Maasai Mara National Reserve Safari Tours
What are the reasons to visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve?
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is unquestionably Kenya’s most distinguished and esteemed reserve. The park’s vast expanse, which ultimately connects with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, together with its rigorous anti-poaching measures, has rendered it renowned for its flourishing populations of lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
The Maasai Mara serves as a commencement point for one of the most ancient pilgrimages in history. Annually, from July to October, the Great Migration witnesses millions of zebras, wildebeests, and gazelles creating clouds of dust as they rush towards more fertile pastures in the Serengeti. While in motion, their speed is frenzied and anxious as they strive to evade detection by a vigilant pride of lions or inadvertently approach a crocodile lurking near the riverbanks.
The reserve is named for the Maasai people, who inhabit the region. Their initial designation for the territory, “mara,” denotes the expansive terrain “dotted” with fauna and acacia trees, as well as the cloud shadows that define the region. The Maasai Mara features many lodges and camps that provide visitors a true safari experience.
Maasai Mara National Reserve Tours and Safaris
Hotels and Lodges in Maasai Mara National Reserve
More Information About Maasai Mara National Reserve
What is the optimal period for visiting the Maasai Mara?
The optimal time to visit the Maasai Mara Reserve is contingent upon your desired experiences. Nonetheless, the majority of individuals aspire to observe the magnificent Great Wildebeest Migration. Annually, the animals migrate at varying intervals, as their journey is dictated by rainfall, which is becoming ever erratic.
Here is a concise overview of the optimal times to visit the Maasai Mara Reserve, detailing various periods of the year and recommended accommodations.
In August, the grasses of the western Serengeti are becoming yellow, and the herds proceed northward. Upon traversing the Grumeti River in Tanzania, the wildebeest and zebra go to Kenya’s Lamai Wedge and the Mara Triangle. Prior to reaching the verdant plains of the Mara, they must undertake an additional river crossing. The renowned Mara River is teeming with voracious crocodiles. The Mara River crossing has been immortalized by David Attenborough, depicting nature’s harsh selection of which creatures survive and which perish. During this period, you should contemplate observing the phenomenon from Angama Mara Lodge.
From September to November, the Mara plains are teeming with substantial herds, which are consequently pursued by predators. Governors’ Camp is the premier accommodation during the migration in the Mara.
In November and December, the rains resume in the south, prompting the herds to commence their lengthy journey back to Tanzania for calving. During the brief rains in November, contemplate Klein’s Camp as a location to observe the Great Wildebeest Migration.
What is the cost of visiting the Maasai Mara Reserve?
All our tours are customized to create a personalized itinerary for you and your travel companions. The cost of visiting the Maasai Mara Reserve is contingent upon your accommodation choice, trip duration, selected activities, and more factors.
The cost of our Maasai Mara Reserve tours ranges from $350 to $3,000 per person per night, influenced by factors such as lodging type, availability, and seasonality.
What are the key features of the Maasai Mara Reserve?
The Maasai Mara boasts one of the highest densities of species globally and is renowned for its annual Great Migration. Nonetheless, it is truly a year-round safari locale providing several activities. Here are few highlights of the Maasai Mara to anticipate during your journey to Kenya.
Observing the Great Wildebeest Migration
At specific periods of the year, one can observe the Mara River crossing, when the Great Migration endeavors to traverse without succumbing to crocodilian predation.
Monitor the “Tano Bora” or “Magnificent Five” cheetah alliance
Hot air balloon excursions for an aerial perspective
Opulent Tented Camps for an unforgettable experience
Elevated concentration of lions and other large felids to observe
Engaging cultural interactions with the indigenous Maasai community
Varied terrains presenting distinctive observations
There are 470 bird species to observe.
What is the best route to reach the Maasai Mara National Reserve?
The most expedient and convenient method to reach the Maasai Mara is by air travel. The majority of visitors arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. This airport is the largest hub in East Africa, offering several travel options including Air France, British Airways, Emirates, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, Qatar Airways, and Kenya Airways.
From Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you may either embark on a road trip to the national reserve or choose for a charter flight directly to one of the airstrips nearest to your resort. The predominant option for a fly-in Maasai Mara safari is from Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL), with an approximate travel time of 45-60 minutes reaching the reserve.
A guided drive-in safari can be booked for a road transfer. While self-driving is an option, it is not advisable due to the necessity of a 4×4 for specific segments of the voyage.
What distinguishes Maasai Mara safaris?
Maasai Mara safaris are exceptional because to the abundant variety and quantity of wildlife observable in this region. It also hosts a segment of the renowned Great Migration, an annual phenomenon in which wildebeest, accompanied by various species and predators, traverse the plains in pursuit of more fertile grazing grounds.
East Africa is renowned for its expansive landscapes and exceptional safari experiences. Envision the quintessential safari scene featuring a solitary flat-topped acacia tree juxtaposed against a vivid red sunset. That is East Africa for you! It is also recognized for its flourishing populations of large felines and several avian species. This is a haven for both amateur and professional photographers. With a plethora of giraffes, buffalo, cheetahs, lions, leopards, endangered black rhinos, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous other species, you will be photographing at every opportunity.
Maasai Mara safaris encompass diverse explorations of landscapes and wildlife, ranging from walking safaris with indigenous Maasai warriors to hot air balloon excursions for an aerial perspective. The numerous luxury tented sites are strategically located to provide a front-row perspective of Africa’s most magnificent spectacles.