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Maasai Mara National Reserve
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Maasai Mara National Reserve

This area is well known for its memorable hot-air ballooning safaris.

Most of the Maasai Mara National Reserve consists of short-grass plains...

...cut through by the meandering Mara and Talek rivers.

Many safari camps are set in stunning landscapes.

...with Maasai guides and staff.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Picture Gallery

View pictures from the Maasai Mara National Reserve


The Maasai Mara unites a striking mix of wildlife, local culture and accommodation.
Flying into the reserve, you'll often have great landscape-viewing on the final approach.
Planes land at bush airstrips around the reserve, dropping and collecting passengers.
You're met by a driver-guide from your camp.
Early mornings in the Mara can be chilly: take something warm, but thin layers.
This time of day usually has good lighting…
…and animals that tend to be nocturnal, such as this hyena cub, are still out and about.
Later in the morning, you'll still see lots of wildlife, including Mara regulars like topi…
…elegant Maasai giraffe…
…and even cheetah…
…which normally prefer to rest up in the heat of the day.
Leopards too, at one time rarely seen in the Mara region…
…are now freqeuntly spotted out and about in the middle of the day…
…and you may come across their macabre 'larders' as you drive around the reserve.
The Mara's lion prides total around 400 cats, of which perhaps 200 are in the reserve.
They include some magnificent males, which develop black manes as they grow older.
Inside the reserve, there are often other vehicles around the lions…
…but they take very little notice of visitors…
…and you can sometimes watch them hunt.
Between 1000 and 2000 elephants move around the greater Mara region…
…and you'll rarely drive for more than a few kilometres without seeing a herd.
The Maasai Mara's most iconic attraction is of course the wildebeest migration…
…when the region swarms with hundreds of thousands of migrating wildebeest…
…and large numbers of visitors eager to witness…
…one of the famous river crossings. Nerves – and pressure of numbers – trigger the herds…
…(which often include zebra), to stream across the Mara river…
…where big Nile crocodiles lie in wait.
The Mara River's hippos tend to stay well away from these chaotic crossings.
The other singular attraction of the Maasai Mara is balloon flights at dawn.
Although they're dubbed 'balloon safaris', it's worth bearing in mind that…
…the flights themselves, while spectacular…
…as they fly south across the reserve, usually at treetop height or below…
…only last about an hour.
The Maasai Mara's birdlife is outstanding…
…with some 500 species, including the crowned crane…
…goliath heron…
…a host of impressive raptors, including this Nubian vulture…
…and the very striking ground hornbill.
The reserve is part of the Maasai's homeland, and you'll meet Maasai at the reserve gates…
…herding their cattle on the fringes of the reserve – and sometimes into it…
…and at villages which are usually the real thing – though this is a lodge-based example.
1 of 41
The Maasai Mara unites a striking mix of wildlife, local culture and accommodation.
The Maasai Mara unites a striking mix of wildlife, local culture and accommodation.
2 of 41
Flying into the reserve, you'll often have great landscape-viewing on the final approach.
Flying into the reserve, you'll often have great landscape-viewing on the final approach.
3 of 41
Planes land at bush airstrips around the reserve, dropping and collecting passengers.
Planes land at bush airstrips around the reserve, dropping and collecting passengers.
4 of 41
You're met by a driver-guide from your camp.
You're met by a driver-guide from your camp.
5 of 41
Early mornings in the Mara can be chilly: take something warm, but thin layers.
Early mornings in the Mara can be chilly: take something warm, but thin layers.
6 of 41
This time of day usually has good lighting…
This time of day usually has good lighting…
7 of 41
…and animals that tend to be nocturnal, such as this hyena cub, are still out and about.
…and animals that tend to be nocturnal, such as this hyena cub, are still out and about.
8 of 41
Later in the morning, you'll still see lots of wildlife, including Mara regulars like topi…
Later in the morning, you'll still see lots of wildlife, including Mara regulars like topi…
9 of 41
…elegant Maasai giraffe…
…elegant Maasai giraffe…
10 of 41
…and even cheetah…
…and even cheetah…
11 of 41
…which normally prefer to rest up in the heat of the day.
…which normally prefer to rest up in the heat of the day.
12 of 41
Leopards too, at one time rarely seen in the Mara region…
Leopards too, at one time rarely seen in the Mara region…
13 of 41
…are now freqeuntly spotted out and about in the middle of the day…
…are now freqeuntly spotted out and about in the middle of the day…
14 of 41
…and you may come across their macabre 'larders' as you drive around the reserve.
…and you may come across their macabre 'larders' as you drive around the reserve.
15 of 41
The Mara's lion prides total around 400 cats, of which perhaps 200 are in the reserve.
The Mara's lion prides total around 400 cats, of which perhaps 200 are in the reserve.
16 of 41
They include some magnificent males, which develop black manes as they grow older.
They include some magnificent males, which develop black manes as they grow older.
17 of 41
Inside the reserve, there are often other vehicles around the lions…
Inside the reserve, there are often other vehicles around the lions…
18 of 41
…but they take very little notice of visitors…
…but they take very little notice of visitors…
19 of 41
…and you can sometimes watch them hunt.
…and you can sometimes watch them hunt.
20 of 41
Between 1000 and 2000 elephants move around the greater Mara region…
Between 1000 and 2000 elephants move around the greater Mara region…
21 of 41
…and you'll rarely drive for more than a few kilometres without seeing a herd.
…and you'll rarely drive for more than a few kilometres without seeing a herd.
22 of 41
The Maasai Mara's most iconic attraction is of course the wildebeest migration…
The Maasai Mara's most iconic attraction is of course the wildebeest migration…
23 of 41
…when the region swarms with hundreds of thousands of migrating wildebeest…
…when the region swarms with hundreds of thousands of migrating wildebeest…
24 of 41
…and large numbers of visitors eager to witness…
…and large numbers of visitors eager to witness…
25 of 41
…one of the famous river crossings. Nerves – and pressure of numbers – trigger the herds…
…one of the famous river crossings. Nerves – and pressure of numbers – trigger the herds…
26 of 41
…(which often include zebra), to stream across the Mara river…
…(which often include zebra), to stream across the Mara river…
27 of 41
…where big Nile crocodiles lie in wait.
…where big Nile crocodiles lie in wait.
28 of 41
The Mara River's hippos tend to stay well away from these chaotic crossings.
The Mara River's hippos tend to stay well away from these chaotic crossings.
29 of 41
The other singular attraction of the Maasai Mara is balloon flights at dawn.
The other singular attraction of the Maasai Mara is balloon flights at dawn.
30 of 41
Although they're dubbed 'balloon safaris', it's worth bearing in mind that…
Although they're dubbed 'balloon safaris', it's worth bearing in mind that…
31 of 41
…the flights themselves, while spectacular…
…the flights themselves, while spectacular…
32 of 41
…as they fly south across the reserve, usually at treetop height or below…
…as they fly south across the reserve, usually at treetop height or below…
33 of 41
…only last about an hour.
…only last about an hour.
34 of 41
The Maasai Mara's birdlife is outstanding…
The Maasai Mara's birdlife is outstanding…
35 of 41
…with some 500 species, including the crowned crane…
…with some 500 species, including the crowned crane…
36 of 41
…goliath heron…
…goliath heron…
37 of 41
…a host of impressive raptors, including this Nubian vulture…
…a host of impressive raptors, including this Nubian vulture…
38 of 41
…and the very striking ground hornbill.
…and the very striking ground hornbill.
39 of 41
The reserve is part of the Maasai's homeland, and you'll meet Maasai at the reserve gates…
The reserve is part of the Maasai's homeland, and you'll meet Maasai at the reserve gates…
40 of 41
…herding their cattle on the fringes of the reserve – and sometimes into it…
…herding their cattle on the fringes of the reserve – and sometimes into it…
41 of 41
…and at villages which are usually the real thing – though this is a lodge-based example.
…and at villages which are usually the real thing – though this is a lodge-based example.
ANGAMA MARA in MAASAI MARA

