Maasai Mara National Reserve Travel Guide
An iconic reserve, home to Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacle
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the world’s most celebrated safari destinations.
Stretching across the southwest of Kenya, this vast expanse of golden grasslands and acacia-dotted savannah – ‘Mara’ means ‘spotted’ in the Maasai language – is renowned for its breathtaking wildlife encounters and the annual Great Migration.
Sustainably managed in harmony with local pastoralist communities, the Maasai Mara is a shining example of conservation and community in partnership and is home to many of Kenya’s most luxurious safari lodges.
While the Maasai Mara is an iconic safari destination year-round, the undisputed highlight is the Great Migration from July to October, when vast herds move through the Reserve. This abundant antelope population also ensures plentiful predators, making the Maasai Mara one of the best places in Africa to see lions, leopards, and cheetahs hunting on open plains. Conservation efforts here also protect the critically endangered black rhino. Twice-daily game drives offer a front-row seat to the action, but be sure to include a sunrise hot air balloon safari for panoramic views of the landscape. Cultural interactions with the local Maasai people – known for their red shukas, traditional jumping dance, and deep connection to the land – are especially memorable.
While dining in the Maasai Mara is always an unforgettable experience, the remote location means that most meals will be served at your chosen lodge or tented camp. Here, expert chefs craft menus that blend international flavors with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Dietary requirements and preferences can be catered for; please advise on reservation.
Neutral-colored clothing is recommended for game drives. Mornings and evenings can be cool on safari, so layering is essential. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for bush walks. A good pair of binoculars, a camera with extra memory cards, and a sun hat are must-haves. Most lodges provide basic toiletries and have small safari boutiques for essentials, but be sure to bring any necessary prescription medication.
The Maasai Mara has a temperate climate year-round. The dry season, from June to October, provides the best game viewing, featuring largely clear skies that coincide with the arrival of the Great Migration. The short rains arrive in November, while the long rains, from March to May, bring lush green landscapes and migratory birds, making it the ideal time for photography.
The Maasai Mara is considered a low-risk area for malaria, but it is advisable to take anti-malarial prophylactics and to take precautions at dawn and dusk to prevent getting bitten. Consult your travel doctor at least three weeks prior to departure.
Need to get your bearings? Click here to find out where the Maasai Mara is situated…
The Maasai Mara is easily accessible via scheduled and charter flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, with a flight time of approximately 45 minutes. Alternatively, a scenic road transfer from Nairobi takes around five to six hours and passes through the breathtaking landscapes of the Great Rift Valley.
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