Reasons to visit the Masai Mara
Safaris in the Masai Mara
The Masai is one of Africa's best safari destinations. The reserve has excellent wildlife densities and there are a number of ways to explore.
Game drives and walking safaris take you up close to the animals. You can also take to the skies via hot air balloon for incredible aerial views of the savannah and wildlife. Horseback safaris are also possible here.
Most safaris are centred on the Central Plains, the largest part of the reserve full of dense bushes, grasslands and a huge variety of wildlife. If you head east, you'll arrive at the Ngama Hills, a series of undulating hills that extend to the reserves limits.
Slightly more centrally sits the leafy bushes beloved by the black rhino, and further west lies the Oloololo Escarpment, part of the Mara Triangle which borders the legendary Mara River with vibrant-lime coloured grass and woodlands.
Most people spend a few nights exploring the Mara, and you can choose between basic camps, mid-range accommodation, or luxury tented camps and lodges as your base.
A watchful mother, Maasai Mara
Popular Safaris including the Masai Mara
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
Private Wildlife Conservancies
Located in Kenya's South West, the Masai Mara National Reserve covers just over 583 square miles. Unlike national parks, the Masai Mara has no fencing and is instead bounded by the Ololoolo (Siria) Escarpment on its western edge and extends south to the Tanzania border, where it seamlessly merges with the Serengeti National Park.
However, the reserve's northern and eastern borders are surrounded by private wildlife conservancies.The conservancies add 350,000 acres to the greater Mara area, and animals are free to roam anywhere within the Mara ecosystem.
There are fourteen in total, but the top four conservancies, also known as the 'Big Four' are: Mara North, Mara Naboisho, Ol Kinyei, and Olare Motorogi.
The Great Migration
The Great Migration is the world's largest migration of wildlife.
The event takes place from July to October each year. Over 2 million mammals make their way from the Serengeti in northern Tanzania where the dry grasslands can no longer sustain them.
It's a treacherous journey, particularly at the crossing of the Mara River. Crocs lurk in the murky waters, and when wildebeest numbers are this large, not everybody will make it across alive.
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The Mara conservancies are the best option for those wanting a secluded safari experience, as guest numbers are strictly limited on a number of acres per-guest basis.
Conservancies also offer a more flexible approach to the safari experience, with walking safaris, horseback riding, off-roading and night game drives available (all of which are not allowed in the reserve). This enables closer wildlife encounters and a wider variety of experiences.
When to visit the Masai Mara
The Masai Mara can be visited year-round, but there are a few factors to keep in mind to get the most out of your experience depending on your interests, budget, and priorities.
From a wildlife perspective, the Masai Mara will not disappoint, regardless of when you visit. The density of resident wildlife in the main reserve (and its surrounding conservancies) remains consistent throughout the year, meaning there is always plenty to see.
The two main considerations are:
- Weather patterns - the Mara experiences two dry seasons, one short rainy season and one long rainy season.
- The Great Migration - a seasonal event that brings over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles from the Serengeti into the Mara.
Day two on safari in the Masai Mara
Masai Mara Seasonality
Jan-March
An excellent time to visit the Mara. The short rains have ended, leaving the plains lush and green. Many animals have their young during this period - you'll see baby gazelles, zebras, and even lion cubs. The resident big cats are highly active and wildlife is abundant. This is an excellent time to visit for predator sightings and skies tend to be clear.
Lion Cub at Maasai Mara National Reserve.
April - May
This is the green season and the wettest period in the Mara. The rains transform the plains into a landscape of lush greens and dramatic skies. Wildlife remains plentiful as the resident animals do not migrate. Many guides actually prefer this time of year because there are far fewer vehicles around and you feel like you have the place to yourselves. The scenery is stunning and you’ll have great light, brilliant photographic conditions, dramatic skies…wonderful! Some camps and lodges close during the wet season and the longer grasses can make the wildlife a little trickier to spot. Sometimes roads can become blocked so the conservancies are a great option around this time as the vehicles can go off-road. Prices are significantly cheaper at this time of year.
