Masai Mara

Endless savannahs, spectacular animal herds, and dramatic natural moments: The Masai Mara is the heart of any safari in Kenya. Here you’ll experience pure wilderness – whether on a game drive by jeep, a walking safari, or floating above it all in a hot air balloon.

Hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara

Great Migration

Year-round

High price level

2 - 4 days

The Masai Mara covers approximately 1,510 square kilometers and is one of the most famous wildlife reserves in Africa. It’s characterized by vast grasslands, gentle hills, acacia groves, and rivers like the Mara River, where dramatic scenes of the migration unfold.

The Masai Mara offers fantastic wildlife viewing year-round, but its most spectacular event is the Great Migration: Between July and October, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles pass through the region. Lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles lie in wait for their chance.

The name “Mara” comes from the Maasai language and means “spotted” – a perfect description of the landscape dotted with bushes and trees scattered across the plains.

Animals in the Masai Mara

The Masai Mara is considered one of the best wildlife reserves in Africa. Here, you can experience the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) up close. The region is especially famous for its large populations of big cats: lion prides resting in the shade, cheetahs stalking prey in the open plains, and leopards lurking in the trees.

From late July to early October, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate through the Masai Mara, followed closely by hungry predators. But even outside of migration season, the Mara fascinates with elephant herds, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and countless bird species.

Keen-eyed visitors might also spot smaller creatures like warthogs, jackals, or mongooses. Over the plains, eagles and vultures circle majestically.

Highlights

01

Spectacle of the Great Migration

Between late July and early October, massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the Masai Mara. The Mara River becomes the stage for dramatic river crossings, with lurking crocodiles – a natural spectacle of worldwide renown.
02

Big Five Up Close

The Masai Mara is one of the best places in Africa to see all of the Big Five. Lions and leopards are especially frequently spotted here – a dream come true for photographers and safari enthusiasts.
03

Seamless Ecosystem with the Serengeti

The Masai Mara is not an isolated reserve but part of a vast, continuous ecosystem shared with the neighboring Serengeti in Tanzania. This lack of borders allows millions of animals to roam freely, creating spectacular wildlife movements found nowhere else in the world.
04

Traditional Maasai Homeland

The Masai Mara lies within the ancestral homeland of the Maasai people. This close connection to local culture gives the reserve a unique authenticity.

Activities

Game Drive

Experience lions and elephants on thrilling safaris.

Hot Air Balloon Safari

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Mara from a hot air balloon.

Getting There

By Car

From Nairobi, the Masai Mara can be reached in about 5–6 hours by road, depending on the chosen gate. Many itineraries include stops along the way, such as in the Rift Valley.

By Plane

Several airstrips in the Masai Mara make it easy to reach by small aircraft. Flights from Nairobi take about 45 minutes to 1 hour. From there, a 4x4 vehicle takes you directly to your lodge.

Are you ready for your adventure?

Whether you want to witness the Great Migration, learn about the Maasai culture, or float above the savannah in a hot air balloon – with us, you’ll find everything for your perfect adventure!

Browse Our Trips!

Masai Mara

Animals in the Masai Mara

Highlights

Spectacle of the Great Migration

Big Five Up Close

Seamless Ecosystem with the Serengeti

Traditional Maasai Homeland

Activities

Game Drive

Hot Air Balloon Safari

Getting There

By Car

By Plane

Are you ready for your adventure?