Known as Africa’s greatest wildlife reserve, the reputation of the Masai Mara goes way beyond being simply a wildlife park. A world-renowned place of adventure and exploration, where the brutal and unfettered reality of nature is played out in the greatest wildlife show on earth.
The Masai Mara National Reserve covers 1,800 square kilometres and has one of the highest lion densities in the world. Its fertile rolling grasslands, bisected by riverine forests, attract countless game, enticing wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle, which ensures that predators are never too far away and the sense of raw energy on the savannah is palpable. Witness the Big Five, hippos, hyena and countless other wildlife, including 450 species of bird.
The Masai Mara is located in southwestern Kenya along the Great Rift Valley, bordering Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. It typically takes around 5-6 hours to drive or about an hour by flight from Nairobi to reach the Masai Mara.
While the Great Migration is surely a highlight, the Maasai Mara offers superb animal-watching possibilities all year round. Both the dry and wet seasons provide distinct experiences, so the optimum time to visit is determined by your choices and interests.
The dry season (July – October) is often favoured because wildlife congregates around water sources, making it easier to spot animals.
If seeing the Great Migration is important to you, travel throughout August and September, but note that it can get very busy in the national reserve.
We do recommend travelling during the wet season (November - June) for a calmer ambience and lush green scenery.
Experience the Kenyan wilderness in the private Naboisho Conservancy. Covered in savannah grassland, acacia plains and rocky hills, this diverse habitat supports a whole host of wildlife including giraffe, elephant, lion (the highest density in the area), and cheetah, as well as hippos and huge crocodiles lazing in the river. There is also a growing leopard population, with 7 resident leopards including a cub in the area.
From 10500 per person
Explore the private Olare Motorgori Conservancy of the Masai Mara on this short tailor-made Kenya safari. Big cats and resident game are abundant, and you will have the chance to search for the Big Five (African Elephant, African Leopard, Cape Buffalo, Black Rhino, African Lion).
From 9500 per person
A memorable safari, exploring the Masai Mara and Ol Pejeta Conservancy before relaxing alongside the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean in Zanzibar. Spend some quality time with your family within idyllic private camps. This trip is well suited to families with younger children - each camp provides a great experience for children and adults alike. During your stay in the Mara, activities are available for all ages, while adults enjoy unique game viewing experiences, children will be taught by the local Masai, using bows and arrows, bead making, and how to make a fire - a completely interactive experience.
From 8500 per person
Walking safaris in the Masai Mara are a fantastic option for a completely different safari experience. Few climb out of their vehicle when visiting this famous reserve, but walking through the bush allows for a more immersive experience. You'll be able to follow game trails deeper into the pristine wilderness, walking in the footprints of elephants, your ears filled not with the dull hum of a car engine but with birdsong, buzzing insects and the symphony of the savannah all around you.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 AVG. TEMP | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 27°C | 26°C | 26°C | 25°C | 26°C | 27°C | 28°C | 27°C | 27°C |
 RAINFALL | 82mm | 95mm | 124mm | 166mm | 110mm | 59mm | 28mm | 44mm | 52mm | 56mm | 100mm | 111mm |
Within the Mara many privately owned and run conservancies have been established to offer more tightly regulated and low-impact tourism, supporting the local Maasai communities. Despite some areas of the Mara being notoriously over-visited, it is possible to experience exclusive safaris and incredible wildlife sightings from the camps we have selected within each conservancy.
Situated along the Mara River towards the north of the main reserve in the south-western corner of Kenya, this conservancy covers 30,000 hectares and was established in 2009 as a non-profit organisation to help provide a sustainable tourism framework for the local communities.
An authentic and intimate bush experience, outside the busy part of the Mara.
Read more...Naboisho meaning ‘come together’ in Maa dialect, this conservancy was formed in 2010 and is situated north and east of the Masai Mara National Reserve, covering just over 20,000 hectares through which the annual wildebeest and zebra migration passes. Owned by the local Maasai, the protected land allows a low numbers of tourists.
In the idyllic embrace of a serene valley on the western fringe of the private Naboisho Conservancy lies Mara Nyika.
Lodge DetailsA community-driven cooperative conservancy that combines cattle ranching with wildlife conservation, aiming to protect the northern edge of the Mara ecosystem and balancing the needs of livestock and wildlife. For families, we recommend a stay in one of the House in the Wild's four charming cottages.
House in the Wild is a family-owned boutique lodge situated on the banks of the Mara River within the Enonkishu Conservancy, on the northern edge of the Maasai Mara ecosystem. The lodge offers an exclusive and intimate safari experience with seven unique cottages that blend rustic charm and modern comforts. Guests can enjoy private game drives, bush walks, and cultural visits while immersing themselves in the lodge’s pioneering conservation efforts.
More Lodge DetailsRenowned for its high wildlife density and luxurious camps, this conservancy provides an exclusive safari experience with fewer tourists. In this partnership, local Maasai landowners have cleared their homes and cattle to provide a sanctuary for the wildlife of the area. The pristine area is excellent for grazing, resulting in prolific game viewing and predatory action, as well as elephants and even rhinos.
Immerse yourself in surrounding wilderness of this intimate luxury camp.
Lodge DetailsDeep down in the far southeast Mara region, on the border with Tanzania, Olderkesi Conservancy is lesser known but rich in wildlife, offering visitors an off-the-beaten-path experience with exclusive wildlife sightings. The only occupant of this conservancy is the Cottar family, who have over 100 years of authentic safari experience.
Indulge in the lap of luxury at this exclusive-use villa, nestled in a pristine and timeless setting. With sunset views that stretch across the vast expanse of the Masai Mara and the Serengeti plains, this villa offers a truly unforgettable experience.
The villa can comfortably accommodate up to twelve guests and features a generous 25-meter swimming pool. Your days will be filled with privately guided game drives, captivating night drives, invigorating bush walks, and even leisurely moments of swimming and fishing.
Between thrilling activities, take full advantage of the villa's exceptional facilities, including a spacious living room, an elegant dining room, five well-appointed en-suite bedrooms, and a breathtaking viewing deck. Your stay here promises both serenity and adventure in equal measure.
Travel throughout August and September to witness the great migration in the Masai Mara as part of your itinerary.
Rolling savannah hills cut through dark green riverine forest areas, making this the perfect habitat for a whole host of wildlife, and the rich grasslands support the herds. Their arrival means a time of plenty for the big cats, and you are almost guaranteed some action.
