Maasai Mara Game Reserve
Maasai Mara Game Reserve | Background Info
The Masai Mara is a northern extension of Tanzania’s Serengeti, and is the site of the annual Great Wildebeest Migration which takes place from late July through to early October during which millions of wildebeest and thousands of zebra migrate from the Serengeti in Tanzania. The Masai Mara’s Great Migration is regarded as one of the greatest wildlife spectacles and natural wonders to witness first-hand. By far the most anticipated part of this journey is the dramatic Mara River crossings that occur between July and September as the animals enter Kenya.
Along with millions of wildebeest and huge herds of zebra, antelopes and other grazers, this jaw-dropping spectacle is a magnet for predators. There is no better place to witness lion, leopard, and cheetah in double-quick time, helped by the open terrain and the cats’ ease around vehicles. The Masai Mara National Reserve is therefore one of the best places in Africa for big cat sightings.
Highlights
Witness the great wildebeest migration
Home to the Big Five - Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant,Rhino
Great Birding Destination
Kenya's premier park with diverse wildlife concentrations
Interact with the local Maasai Community
Diverse accommodation and safari activities
Wildlife Viewing:
The Maasai Mara Game Reserve
Game viewing in the Maasai Mara is excellent all year round thanks to its varied landscapes, wide open spaces, temperate climate and diverse population of resident game. Its champagne-coloured savannahs are home to safari heavyweights like lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo, plus popular species like zebra, giraffe, hyena, eland and gazelle. Rhino sightings are scarce, but these endangered animals can be spotted – if you’re in luck – in the Mara Triangle.
The Mara is renowned for delivering exceptional big cat (lion, leopard and cheetah) sightings. Cheetahs are particularly well adapted to the region’s flat plains, which makes the Maasai Mara one of the best places to see these nimble predators. They often seek vantage points on fallen trees, termite mounds, and even game drive vehicles! It’s a highlight of any Maasai Mara safari to watch the world’s fastest land mammal chase down its prey.
Best time to visit:
the Maasai Mara Game Reserve
The best time to visit Maasai Mara is between July and October, during the Great Migration. Temperatures remain pretty consistent year-round, and rainfall is all that separates the seasons. January and February is the driest season. These months offer the best wildlife sightings and great conditions for safari. March to May is the rainy season, and some lodges and camps will close in April when the rains are at their peak. June to October follows with a short dry season, often punctuated with short, sharp showers. Temperatures are typically cooler at this time of year.
How to get to:
the Maasai Mara Game Reserve
Most people fly to the Maasai Mara. If you’re driving, Maasai Mara National Reserve is 270km/168mi west of Nairobi. The road to the reserve is paved all the way from Nairobi to Sekenani Gate, and the driving time is about 4 to 5 hours*. If you’re driving to the northern end of the Mara (including to the Mara North and Mara Triangle conservancies), there’s an unpaved stretch of 70km/43mi soon after leaving Narok, although there are plans to seal the road. It’s also possible to drive from Lake Nakuru National Park. The distance is about 235km/150mi and the driving time is roughly 6 hours*.
