Destinations / Kenya / Masai Mara

Masai Mara

Big Cats & the Great Migration

The Masai Mara is Kenya's most celebrated safari destination, a sweep of golden grassland famed for its lions, cheetahs and leopards. From July to October, the Great Migration arrives from the Serengeti, bringing dramatic Mara River crossings. Beyond the reserve, private Maasai conservancies offer exclusive, uncrowded game viewing all year.

EXPLORE THE MASAI MARA

Kenya's Most Iconic Safari

The Great Migration

From July to October, vast herds of wildebeest and zebra graze the Mara's plains and brave the crocodile-filled Mara River.

Big Cat Country

The Mara is one of the best places in Africa to see lions, cheetahs and leopards, with resident prides present year-round.

Maasai Conservancies

Private conservancies, leased from Maasai landowners, limit vehicle numbers and allow night drives and walking, while directly supporting local communities.

Unforgettable Experiences

Africa at its wildest, its grandest and most unforgettable.

  • Mara River Crossings

    Watch thousands of wildebeest plunge into the Mara River at crossing points in the reserve and the Mara Triangle.

  • Big Cat Game Drives

    Follow famous lion prides, cheetahs and leopards across the open plains of the reserve and the Maasai conservancies.

  • Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Safari

    Drift over the Mara plains at dawn, followed by a champagne bush breakfast where you land.

  • Walking with Maasai Guides

    Explore the private conservancies on foot, learning traditional bush knowledge from Maasai guides.

  • Night Drives

    Search for leopards, aardvarks and bat-eared foxes in the private conservancies.

  • Maasai Cultural Visits

    Meet Maasai families and learn about their traditions and way of life.

  • Bush Breakfasts & Sundowners

    Dine on the open plains or watch the sun set from the Oloololo Escarpment.

  • Family Adventures

    Create unforgettable memories with safari experiences designed for all ages.

  • Honeymoon Moments

    Combine thrilling wildlife encounters with exceptional lodges, secluded camps and memorable experiences together.

  • Scenic Helicopter Flights

    See the migration and the Mara's rivers and plains from above.

When to visit

The Mara offers superb game viewing year-round.

  • The Great Migration arrives, with Mara River crossings typically peaking in August and September. This is the busiest season.

  • The short rains return the plains to green. The herds head south, and visitor numbers fall.

  • Warm, dry weather and excellent resident wildlife, with many young animals and fewer vehicles.

  • The long rains bring lush landscapes and great value. Some camps close for the season.

Premier Stays

Private conservancies and riverside camps with exceptional access to the action.

Riverside & Reserve Camps

Spacious tented suites with en-suite bathrooms overlooking the Mara River, close to the migration crossings.

Private Conservancy Camps

Intimate camps in private conservancies, with few vehicles, night drives, and walking safaris

Luxury Lodges

Elegant lodges perched high above the plains, with glass-fronted suites, sweeping views across the Mara, and every comfort close at hand.

Pairs Perfectly with…

Because the best safaris rarely stop at one destination.

  • Ngorongoro Crater

    An extraordinary wildlife haven within the world's largest intact volcanic caldera.

  • Tarangire National Park

    Ancient baobabs, enormous elephant herds and exceptional game viewing.

  • Zanzibar

    Swap safari for white sand beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters.

  • Rwanda

    Add an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience to your East African adventure.

  • Amboseli National Park

    Add great herds of elephant beneath Mount Kilimanjaro.

  • Samburu National Reserve

    Discover rare northern species in Kenya's rugged north.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The herds are usually in the Mara from July to October, with river crossings often peaking in August and September. Big cats can be seen year-round.

  • The conservancies border the national reserve. They limit vehicle numbers and allow night drives, walking and off-road driving.

  • Guests fly from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to an airstrip near your camp in around an hour. Luggage is usually limited to a soft-sided bag of around 33 lb (15 kg).

  • US citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), applied for online before travel. Antimalarial medication is recommended for the Mara, and a yellow fever certificate is required if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk.

  • Yes. Many camps welcome children, with family tents, private vehicles and junior warrior programs.

  • "Beyond our expectations. Weeks later everyone is still talking about not just everything we saw and did – all of which were truly wonderful – but how everything went off without a single hitch"

    R. FISHMAN, USA

  • "African Safari nailed it! They created a once-in-a-lifetime first-class experience that wowed us. We can't stop talking about this amazing trip and sharing the photos with friends."

    NORMAN ALESI, USA

  • "This was a trip that we will remember forever and go into our memories for a lifetime. Thank you for putting this bucket list trip of a lifetime together for us! It was exceptional."

    WAYNE & DENISE RICCI, USA

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