The Masai Mara Safaris (Packages, Things To Do & Why Visit?)
The Masai Mara Safaris (Packages, Things To Do & Why Visit?). Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, renowned for its diverse resident species and the annual Wildebeest Migration (about August to November), is undoubtedly one of Africa’s most genuine safari locations. It is highly popular globally, which is why we advise reserving your Masai Mara safari well in advance—particularly if you wish to witness the migration.
We are pleased to suggest Masai Mara safari itineraries that immerse you in the midst of the migration activity. Additionally, a Masai Mara safari can serve as a romantic and intimate retreat in luxury tented camps located within private conservancies, making it perfect for honeymoons and special events. If you are budget-conscious, we provide economical organised group tours that include quality safari lodging.
We recommend integrating a Masai Mara safari with a visit to Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater for a comprehensive wildlife encounter. If you like to enhance your trip with a tranquil beach retreat, consider incorporating one of Kenya’s stunning beaches or the exotic Zanzibar.
Our Selection of Masai Mara Safaris Include
Browse our recommended Masai Mara Safaris below or get in touch with one of our Africa Safari Experts to help you tailor-make a Masai Mara safari based on your travel wishes:
2 Days Masai Mara Safari
Days: 2 | Nights: 1
A Private Luxury Two Days Masai Mara Flying safari to the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve, unquestionably Kenya’s richest wildlife reserve, surrounded by spectacular landscapes that include a sea of beautifully rolling grasslands. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is the stage for one of Africa’s most stunning wildlife arenas, a one-of-a-kind place with an unrivaled flow of animals all year and a view of an infinite golden savannah. As you fly, you will be able to get aerial views of some of the great rift valley’s rivers and picturesque features.
4 Days Masai Mara Safari
Days: 2 | Nights: 1
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is Kenya‘s most famous game reserve. 4 Days Masai Mara Lodge Safari From Nairobi provides the opportunity to witness “the big five” as well as numerous other kinds of games. This is where the big wildebeest migration takes place, which is a sight to witness for anyone visiting Kenya during the months of July and August. Millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle migrate from the Serengeti Plains to the Maasai Mara grazing grounds beginning in late June, crossing the Tanzanian border and the Mara River.
3 Days Masai Mara Fly-in
Days: 3 | Nights: 2
The Masai Mara National Reserve is regarded as one of the best wildlife locations in the world. The Three Days Masai Mara Safari from Nairobi or Mombasa provides you a fantastic opportunity to observe the Africa Big Five, cheetah, serval, hyena, bat-eared foxes, black-backed and side-striped jackals, hippo, crocodile, baboons, warthog, topi, eland, Thompson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, impalas, waterbucks, oribi, reed-buck,
Masai Mara And Lamu Safari
Days: 6 | Nights: 5
This Six Days in Masai Mara and Lamu Kenya will take you on a boat ride in Lake Baringo, as well as a 3-4 hour hike to the south end of Lake Bogoria to see the flamingos and hot springs. (optional) We also head to Lake Nakuru National Park to observe rhinos, lions, zebras, hyenas, giraffes, buffaloes, Impala baboon bands, and a variety of water birds such as pelicans, cormorants, and hundreds of thousands of flamingos.
Masai Mara And Amboseli Safari
Days: 5 | Nights: 4
The Five Days Masai Mara and Amboseli Safari package begins with a visit to Amboseli National Park, located at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro and noted for its large game and picturesque splendor. Following a two-night stay at Amboseli Serena Lodge, you will travel via Nairobi to the rolling grasslands, woods, and rivers of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, one of the world’s richest wildlife reserves.
Amboseli/Aberdare/Masai Mara
Days: 6 | Nights: 5
This Six Days in Masai Mara and Lamu Kenya will take you on a boat ride in Lake Baringo, as well as a 3-4 hour hike to the south end of Lake Bogoria to see the flamingos and hot springs. (optional) We also head to Lake Nakuru National Park to observe rhinos, lions, zebras, hyenas, giraffes, buffaloes, Impala baboon bands, and a variety of water birds such as pelicans, cormorants, and hundreds of thousands of flamingos.
Why Go on a Masai Mara Safari
things you need to know before going on safari to the Masai Mara!
The Masai Mara National Reserve and its adjacent conservancies constitute Kenya’s premier conservation region and a leading safari destination in Africa. The expansive plains serve as a refuge for a multitude of creatures, including elephants, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, hyenas, and the renowned big cats of the Mara: lions, leopards, and cheetahs. From approximately August to November each year, the Mara serves as a much anticipated refuge for vast numbers of wildebeest that embark on their perilous 2,900-kilometer (1,800-mile) cyclical migration in pursuit of rainfall.
