Lions relaxing on the grass, young giraffes walking alongside their mothers, herds of wildebeest desperately trying to escape the teeth of crocodiles as they cross the Mara River… The Masai Mara National Reserve is an ideal setting for witnessing the drama of the animal kingdom. Here's a closer look at this extraordinary reserve and what you can discover there on safari.

Masai Mara Reserve: an unforgettable safari in the African savanna

Safari enthusiasts have certainly heard of the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya's premier wildlife reserve. Nestled in southern Kenya, at the gateway to Tanzania, it has become world-famous for the phenomenal migration of zebras and wildebeest, which cross the crocodile-infested Mara River in massive herds. Some will end up in the bellies of crocodiles, while others manage to reach the other side.

Beyond this extraordinary spectacle, the reserve unfolds with vast plains and wooded savanna where predators and herbivores engage in an unrelenting struggle for survival. Luxury lodges welcome visitors from around the world. Between game drives, wildlife encounters, camping under the stars and cultural immersion with the Maasai tribe, Masai Mara National Reserve promises magical moments for every traveler! Head to the Masai Mara reserve today and return from your Kenya safari with unforgettable memories.

A brief overview of Masai Mara

Masai Mara, Masaï Mara or Masai Mara—regardless of the spelling—was established in 1948. The Maasai tribe has inhabited it for generations. Once, they lived exclusively from hunting and cattle herding. But the rise of tourism has created new economic opportunities. Increasingly, young Maasai men are hired as rangers or tour guides.

The Mara River lent its name to this magnificent Kenya reserve. And it's easy to understand why, when the river offers one of the most extraordinary migration scenes in the animal kingdom from July to October. Millions of wildebeest leave Tanzania's Serengeti park for the Masai Mara plains, where rainfall is more abundant and grasses are greener. They must cross the waterway, swim among crocodiles and fight desperately to escape their terrifying jaws.

Being a reserve, the site has no fences to limit animal movement. This is why the Masai Mara reserve is often described as an extension of Serengeti National Park.

The reserve's rich biodiversity

Masai Mara reserve is one of the planet's biodiversity hotspots. The Big Five can be spotted with relative ease in the reserve.

What to see and do

Game drive in a 4x4

From your vehicle, traverse endless savanna landscapes. Numerous animal species endemic to Africa will compete for your attention. Grassy plains are home to zebras, wildebeest, hartebeest, Grant's gazelles, elands, impalas and other antelope species. Lions are everywhere, the males distinguished by their thick manes. Elephants and giraffes prefer shaded spots where vegetation is denser. That's not all—your camera will capture countless predators. Spotted hyenas and cheetahs hunt across the plains, while leopards frequent watering holes from their shelter in the trees.

Hot air balloon flight

A hot air balloon flight over Masai Mara reserve is also an option. Head to Little Governors Camp, the balloon's departure point. An excellent way to admire the splendor of Masai Mara as the first rays of dawn illuminate the river, plains and grassy savanna.

Birdwatching

While wildebeest migration dominates attention, the birdlife deserves equal consideration. Over 470 different bird species inhabit the reserve, from common ones like storks, sacred ibis and herons to rarities like the African jabiru or the critically endangered secretary bird.

You wander peacefully through the brush when a dark shape suddenly moves: it's the southern ground hornbill, a large hornbill with a red casque that prefers ground habitats unlike its tree-dwelling cousins.

Raptors are at home in Masai Mara reserve. Keep your eyes open for vultures and martial eagles soaring above the Mara River, watching for wildebeest carcasses.

Camping experience

Campers will have the pleasure of sleeping under the starlit sky and waking to nature's symphony. In the southwest of the reserve, private concessions welcome tourists. These luxury accommodations feature private bathrooms, sparkling pools and panoramic terraces for observing wildlife. Most lodges are served by charter flights from Nairobi.

Cultural immersion with the Maasai tribe

After your game drive photography session, an educational and cultural visit to Maasai country would be worthwhile. Not only does such an exchange open new horizons, but it also supports these traditional communities, many of whom live below the poverty line.

Practical information

Entry fees

Entry to the reserve is paid: adult admission is $80, while children pay $45. Entrance tickets are valid for 24 hours.

Opening hours

The reserve is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Only visitors with lodging reservations may spend the night, and they must remain confined to their lodges. Night drives are not permitted, nor are off-road safaris or walking safaris.

When to visit?

It rains year-round in Masai Mara reserve. Peak tourist arrivals occur in July, August and September, during the wildebeest migration. However, there is no particular season required to visit the reserve.

Despite the relatively short distance between Nairobi and Masai Mara (270 km by road), overland travel is physically demanding. Road conditions leave much to be desired, particularly during the rainy season. If your budget allows, flying is most convenient. You depart from Nairobi's Wilson Airport and land at either Mara Serena Airport or Kichwa Tembo Airport. The flight takes just 45 minutes, compared to over 6 hours by road.

Nearby attractions

To extend your ecotourism circuit, head to the Serengeti National Park or to Mfangano Island, which emerges in the center of Lake Victoria.