Southwestern Kenya, bordering Tanzania’s Serengeti

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Where the Great Migration Unfolds

Overview

The Maasai Mara is the crown jewel of Kenya’s wildlife viewing areas. Named after the Maasai people and the Mara River, this reserve is world-renowned for its exceptional populations of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and elephants, and for the annual Great Migration of zebra, Thomson’s gazelle, and wildebeest.

Quick Facts

Location Southwestern Kenya
Known For Great Migration
(July–October)
Best Time July to October for
the Great Migration

Wildlife Highlights

Wildlife & Unique Features

The Big Five

Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and black rhino are all resident year-round.

Big Cats

Famous prides of lions, elusive leopards and cheetah coalitions hunt across the plains.

Cheetahs

Open savannah provides perfect hunting grounds

The Migration

Over a million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra cross the Mara River from July to October.

Things to do

Maasai Mara Safari Activities

Game Drives

Morning and evening drives in 4x4 vehicles with expert guides

Balloon Safaris

Sunrise flights over the Mara followed by champagne breakfast

Cultural Visits

Visit authentic Maasai villages and learn about traditional life

Photography

Specialized photographic safaris with professional guides

When to Visit

Best Time for Amboseli

Jul – Oct

Migration
Peak season for river crossings and dramatic predator action

Jun – Oct & Jan – Feb

Dry season
Excellent general game viewing, sparse vegetation, easy sightings

Nov – May

Green season
Lush landscapes, newborn animals and fewer crowds.

Photo Gallery

A taste of Maasai Mara In Pictures

maasai mara national reserve

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Also Explore

More destinations

Tsavo East

One of the world’s largest wildlife sanctuaries is wild, remote, and famously beautiful.

Samburu

Wild northern Kenya is a land of red earth, doum palms, and the famous ‘Samburu Special Five.’

Amboseli

Wild northern Kenya, a land of red earth, doum palms, and the famous ‘Samburu Special Five.’