States

I cannot say enough about the quality of AfricanMecca. Their teams in Kenya and Tanzania were top notch. Raza, again thanks to you and your entire organization! We will be repeat customers.

Dan Kobick - Managing Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers - New York, United States

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Visit Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

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The wind whistles in the thorn trees. On a solitary acacia, a vulture ruffles its feathers. Above are endless skies to match the seemingly endless horizons. This must be the Masai Mara, home to the greatest animal show on Earth.

The Mara Game Reserve, as it was originally known, was established in 1961. Today, it’s one of the best-known wildlife areas in Africa, home to healthy big cat populations and an abundance of plains game, bolstered by the arrival of millions of wildebeest during the Great Migration . Visit at any time and you have a good chance of seeing lion, elephant, cheetah, Masai giraffe and buffalo, as well as varied birdlife, hippo and crocodiles along the rivers.

Everything's big here: it’s a landscape of rolling plains and rounded hills, of groves of acacia woodland and dense thickets of scrub. The reserve is bisected by the Mara River and its tributaries, which are margined by lush riverine forest and the site of spectacular river crossings during the migration.

The reserve’s southern boundary is contiguous with Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, which shares the Great Migration herds. It has been developed on the lines of a national park, where, unlike in the bordering conservancies, human settlements are unable to intrude and game-viewing is restricted to game drives and horse riding safaris.

During the Great Migration (usually between July and October), you can focus your game drives along the Mara River, where, as well as river crossings, you have a good chance of seeing predators picking off the weakest of the herds. It’s worth noting that the reserve gets very busy during these months and river crossings are near-impossible to predict, requiring huge amounts of patience.

At any time of year, you still have a chance of seeing all of the Big Five , though leopard seem to be skilled at keeping a low profile. You can also stumble across cheetah, either solitary females (sometimes with cubs) or male coalitions peering over termite mounds.

Most vehicles in the park will focus on spotting these key species. But, sometimes, the best game drives are where you don’t have a set animal goal in mind and simply see what’s out there, sticking to quieter corners for a more laid-back, authentic experience.

Best time to visit Masai Mara National Reserve

The Masai Mara, while known for its Great Migration months of July to October, is abundant in all manner of wildlife year-round. You’re most likely to experience rain between March and May, but it shouldn’t impact on your safari experience and the reserve will have fewer visitors at this time.

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Masai Mara National Reserve by contacting one of our Kenya specialists

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Suggested itineraries featuring Masai Mara National Reserve

Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Masai Mara National Reserve, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Rwanda's gorillas & Kenya's Big Five

9 days from $12,955pp

Northern Kenya & the Great Migration (Laikipia & the Masai Mara)

10 days from $15,750pp

Mara & Mahé explorer

13 days from $8,375pp

Kenya safari & Zanzibar beach

13 days from $12,745pp

Ultimate Kenya safari: Amboseli, Meru & Masai Mara

13 days from $22,830pp

Classic Kenya Honeymoon

13 days from $11,400pp

Luxury Kenya safari & beach

15 days from $18,560pp

Map of Masai Mara National Reserve

Places & hotels on the map, places near masai mara national reserve.

• Mara North Conservancy 17 miles away
• Mara Naboisho Conservancy 26 miles away
• Loita Hills 63 miles away
• Lake Victoria 94 miles away
• Shompole Magadi 96 miles away
• Lakes of the Great Rift Valley 107 miles away
• Lake Naivasha 107 miles away
• Lake Nakuru 108 miles away
• Nairobi 130 miles away
• The Laikipia Plateau 163 miles away
• Ol Pejeta Conservancy 168 miles away
• Sosian Lodge 169 miles away
• Amboseli National Park 173 miles away
• Loisaba Wilderness Conservancy 196 miles away
• Ol Lentille Conservancy 201 miles away
• Il Ngwesi Group Ranch 204 miles away
• Lewa Wilderness Conservancy 207 miles away
• Borana Ranch 214 miles away
• The Chyulu Hills 215 miles away
• Karisia Hills 215 miles away
• Samburu National Reserve 227 miles away
• Matthews Mountain Range 243 miles away
• Meru National Park 247 miles away
• Shaba National Reserve 248 miles away
• Tsavo West National Park 250 miles away
• The Parks & Reserves of Northern Kenya 250 miles away
• The Parks & Reserves of Southern Kenya 279 miles away
• Tsavo East National Park 282 miles away

Photos of Masai Mara National Reserve

Our expert guides to exploring Masai Mara National Reserve

Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Masai Mara National Reserve, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Masai Mara National Reserve at its best.

