The Masai Mara National Reserve is well known as Kenya’s flagship tourist destination and a home to spectacular wildlife. It is a world leading tourist destination where most travelers and tourists go for their safaris. With a strategic location in southwestern Kenya, The Masai Mara National Reserve forms the northern part of the legendary part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem which has a significant role in managing wildlife biodiversity.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the few reserves around the world that still supports large mammals. With such a pivotal role in the wildlife sector, thousands of tourists tend to cross borders and fly from miles away into Masai Mara to enjoy the iconic African sunset, the long stretching savannah plains and witness all the unique wildlife that are found within the Reserve. For every traveller the Masai Mara is a must see for them as it never fails to entice and excite.
Apart from Masai Mara acting as a tourist destination for travellers across to just enjoy wildlife and nature. It is a vital hub that has been playing a significant role in the conservation of various wildlife that are considered to be endangered or going into extinction.
It protects a significant number of endangered species; it preserves the ancient migration routes and has continued to support and protect the culture of the Maasai people. You cannot get enough of Masai Mara as it sits on diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife and cultural richness which makes it unique compared to other destinations.
Masai Mara distinguishes itself from the rest as it is the only tourist destination that is home to some big predators, the world’s Great Wildebeest Migration. There are high chances of seeing Africa’s Iconic Big Five which include lion, leopard, Elephant, rhino and buffalo. Weather you are travelling for the first time or a seasoned tourist, then Masai Mara is the place to go for you.
Location & Geography
The Masai Mara National Reserve is located in southwestern Kenya, bordering Tanzania to the south. It is in Kajiado county one of the counties in the Great Rift Valley where it neighbours Bomet County. It covers an approximated area of around 1,500 square kilometres, the reserve is part of the larger Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, which stretches across two countries and supports one of the world’s most intact wildlife habitats. It ensures there is a balance between prey and predators.
The Masai Mara is directly connected to the Serengeti National Park allowing animals to move freely across the two areas. This goes to the wildebeest, zebras and other animals that form part of the ecosystem. The nexus leads us to the reason why the Masai Mara is a part of a bigger ecosystem which is the Serengeti of Tanzania. The combination of Serengeti-Mara ecosystem covers an approximated 25,000 square kilometer. The balance between animals of different hierarchy makes it easier for animals to interbreed and fill the ecosystem in an easily.
The landscapes of the Masai Mara National Reserve are diverse and captivating as you are likely to find rocky escarpment that offer very stunning view points for viewers. It has the Acacia woodlands which are a home to leopards, giraffes and leopards. The reserve is mainly dominated by the sweeping savannah grasslands that feed most of the herbivores that inhabit the reserve.
There are several key rivers that flow through the reserve further increasing the stunning appearance of the reserve. The Mara River is considered to be the lifeline of the migration and a significant site for dramatic river crossings during the Great Wildebeest Migration. Telek River found within the reserve is a crucial water source for wildlife especially during the dry season as it waters the animals throughout the reserve.
The Sand River within the Masai Mara is a scenic seasonal river that lies close to the Kenya, Tanzania border. The three rivers despite their different locations and being far from each other they are the sources of life for all animals within Masai Mara.
History of the Masai Mara
The Masai Mara National Reserve was originally established in 1961 as a wildlife sanctuary which was named after the Maasai people who have lived there for most of their life times. The land where Masai Mara lies was historically owned by Maasai community who are better known for their deep connection with the land, warrior’s traditions and rich culture.
Since the establishment of Masai Mara National Reserve the Maasai people have continued to play a significant role in the conservation of the region. They are the communities that has played a key role in showing others that we need to conserve wildlife. The Maasai traditional lifestyle emphasizes on the coexisting of wildlife while still having a sustainable grazing area. Through this peaceful and ecofriendly approach to sharing the same land with wild animals has significantly played a critical role in the preservation of the natural ecosystem.
For so many years different environmental conservation measures have been stipulated in place to mitigate various environmental challenges such as climate change, heat loss, poaching and habitat loss which has played a significant role in increasing the number of tourists. Today local communities, international communities and private conservancies work closely together with the reserve to safeguard wildlife populations. Since this is a fulltime occupation, then collaboration leads to the creation of employment which is an event that has greatly and positively impacted the Maasai community.
What Makes Masai Mara Famous
The Masai Mara is famous for various reasons that make it among the top destinations that people would want to go for their African Safaris. It is famous for the abundant wildlife, it is home to an exceptionally high concentration of animals including the Big Five, numerous species that are rarely sighted anywhere else apart from this reserve and large herds of grazers and browsers.
It has high predatory concentration compared to any other place in the world. The Masai Mara is the only place that you can get the chance to watch predators in action from the morning hours to late evening hunting routines. The most common predators you are likely to see in action include hyenas, leopards, cheetahs and lions. With the vast open plains ideal for long chase and hunting moves for the predators, you get to have an unforgettable sighting.