Safaris visiting Maasai Mara

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Itinerary image

Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari

9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

This trip combines two of Africa's most unforgettable wildlife experiences – Rwanda's mountain gorillas and Kenya's Maasai Mara.

US$11,260 - US$14,090 per person

Itinerary image

Steppe Eagle Fly-in Safari

7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Two comfortable tented camps overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro and Mara River put you at the heart of the action. Experience spectacular diversity in species and habitat with safari in Samburu and the Masaai Mara National Reserve.

US$5,680 - US$8,620 per person

Itinerary image

Greater Kudu Fly-In Safari

7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Experience a truly authentic bush experience on this safari at two classic tented camps, in Laikipia and the Maasai Mara. These are some of the best places to spot wild dogs and big cats.

US$7,170 - US$8,410 per person

Itinerary image

Rothschild Giraffe Safari

8 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

A example of a luxury Kenyan safari, starting at the iconic Giraffe Manor before fabulous stays on the spectacular Solio Reserve and Sala’s Camp in a remote corner of the Maasai Mara.

US$11,720 - US$16,510 per person

Itinerary image

Big Cat Fly-in Safari

8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Combining two of Kenya’s best wildlife-viewing areas, this slow-paced safari to the Lewa Conservancy and Maasai Mara guarantees iconic wildlife. The long-established, well-rated camps are great value, too.

US$5,010 - US$8,190 per person

Itinerary image

Golden Jackal Fly-in Safari

8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

A contrasting safari of a lodge and a tented camp, with action-packed activities in Laikipia and wildlife-filled game drives in the Maasai Mara, offers a consistently high-quality experience.

