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Masai Mara National Reserve Safari Kenya

Masai Mara National Reserve

Mara lodges and camps on an epic luxury safari to Kenya. For many ambitious travellers to Africa, the Masai Mara National Reserve is an epic safari destination in Kenya that simply must come first. It’s an essential part of any East Africa itinerary and a destination highlight. The annual Great Wildebeest Migration features thousands of wildebeest and zebra stampeding the plains in search of new grazing.  Visitors benefit from a wide variety of accommodation in luxury safari lodges, chic tented camps and remote eco-chalets deep in the bushveld.

Masai Mara Game Reserve Kenya is located in Narok, next to the renowned Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The Maasai people migrated here from the Nile Basin and named the area “Mara” meaning “spotted” in their language. An apt description of the many short bushy trees dotted all over the grassland landscape in Maasai Mara Kenya.

One of the most important wildlife conservation areas in Africa, Masai Mara is best known for its exceptional populations of lion, leopard, cheetah, elephants and other herbivores. It is the central stage for the Great Migration which also circulates through the Serengeti of Tanzania – the Greater Mara ecosystem also encompasses the Mara Triangle and several Maasai Conservancies. 

Did you know?

The Maasai people are a pastoral community spanning northern, central, and southern Kenya and northern parts of Tanzania. They rely on their lands to sustain both their tribes and their cattle and have struggled deeply when forced off their ancestral territories to make way for the Masai Mara Game Reserve, impacting their traditional way of life and cultural practices.

Highlights

  • The Maasai Mara is the only protected area in Kenya vast enough to support one of the largest indigenous black rhino populations in Africa.
  • Silent hot air balloons drift over the reserve at sunrise for an unforgettable luxury experience.
  • Nature walks in the main Mara reserve and longer walking safaris in the neighbouring conservancies can be life changing. 
  • Try game viewing on horseback with private safari outfits in the larger Mara ecosystem.

We will customize your Maasi Kenya itinerary in a special package tour that includes a safari in the spectacular Serengeti. Contact Voyage2Africa today.

What is the best time of year to visit the Masai Mara for wildlife sightings?

The Masai Mara offers incredible game viewing year-round, but the best time to witness the Great Migration is from July to October. During these months, millions of wildebeest and zebra cross into the Mara from the Serengeti, followed closely by predators. Outside of migration season, the dry months from January to March also offer excellent sightings of resident wildlife, including the Big Five.

How many days should I spend in the Masai Mara?

Most travelers spend 3 to 5 days in the Masai Mara to enjoy multiple game drives, explore different conservancies, and possibly witness a river crossing during the migration. A longer stay also allows time to unwind at your safari lodge and take part in cultural visits or walking safaris. Voyage2Africa helps tailor the perfect number of days based on your interests and seasonal highlights.

Can I combine a Masai Mara safari with other destinations in Kenya or East Africa?

Yes, the Masai Mara combines well with Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, or Samburu for a diverse Kenyan safari. You can also add a beach holiday in Diani, Mombasa, or Zanzibar. Many guests also pair it with gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda. Voyage2Africa can handle all domestic flights and transfers for a seamless multi-stop East African adventure.

What types of safari accommodations are available in the Masai Mara?

Accommodation ranges from luxury tented camps and eco-lodges to exclusive private conservancies. Options include riverside camps for Great Migration views, mobile camps that follow wildlife patterns, and all-inclusive lodges with private guides. Voyage2Africa recommends trusted lodges based on your travel style, preferences, and desired wildlife experiences.

Is the Masai Mara safe for tourists?

Yes, the Masai Mara is considered one of Kenya’s safest and most professionally managed safari destinations. Safari lodges operate under strict safety protocols, and game drives are led by licensed guides with deep local knowledge. Voyage2Africa partners only with accredited lodges and provides 24/7 support before and during your trip for added peace of mind.

Can I see the Big Five in the Masai Mara?

Absolutely. The Masai Mara is one of the few places in Africa where you can reliably see all members of the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. While rhino sightings are less common, they are possible in specific areas such as the Mara Triangle and some conservancies. Daily game drives offer exceptional opportunities for close-up encounters with diverse wildlife.

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