Annually, thousands of travellers go to the Mara to partake in some of the most genuine safari experiences in Africa. Here are few reasons for our admiration of a Masai Mara safari:
1. Enjoy Fantastic, Year-round Game Viewing
Wildlife observation in the Masai Mara is exceptional throughout the year because to its diversified topography, expansive areas, moderate climate, and various resident fauna. The champagne-hued savannahs host prominent safari species such as lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo, along with well-known animals including zebras, giraffes, hyenas, elands, and gazelles. Rhino sightings are few, however these endangered creatures may be observed—if fortunate—in the Mara Triangle.
The Mara is acclaimed for providing outstanding observations of big cats, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Cheetahs are exceptionally suited to the region’s flat plains, rendering the Masai Mara one of the premier locations to observe these agile carnivores. They frequently pursue elevated positions on decayed trees, termite mounds, and even safari vehicles! Observing the world’s fastest terrestrial mammal pursue its prey is a quintessential experience of each Masai Mara safari.
- The abundant animals, mild climate, varied scenery, and expansive areas render it an exceptional year-round safari locale.
- Remarkable sightings of large felines – lion, leopard, and cheetah.
- Significant populations of elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes.
2. Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration
Between August and November, one of nature’s most remarkable phenomena occurs in the Masai Mara. The immense quantity of wildebeest congregating in the region is astonishing; the herds are sufficiently large to be visible from space. The Wildebeest Migration is a significant seasonal movement involving almost two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, influenced by rainfall patterns. To access the Mara’s verdant pastures from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, the wildebeest must undertake perilous river crossings, confronting formidable crocodiles who lurk in ambush.
- Accommodations offering convenient access to river crossing locations.
- Experience an aerial perspective of the herds during a hot-air balloon safari.
- Reside in a private conservancy to evade the throngs and partake in activities prohibited in the national reserve, such as off-road excursions, nocturnal drives, and nature hikes.
Note: The availability of strategically situated safari sites during the high season (June to October) is restricted. To secure prime viewing of the Wildebeest Migration, it is advisable to reserve your Masai Mara safari at least one year in advance.
3. Experience a Hot-air Balloon Safari
Combine exhilarating terrestrial game observation in 4×4 vehicles with Maasai-led nature excursions, and conclude your Masai Mara safari with an unparalleled hot-air balloon experience. The optimal flight routes trace the trajectory of the Mara River, enabling glimpses into the woodlands, passage by vulture nests, and observation of the dawn activities of exuberant hippos. Upon arrival on the plains, you will be served a delectable bush brunch accompanied by champagne.
- Get a bird’s-eye perspective of the Mara’s breath-taking environment and even glimpse wildlife.
- Watch the sunrise unfurl across the boundless plains.
- Indulge in a champagne bush brunch upon arrival.
- An ideal safari excursion for a honeymoon or anniversary.
4. Meet the Maasai People
The Maasai are a semi-nomadic ethnic group residing primarily in Kenya and northern Tanzania, renowned among visitors for their unique rituals and attire. Cattle ownership is a fundamental element of their culture; yet, the rise in safari tourism has prompted several Maasai to become proficient safari guides and camp managers. During a Masai Mara safari, you will have numerous opportunity to engage with Maasai guides and camp personnel, as well as visit local villages for an intriguing insight into traditional Maasai culture, lifestyle, and customs.
- Explore local villages to immerse oneself in authentic Maasai culture.
- Numerous safari camps contribute to local communities.
5. Stay in a Private Conservancy
A conservancy is a distinct category of land and wildlife conservation area. Landowners engage in contracts with safari operators in exchange for financial remuneration and various forms of support. This may encompass educational and healthcare initiatives, as well as livestock and grazing management. The Masai Mara National Reserve tends to become congested during the peak safari season (approximately June to October), hence we advise residing in one of the adjacent private conservancies.
- Experience exceptional, uncrowded game observation.
- Obtain convenient access to the national reserve for seeing Wildebeest Migration events.
- Off-road game watching, nocturnal drives, and guided nature hikes are prohibited in the national reserve.
- Directly support local communities and environmental efforts.
The Best Time to Visit the Masai Mara
Is a Masai Mara Safari Worth the Hype? (Honest Opinion)
When is the Best Time to go to the Masai Mara?
