Maasai Mara National Reserve safaris

The Maasai Mara is Kenya's most famous reserve and one of the best places in Africa to see big cats. Open grassland, acacia and riverine forest hold lion, leopard and cheetah alongside elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and huge herds of plains game.

The Great Migration

The wildebeest and zebra herds usually arrive from the Serengeti around July and stay until about October, crossing the Mara River many times. The timing follows the rains, so no one can promise a crossing on a given day, but our guides follow the reports each morning. Outside migration months the resident wildlife is still excellent, and lodges are quieter and cheaper.

Reserve or conservancy

The main reserve has the river crossings. The private conservancies around it limit vehicle numbers and allow night drives and walking. Many travellers combine both. Read conservancies vs the main reserve.

Getting there and how long

The Mara is about five to six hours by road from Nairobi or a short flight from Wilson Airport. Allow at least two nights, ideally three, and add a hot air balloon flight at dawn if you can.