The reserve and the conservancies
The Maasai Mara National Reserve covers open grassland in south-western Kenya, bordering Tanzania's Serengeti. It is named after the Maasai people and the Mara River. Around it, private conservancies — land leased from Maasai communities — protect a much larger area. In the conservancies, vehicle numbers are limited and activities like walking safaris and night drives are possible, while the reserve itself has the main river crossings.
The wildlife
The Mara is one of the best places in Africa to see lions, leopards and cheetahs, with large herds of plains game, elephants, buffalo, hippos and crocodiles along the river. Black rhinos live here too, though they are rarely seen. From about July to October the Great Migration arrives — see the Great Migration in the Mara.
When to go
- July – October: the migration and dry-season game viewing; the busiest and most expensive time.
- January – February: dry, quieter and excellent for predators.
- March – May: the long rains; green, quiet and lower rates.
- November – December: short rains, good value.
Park fees
Non-resident adults pay about US$100 per day from January to June and about US$200 per day from July to December, on a 12-hour ticket. Fees are set by the county authority and can change; they are included in our safari prices. See Kenya safari cost.
Getting there
- By road from Nairobi: about five to six hours, through the Great Rift Valley — often combined with Lake Naivasha or Lake Nakuru on the way.
- By air from Nairobi's Wilson Airport: about 45 minutes to an hour to the Mara's airstrips. Luggage is limited to around 15 kg in soft bags.
Things to do
- Morning and afternoon game drives, or full days with a picnic by the river
- A sunrise hot-air balloon flight with a bush breakfast (an optional extra)
- Walking safaris and night drives in the conservancies
- A visit to a Maasai village
How long to stay
Three nights is ideal for the Mara — enough for several long game drives and a good chance of river crossings in season. Our 7-day Amboseli, Rift Valley and Masai Mara safari and our longer circuits all include the Mara; see Kenya safaris.
