Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the largest game reserves in Kenya, widely considered to be Africa’s greatest wildlife reserve (also known as Masai Mara and by the locals as The Mara). Maasai Mara National Reserve stretches 1,510 square kilometers (580 square miles) and raises 1,500-2,170 meters (4920-7120 feet) above sea level. Contiguous with the plains of the Serengeti, the Mara is home to a breathtaking array of life. The Mara Game Reserve is known all over the world for a wide range of wild animals such as the ” big five ” (lion, leopard, African elephant, cape buffalo, and black rhinoceros) and other popular species like zebra, giraffe, hyena, cheetah, wildebeest, eland and Thomson’s gazelle.

It is named in honor of the Maasai people (the ancestral inhabitants of the area) and their description of the area when looked at from afar: “Mara” means “spotted” in the local Maasai language of Maa, due to the many trees which dot the landscape. The reserve is managed by The County Goverment of Narok and the local Maasai community has been involved in the conservation efforts to contain poaching and other illegal activities.

There are several ways to get to the Masai Mara National Reserve from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. Here are some common transportation options:

  1. By Road: The most common way to reach the Masai Mara from Nairobi is by road. The journey typically takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on road conditions and the specific location within the reserve you are traveling to. You can either drive yourself or hire a private car with a driver. The route passes through towns such as Narok, and the road is mostly paved but can be rough in some sections, especially during the rainy season.

  2. By Air: For a quicker and more convenient option, you can fly from Nairobi to one of the airstrips near the Masai Mara. Several domestic airlines offer daily scheduled flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to airstrips such as Keekorok, Ol Kiombo, Mara Serena, and Musiara. The flight takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the airstrip and aircraft type. From the airstrip, you can arrange for a transfer to your lodge or camp in the reserve.

  3. By Tour Operator: Many tour operators and safari companies in Nairobi offer package tours to the Masai Mara, including transportation, accommodation, game drives, and other activities. These tours often include transportation by road or air, depending on the package, and provide a hassle-free way to experience the reserve.

  4. By Public Transport: While less common and more time-consuming, it is possible to travel to the Masai Mara by public bus or matatu (minibus) from Nairobi. Buses and matatus depart from the Nairobi River Road bus terminal and travel to towns such as Narok, from where you can arrange for onward transportation to the reserve.

Getting to Masai Mara from Mombasa, a coastal city in Kenya, involves a combination of transportation methods due to the considerable distance between the two locations. Here’s how you can get to Masai Mara from Mombasa:

  1. By Air: The quickest way to reach Masai Mara from Mombasa is by flying. You can book a flight from Moi International Airport in Mombasa to one of the airstrips near Masai Mara, such as Keekorok, Ol Kiombo, Mara Serena, or Musiara. Several domestic airlines operate scheduled flights between Mombasa and Masai Mara, with a flight duration of approximately 2 to 3 hours, including layovers.

The Masai Mara National Reserve offers a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are 20 top attractions and things to do in Masai Mara:

  1. Wildlife Safaris: Embark on thrilling game drives to explore the reserve’s diverse ecosystems and encounter iconic African wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros).

  2. Great Wildebeest Migration: Witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles as millions of wildebeests, zebras, and other herbivores migrate across the Mara River in search of fresh grazing grounds (best observed from July to October).

  3. Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Experience the Masai Mara from a bird’s-eye view on a hot air balloon safari, floating over the savannah at dawn and enjoying breathtaking views of the landscape and wildlife below.

  4. Cultural Encounters: Learn about the traditional customs, lifestyle, and culture of the Maasai people through cultural visits to local villages, where you can interact with Maasai tribespeople, watch traditional dances, and purchase handmade crafts.

  5. Photographic Safaris: Capture stunning wildlife and landscape photographs under the guidance of professional photographers or safari guides who know the best locations and lighting conditions for photography.

  6. Birdwatching: Explore the diverse habitats of Masai Mara, from grasslands to riverine forests, and spot a wide variety of bird species, including raptors, waterfowl, and migratory birds.