Kenya safaris: the Masai Mara and beyond

With its vast open plains scattered with wildebeest, antelope and acacia trees, Kenya is the classic image of a safari. You can safari in well-known areas like the Masai Mara and venture off-grid, as safari specialist Arista explains.

The Big Five in Kenya

Home of the Masai Mara and Lewa Wilderness Conservancy, you'll have countless opportunities to spot the Big Five in Kenya. With a range of first-class lodges, you can embark on traditional game drives and walking safaris in search of these magnificent animals.

Accommodation choices for Masai Mara National Reserve

We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Masai Mara National Reserve. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

Speke's Camp

Kicheche Bush Camp

Asilia Naboisho Camp

Acacia and Mara Bush Houses

Kicheche Naboisho Valley Camp

Kicheche Mara Camp

Angama Mara

Mara Bush Houses

Ol Seki Hemingways Camp

Saruni Mara

Elephant Pepper Camp

Governors' Camp

&Beyond Bateleur Camp

Naibor Camp

Little Governors' Camp

Offbeat Mara Camp

Rekero Tented Camp

Serian Camp

Ideas for experiencing masai mara national reserve.

Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Masai Mara National Reserve, and which use the best local guides.

Hot Air Balloon Flight

Watch out for the giraffe hiding in the trees, antelope on the plains and roosting birds. As the sun comes up the views are superb — one of the most beautiful sights in Africa.

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Masai Mara National Reserve

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​Best Time To Visit – Masai Mara NR

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

The best time to visit Masai Mara National Reserve is during the Dry season from June to October. At this time, animals draw near to rivers and waterholes and vegetation is thinner, making wildlife easier to find and to see. During the rains (especially March, April, November and December), some driving tracks can be difficult to navigate. Your best chance to witness the spectacle of the great migration is between August and October.

June to October – Dry Season

• Although rarely hot, it is sunny and dry
• Animals gather around rivers and waterholes, making them easy to spot
• August and September are best for seeing wildebeest crossing the Mara River
• Most of the park gets very crowded and good sightings tend to attract a lot of vehicles

Wildlife Photos

November to May – Wet Season

• The park is less busy, which makes wildlife viewing special
• The skies are clear of dust, the park is green and there are lots of flowers
• Good time to see newborn animals
• Low-season rates apply in April and May
• There are plenty of resident animals in the Mara, and wildlife viewing is still good
• Bird watching is excellent and migratory birds are present
• Rain in March, April, November and December will sometimes interfere with your planned activities
• Roads can become tricky to travel

