A captivating 7-day adventure in Kenya, combining Maasai Mara Safari thrills with the tranquility of Mombasa beach.
Go on a 5-day luxury safari in Kenya's iconic Maasai Mara. From Nairobi's bustling streets to the savannah, experience wildlife and night drives.
Go on a 3-day road safari in Masai Mara, witness incredible wildlife, experience rich culture, and enjoy comfortable accommodation and expert guiding.
Game drives are the most popular activity, and can be done during the day or at night.
The Masai Mara Game Reserve, located in southwest Kenya and part of the northern section of the Serengeti National Park, is known as one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves. With a size of 1,510 square km (580 square miles) and an elevation of 1,500-2,170 meters above sea level, the reserve is home to over 95 species of mammals and 570 recorded species of birds. The Masai Mara Ecosystem holds one of the highest lion densities in the world and is where over two million wildebeest, zebra, and Thomson’s gazelle migrate annually.
To maximize your safari experience, it is recommended to book a seven-day safari covering two or more other destinations. The Masai Mara has several conservancies surrounding it that have a restricted number of vehicles, allowing for more private game viewing. The reserve is an all-year-round destination for big cats and other big game, but the best time to visit is from July to October, during the wildebeest migration. December to February is also a great time to visit, as it is dryer and good for the big cats.
Wildlife photography;- For those interested in photography, it is recommended to stay for a minimum of seven days to increase the chances of getting the ultimate photo. However, a three to four-day safari is suitable for those who want to experience the reserve’s beauty and wildlife.
There are many great accommodations in the Masai Mara, ranging from luxurious lodges to comfortable tented camps. Here are a few recommendations:
Conservation and community involvement are important aspects of sustainable tourism in the Masai Mara, and visitors can play a role in supporting these efforts.
Conservation efforts in the Masai Mara are focused on protecting wildlife and their habitats, as well as promoting sustainable tourism practices. The Mara Conservancy, a non-profit organization, manages the conservation and tourism activities in the reserve, and works closely with local communities to ensure their involvement and benefit. Some lodges and camps in the Masai Mara also have their own conservation initiatives, such as waste reduction, renewable energy, and water conservation.
Local communities in the Masai Mara, particularly the Maasai people, are an integral part of the ecosystem and its conservation. Many Maasai communities have traditional grazing rights in and around the reserve, and their livestock often share the same habitat as wildlife. To promote sustainable use of natural resources, the Mara Conservancy and other organizations work with local communities to support their livelihoods through eco-tourism and other sustainable economic activities.
Tourists can help support conservation and community efforts in the Masai Mara by choosing responsible tour operators and accommodations, practicing responsible tourism behavior (such as not littering, respecting wildlife and local cultures, and following park rules), and participating in conservation and community programs, such as tree-planting, wildlife monitoring, and cultural exchanges with local communities. Some lodges and camps also offer opportunities for guests to learn about and participate in their conservation initiatives.
The best time to visit the Masai Mara is during the wildebeest migration from July to October, when millions of wildebeest and other grazers move across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of fresh pasture. However, the Masai Mara is a year-round destination with good wildlife viewing opportunities, so the best time to visit may depend on your preferences and interests.
The Masai Mara is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the “big five” (lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos, and rhinos), cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, and many other species. The Masai Mara is particularly known for its high density of lions, as well as the annual wildebeest migration.
The Masai Mara offers a range of activities for visitors, including game drives, hot air balloon safaris, walking safaris, and cultural visits to Maasai villages. Game drives are the most popular activity, and can be done during the day or at night. Hot air balloon safaris provide a unique perspective on the Masai Mara landscape, while walking safaris offer a chance to explore the wilderness on foot.
The Masai Mara is located about 270 km southwest of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. The most common way to get to the Masai Mara is by road or by air. By road, it takes about 5-6 hours from Nairobi to reach the Masai Mara. By air, there are several daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Masai Mara’s various airstrips.
There are many great accommodations in the Masai Mara, ranging from luxurious lodges to comfortable tented camps. Some popular options include Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Governors’ Il Moran Camp, Mara Ngenche Safari Camp, Sarova Mara Game Camp, and Porini Mara Camp. The best accommodation for you may depend on your preferences, budget, and itinerary.