Masai Mara National Reserve

Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya's most celebrated wildlife destination and the crown jewel of African safaris, covering 1,510 square kilometers of pristine savanna grasslands in southwestern Kenya. The Mara is the Kenyan extension of Tanzania's Serengeti ecosystem and hosts the dramatic finale of the Great Migration when millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the treacherous Mara River between July and October.

The reserve boasts the highest concentration of wildlife in Kenya, with exceptional populations of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the endangered black rhino making Big Five sightings virtually guaranteed. The Mara's diverse habitats from open grasslands to riverine forests support over 95 species of mammals and 570 bird species. The iconic acacia-dotted landscapes, dramatic escarpments, and winding Mara River create some of Africa's most photographed scenes.

What sets the Masai Mara apart is not just its incredible wildlife density but also its cultural richness. Visits to traditional Maasai villages offer insights into one of Africa's most iconic pastoral cultures. Whether witnessing river crossings during the migration, tracking cheetahs across golden plains, or floating over the savanna in a hot air balloon at dawn, the Mara delivers the quintessential African safari experience that has captivated travelers for over a century.

Highlights

• Great Migration river crossings
• Highest wildlife density in Kenya
• Big Five viewing year-round
• Maasai cultural encounters
• World-class hot air balloon safaris

Things to Do

• Game drives
• Hot air balloon safaris
• Maasai village visits
• Walking safaris
• Photography safaris
• Bird watching

July to October for Great Migration; year-round for general wildlife viewing