Best Time To Go by Major Park

• Amboseli National Park Amboseli National Park Excellent "> Jan J Excellent "> Feb F Good "> Mar M Fair "> Apr A Fair "> May M Excellent "> Jun J Excellent "> Jul J Excellent "> Aug A Excellent "> Sep S Excellent "> Oct O Fair "> Nov N Good "> Dec D
• Buffalo Springs NR Buffalo Springs National Reserve Excellent "> Jan J Excellent "> Feb F Good "> Mar M Fair "> Apr A Fair "> May M Excellent "> Jun J Excellent "> Jul J Excellent "> Aug A Excellent "> Sep S Good "> Oct O Fair "> Nov N Good "> Dec D
• Lake Nakuru National Park Lake Nakuru National Park Excellent "> Jan J Excellent "> Feb F Good "> Mar M Fair "> Apr A Fair "> May M Excellent "> Jun J Excellent "> Jul J Excellent "> Aug A Excellent "> Sep S Excellent "> Oct O Excellent "> Nov N Excellent "> Dec D
• Masai Mara NR Masai Mara National Reserve Good "> Jan J Good "> Feb F Fair "> Mar M Fair "> Apr A Good "> May M Excellent "> Jun J Excellent "> Jul J Excellent "> Aug A Excellent "> Sep S Excellent "> Oct O Fair "> Nov N Fair "> Dec D
• Samburu National Reserve Samburu National Reserve Excellent "> Jan J Excellent "> Feb F Good "> Mar M Fair "> Apr A Fair "> May M Excellent "> Jun J Excellent "> Jul J Excellent "> Aug A Excellent "> Sep S Good "> Oct O Fair "> Nov N Good "> Dec D
• Tsavo East National Park Tsavo East National Park Excellent "> Jan J Excellent "> Feb F Good "> Mar M Fair "> Apr A Fair "> May M Excellent "> Jun J Excellent "> Jul J Excellent "> Aug A Excellent "> Sep S Excellent "> Oct O Fair "> Nov N Good "> Dec D
• Tsavo West National Park Tsavo West National Park Excellent "> Jan J Excellent "> Feb F Good "> Mar M Fair "> Apr A Fair "> May M Excellent "> Jun J Excellent "> Jul J Excellent "> Aug A Excellent "> Sep S Excellent "> Oct O Fair "> Nov N Good "> Dec D

Want To Visit Masai Mara NR?

1,379 Masai Mara Safaris

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Safari Tours to Masai Mara NR

8-Day Exceptional Luxury Safari-Magical Kenya Fairyland

$3,212 to $3,850 pp (USD)

Kenya: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Amboseli NP, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha) , Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Nairobi (End)

Apodiformes Adventures

4.8 /5  –  175 Reviews

6-Day Safari to Basecamp Masai Mara and Leopard Hill

$3,190 to $3,654 pp (USD)

Kenya: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Mid-range Tented Camp & Tented Bush Camp

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Naboisho (Greater Masai Mara) , Nairobi (End)

Kevic Tours and Travel

5.0 /5  –  42 Reviews

7-Day Magical Kenya Luxury Safari

$3,801 to $4,400 pp (USD)

Estleon Adventures

5.0 /5  –  117 Reviews

Maasai Mara

Maasai Mara is the portion of the Serengeti ecosystem which lies in Southwest Kenya, the remaining 85% lying across the border in Tanzania.

It is a stunningly beautiful area, with a great climate and extremely rich wildlife.

We divide the Mara into fourteen distinct areas. Choosing the right ones to visit is of critical importance to the quality of your safari ...

The Mara has extremely strong resident wildlife, which is visible year round.

But this is a busy safari space and traffic avoidance is really important.

So long as you manage to get into the right camps, it is still very much possible to have a fabulous and relatively pure safari experience.

Access is almost always by scheduled flight from Nairobi, often heading on down to the coast or cross border into Serengeti.

The best time of year is widely considered to be that Jul-Oct migration season, but there really are good reasons to visit during other months ...

The main potential downsides are the high costs, the very high vehicle traffic in core areas and adverse weather Nov-Jun.

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• Masai Mara Walk

3 Days | Travel to Kenya and experience a walk through the Masai Mara.

Travel to Kenya and explore the Masai Mara with an expert guide. Take a guided walk to visit a Maasai homestead, and spot Africa's famed wildlife from safari vehicles through the reserve. Camp in a tented lodge and be lulled to sleep by the sounds of Africa. This is a great short break for those with limited time, looking for a real African experience.

Trip overview

• Stay in a tented lodge on the edge of the Masai Mara Game Reserve
• Take game drives through the Masai Mara to search out the Big Five
• Travel across the Great Rift Valley
• Meet Kenya's Maasai people tending their herds on a guided walk
• This itinerary starts and finishes in Nairobi and includes two long drives.
• On Short Breaks, you maintain a good level of independence and freedom, with the added bonus of having the details sorted out for you. You’ll have lots of free time and you won’t be accompanied by a Trip Leader. This means that all included activities and tours will be run by different local Intrepid partners, and these may operate independently from each other. The included activities and transfers will operate on a join-in basis, which means that you could have your Adventure all to yourself, or others may join you along the way. If you would prefer to travel in a group with a dedicated Trip Leader, just get in touch with your booking agent and they will take you through some alternatives.

Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. You are required to be at the reception of the Kenya Comfort Hotel Suites by 7:30am for a brief pre-departure meeting. Your Driver Guide will leave a note at reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information.Travel west, crossing the floor of the Great Rift Valley and traversing the escarpment before reaching the town of Narok in the land of the Masai. As we near this area we are likely to see many colourfully dressed Masai tribes people tending to their herds of cattle. You'll have the opportunity to grab some lunch in Narok. Then head to your lodge, which is located across the river from the Masai Mara Park (250 km, approx 6 hours).

Take a guided 2 hour walk around the area visiting a Maasai homestead along the way. Wild animals are sometimes sighted on this walk. Our accommodation is a simple tented camp located just 15minutes away from the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Sentrim Mara Camp offers tented accommodation, with beds and linen, simple furnishings, and en-suite bathrooms. There is also a pool, bar, fireplace and restaurant.

• Permanent tented camp (1 night)

While brazen crime is thankfully fairly uncommon in Nairobi, petty theft unfortunately is not and recently arrived visitors to the capital can often make for tempting targets.

After an early breakfast, and armed with packed lunch, we drive to the Mara ( approx. 15mins ). A huge area of woodlands and open plains backed by the striking Esoit Oloololo Escarpment, the Masai Mara is home to all of the Big Five. Keep an eye out for prides of lions, herds of elephants and, if you are lucky, a stealthy cheetah or leopard. During the migration (Mid July to the end of September ) this area can be flooded by over a million wildebeest on their annual migration. Explore this diverse environment and view a multitude of wildlife. Spend an entire day on a wildlife spotting quest in the reserve.

• Masai Mara Full Day Game Drive
• Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) - USD500

Leave the magnificent Mara area behind and drive back to Nairobi (250 km, approx 6 hours) where the safari ends on arrival - usually around 3pm.

If you require post-trip accommodation in Nairobi, please enquire at the time of booking. If you're staying on, why not head out to explore the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum (author of Out of Africa), or Bomas of Kenya where traditional homesteads of several Kenyan tribes are displayed in an outdoor village.

• Nairobi - Bomas of Kenya - USD12
• Nairobi - Carnivore Restaurant - KES3600
• Nairobi - Karen Blixen museum - USD14

2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Minibus, 4x4 vehicle

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. This trip starts in Nairobi / Masai Mara National Reserve on Day 1 at 7.30am. This allows time after the welcome meeting to explore Nairobi / Masai Mara National Reserve. This trip finishes upon arrival in Day 3 Masai Mara National Reserve/Nairobi on Day 3. Please do not book any flights until after 4pm this afternoon.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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How to get to Masai Mara: Journey from Nairobi to Masai Mara Reserve

Here we list the best ways of getting to Masai Mara from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. The road distance from Nairobi to Masai Mara Game Reserve is about 225 kilometers ( 140 miles ) to the nearest entry point, though this differs depending on which entry gate you plan to access. One of the most common questions from tourists is how long is the drive from Nairobi to Masai Mara. So the road trip from Nairobi to the reserve takes about 6 hours, and this is to one of the nearer entry gates in the Mara, on the Narok side of the reserve such as Sekenani, Talek or Oloolaimutia gates. This 6 hour journey includes a couple of brief stops. The entry gates on the western side of the reserve such as Musiara or Oloololo take about 30 minutes longer using a different route which turns west onto the B3 highway towards Bomet, just after passing Narok town. Road conditions are poor in places with the last 75 kms to the reserve being on a bumpy gravel road. Flying to Masai Mara is a more convenient option, being only about a 1 hour flight from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to a variety of different airstrips in the Mara. Listed below is relevant information on how to reach Masai Mara by road and air from Nairobi with information also on how to reach Masai Mara and Kenya from overseas, such as from USA, UK, Canada, Europe, Australia India and Dubai UAE. You may contact us for international flight options.

