Location: Narok County, southwestern Kenya
Best Time to Visit: July to October (Great Wildebeest Migration), but good year-round
Famous For: Big Cats, the Big Five, and the Great Migration
Ecosystem: Open savannah, acacia woodland, and riverine forests
Key Wildlife: Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, wildebeests, zebras, hyenas, giraffes, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife destination, a vast expanse of golden savannah where nature plays out its most spectacular scenes. Covering approximately 1,510 square kilometers, it is part of the greater Mara-Serengeti ecosystem and is named in honor of the indigenous Maasai people who inhabit the area.
This reserve is the stage for the legendary Great Wildebeest Migration, often referred to as the “eighth wonder of the world.” It also offers a high density of predators, particularly big cats, and year-round opportunities to witness the “Big Five.”
The Maasai Mara is located in southwestern Kenya, about 270 kilometers from Nairobi. Most visitors access the reserve via a 6-hour drive from Nairobi or by a 45-minute flight to one of the many airstrips within or near the park.
The reserve is bordered to the south by Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, forming a critical part of the greater Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. To the north, east, and west, the Mara is flanked by a mix of Maasai community conservancies that also support wildlife conservation.
Peak season and the best time to visit if your goal is to witness the Great Migration. These months offer cool, dry weather, ideal for game viewing.
Lush landscapes, migratory birds, and fewer tourists. Great for calving season and predator sightings.
The wettest months. Roads can be muddy, but scenery is stunning. Excellent for bird watching and photography.
Best seen in open grasslands. Famous for high-speed hunts.
Stars of the Great Migration. Seen in massive herds during migration season.
Found in Mara and Talek Rivers, especially active during river crossings.
Common sightings of hyenas, jackals, servals, and bat-eared foxes.
Around July, herds begin crossing into the Mara from the Serengeti. By August and September, the plains are full of wildlife. River crossings are dramatic and predator-filled. By October, herds return south.
Community conservancies allow the Maasai to benefit economically while protecting wildlife. These areas offer eco-friendly safaris and deeper cultural immersion.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is a stage where nature’s wonders unfold daily. With unmatched wildlife, scenic beauty, and rich culture, it’s the heart of Kenya’s safari experience.