The optimal period to visit the Masai Mara coincides with the renowned Great Wildebeest Migration, occurring approximately from August to November. Owing to fluctuating precipitation patterns, the precise timing differs year. In certain years, the rains may occur early, prompting the herds to arrive and depart sooner; conversely, delayed rains can result in the later arrival of wildebeest, with some individuals remaining behind.
Due to its plentiful resident animals and mild environment, the Masai Mara is esteemed as an exceptional year-round safari locale. The expansive and unobstructed plains ensure that there is consistently something to observe, regardless of the season of your visit.
Tip: The Masai Mara is also exceptional from January to the end of March. The climate is typically temperate and arid, with the majority of safari tourists notably absent.
Month by Month Guide for Travelling to Masai Mara:
Visiting Masai Mara from January to March
January is among the warmest months in the Masai Mara. The rainfall in this month is less frequent than in December, averaging 15 days of precipitation, typically characterised by brief afternoon showers. This is the optimal period to visit the Masai Mara for birding enthusiasts, as migrating species from North Africa and Europe are commonly observed in the region. January marks the calving season, a period characterised by an abundance of new life.
In February, thousands of juvenile animals are born daily, with the birthing season extending into March. The optimal time to visit the Masai Mara for a safari, in order to evade crowds and observe Africa’s big cats hunting the plains animals, is specified below. Furthermore, it is an opportune period for photographers, since they frequently have extensive expanses of land and wildlife observations exclusively to themselves, particularly within the private conservancies of the Mara.
March is characterised by precipitation in the Masai Mara. Afternoon thundershowers are prevalent on most days, perhaps resulting in floods, prompting some campers to commence closure for the low season.
Travelling to Masai Mara during April and May
April is a period of low demand and experiences the most precipitation of the year. It is little colder than March, however remains warm. This is the season of the ‘long rains,’ during which several Masai Mara lodges and camps may temporarily close for maintenance and renovations, as well as to provide their personnel with a prolonged and well-deserved respite.
May experiences a marginal reduction in rainfall; yet, it remains one of the wettest periods of the year in the Masai Mara. This time signifies the onset of moderately cooler months in Kenya, typically enduring until September. Unpaved roads transform into viscous mud, rivers overflow their banks, and the nearly constant precipitation precludes any intervals of sunshine. Predicting precipitation is the most imprecise of sciences; one year May may be inundated, while the subsequent year may be arid. We propose a fly-in safari when visiting the Mara at this period.
Visiting Masai Mara from June to August
June signifies the conclusion of the ‘long rains’ and the commencement of the busy season. It is a significantly drier month, and the temperatures are considerably cooler than at any other time of the year. The flora remains verdant and dense due to the abundant rains, and although wildlife may occasionally be elusive, this period is regarded as one of the optimal seasons to experience a safari in the Masai Mara. The majority of the Great Migration herds, along with their accompanying tourists, have not yet arrived, and preparations are actively underway for their forthcoming arrival.
In July, the wildebeest herds may commence their arrival in the Mara following their migration from the Serengeti. Daytime circumstances are quite agreeable with mild temperatures; nevertheless, it may become chilly during the evenings and early morning game drives. This is the driest month of the year, which confines species to their watering holes. This period is optimal for a Big 5 safari in the Masai Mara; nevertheless, it is also one of the most congested months, resulting in increased pricing and crowded wildlife sightings within the national reserve.
August is again another arid month in the Masai Mara, maintaining the milder temperatures characteristic of July, particularly during the night. August is a prominent month to observe the daily natural phenomenon of the Great Migration, along with the renowned Mara River crossings. However, these crossings are unpredictable; at times, the herds remain stationary for weeks, while on other occasions, they may cross four times in a single day.
Travelling to Masai Mara during September and October
September experiences marginally higher temperatures in the Masai Mara compared to August, characterised by elevated daytime warmth and chilly nocturnal conditions. The dry season persists, facilitating outstanding game viewing, and this month remains optimal for observing the Migration in full progress. Temperatures rise in the Masai Mara around October, making it one of the warmest months of the year. The majority of the wildebeest herds remain in and around the Mara.
Visiting Masai Mara during November and December
The brief summer rains of November initiate the final phase of the Great Migration, prompting the wildebeest to journey south to their calving sites in the Serengeti. The sole drawback may be the rain; nonetheless, the thunderstorms typically manifest as brief afternoon episodes, succeeded by clear skies. December is less congested at the beginning of the month compared to the peak season, however it might become crowded in the national reserve throughout the festive period.