Masai Mara safaris - Kenya's most famous reserve
Big cats, the Great Migration, and 95 other mammal species on one stretch of savannah. By road or by air, from Nairobi or the coast.
Big cats, and the biggest herd movement on Earth
Acacia-dotted savannah holds numerous lion prides, plus leopard and cheetah. Add the Great Migration - up to 2 million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle - and you get one of the densest wildlife concentrations anywhere.
All five Big Five species live here, alongside 95 other mammals: giraffe, antelope, eland, topi, jackal, hyena and constant birdlife overhead. Every route, from Nairobi or the coast, leads to this one park.
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By 4x4 road safari, or by light aircraft
Road safaris cover the drive from Nairobi through Maasai country in a custom 4x4 Land Cruiser, stopping at the Mara River where crocodiles wait for the crossing herds.
Flight safaris cut travel time to under an hour from Nairobi or a coastal airstrip. Your guide meets you on arrival and takes you straight into your first game drive.
The people the park is named after
The Maasai have herded cattle and goats on this land for centuries, recognisable in bright plaid shukas. Village visits let you meet families, see a boma and learn their customs - some visitors join a traditional jumping dance.
Maasai communities also manage the conservancies bordering the reserve - quieter land with plentiful wildlife and Maasai guides. We arrange village or conservancy visits alongside any Masai Mara safari.
Choose your lodge tier
From simple tented camps to superior luxury lodges inside the reserve and its private conservancies.
| Economy | Tented camps and simple lodges with comfortable rooms and shared facilities - good value, full safari experience. |
| Comfort | Mid-range lodges and camps with en-suite rooms, good service and a wide choice of locations around the reserve. |
| Luxury | Well-appointed tented camps and lodges, several inside private conservancies with fewer vehicles per sighting. |
| Superior Luxury | Top-tier camps and lodges - spacious suites, fine dining and prime locations along the Mara River or conservancy plains. |
Some properties carry a seasonal supplement. Your travel advisor will confirm this before booking.
2, 3 & 4 day Mara safaris by Land Cruiser
2 Days
3 Days
4 Days
Group · 2 Days
Group · 3 DaysFly-in from Nairobi or Diani Beach
Under an hour in the air, straight into the reserve - ideal if you want to maximise time with the wildlife.
From Nairobi
From Nairobi
From NairobiFrom DianiFrom DianiFrom DianiGood game viewing year-round, best in the dry season
The Mara has no real off-season - but each season offers a different experience.
Dry Season
Jun - Oct20-30°C, clear skies, short grass for easy spotting. July to September brings the Great Migration river crossings - the park's most dramatic sighting.
Short Rains
Nov - DecBrief, sporadic showers bring green landscapes. Pleasant daytime temperatures and fewer tourists for a quieter safari.
Long Rains
Mar - MayHeavier rain, especially in April. Some camps close and roads can be muddy - but landscapes are at their greenest, good for birdwatchers.
Masai Mara safaris - your questions answered
How many days should I spend in the Masai Mara?
We recommend a minimum of three to four days for a well-rounded safari with multiple game drives. Five to seven days lets you explore quieter areas and add cultural visits or a balloon flight without rushing.
When is the Great Migration in the Masai Mara?
The herds typically cross the Mara River from July to October, with July to September the most active period. Exact timing shifts each year with rainfall, so we confirm current conditions before you travel.
How much does a Masai Mara safari cost?
Cost depends on duration, lodge tier and season. Budget-friendly tented camp packages and high-end luxury lodge packages are both available - tell us your preferences and we'll quote accordingly.
How much is a hot air balloon ride over the Mara?
From €425 per person, including transport, the flight itself and a champagne bush breakfast afterwards. Flights depart at sunrise for the best light and cooler air.
Should I travel by road or by air?
Road safaris let you see the Kenyan countryside en route and cost less. Flight safaris save time - under an hour from Nairobi - and suit travellers with limited days or connecting from the coast.
What should I pack for a Masai Mara safari?
Lightweight neutral-coloured clothing, a hat, sunglasses, a light jacket for cool mornings, closed walking shoes, binoculars, a camera, sunscreen, insect repellent and any personal medication.