Masai Mara National Reserve

Key Highlights

• The Great Migration: Between July and October, over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate from the Serengeti to the Mara, featuring dramatic and perilous river crossings at the Mara River.
• The “Big Five”: The reserve is a haven for Africa’s most iconic animals: lions, leopards, elephants, African buffalo, and rhinoceros.
• Maasai Culture: Named after the indigenous Maasai people, the reserve offers opportunities to visit traditional Maasai villages (manyattas) to learn about their nomadic warrior culture and hand-crafted beadwork.
• Adventure Activities: Popular ways to explore include hot air balloon safaris at dawn, guided nature walks, and evening sundowners. 

Planning Your Visit

• Best Time to Visit:
  • July – October: Peak season for the Great Migration and general game viewing.
  • December – February: Excellent for spotting big cats and newborn animals.
  • March – May: The “long rains” season; lush landscapes but some roads may be challenging.
• How to Get There:
  • By Air: Daily 45-minute flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to various airstrips within the reserve.
  • By Road: Approximately a 5–6 hour drive (270 km) from Nairobi.
• Entry Fees (2024–2025 Estimates):
  • Non-Residents: USD 100 per day in low season (Jan–June) and USD 200 in high season (July–Dec).
  • East African Citizens: KES 1,000–3,000 depending on the specific sector and age.

    Diverse Ecosystems

    The reserve is divided into sectors, most notably the Mara Triangle (managed by a non-profit) and the main Narok Sector. Surrounding the reserve are several private conservancies (like Mara North and Olare Motorogi) that offer more exclusive safari experiences with limited vehicle numbers and night game drives.