By Road from Nairobi to Masai Mara

By far the most popular mode of transport from Nairobi to Masai Mara is by road. The road is currently tarred all the way from Nairobi to Masai Mara ( Sekenani Gate ). The distance varies from 225 km ( 140 miles) to 275 kms ( 170 miles) depending on which gate or entry point of Masai Mara you want to access. Well, in terms of journey time, typically you want to allow for 5.5 hours for most eastern or Narok side reserve entry gates such as Sekenani, Talek and Ololaimutia and upto 6 to 6.5 hours for Musiara ( Narok County side but on the Western side) and Oloololo gate ( closer to the Maasai Mara Conservancy and Mara Triangle) and this includes a couple of brief stops enroute for a fuel stop and washroom break in the small town of Narok. Route: Use the A104 highway heading out from Nairobi city and onto the B3 just before the Limuru junction. (If leaving from JKIA airport, use the Southern Bypass to connect to A104 at Kikuyu town to cut out the city traffic). Once at Narok town you now take the C12 road to Sekenani, Talek and Ololaimutia gates or the C13 to Musiara and Olololo gates as well as Rianta town. This latter road is best done in 4x4 vehicles as it is rougher.

Approximate Drive times to Masai Mara

- Nairobi to Masai Mara ( Sekenani Gate ) 5.5 - 6 hrs

- Nairobi to Masai Mara ( Talek Gate ) 5.5 - 6 hrs

- Nairobi to Masai Mara ( Oloolaimutia Gate ) 6 hrs

- Nairobi to Masai Mara ( Musiara Gate ) 6.5 hrs

- Nairobi to Masai Mara ( Oloololo Gate ) 6.5 hrs

Route Map to Masai Mara

Road Conditions

We often get asked how the road is to Masai Mara by prospective clients planning their safari. Well, most of the route is actually a tarred road starting with highway A104, B3 and finally C12, except for the last section of approximately 1 hour. The tarmac portion of the tarmac road is however in sub standard condition in certain places which includes a few stretches with potholes, while the last unpaved portion can be bumpy and dusty, which however for some simply adds to the adventure of getting to the African wilderness.

A road in Masai Mara in the Western side of the reserve

The Nairobi - Mai Mahiu - Narok highway heading to Masai Mara

Safari Vehicles

So which type of Safari vehicles do you get in Masai Mara ? There are two basic types of vehicles commonly used for Safaris in Kenya and generally in East Africa for that matter and these are the Safari Tour Minibuses ( Tour Vans) and the 4x4 Safari Jeeps, typically Toyota Landcruiser or less commonly Landrover vehicles. All types of vehicles have built in, pop-up game viewing roof hatches which the Driver opens once on a game drive in the park or reserve, UHF Radio Calls and Cooler Boxes. The Tour Vans cost much less than the four wheel drive Safari Jeeps. Should be noted that there are some tour vans which also come with 4x4 capability, albeit with the lack of ground clearance or off road ability that comes with a Landcruiser. Both types of vehicles typically seat a maximum of 7 passengers with 6 being ideal and 8 passengers being the upper limit with an extra seat fitted into the vehicle. Luggage restrictions apply.

Typical Safari Tour Van or Minibus

Typical 4x4 Safari Jeep Landcruiser

Flights to Masai Mara

There are several airlines flying from Nairobi to various airstrips in Masai Mara, and several of these offer twice daily return flight to the reserve, with a one way flight taking approximately 1 hour. The same plane then usually turns around back to Nairobi after dropping off or collecting passengers from a number of airstrips in Masai Mara. Almost all these flights take off from Wilson airport in Nairobi ( as opposed to the JKIA international airport) and you need only be at the airport about 45 mins prior to the flight. The two main airlines are Air Kenya and Safarilink, with a new entrant being Governors Aviation. All these three airlines have a reliable service and credible safety record.

