The Maasai Mara National Reserve, often simply referred to as the Maasai Mara, is one of the most famous and visited wildlife reserves in Africa. Located in southwestern Kenya, it is contiguous with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and forms one of the most spectacular ecosystems and natural regions in Africa. The Maasai Mara is renowned for its exceptional population of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and elephants, and the annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of gazelles and zebras, known as the Great Migration.

Features and Highlights

1. The Great Migration: The Maasai Mara is most famous for the Great Migration, which is one of the most extraordinary wildlife spectacles on earth. From July to October, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara in search of fresh pastures. The dramatic river crossings, particularly at the Mara and Talek Rivers, are highlights.

2. Big Five: The Maasai Mara is home to the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. It is one of the best places in the world to see these iconic animals in their natural habitat.

3. Diverse Wildlife: Beyond the Big Five, the reserve hosts a variety of other wildlife, including cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and over 450 species of birds.

4. Scenic Landscapes: The Maasai Mara’s landscape is characterized by vast savannahs, rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and riverine forests, providing a stunning backdrop for wildlife viewing and photography.

5. Maasai Culture: The Maasai people, known for their distinctive customs and dress, live in and around the reserve. Visitors can engage with the Maasai community, learn about their culture, and visit traditional villages.

Getting There

1. By Air: The quickest way to get to the Maasai Mara is by flying. There are daily scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to several airstrips within the Maasai Mara, such as Keekorok, Ol Kiombo, and Mara Serena. The flight takes about 45 minutes.

2. By Road: The Maasai Mara is about a 5-6 hour drive from Nairobi. While the journey offers scenic views of the Great Rift Valley and the Kenyan countryside, the roads can be rough, and a 4×4 vehicle is recommended.

Best Time to Visit

The Maasai Mara is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your interests:

• July to October: This is the peak season, coinciding with the Great Migration. Wildlife viewing is spectacular, but it’s also the busiest and most expensive time.
• December to February: This period offers excellent wildlife viewing, with many animals giving birth. The weather is generally dry and pleasant.
• March to June and November: These are the low seasons, characterized by fewer tourists and lower rates. The landscape is lush from the rains, and wildlife viewing is still good, especially for birdwatching and predators.