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Maasai Mara National Reserve

About The Park

Located in southwestern Kenya along the border with Tanzania, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the most celebrated safari destinations in the world. Its vast golden plains, winding rivers and remarkable concentration of wildlife create the classic African safari landscape many travellers imagine.

The reserve forms part of the greater Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem and is famous for the spectacular Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the plains in search of fresh grazing. With its incredible wildlife encounters and deep cultural ties with the Maasai, the Maasai Mara offers one of Africa’s most unforgettable safari experiences.

Exciting Activities to Do in Lake Nakuru National Park

The Great Migration

Every year vast herds of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles move from the Serengeti into the Maasai Mara in search of greener pastures. The dramatic river crossings at the Mara River are among the most thrilling wildlife spectacles on earth.

Big Five Safari Destination

The Maasai Mara is one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five. Lions roam the plains, elephants graze near riverine forests, while leopards, buffalo and rhinos can often be spotted across the reserve.

Predator Capital of Africa

The Mara has one of the highest densities of predators in the world. Lions, cheetahs and hyenas are frequently seen hunting across the open grasslands.

The Mara River

The Mara River winds through the reserve and attracts hippos, crocodiles and large numbers of animals coming to drink, creating incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.

Maasai Cultural Encounters

Visitors can meet members of the Maasai community and learn about traditions, storytelling and a way of life that has remained closely connected to the land for generations.

Destination Guide

Getting There

The Maasai Mara lies about 260 km from Nairobi. Visitors can travel by road in approximately 5 to 6 hours or take a short-scheduled flight from Wilson Airport to one of the airstrips within the reserve.

Best Time to Visit

The Maasai Mara offers excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year. The Great Migration season from July to October is especially spectacular when massive herds arrive in the reserve.

Recommended Stay

A stay of 3 to 4 nights allows visitors to fully experience the reserve through multiple game drives, wildlife encounters and time to relax at the lodge or camp.

Ideal Safari Combination

The Maasai Mara combines well with other destinations such as Lake Nakuru National Park, Amboseli National Park, or a relaxing beach escape along Kenya’s coast.

Wildlife You May Encounter

Maasai Mara National Reserve is world-famous for its exceptional wildlife and dramatic savannah landscapes, hosting iconic species such as the Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Wildebeest, Rhino, and Cheetah, making it one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.

Elephant

Lion

Leopard

Buffalo

Wildebeest

Rhino

Cheetah

Where to Stay in
Maasai Mara National Reserve

Sarova Mara Game Camp
Sarova Mara Game Camp

Sarova Mara Game Camp offers a classic safari experience set among trees and gardens near a seasonal stream. Spacious tents, warm hospitality and its location close to excellent wildlife viewing areas make it a popular choice for visitors exploring the Maasai Mara.

Mara Sopa Lodge

Set on the slopes of the Oloolaimutia Hills, Mara Sopa Lodge is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers spacious cottages with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The lodge provides a peaceful and comfortable base from which to explore the Mara.

Mara Maisha Camp

Mara Maisha Camp offers a stylish tented safari experience with elegant tents, excellent dining and a warm atmosphere. Located near the Talek Gate area, the camp provides convenient access to some of the most wildlife-rich parts of the reserve.

Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Perched on a hill overlooking the sweeping plains, Mara Serena Safari Lodge offers breathtaking views of the Maasai Mara. Its Maasai-inspired design, comfortable rooms and panoramic location create a truly memorable safari setting.

Planning Your Maasai Mara Safari

1. When is the best time to visit the Maasai Mara?

“The Maasai Mara offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round, with the famous Great Migration taking place between July and October”.

“A stay of 3 to 4 nights allows enough time to enjoy multiple game drives and fully experience the reserve”.

“Visitors commonly see the Big Five along with cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and a wide variety of birdlife”.

“Travellers can drive from Nairobi in about 5 to 6 hours or take a scheduled flight from Wilson Airport to one of the Mara airstrips”.

“Yes. The Mara combines beautifully with destinations such as Amboseli National Park and Lake Nakuru National Park”.

“Yes. Salaton Safaris Ltd can create a personalized itinerary designed around your travel style, interests and timeframe”.

Explore Available Itineraries

3 DAYS

Tsavo East & West Safari

Discover Tsavo East and West on an unforgettable safari featuring red elephants, lava landscapes, Mzima Springs and uncrowded game drives.

10 DAYS

Ultimate 10 Day Kenya & Zanzibar Escape | Safari & Beach Holiday

Experience the ultimate Kenya and Zanzibar safari and beach holiday, combining iconic wildlife encounters with Zanzibar’s turquoise waters.

5 DAYS

Amboseli & Coast 5-Day Safari

Experience the best of Kenya with a 5-day Amboseli safari and coastal beach escape. See Mount Kilimanjaro, big game and relax on the coast.

6 DAYS

6-day Kenya safari

Discover the Big Five on a 6-day Kenya safari through Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Amboseli with Mount Kilimanjaro views and rich culture.

9 DAYS

9-Day Kenya Safari Journey

Explore Kenya on a 9-day safari through Maasai Mara and Amboseli with Big Five wildlife, flamingo lakes, Maasai culture and Kilimanjaro views.

5 DAYS

Amboseli Group Joining Safari (2N/3D)

Amboseli group joining safari: 2N/3D with shared 4×4 Land Cruiser, full board, guided game drives and optional Maasai village visit. Seasonal rates—book now.

3 DAYS

3-Day Amboseli Group Safari

Join a 3-day Amboseli group safari and explore elephant herds, open savannahs and Mount Kilimanjaro views in Kenya’s iconic park.

5 DAYS

5-Day Kenya Safari & Beach Escape

Enjoy a 5-day Amboseli and coast safari combining elephant encounters under Mount Kilimanjaro with Mombasa’s beaches and culture.

3 DAYS

Amboseli Private Safari Deals

Amboseli private 2 nights/3 days deals—land cruiser, full board, epic Kilimanjaro views. Book your 2025 escape today.

9 DAYS

Magical Kenya Safari Adventure

Nairobi | Lake Nakuru | Masai Mara | Amboseli

7 DAYS

Amboseli National Park Safaris

Experience the magic of Amboseli National Park, Kenya's crown jewel nestled beneath the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Famous for its large elephant herds and stunning backdrop of Africa's highest peak, Amboseli offers unparalleled wildlife photography opportunities and intimate encounters with nature. From vast open plains to lush swamplands, this safari destination promises breathtaking views and unforgettable wildlife sightings in one of Kenya's most picturesque settings.

7 DAYS

Great Rift safari

The reserve offers a unique vista of rounded hills and undulating plains. The mix of wood and grassland with riverine forest and swamp is home to a wide variety of animals and birdlife.Buffalo springs records over 365 species of bird. They include; helmeted and vulturine guinea fowls, sandgrouse and doves in addition to a galaxy of smaller birds.Game includes reticulated giraffe, grevy’s zebra, elephant, black rhino, ground squirrel, oryx, Somali ostrich, hippo, crocodile,gerenuk, buffalo, lion,leopard, cheetah and hyena.Accomodation is found in the Samburu Game lodge sited on the edge of the Uaso Nyiro River.

12 DAYS

Standard Road/Air Safari

Explore Africa with our Standard Road & Air Safari. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and wildlife. Book your unforgettable adventure!

Experience the magic of the African savannah where extraordinary wildlife encounters unfold across the legendary plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Let Salaton Safaris Ltd craft a personalised Maasai Mara safari tailored to your interests, travel style and timeframe.

Enquire today and begin planning your Maasai Mara adventure.

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