  7. Nature Walks: Take guided nature walks with experienced Maasai guides to explore the smaller wonders of the reserve, such as plants, insects, and smaller mammals, while learning about their ecological significance.

  8. Camping: Spend a night under the stars at one of the reserve’s designated camping sites, listening to the sounds of the African bush and experiencing the magic of the wilderness firsthand.

  9. Bush Breakfasts and Sundowners: Enjoy a delicious breakfast or drinks in the bush, surrounded by nature and wildlife, as part of a guided safari experience.

  10. Cheetah and Leopard Safaris: Join specialized game drives focused on tracking elusive predators such as cheetahs and leopards, increasing your chances of spotting these magnificent big cats in their natural habitat.

  11. Hippo and Crocodile Viewing: Visit the Mara River or other water bodies in the reserve to observe pods of hippos and basking crocodiles, especially during the dry season when water sources are concentrated.

  12. Night Drives: Experience the nocturnal side of Masai Mara on a night game drive, spotting elusive creatures such as nocturnal predators, owls, and bushbabies under the cover of darkness.

  13. Conservancy Visits: Explore the private conservancies adjacent to Masai Mara National Reserve, offering exclusive wildlife experiences, fewer crowds, and opportunities for guided walks and night drives.

  14. Conservation Projects: Learn about conservation efforts in Masai Mara, including initiatives focused on wildlife protection, habitat restoration, anti-poaching efforts, and community development.

  15. Horseback Safaris: Explore the reserve from a different perspective on a horseback safari, riding through open grasslands and encountering wildlife while accompanied by experienced guides.

  16. Lion Tracking Excursions: Participate in conservation activities such as lion tracking excursions, where you can assist researchers in monitoring lion populations and behavior, contributing to their long-term conservation.

  17. Visit Mara River Crossings: Witness dramatic river crossings during the Great Wildebeest Migration, as thousands of wildebeests brave crocodile-infested waters in their annual quest for greener pastures.

  18. Bush Dinners: Enjoy a magical dining experience under the African sky, with candlelit dinners set up in the bush, accompanied by traditional music, storytelling, and stargazing.

  19. Hot Springs Visits: Discover hidden gems such as natural hot springs located within the reserve, where you can relax and rejuvenate after a day of safari adventures.

  20. Sundowner Game Drives: Take a leisurely game drive in the late afternoon, stopping at scenic viewpoints to enjoy sundowner drinks and watch the sunset over the savannah, with the chance to spot nocturnal wildlife as the evening unfolds.

These are just some of the many attractions and activities awaiting visitors to the Masai Mara National Reserve, offering unforgettable experiences in one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations.

Here is a list of highly regarded accommodations in the Masai Mara National Reserve and the surrounding conservancies:

  1. Mara Serena Safari Lodge: Located in the heart of the Masai Mara, this lodge offers luxurious accommodations with stunning views of the savannah and wildlife.

  2. Mara Intrepids Luxury Tented Camp: A luxury tented camp offering spacious tents with modern amenities, situated along the Talek River in the Masai Mara.

  3. Governors’ Camp: One of the oldest and most renowned camps in Masai Mara, offering tented accommodations and exceptional wildlife viewing experiences.

  4. Mara Plains Camp: A luxury safari camp located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, offering exclusive accommodations and superb game viewing opportunities.

  5. Angama Mara: Perched on the Oloololo Escarpment overlooking the Masai Mara, this luxury lodge offers elegant suites with panoramic views of the reserve.

  6. Sarova Mara Game Camp: Situated inside the Masai Mara National Reserve, this camp offers comfortable accommodations and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

  7. Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp: Nestled in a private concession bordering the Masai Mara, this camp offers luxury tented accommodations and close encounters with wildlife.

  8. Mara Bushtops: A luxury safari camp offering spacious tents with private hot tubs and panoramic views of the Masai Mara.