- Morning Flight: Depart Nairobi 10am - Arrive Masai Mara 11am

- Return Morning Flight: Depart Masai Mara 11am - Arrive Nairobi 12pm

- Afternoon Flight: Depart Nairobi 3pm - Arrive Masai Mara 4pm

- Return Afternoon Flight: Depart Masai Mara 4pm - Arrive Nairobi 5pm

Airstrips to Masai Mara

Keekorok Airstrip

Siana Airstrip

Serena Airstrip

Musiara Airstrip

Kichwa Tembo Airstrip

Ol Kiombo Airstrip

Ngerende Airstrip

Ol Seki airstrip

Olare Orok Airstrip

Angama Airstrip

The type of aircraft used for flights to Masai Mara include propellor planes with seating capacities ranging from 40 seaters for DeHavilland Dash 7 and 8 aircraft to 13 seater Cessna Caravans. Passengers are limited to 15 kilos of carry on and check in luggage combined.

For travellers planning to combine Kenya and Tanzania Safaris, we have a short guide on how to travel between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti either by road or by air.

Safari Lodges in Kenya's Masai Mara Affected by Floods

M ay is usually a very special month for me. Traditionally, this month marks my annual pilgrimage to Kenya's Masai Mara, where apart from immersing myself in the spectacular landscapes, I get to explore how the region is preparing for the wildebeest migration, which usually takes place toward the end of June to October. As a travel writer based in Kenya, it is my responsibility and privilege to inform the world about this annual phenomenon, one of the world's greatest natural spectacles.

But this May has been quite different from the previous ones, not just for me but also for all of my fellow Kenyan citizens. As I was packing, getting ready to travel from Nairobi to the Mara, areas of the country, including the Mara, were battered by severe rains and flooding. The hardest hit were Nairobi, Kisumu, Narok, Nakuru, Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado, and Meru. The safari camp Elewana Sand River, where I had a reservation, is situated near the Sand River in the Mara and the roads were flooded, making it too risky to travel-thus, my travel plans were canceled. I've spent most of my days since being inundated by news of people's stories about the losses either of their homes, loved ones, businesses, or something else that they held dear. The precipitation that descended proved to us that the rains can sometimes be a double-edged sword-the blessing of much-needed water and the curse of flooding when there is too much all at once.

The flash floods have displaced nearly 200,000 Kenyans, according to the latest statistics from Kenya's Ministry of Interior and National Administration. So far, 210 people have lost their lives, 90 people are still missing, and even as some schools reopen this week after being closed for a month for regular holidays, other schools will remain closed for at least another two weeks as local authorities assess the damage. It's estimated that more than 15,000 schoolchildren will not be able to return to learning because their classrooms have been submerged in the water and for some, their homes too. Many businesses, both small and large, were also flooded.

Of all the travel destinations in Kenya, the Mara stands out as the most affected with wildlife devastated (there are no precise figures yet, but it is already known that wildlife has been deeply affected), residents impacted by the loss of their homes, and employment in question with a number of camps destroyed by water. More than 20 camps and lodges located along the Mara River, Talek River, and Sand River have been affected to varying degrees, according to the Mara Managers Association. Some of the lodges, like JW Marriott , had to airlift guests to safety. Thanks to the immediate response of the Narok County government, and organizations and companies, including Proflight Helicopters, the Red Cross, Masai Mara game reserve authorities, Mara Elephant Project, the James Savage rescue team, and others, those who had been trapped by the deluge in the Mara and in other regions like Nairobi, including tourists, staff, and locals, were rescued. In total, more than 90 tourists were evacuated in the Mara.

But it's important to mention that there are camps and lodges in the Mara that have not been affected and are open.

While scientists and conservationists noted that the severe flooding has served as yet another example of the catastrophic effects of climate change, others believe that the floods have brought to light the need for better disaster management preparedness, not only in the Mara but throughout Kenya.

