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Masai Mara & Conservancies

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Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya

WHERE TO GO IN KENYA

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 kilometers 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.

Masai Mara Location

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.

Best Time to Visit 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 ambiance and lush green scenery.

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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.

Weather in the Masai Mara climate guide

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
temperature AVG. TEMP28°C28°C28°C27°C26°C26°C25°C26°C27°C28°C27°C27°C
rainfall RAINFALL82mm95mm124mm166mm110mm59mm28mm44mm52mm56mm100mm111mm

Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya Conservancies

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.

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Mara North 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.

Naboisho Conservancy

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.

Enonkishu Conservancy

A 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.

Olare Motorogi Conservancy

Renowned 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.

Olderkesi Conservancy

Deep 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.

KEN St Kenya Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration Shutterstock Jurgen Vogt

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.

Read more about the Great Migration