US$9,730 - US$13,080 per person

Itinerary image

The Highlights of Africa

17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

An epic adventure taking in some of Africa’s most incredible sights and wildlife experiences, from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Maasai Mara and an encounter with mountain gorillas.

US$14,300 - US$18,160 per person

Itinerary image

Martial Eagle Fly-in Safari

9 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

This stylish fly-in safari visits two of Africa’s most iconic parks, the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.

US$12,590 - US$18,010 per person

View all holidays in Maasai Mara National Reserve

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Where to stay in Maasai Mara

Our suggestions for safari camps in Maasai Mara National Reserve


Little Governors' Camp

Little Governors'

Little Governors’ Camp sits by a swamp (an old oxbow of the Mara River) in the Mara Triangle sector of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. It has its own balloon-launching site.


95% (30 reviews)
Rekero

Rekero

Rekero is an unpretentious, high-end safari camp, for travellers who take their wildlife watching seriously and are prepared to pay for an exceptional location.


98% (28 reviews)
Tangulia Mara

Tangulia Mara

Tangulia Mara is a rustic and traditional safari camp on the border of the Maasai Mara National Reserve owned by Jackson Looseyia of Big Cat Diary fame.


100% (13 reviews)
Governors' Camp

Governors' Camp

Governors' Camp is a large tented camp on the Mara River and one of the oldest in the Mara region, dating from 1972. Although unfenced, and regularly visited by elephants, the whole compound is always busy with human activity.


96% (10 reviews)
Serian Nkorombo

Serian Nkorombo

Serian Nkorombo is a luxury bush camp in the Musiara sector of the Maasai Mara National Reserve on the east side of the Mara River.


100% (7 reviews)
Sand River Camp

Sand River Camp

Luxury colonial-style tented camp on the banks of the Sand River close to the Tanzania border – a great spot to see the wildebeest migration.


97% (6 reviews)
Sala's Camp

Sala's Camp

Sala’s Camp is a comfortable and intimate tented camp, with seven tented rooms, located on the banks of the Sand River, in the far south of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


96% (5 reviews)
Governors' Il Moran Camp

Governors' Il Moran

The smallest and most expensive of the three camps in the Governors’ group, Governors’ Il Moran Camp hugs a meander of the Mara River just 1km north of the main Governors’ Camp.


95% (4 reviews)
Angama Mara

Angama Mara

Angama Mara is a top-end luxury tented camp on the Siria-Oloololo escarpment of the Maasai Mara ecoystem, just above the Mara Triangle sector of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


100% (2 reviews)
Basecamp Maasai Mara

Basecamp Maasai Mara

Basecamp Maasai Mara is a family-friendly, award-winning eco-camp on a U-bend on the north bank of the Talek River, on the boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


70% (2 reviews)
Mara Ngenche Safari Camp

Ngenche Safari Camp

Mara Ngenche is a non-hosted, luxury tented camp with an antique style, which is perfect if you're looking for private dining while staying somewhere small and personal.


90% (2 reviews)
Mara Expedition Camp

Mara Expedition Camp

Mara Expedition Camp is a small luxury camp located on the banks of the Ntiakitiak River inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


100% (2 reviews)
Ilkeliani Camp

Ilkeliani Camp

Ilkeliani Camp is a smart elegant camp overlooking the Talek River, on the edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


100% (1 review)
Tipilikwani Mara Camp

Tipilikwani Camp

Tipilikwani Mara Camp is a larger, mid-range tented camp offering good value from its base on the Talek River just outside the Mara National Reserve.


100% (1 review)
Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Mara Serena Safari Lodge is a large safari hotel with views of the Mara River, in the Mara Triangle sector of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


No reviews yet
Mara Explorer Camp

Mara Explorer Camp

Mara Explorer is a smart tented camp is in a scenic location on a bend in the Talek River.


No reviews yet
Governors' Private Camp

Governors' Private Camp

Located on a secluded bend of the Mara River, Governor’s Private Camp has just eight tents and is booked on an exclusive basis.


No reviews yet
Topi House

Topi House

Topi House is a very good, three-bedroom fully staffed private house on the fringes of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


No reviews yet
Entim Camp

Entim Camp

Entim Camp is well located in the heart of the Mara National Reserve, offering traditionally styled tented accommodation.


No reviews yet
Naibor Camp

Naibor Camp

Naibor has a great location in the Mara reserve, and offers accommodation to suit different budgets, with stylish high-end tents and some simpler ones too.


No reviews yet
Ishara

Ishara

Ishara is a highly luxurious safari camp in the Maasai Mara, located on the Talek River, which is one of the best areas in Kenya for wildlife.


No reviews yet

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