Masai Mara National Reserve
Wildlife Conservancy

Masai Mara National Reserve

Iconic savannah landscapes teeming with Africa's Big Five.

Kenya
Location
1,510 km²
Geographic Size
Year-round
Best Time to Visit

About Masai Mara National Reserve

The Masai Mara National Reserve, situated in southwestern Kenya, is a vast wilderness famous for its exceptional population of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and buffaloes, collectively known as the Big Five. Its rolling grasslands and acacia woodlands support a rich variety of wildlife, making it one of the most celebrated safari destinatio...

When to go

Excellent
Good
Fair
Jan
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Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Seasons

July - October
Best time to go
Ideal for observing the Great Migration and enjoying vast numbers of wildlife in dry weather conditions.
July - October
High Season
Prime time for witnessing the Great Migration and excellent wildlife viewing with dry weather conditions.
April - June
Low Season
The rainy season may offer challenging safari conditions but rewards with lush landscapes and fewer tourists.
November - March
Shoulder Season
A mix of short rains and dry spells, offering good wildlife viewing opportunities outside the migration period.

What to do

Featured Experiences

Wildlife

The Maasai Mara's vast plains and riverine forests host an incredible diversity of animals, making it one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five and witness the dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration.

Lion

Lion

Common
Elephant

Elephant

Common
Black Rhino

Black Rhino

Rare
Cheetah

Cheetah

Common
Hippo

Hippo

Common
Hyena

Hyena

Common
Leopard

Leopard

Occasional
Giraffe

Giraffe

Common
Zebra

Zebra

Common
Gazelle

Gazelle

Common
Buffalo

Buffalo

Common
Wildebeest

Wildebeest

Common

Where to stay

Hotels & Lodges

Fairmont Mara Safari Club

Fairmont Mara Safari Club

4.7
Tented Camp
Luxury
Lemala Mara

Lemala Mara

4.6
Mobile Camp
Luxury
Mara Intrepids Camp

Mara Intrepids Camp

4.6
Tented Camp
Luxury
View all hotels & lodges

Related destinations

Mara Triangle
Kenya
Keekorok Airstrip (KEU)
Kenya
Mara North Conservancy
Kenya

What to know

Safety & Vaccinations
The Maasai Mara is generally considered safe for tourists. Standard vaccinations for Kenya, including Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, and Typhoid, are recommended, as well as malaria prophylaxis. Visitors should follow the advice of their guides and respect wildlife distances.
For more information regarding vaccinations and health notices, view the CDC’s page :
CDC Travelers' Health
CDC Travel health notices and vaccination recommendations
Getting There
Most visitors travel to the Maasai Mara by road from Nairobi or by scheduled flights to one of the reserve's airstrips, offering a quicker and more scenic entry into the area.
Getting Around
Game drives are the primary mode of wildlife viewing, conducted in 4x4 vehicles. Walking safaris and hot air balloon rides are also popular for experiencing the reserve's landscapes and wildlife from different perspectives.
Visas
Under Kenya's current visa policy, most foreign visitors must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) prior to arrival, streamlining the entry process for tourists and encouraging more people to experience the country's natural wonders.
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