"In the wake of this crisis, we have come out in unity as an association and reached out to various stakeholders of the Masai Mara National Reserve to join hands to sustainably protect this fragile ecosystem for posterity. We are all currently speaking as one for the sake of the future of the Mara," said Fairman Muhingi, a patron for the Mara Managers Association, a collective of professional camp managers in the Mara dedicated to enhancing Masai Mara's tourism sector, empowering local communities, and promoting wildlife and conservation.

Others believe that this magnitude of disaster could have been prevented if proper infrastructure had been in place and authorities no longer allowed the overdevelopment of fragile ecosystems .

"The inability of state authorities to monitor development especially along the rivers is what has brought this disaster in the Mara. Most approvals are done without site visits. The carrying capacity of the Mara ecosystem in terms of lodge developments, beds, and bed nights has never been established. The destination must look back and correct wrongs in terms of the location of camps and lodges, define bed density, and carrying capacity," said Judy Kepher-Gona, founder and lead consultant for Sustainable Travel and Tourism Africa, an organization in Kenya that works with companies, governments, and the tourism sector to ensure that they put sustainability into practice.

She also added that the tourism industry needs to reinvest its revenue into proper infrastructure.

"Little has changed in terms of infrastructure over the years except for the Narok Sekanani Road [one of the roads leading to the Masai Mara game reserve], which is already wearing out in some parts. How can the eighth wonder of the world operate on makeshift bridges that are washed away with every rain? Profiting from nature and wildlife without reinvesting in place is equal to abuse of nature," Kepher-Gona stated.

In the midst of the chaos and catastrophe, however, the true spirit of the Kenyan people has emerged-resilient, resourceful, and unwavering in the face of adversity both in the Mara and other regions, such as Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumum, and Kiambu.

The region's stakeholders, too, have joined forces to get the message out that the entire Masai Mara is not engulfed in floods, and representatives of the travel sector are encouraging visitors to still come and experience the destination. While it is expected that the floods will definitely have a negative effect on this year's high season, which runs from July through October, especially since some camps and lodges were destroyed, most are working day and night to ensure that accommodations and services will be back up and running well before then.

"The whole experience reveals the power of nature, and travelers can still experience this when they tour the destination this year. We are working round the clock to ensure that we have a new camp before the high season," said Valery Joanne Super, cofounder and chief executive officer of Emboo Camps , which is one of the camps hit by the floods .

How to help Kenya right now

There are many organizations, both local and international, that are supporting the flood victims in Kenya. Here are some of them.

The Kenya Red Cross

To donate: Redcross.or.ke

The Kenya Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal for both food and nonfood contributions to families that have been affected by the floods. The Red Cross team is assisting by ensuring prompt emergency responses, conducting search and rescue missions, providing shelter kits, and seeing that essential supplies reach the people affected.

Savage Wilderness

To donate: SavageWilderness.org

Using their swift water rescue skills, James Savage of Savage Wilderness and his team have the experience, qualifications, and equipment to help people who need to be evacuated in floods. Donations will assist greatly in ensuring that the victims are evacuated to a safe place.

Mathare Social Justice Center

To donate: MathareSocialJustice.org

This is a community-based organization in Mathare in Nairobi that fights for social justice and human rights documentation. During this period, it has been supporting flood victims in informal settlements. These people often live in deplorable housing conditions with inadequate access to safe water to drink and poor sanitation.

Rotary Club International

To donate: RotaryNairobi.org

Through their various local branches, the organization is ensuring that the affected are assisted by donating food, clothing, and bedding.

Ethel Foundation for the Aged

To donate: EthelFoundation.or.ke

This foundation was established to ensure that the elderly live a dignified life free from abuse and neglect. Times of crisis such as floods reveal how vulnerable such communities are, and the foundation is ensuring that the elderly are receiving assistance, such as food, clothing, and shelter.

Team Pankaj Foundation

To donate: M-Changa Africa

In conjunction with Masai Mara Association, the Narok County Government and the Kenya Tourism Board, the foundation is distributing relief packs, which include mattresses, blankets, and food hampers to families that have been affected by the floods in the Mara.

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