Masai Mara National Reserve

“World’s Greatest Show”

Extending northeast from a shared border with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, the 1,510 km2 Masai Mara is the most famous and popular safari destination in Kenya, if not anywhere in Africa. The appeal of the Mara and adjacent private/community conservancies isn’t difficult to explain.

Its mosaic of rolling hills, open grassland and acacia woodland supports a quite incredible profusion and variety of wildlife. Large predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah and Spotted hyena are easily seen at close quarters all year round, and the reserve truly blossoms between August and October, when the legendary wildebeest migration – perhaps the world’s most breathtaking wildlife spectacle – crosses into Kenya from Tanzania.

The Maasai People. As special as these revered golden hills, so too, are the peoples inhabiting this region. The Maasai were traditionally nomadic pastoralists, originally migrating from the northern Nile Valley. And despite many attempts to subjugate them, they remain proud, resolute and fixed to their livelihood of raising cattle. With their bright colors and beadwork, they stand in striking contrast to the deep greens and yellows of the savannah. These communities of Maasai villagers born of this land complete the rich experience of this very special place.

Masai Mara National Reserve Highlights

Location: The reserve is in the Great Rift Valley in southern Kenya and borders the Serengeti plains in Tanzania. The Mara is just a few degrees south of the equator, so length of day and temperature do not fluctuate very much.

Climate: Temperatures vary between 20oC (68oF) and 30oC (86oF). Mornings in the reserve tend to be bright and clear, but in season, rains develop in the late afternoon and evening. The thunderstorms here can be spectacular.

Best time to visit: The reserve is accessible year-round, but the peak season is July through October during the migration. Peak rainfall is in December – January and April – May.

Operating Hours: The reserve is open 24 hours a day. The main roads here are always accessible. However, the game viewing roads can only be used by 4 x 4 vehicles during the rainy season.

Getting there:

By road – you can book a tour with Nova Afrika Safaris from the coast or Nairobi.

By air – fly in safaris can land at the park’s all-weather airstrips – Musiara, Keekorok and Olkiombo.

Things to do and see
Game viewing  – One of the premier game viewing spots in Kenya, if not the world, the Mara hosts an unending chain of wildlife. The odds are good that you will spot all the famous “Big Five” game throughout the reserve’s seemingly endless horizons.

The Great Migration – Perhaps the most impressive wildlife procession on the planet, you shouldn’t miss this massive display of over 2 million animals responding to the ancient cycles of nature. The sight of thousands upon thousands of animals storming over the Mara River is unforgettable.

Balloon Ride Over the Mara  – Experience the Mara coming to life in the early morning mists. In this once-in-a-lifetime adventure you’ll witness an endless river of herding wildlife below, snaking off to the vast horizon.

Visit The Masai Mara With Us

There’s a reason this park is Kenya’s most popular. The beauty of the land, its rich animal life and the immense display of nature at work here will surely touch you.  When you’ve been to the Mara, you have truly been to Africa. Join us on safari to this signature reserve. We have road and air safaris departing from Nairobi, Mombasa and other coastal resorts going to the Masai Mara and other great Kenya Parks.