3 days
Photo: Benh LIEU SONG, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsMasai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara and the Rift Valley
The Masai Mara is the northern tip of the Serengeti ecosystem: about 1,500 square kilometres of rolling grassland, acacia trees and rivers in south west Kenya. It has some of Africa's highest densities of lions, cheetahs and leopards, and from July to October the Great Migration arrives, with wildebeest and zebras crossing the crocodile filled Mara River.
The reserve is run in two parts: the main reserve, managed by Narok County, and the Mara Triangle west of the river, managed by the non profit Mara Conservancy. Around both lie private conservancies on Maasai land, which offer a quieter, more exclusive safari.
What you can see
- Big cats: Lions are seen on most game drives, cheetahs hunt on the open plains, and leopards rest along the rivers and in the trees near Talek and Musiara.
- The Great Migration: From July to October, over a million wildebeest with zebras and gazelles move through the Mara. River crossings are most likely in August and September.
- Resident wildlife: Elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, topi and huge herds of plains game stay all year, so the Mara is excellent even without the migration.
- The Big Five: Lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes are common; black rhinos are rare and shy, with the best chance in the Mara Triangle.
Reserve, Mara Triangle or conservancy?
| Main reserve | Mara Triangle | Private conservancies | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managed by | Narok County | The Mara Conservancy (non profit) | Maasai landowners with camps |
| Crowds | Busiest, especially at sightings | Fewer vehicles, strict rules | Very few vehicles, often a limit per sighting |
| Night drives and walks | No | No | Usually yes |
| River crossings | Yes, several crossing points | Yes, on the west bank | A short drive away |
| Budget options | Many camps near the gates | Few | Mostly mid range to luxury |
Getting there
- By road: About 5 to 6 hours from Nairobi, through the Great Rift Valley and the town of Narok. The main gates are Sekenani, Talek and Oloolaimutia on the east side, Musiara in the north and Oloololo for the Mara Triangle.
- By air: Light aircraft from Wilson Airport in Nairobi fly to several airstrips across the Mara in about 45 to 60 minutes. Bags are usually limited to about 15 kg in soft bags.
- On a tour: Most visitors come on a safari from Nairobi, with a driver guide and park fees included. See our 3 day Masai Mara safari guide.
When to go
The Mara is good all year. July to October brings the migration, the highest fees and the most vehicles. January to March is dry, quieter and half the price in park fees. April and May are the long rains, when some camps close and roads get muddy. Check where the herds are in any month with our migration tracker.
How long to stay and where to sleep
- 2 nights: One full day of game drives; the minimum worthwhile stay.
- 3 to 4 nights: Time for a full day at the river, a balloon flight, or a split stay between the reserve and a conservancy.
- Where to stay: Budget camps cluster outside the Sekenani and Talek gates; mid range and luxury tented camps sit inside the reserve, in the Mara Triangle or in the conservancies.
Things to do besides game drives
- Hot air balloon: About an hour over the plains at dawn, with a bush breakfast. About US$500 per person.
- Maasai village visit: Learn about Maasai homes, dances and traditions; ask your camp which visits are run with the community.
- Walking safari: In the conservancies, with a Maasai guide and an armed ranger.
- Sundowners: Drinks on a hill as the sun sets over the plains, offered by most camps.
Tip: Bring a warm layer: early morning game drives in an open roof vehicle can be cold, even in the dry season.
Where it is
Multi-day tours that visit Masai Mara National Reserve
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6 Days Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli Budget Group Safari
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Masai Mara National Reserve: questions
How much is the Masai Mara entry fee?
For non resident adults, US$100 a day from January to June and US$200 a day from July to December. Children aged 9 to 17 pay less, and conservancy fees are separate.
How many days do you need in the Masai Mara?
Two nights at minimum for one full day of game drives; three or four nights in migration season.
What time does the Masai Mara open?
The gates open at about 6am and close at about 6:30pm. Night drives are not allowed in the reserve or the Mara Triangle, only in private conservancies.
Can you see the Big Five in the Masai Mara?
Lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes are seen often. Black rhinos are rare; the Mara Triangle gives the best chance.