Masai Mara National Reserve (Maasai Mara National Park)

The Basics

The huge and diverse number of animals that reside in Maasai Mara National Reserve is due in large part to the steady flow of the Mara River. The river sustains life on the sometimes brutal plains of the Serengeti, supporting a range of migratory mammals like wildebeests, giraffes, and zebras. The Maasai Mara park and its river is also the final destination for impressive numbers of animals during the dry season’s Great Migration, the largest known migration of wildlife on the planet.

Most tours offer multi-day guided excursions throughout the park in 4-wheel drive safari vehicles. Many guides also offer insight into the culture of the indigenous Maasai, whose nomadic way of life allows them to live off the land and whose villages can be seen throughout the Serengeti.

Things to Know Before You Go

• There are several well-equipped lodges and campsites located throughout the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

• Don’t forget to bring binoculars, a camera, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as well as food and plenty of drinking water.

• Do not approach, pet, or feed the wildlife.

How to Get There

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is close to the Kenyan shore of Lake Victoria, toward the southwest part of the country. Reach the reserve by car in about 6 hours from Nairobi. Small chartered flights land at a local airstrip.

When to Get There

The best time to visit is during Kenya’s dry season (July through October), which coincides with the Great Migration, and in January and February.

Explore the Great Rift Valley

The Great Rift Valley runs throughout Kenya and helped form some of the country’s most striking landscape features. There is no shortage of national parks, protected reserves, and free-roaming wildlife to see, including flamingoes that flock to Lake Nakuru National Park.

Ways to explore

Take a guided safari tour for a chance to spot big cats—including lions, cheetahs, and leopards—alongside other wildlife. Most tours offer multi-day guided excursions throughout the park in 4-wheel-drive safari vehicles, either minibuses or jeeps with retractable roofs but closed sides (suitable for highway travel), or open-sided jeeps that are only suitable for use within the reserve. Many guides also offer insight into the culture of the Indigenous Maasai, whose nomadic way of life allows them to live off the land, and some include extras such as hot-air balloon rides.

Accessibility

It’s possible to arrange wheelchair-accessible safaris and find camps with wheelchair-friendly accommodation, but do seek out a specialist provider.

Age limits

Many camps and safari tour operators have a lower age limit between 6 and 12.

What to pack

Binoculars, camera (or a zoom lens for your phone), hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent

What to wear

Look for breathable fabrics in neutral colours that hide the dirt and blend in with the landscape. Long sleeves and pants come in handy at dusk when mosquitoes come out to play.

Not allowed

Do not approach, pet, or feed the wildlife.

Amenities

Reservations at Masai Mara safari camps and lodges include all meals, and most also include safari activities.

Address 

The Maasai Mara National Reserve lies near the Tanzanian border, not far from the Kenyan shore of Lake Victoria, about 143 miles (230 kilometers) west of Nairobi. You can either drive from Nairobi or fly to one of the airstrips within the park.

Driving

The reserve is about a 4.5-hour drive from Nairobi. While you can organize a self-drive safari, it is not recommended, as the roads are bumpy and tricky to navigate. If you choose this option, you will need a 4WD.

Public transportation

Most travelers prefer the convenience of a safari led by a professional safari guide. You can arrange to get picked up in Nairobi or at one of the airstrips in the reserve (either through your tour operator or accommodation).

Best times to visit

The park gates are open 6am–6pm. Dawn and dusk are good times to see many animals active, while watering holes on a hot, dry-season afternoon also make for good game spotting.

Best days to visit

There is no bad day of the week to visit the Masai Mara National Reserve, although weekends may be busier with locals.

Best months to visit

The best time to visit is during Kenya’s main dry season (July through October), which coincides with the Great Migration, and in January and February.