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Masai Mara National Reserve
(Kenya)
The Masai Mara, the most famous of Kenya’s reserves, has been called “the most magnificent wildlife theatre in the world.”
The Masai Mara adjoins Tanzania’s Serengeti, and animals are free to roam between the two countries. Like the Serengeti, the Masai Mara is a region comprised mostly of acacia-studded grasslands interspersed by woodland. The Mara and Talek Rivers are the lifeblood of the park.
The Masai Mara is particularly famous for its annual migration, often considered one of the natural wonders of the world, when almost 1 and a half million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle migrate northwards around July of each year, in search of fresh pasture. Predators, including lion and cheetah, follow in hot pursuit. In October, the animals return. Whether you visit the Masai Mara in time to witness the Great Migration or not, you will most certainly see a massive variety of wildlife, including the ‘big five’ and around 450 recorded bird species.
We recommend a fly-in safari to the Mara and a stay of at least 3 nights at one of the many private camps, which offer fantastic game-viewing and guiding.
In and around Masai Mara
Game drives, walking safaris and fly-camping are offered by most camps and lodges. Hot air ballooning is also possible. You will likely get the chance to visit local Masai villages or witness Masai performances.
The Mara combines well with a trip to the Rift Valley Lakes and/or Samburu National Park. A few days relaxation on Lamu, Mombassa or Zanzibar makes a wonderful finale to the safari.
Accommodation in Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
The Cottar's 1920's Safari Camp is situated in an extensive and exclusive concession between the Maasai Mara, Serengeti and Loliondo reserves where the Purko Maasai clan roams.
Elephant Pepper Camp nestles in the shade of a natural forest, tucked away in a prime wildlife area in the northern Masai Mara.
Governors Camp is situated on the Mara River in the Masai Mara National Reserve. To one side of the camp is the Mara River, and on the other, the sweeping plains the Serengeti is named after.
IL Moran Camp is situated along the banks of the Mara River, right in the heart of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, with the best game viewing right on your doorstep.
This Bush Camp is a small, classic, intimate, luxury tented camp completely unfenced, accommodating a maximum of twelve guests.
Kicheche Mara Camp is a classic tented camp, situated in a grove of wild olive and croton trees, in a prime wildlife area of the northern Mara plains.
Little Governors is intimate in character, with just 17 luxury en-suite tents tucked around a large watering hole that teems with both birds and wildlife.
Ngare Serian is the Mara’s most exclusive Camp which can be reserved on an exclusive basis. Located in the Pusinkariak Conservancy with 6kms of river front and dominated by the Siria escarpment which rises 1000ft above the Mara.
This small and exclusive tented camp offers a truly private, traditional safari experience, with access to the famous Masai Mara Game Reserve.
Rekero Tented Camp is situated in the midst of the Mara Serengeti Ecosystem, home to the greatest concentration and diversity of wildlife in the world.
Richard's Camp is a small and exclusive seasonal tented camp situated in a conservation area North West of the Masai Mara National Reserve
Saruni is a deluxe safari lodge outside the famous Masai Mara National Reserve.
Located in the Mara north conservancy, Serian Camp is a traditional tented bush camp. The camp is set in a secluded valley where the stylish accommodation overlooks the waters of the Mara River.
Other regions in Kenya
Despite its size, Amboseli is one of the most popular parks in Kenya due in part to its stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Chyulu Hills and Tsavo National Parks
Chyulu Hills & Tsavo National Parks are in south eastern Kenya between Kilimanjaro and the coast.
The Laikipia District of Kenya is located in the centre of the country, on the equator.
Lake Victoria is the second largest freshwater lake in the world at 70,000 square kilometres, and crosses over into Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The Lamu Archipelago is located close to the northern coast of Kenya and home to the beautiful islands of Manda, Lamu, Kiwayu and Pate.
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a private reserve in north-east Kenya near to Mount Kenya National Park, Samburu and the Aberdares.
The Masai Mara, the most famous of Kenya’s reserves, has been called 'the most magnificent theatre in the world.'
Meru is one of Kenya’s least visited national parks.
Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya and occupies a stunning setting by the Indian Ocean.
Mount Kenya
Nairobi is a bustling, lively city which boasts its own National Park.
The Kenyan Rift Valley is a section of the 6,000km Great Rift Valley which stretches from the Dead Sea in the Middle East, all the way to Mozambique.
Samburu and Shaba National Parks
The Samburu National Reserve is situated on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in Kenya.
Example itineraries in Masai Mara National Reserve
Kenya Wildlife and Cultural Safari
A fully guided Safari beginning with the secluded and serene game park of Meru to view a wide variety of animal and bird life, some endemic to this region plus experience the day-to-day life of the Meru and Borana people. Then on to the slopes of Mount Kenya before traversing the Aberdare Ranges to the Rift Valley to visit Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, the Loita Hills and finally the world famous Maasai Mara.
Kenya Rift Valley and Mara Walking and Driven Safari
A relaxed walking, cultural and wildlife safari through the Rift Valley and Maasai country that combines balanced easy walking opportunities, wildlife viewing and cultural interactions. This itinerary, which works well for Families is ideal for both young and older travellers alike. A journey with relatively short distances lets you discover varied sceneries, different wildlife environments and cultural experiences of the Kikuyu and Maasai tribes all at a relaxed pace.
If you don’t have much time available but want to see as much of Kenya as possible, this small group itinerary is perfect. Visiting the parks of Samburu, Lake Nakuru and the incredible Maasai Mara you will see lots of wildlife including some endemic species such as Gerunuk and Rothschild Giraffe. You will also stay in great lodges and travel with knowledgeable guides, this itinerary is a fantastic introduction to East Africa and will leave you wanting more!