June
A transition month sitting between the long rains (ending in May) and the start of the long dry season (starting in July). The rains taper off, though you might still catch the occasional shower. The landscape is still lush and green, with tall grasses and gushing rivers. Resident wildlife is thriving thanks to the abundant vegetation. The big cats - lions, leopards, and cheetahs - can be harder to spot due to the long grass, but you'll often find them on termite mounds or rocks where they perch to survey their surroundings. The wildebeest herds are typically still in the Serengeti, but you may spot a few early arrivals, especially in the western and southwestern parts of the reserve.
Termite mounds provide great vantage points
July - October
The peak season in the Masai Mara. It’s the long dry season so low chances of rain and consistently clear skies. This is migration season.
Over the course of the season, over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles make their way up from Tanzania into the Mara. August and September is the best time to visit if you want to maximise your chances of seeing a river crossing as the herds dart across the Mara and Talek rivers (whilst attempting to dodge the crocs and big cats!).
River crossing during the Great Migration
November
This is typically the short rainy season in the Mara. The weather tends to follow a rhythm with clear mornings followed by building clouds and dramatic, beautiful afternoon skies. Most of the wildebeest herds have moved back south into Tanzania, but resident game is still abundant. This is the shoulder season so you’ll see fewer vehicles and lower prices.
December
Another transition month as the short rains ease up by mid-month. In the first half of December you may still see some scattered showers, but by late December you’ll have clear skies with scattered clouds creating stunning sunrises and sunsets. The landscape is verdant from November rains, but easier to navigate. Many animals begin calving at this time of year, predator activity picks up, and you’ll see lots of game concentrated around the permanent water sources. By Christmas and New Year, the short dry season is well underway and rates pick up (but still lower than July-September prices).
Masai Mara, at a Glance
The Masai Mara is the most popular safari destination in East Africa, along with the Serengeti in northern Tanzania.
It is the site of the Great Migration, where over 2 million zebras, gazelles and wildebeest travel from Serengeti to the Masai Mara each year.
Often called the Jewel of Africa, the Masai Mara takes its name from the Masai tribe who have inhabited these lands since the 17th century.
Mara translates to spotted, referencing the scattered acacia trees that mark the landscapes, and that have become the symbol of the Masai Mara.
Masai Culture
The Masai people are known globally for their vibrant red robes and tremendous bravery as fierce warriors in the wild.
Their way of life can seem unimaginable for many; living amongst the punishing dangers of the natural world.
A Masai cultural experience is a fascinating insight into the life of the Masai people, learning about their rich history and culture.
From centuries of living amongst the untamed wild, the Masai have mastered living off the land.
Masai Mara FAQs
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Will I see all of the Big Five?
All the Big Five can be found in the Masai Mara. Elephants, lions and buffaloes are easiest to spot.
The leopard is a solitary and elusive cat. The best time to spot one is in the early morning or at night. Spotting leopards is not guaranteed, but is certainly possible.
The rhino is an endangered species. Black rhino numbers have dropped by 98% to less than 2,000 in the wild. 49 of these are found in the Masai Mara. It's possible you'll see rhino in the Mara, but other destinations like Ol Pejeta Conservancy are better if you're looking for rhino.
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How much does it cost to go to the Masai Mara?
The price will depend entirely on the specifics of your trip: the length, group size, and accommodation preferences are the biggest factors on price.
Get in touch with us, and we'll talk you through the costs involved, and how we can design a safari that meets your budget.
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What is the accommodation like in Masai Mara?
There's a good range of accommodation options in the Mara. These range from simple camps and lodges, to luxury options with exceptional service, views, and aesthetic.
We can help you decide which accommodation option is right for you.
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What do I wear on safari?
The Sub-Saharan climate is hot and dry most of the season, so wearing clothing that allows air circulation is important for your own comfort.
You'll want to wear neutral colours in order not to disturb the animals and stand out. Avoid wearing bright colours and blacks.
Bring appropriate footwear, good quality hiking boots are recommended.
If you are going in the rainy seasons, make sure you bring a light waterproof jacket in case of passing showers
Ensure everything you bring is comfortable and practical!
When booking with us, you'll receive a full kit list.
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Planning a trip to East Africa is complicated. Brilliant makes it easy. Our team have spent decades in the region so we can help you find the right trip - and we don't charge a fee.
3. Exclusive access at the best rates
We have exclusive access to the best value-for-money camps and lodges at rates you won't get anywhere else.
Melissa and team ready for safari
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Popular Trips including the Masai Mara
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
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