Birdlife and diverse ecosystems within Masai Mara make it famous as it has more than 450 bird species that tourists come to watch. The common birds that inhabit the Mara include hornbills, secretary birds, ostriches and other migratory birds that come and go within the different seasons of the year.
The iconic safari experiences play a significant role in the fame of Masai Mara. It is only in this reserve that you will get to experience dramatic hunts, to watch the golden savannah and watch herds of elephant. Most importantly is the evening sunset as it paints the sky in shades pf orange and red, a spectacular evening view that no one wants to miss.
Wildlife in Masai Mara
The wildlife in Masai Mara is diverse and extra ordinary whereby you get to see animals from various parts of the ecosystem. The common wildlife within the ecosystem are usually predators and herbivores. Among the predators that are present include; lions as Masai Mara are home to most of the large prides of lions that are commonly seen on termite mounds hunting as a family.
Leopards also inhabit the Masai Mara where they are mostly spotted resting on acacia trees and commonly known as stealth hunters. In the vast open plains of Masai Mara you can get a good view of Cheetahs a perfect place to see high speed chases during hunting. Hyenas are among the intelligent, loud and powerful hunters mostly seen in Masai Mara. There are other major herbivores that are present in the reserve which include wildebeest, zebras, buffalos, elephants, giraffes, various antelope species
The Great Wildebeest Migration
The highlight of Masai Mara is commonly associated with the Great Wildebeest Migration, also known as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. It is estimated that every year over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras and thousands of gazelles are usually seen travelling in circular pattern across Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing fields.
The annual migration cycle of the wildebeest starts between June and July where the herds move north from the Serengeti. In July to October the herds enter the Masai Mara marking the best time that one should be in Masai Mara for the proposes of the Great Wildebeest Migration. However, the peak of the event is usually attained in the month of September as this is where there is dramatic crossing of the river. Between October and November, the herds move south again to Serengeti.
Best Time to Visit Masai Mara
Masai Mara is considered to be a year-round tour destination, however, different seasons offer different experiences. The peak season in Masai Mara is usually between July and October. This is the best and perfect time to go for the Great Migration. The weather is also favourable as during this time the weather is warm and make to move from different points within the reserve.
There is a high population of wildlife during this period, the down side of this is that there are many tourists and the prices are usually very high. The green seasons is also a perfect period to visit the Masai Mara as this is usually between November and May.
There is a beautiful green scenery, with new born animals appearing everywhere. During this time there are few tourists, the prices are low but the rain is constant. The shoulder season comes in between June and late October where there are good balances of wildlife and the crowds are small within the reserve.
Safari Activities in Masai Mara
Some of the safari activities that you can enjoy various activities such as game drives which are common in the morning hours, afternoon and full day options are available.
Game drives allow you to explore different parts of the reserve and spot varied wildlife. Hot air balloon safaris are another event where you get the chance to float above the plains at sunrise or in the evening catching a good view of the wildlife from above.
Walking safaris are a common activity offered in conservancies where you are offered a guided walk to have a more detailed interaction with nature. Cultural visits involve activities such as meeting Maasai families and get to learn a few things about their culture, enjoy traditional dances and customs.
Photographic safaris are part of the activities where you are guided to areas that you can capture epic photographs.
Accommodation Options
There are different accommodation options for the various budgets. For instance, the luxury tented camps are perfect for honeymooners and luxury travelers, where they can get services such as plunge pools and private decks.
The mid-range lodges are a good option as it has modern amenities with excellent value to service you while on your safari. There are budget campsites which are ideal for solo adventurers and travellers or backpackers.
The accommodations can either be inside or outside the camp which all have a different experience and cost. While accommodated inside the reserve you have a better game viewing chance. On the other hand, if you are outside the camp, it is more affordable but there is chance that you will have a limited time to view the games and probably you will end up on missing in the better events.
Masai Mara Conservancies
Conservancies are mainly lands community owned that are bordering the reserve and are mainly used to manage wildlife and tourism. They have played a significant role in reducing the crisis that used to exist between Maasai’s and wildlife. Below are some major conservancies;
Olare Motorogi Conservancy
The Olare Motorogi conservancy boasts of having the highest concentration of lions per square. Kilometer. However, it has the lowest number of tourists compared to the rest. In this conservation alone, there are more than 50 different species of raptors and predators lurking in the acacia woods. In this conservancy there are is Olare Orok and Ntiakitak river valleys that offer a perfect spot for predators and preys to hunt each other.
Ol Kinyei Conservancy
This conservancy is well known for the grassy plains which is home to only two small camps. It is the perfect choice for bush walks and interacting with local Maasai community. With more than 300 bird’s species it is the dream conservancy that every birdwatcher wants.
