The northern extension of the Serengeti and the stage for the Great Migration each July to October — plus year-round resident lion, leopard and cheetah on Africa's most photographed plains.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is Kenya's most celebrated wildlife sanctuary and one of the greatest wildlife destinations on Earth. Covering 1,510 square kilometres of open savannah grassland in Kenya's south-western corner, the Mara forms the northern extension of Tanzania's Serengeti ecosystem — together creating the world's largest continuous savannah wildlife sanctuary stretching over 25,000 square kilometres. The Maasai Mara is most famous for the annual Great Wildebeest Migration, widely regarded as the greatest natural spectacle on the planet. Between July and October each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle, cross the Mara River in dramatic scenes — with enormous Nile crocodiles launching from the water to intercept the crossing herds. Beyond the Migration, the Mara maintains the highest density of large predators in Africa year-round. Lion prides are large and frequently visible in open grassland. Leopard are seen with exceptional regularity along the riverine forest. Cheetah hunt on the open plains. The Mara's private conservancy system — including Mara North, Naboisho, Ol Kinyei and Oiseki — extends the protected ecosystem, offering exclusive game drives and premium lodge experiences beyond the main reserve's boundaries.
Masai at a Glance
Position at the river from early morning to watch wildebeest build courage and plunge into the crocodile-filled waters in one of nature's most breathtaking dramas. The iconic river crossings occur from late July through October, peaking in August and September.
Morning and afternoon drives with expert Maasai guides tracking lion prides, leopard, cheetah, elephant herds and buffalo across the open Mara plains and private conservancies. The Mara offers year-round predator sightings unmatched anywhere in Africa.
Rise at dawn for a magical balloon flight over the Mara, watching herds of wildebeest, elephant and giraffe from above before landing for a champagne bush breakfast. The definitive Maasai Mara experience and one of Africa's most iconic wildlife moments.
Visit an authentic Maasai enkiama (village), meeting community members and learning about Maasai warrior traditions — a rich cultural counterpoint to the game drives.
Visit a permanent Mara River hippo pool to watch enormous pods of hippos alongside Nile crocodiles basking on the banks — a reliable and dramatic sighting outside of crossing season.
The Mara's open plains make cheetah one of the easiest big cats to observe in the world. Tracking coalition hunts across the grassland is an iconic Mara experience.
The Maasai Mara is approximately 5–6 hours by road from Nairobi (270km) or 45 minutes by scheduled charter flight. Multiple airlines — Air Kenya and Safaricom Aviation — operate daily flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Mara airstrips. Flying is strongly recommended.
Plan Your Journey
Our team handles all logistics — airport transfers, cross-border road trips, and charter flights. Reach out and we'll design the smoothest route to suit your itinerary.
ENQUIRE NOWLuxuryAngama Mara
spectacular clifftop position above the Rift Valley escarpment, iconic views.
LuxuryandBeyond Bateleur Camp
classic, exclusive tented camp with timeless safari elegance.
LuxuryMahali Mzuri
Sir Richard Branson's camp in Olare Motorogi Conservancy.
LuxurySingita Mara River Tented Camp
riverside luxury, exceptional guiding and design.
LuxuryJW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge
luxury tented suites on the banks of the Talek River, each with a private outdoor jacuzzi and deck.
LuxuryFairmont Mara Safari Club
tented camp surrounded on three sides by the Mara River at the foot of the Aitong Hills, with private decks overlooking hippo and crocodile-filled waters.
Mid-RangeGovernors' Camp
historic and iconic, set in Musiara Marsh.
Mid-RangeMara Serena Safari Lodge
reliable comfort with sweeping Mara views.
Mid-RangeKeekorok Lodge
one of the Mara's original lodges, well-established and central.
Mid-RangeNgenche Camp
intimate 8-tent camp on the Mara River in the Mara North Conservancy, with access to exclusive conservancy game drives.
LuxuryAngama Mara
spectacular clifftop position above the Rift Valley escarpment, iconic views.
LuxuryandBeyond Bateleur Camp
classic, exclusive tented camp with timeless safari elegance.
LuxuryMahali Mzuri
Sir Richard Branson's camp in Olare Motorogi Conservancy.
LuxurySingita Mara River Tented Camp
riverside luxury, exceptional guiding and design.
LuxuryJW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge
luxury tented suites on the banks of the Talek River, each with a private outdoor jacuzzi and deck.
LuxuryFairmont Mara Safari Club
tented camp surrounded on three sides by the Mara River at the foot of the Aitong Hills, with private decks overlooking hippo and crocodile-filled waters.
Mid-RangeGovernors' Camp
historic and iconic, set in Musiara Marsh.
Mid-RangeMara Serena Safari Lodge
reliable comfort with sweeping Mara views.
Mid-RangeKeekorok Lodge
one of the Mara's original lodges, well-established and central.
Mid-RangeNgenche Camp
intimate 8-tent camp on the Mara River in the Mara North Conservancy, with access to exclusive conservancy game drives.