  9. Little Governors’ Camp: Located in a prime wildlife area of the Masai Mara, this intimate camp offers tented accommodations and authentic safari experiences.

  10. Entim Mara Camp: Situated in a prime location for wildlife viewing, this tented camp offers comfortable accommodations and personalized safari experiences.

  11. Sanctuary Olonana: A luxury safari lodge located on the banks of the Mara River, offering elegant accommodations and wildlife viewing opportunities.

  12. Richard’s River Camp: A boutique safari camp situated in a secluded area of the Masai Mara, offering intimate accommodations and personalized service.

  13. Naboisho Camp: Located in the Naboisho Conservancy, this eco-friendly camp offers luxury tented accommodations and exclusive wildlife experiences.

  14. Elephant Pepper Camp: A classic safari camp offering spacious tents and authentic bush experiences in the heart of the Masai Mara.

  15. Mara Ngenche Safari Camp: Situated on the banks of the Mara River, this luxury camp offers tented accommodations and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.

  16. Olare Mara Kempinski: A luxury safari lodge located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, offering elegant accommodations and personalized service.

  17. Mara Expedition Camp: A luxury tented camp offering intimate accommodations and immersive safari experiences in the Masai Mara.

  18. Karen Blixen Camp: Named after the famous Danish author, this luxury camp offers tented accommodations and authentic safari experiences in the Masai Mara.

  19. Sekenani Camp: Located near the Sekenani Gate of the Masai Mara, this camp offers tented accommodations and convenient access to the reserve.

  20. Porini Mara Camp: Situated in the Ol Kinyei Conservancy, this eco-friendly camp offers tented accommodations and exclusive wildlife experiences away from the crowds.

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Masai Mara National Reserve:

  1. Where is the Masai Mara National Reserve located?

    • The Masai Mara National Reserve is situated in southwestern Kenya, contiguous with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. It is approximately 270 kilometers (170 miles) west of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya.

  2. What is the best time to visit the Masai Mara?

    • The Masai Mara can be visited year-round, but the best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season from July to October, coinciding with the Great Wildebeest Migration. This period offers excellent game viewing opportunities as animals gather around water sources and grasslands are relatively dry.

  3. What is the Great Wildebeest Migration?

    • The Great Wildebeest Migration is an annual natural spectacle where millions of wildebeests, zebras, and other herbivores migrate between the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya in search of greener pastures. The migration usually takes place between July and October, with river crossings being a highlight of the event.

  4. What wildlife can I see in the Masai Mara?

    • The Masai Mara is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.

  5. How do I get to the Masai Mara from Nairobi?

    • There are several ways to get to the Masai Mara from Nairobi, including driving, flying, or taking a guided safari tour. The journey by road takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, while flying from Nairobi to one of the airstrips near the reserve takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

  6. Are there accommodations available in the Masai Mara?

    • Yes, there are numerous accommodations available in and around the Masai Mara, ranging from luxury lodges and tented camps to budget-friendly campsites. Visitors can choose from a variety of options to suit their preferences and budget.

  7. Is it safe to visit the Masai Mara?

    • Yes, the Masai Mara is generally safe for visitors, but it’s essential to follow safety guidelines provided by your safari guide or lodge staff. Precautions should be taken, especially when viewing wildlife, to avoid any potential risks.

  8. Can I take children on safari in the Masai Mara?

    • Yes, children can accompany adults on safari in the Masai Mara, but it’s essential to choose family-friendly accommodations and activities suitable for their age. Some lodges and camps offer specialized programs and activities for children to enhance their safari experience.

  9. What activities can I do in the Masai Mara besides game drives?

    • In addition to game drives, visitors to the Masai Mara can enjoy activities such as hot air balloon safaris, nature walks, cultural visits to Maasai villages, birdwatching, and photography tours.

  10. Do I need a visa to visit the Masai Mara?

    • Visitors to Kenya typically require a visa, which can be obtained online or upon arrival at major entry points such as airports. It’s essential to check visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling to the Masai Mara.