Mara Triangle
The best-managed corner of the reserve, with prime river crossing points.
Kenya
Maasai Mara
Open plains, big cats and the Mara River crossings — the northern extension of the Serengeti ecosystem, and the landscape where the safari was written.
Big cat country on the open plains
The Maasai Mara National Reserve and its surrounding community conservancies form the Kenyan half of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. Rolling grassland broken by riverine forest supports exceptional densities of lion, cheetah and leopard year round, and from July the migrating herds arrive to cross the Mara River in one of the great spectacles of the natural world.
Maasai Mara at a glance
- Destination
- Maasai Mara, Kenya
- Ideal for
- First-time safarigoers, photographers, honeymooners
- Wildlife focus
- Lion, cheetah, leopard, the Great Migration
- Activities
- Game drives, walking in the conservancies, night drives, hot air ballooning
- Conservancies
- Low vehicle density, off-road and night driving permitted
- Child policy
- Children from 6 years of age at most camps
- Best time
- July to October for the crossings; January to March for clear days
Maasai Mara at a glance
The Mara River crossings
From July to October the herds mass on the riverbanks before plunging across, running the gauntlet of crocodile and waiting predators. Crossings are unpredictable — patience and an early start are everything.
Travelling within Maasai Mara
Key regions
The beauty of Maasai Mara lies in its seasonal flexibility. These are the key areas that shape the experience through the year.
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Mara North Conservancy
Rolling hills and low vehicle numbers with excellent resident lion.
Naboisho & Olare Motorogi
Cheetah country and exceptional walking, with guided night drives.
Sand River
The quiet south-east corner along the Tanzanian border.
Things to do
Maasai Mara experiences
Mornings are for cats: leaving camp in the dark to find lion still on a kill, or cheetah on a termite mound scanning the plain. Afternoons run long into golden light, and in the conservancies the day continues after dusk.
Game drives
Private 4x4s with open sides, out at first light and back after sundowners on the plains.
Hot air ballooning
Drift over the Mara at dawn and land to a champagne breakfast on the grass.
Maasai walking
Walk the conservancies with Maasai guides, reading tracks, plants and the everyday life of the bush.
Travel with us
Journey with Enduata
Browse our tailor-made East African journeys. Completely customisable, we can cater to your every need — find inspiration or get in touch with our travel designers.
4-Day Fly-in Luxury+ Masai Mara Experience
Experience a 4-day luxury Masai Mara escape featuring seamless transfers, exclusive game drives, and 3 nights in premium safari accommodations. Enjoy gourmet meals, sweeping savannah views, …
Explore journey3 nights
1 regions
From USD 4,489
per person
5-Day Exquisite Maasai Mara Reserve Honeymoon Package
This magical package allows honeymooners and also interested individuals the opportunity to explore the Masai Mara and create exemplary memories. The game drives, lodges, food and the wildli…
Explore journey4 nights
1 regions
From USD 3,780
per person
4-Day Maasai Mara and Lake Naivasha Luxurious Safari
You'll begin with the iconic Masai Mara, home to the Big Five and the awe-inspiring Great Migration, where vast savannahs teem with wildlife. You'll enjoy game drives and immerse yourself in…
Explore journey3 nights
2 regions
From USD 3,954
per person
FAQ
Where is the Maasai Mara?
The Maasai Mara National Reserve lies in south-western Kenya on the Tanzanian border, forming the northern extension of the Serengeti ecosystem. It is a 45-minute flight from Nairobi.
Reserve or conservancy?
The reserve holds the river crossings but allows unlimited vehicles. The surrounding conservancies limit vehicle numbers and permit off-road, walking and night activities. Most of our journeys combine both.
When do the crossings happen?
Typically July to October, though the herds follow rain rather than dates. Allow at least three nights to give yourself the best chance.
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