Maasai Mara Safari

The Maasai Mara National Reserve  is a game reserve situated in southwestern Kenya, adjacent to the Tanzanian border. It is part of the larger Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, which is known for its spectacular wildlife and the annual migration of wildebeest, zebras, and other animals.

Location

Masai Mara National Reserve is approximately 580 square miles.

Entrance Fees

The cost to enter the Masai Mara National Reserve is USD 100 per adult and USD 50 per child under 12 years old, per 24-hr period.

Opening Hours

There are  four currently open gates of the Masai Mara National Reserve are open daily between 6am and 6pm.

The best time to visit the Maasai Mara largely depends on the type of wildlife experience you’re seeking. The Maasai Mara offers different attractions throughout the year, so here are some considerations:

1. Great Migration (July to October): This period is often considered the best time to visit the Maasai Mara because it coincides with the Great Migration. Millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other animals migrate from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara in search of fresh grazing. Witnessing river crossings during this time is a highlight of the migration.

2. Dry Season (June to October): The dry season, which overlaps with the Great Migration, is generally the best time for wildlife viewing. The vegetation is thinner, making it easier to spot animals, and many water sources have dried up, concentrating wildlife around remaining waterholes.

3. January to February: This is also a good time to visit, as it’s the short dry season. Wildlife is still relatively easy to spot, and the landscape is lush and green after the short rains in November and December.

4. March to May: This is the long rainy season, and it can make travel challenging due to muddy roads. However, the landscape is lush and green during this time, and birdlife is abundant. Some lodges may offer lower rates during the rainy season.

Game Drives

Open 4×4 safari vehicles are the most popular way to explore the beauties of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Many lodges provide this experience in the morning and late afternoon. Local safari tour operators will conduct game drives in closed 4×4 cars with pop-up roofs. There is the option of spending the entire day in the reserve, with a picnic lunch prepared and enjoyed in a quiet area on the reserve’s plains.

While walking safaris or bush and trail walks are not allowed  within the main Masai Mara National Reserve, you can take a one to two-hour walk with a Masai guide or professional safari guide in one of the conservancies or smaller private reserves within and around the Masai Mara National Park.

Here are some key points about the Maasai Mara Wildlife:

1. Wildlife: The Maasai Mara is renowned for its abundant and diverse wildlife. Visitors can spot the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros) as well as numerous other species of mammals, birds, and reptiles.

2. Great Migration: One of the most famous events in the Maasai Mara is the annual Wildebeest Migration, considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. Millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other ungulates migrate from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara in search of greener pastures.

3. Landscape: The Maasai Mara features a mix of savannah, open grasslands, and acacia trees. The Mara River runs through the reserve, and its crossings during the migration are particularly dramatic, with crocodiles lying in wait for the migrating herds.