Olderkesi Wildlife Conservancy
This is the perfect place to go if you are looking for a place with a high concentration of wildlife for your Masai Mara safari holiday. If you are lucky to book a place to stay at the Olderkesi Wildlife Conservancy then you will be in the furthest and most remote of all conservancies with a single camp.
Ol Choro Oiroua Conservancy
This is yet another very remote conservancy that has three accommodations with 65 rooms among them. To the west of the conservancy lies the Mara River and the East has a vast plain that offers a great place to view any wildlife roaming the plains. There’s plenty of wildlife to view in this conservancy.
Lamek Conservancy
This is one of the smallest and modest wildlife conservancies that lies to the northwest corner of the Mara. Despite not being able to see migrating herds of wildlife there is a higher chance of seeing plenty of game during the off-road driving, game drives, bush walks and night safaris.
How to Get to Masai Mara
You can access Masai Mara either by road or by air which are the easiest and most recommended means of access. By road from Nairobi, it is 5-6 hours drive through Narok town. By air a domestic flight from Wilson Airport will only take 45 minutes and land on airstrips that are close to the lodges you have booked.
Park Entrance Fees & Rules
There are entrance fees that applies to visitors which is considered to be a daily conservation fee which is subject to whether they are staying inside or outside the reserve.
The fees also vary with regards to age wither you are local or international tourist. There are rules that apply within the reserve such as no littering is allowed, off road driving within the park is also prohibited.
You should avoid feeding the animals, keep a safe distance from the animals and respect their silence.
| CATEGORY | NON-RESIDENTS | EAST AFRICAN RESIDENTS | KENYAN RESIDENTS | |
| Inside Park | Outside Park | |||
| Adult | $70 | $80 | Ksh 1,200 | Ksh 1,000 |
| Child | $40 | $45 | Ksh 500 | Ksh 300 |
| Student | $40 | Ksh 500 | Ksh 300 | |
Sample Safari Itineraries
3-Day Masai Mara Luxurious Private Fly-in Safari
This is an adventurous tour at the Masai Mara National Reserve. This reserve is well known for its beautiful Savannah grassland, the Big Five, and the wildebeest migration.
This park is highly visited by both local and non-resident tourists. This tour will leave you with a lifetime of memories in luxurious peace and privacy. This is a luxury tour where you will be set in tented camps and can be customized.
Private tours are available and can start any date. It is suitable for solo travelers. The minimum age for this tour is 3 years. The activities involved include game drives in a pop-up roof 4×4 vehicle and transport from and back to the airport is included.
Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve
The Safari starts when you are picked from your Nairobi Hotel to catch your 9:30 am Flight to Masai Mara depending on the available flight, you will arrive at Maasai Mara at around 1130hrs. You will be met by a guide who will take you to the hotel with an enroute game drive making sure you arrive at the hotel in time for lunch, check in your rooms, and relax. In the evening, at 16.00hrs you shall be picked at the reception and leave for an evening game drive.
There are plenty of wildlife to enjoy at this time, you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay with lots of entertainment.
Day 2: Full Day at Masai Mara National Reserve
Going with the hot air balloon safari option; you have to wake up for an early morning game drive at the Masai Mara game reserve home to the big five after the game drive come back to the hotel for breakfast.
You will have a chance to enjoy some relaxation or swimming. Have lunch then relax some more as you prepare for an evening game drive at 1600hrs.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay as this is your entire day in the Reserve.
Day 3: Masai Mara National Reserve to Nairobi
Your departure begins with an early morning game drive at 0630hrs then return to the camp/lodge for breakfast by 0900hrs. After breakfast you will check out with an enroute game drive to the air strip and start your journey to Nairobi.
This will mark the end of your beautiful and unique 3-Day Masai Mara Luxurious Private Fly-in Safari at Masai Mara National Reserve.
In terms of accommodation and meals, day 1 and 2 you will be accommodated at a luxury camp where in day one lunch and dinner will be included and in day 2, all meals will be included. In day three since its the end of tour only breakfast and lunch are provided
Photography Guide
To catch the best pictures and game photos you need good lighting. The ideal lighting is mostly available in early morning and late in the evening. The main reasons as to why you need to do photography during such times it the only time you can get a smooth golden colour which is perfect for the photo session.
When going for a fast action captures you need to use the fast shutter speeds. Always keep the sun behind you every time you are taking the pictures. Respect the animals and avoid disturbing or baiting them, keep the required safety distance while taking pictures.
Safety & Travel Tips
In terms of health, you are always advised to carry and apply insect repellents. Always ensure to drink bottles water and carry basic medications with you. You should pack neutral coloured clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. A camera with its equipment is important to carry and don’t forget to carry a binocular.
Do not forget to learn cultural ethics for the Maasai community; before taking pictures with them ask for their permission. Dress modestly while in the village and learn simple greetings language like ‘Supa’. Through showing you understand and want to learn their language is a way of appreciating their culture.
