GUIDE ON MASAI MARA IN KENYA
Offering superb plains scenery, unmatched safari activities and diverse wildlife, Masai Mara National Reserve is considered Kenya’s best park and one of Africa’s highest wildlife density region for predators. The reserve covers 583 square miles (1510 square kilometers) of outstanding wilderness in southwest Kenya. The location, wildlife, activities and comfortable moderate climate puts Mara at the top of the list, even for the most discerning Africa Tour traveler to Kenya.
- PARK OVERVIEW
- WHERE TO STAY
- EXPERIENCES TO MASAI MARA
- PLAN YOUR SAFARI
- TRIP IDEA FOR MASAI MARA RESERVE
When the public reserve was first established, it covered 645 square miles (1672 square kilometers). Strategically, the size of the reserve was later reduced in 1984 to accommodate Maasai cattle grazing on their ancestral lands. Although the decrease in land area may be considered a letdown for wildlife conservation and protection at its infancy, the animals and habitats of the reserve found new allies to ensure their survival for generations to come.

Many private conservancies have been introduced to protect the land that surrounds the reserve, thereby providing more area for wildlife. The lands not only protect habitats for resident species, but also preserve a critical part of the route used by wildebeests and zebras during the Great Migration that traverses the Masai Mara via the Serengeti National Park.
Recognized as one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet, the migration is a continuous route that is followed by an over 1.5 million wildebeests and thousands of zebras, gazelles and elands. In their never-ending pursuit for the finest grazing and watering grounds, the gnu relocate on an almost constant basis.

The perseverance of these wildebeests is demonstrated in their ability to mate while on the move, and many cows are pregnant during part of the migration. Additionally, even the youngest wildebeest calves are expected to keep up with the herd. Standing and walking within minutes are critical to its survival.
The migrators of Masai Mara National Reserve are present from approximately late July – early August until end of October – early November. But the Mara offers year-round game viewing.
The reserve and surrounding conservancies offer diverse resident species experiences during your safari excursions. You will frequently see impalas, topis, giraffes, elephants, zebras, buffalos, warthogs and other grazing herbivores. With so many prey animals, Masai Mara is a veritable bonanza for large predators, such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, crocodiles and other stealthy, powerful hunters.
The abundance of terrestrial animals is enhanced by the presence of more than 450 winged species, including 57 birds of prey. Masai Mara Game Reserve offers Africa Tour guests varied tour activities to explore the plains landscape and see incredible animal behaviors. The adjoining conservancies offer distinct activities that are not allowed in the reserve.

Game drives in the reserve are perfect for guests who want to be immersed in Kenya’s bush country and see larger animals. For guests who are interested in observing the nocturnal animals, we recommend night game drives in one of the private conservancies. The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is recognized for an enormous diversity of flora and fauna, and many small details are missed during game drives. Most conservancies offer bush walks to give you an intimate look at the micro-ecosystems of the area.
To complement these walks, we recommend a balloon safari for a bird’s-eye view of the area. Lastly, the Maasai community is key to the advancement of wildlife management in the area. We recommend that you spend time learning more about these noble people by visiting one of their villages for a life-changing cultural experience in understanding their modesty and simplicity of their lives.
The Mara accommodations we recommend are located in five zones: northern, eastern, southern, western and central. Staying at both the conservancy and main reserve offer a discerning experience.
Africa Tours & Journeys recommends a range of accommodations to give every guest a distinct trip to Masai Mara National Reserve based on their travel preferences. To simplify your lodging choice in a highly complex wilderness with over 100 camps and lodges just in Masai Mara, we have developed a system that provides a professional, independent and objective rating of each accommodation in the Mara.
The rating is based on a comprehensive set of criteria, such as strategic location correlated to maximal wildlife access, guiding standards, service, cuisine, room quality, accommodation size, amenities, facilities, easy of logistical travel and much more.
Luxury is the highest rating, representing premium, luxury accommodations where you enjoy exclusive access to superlative locations and top-notch guides, small camp size, utmost service and sumptuous food, opulent tents or boutique rooms and so much more.

For guests who desire a fair balance between quality and price, we recommend mid-range deluxe accommodations with similar variables but a notch down augmented with a possible slight increase in camp capacity, variable location and access.
Budget value lodging options are perfect for the budget-conscious travelers who prefer general wildlife availability and access to modest larger camps and lodges with high number of guests rather than indulging aesthetics, super-rated guides and secluded locations. Exceptions do apply to few intimate value camps and lodges in Masai Mara but most still fall under their designated experience.
The accommodations that we recommend in Masai Mara are further divided into five zones – northern, eastern, southern, western and central. Within each zone are the private conservancies and the primary public reserve that hosts our recommended guest accommodations. Staying at a bush camp or rustic lodge within a conservancy offers many advantages to you.
Select Our Highly Recommended & Unique Pre Designed Masai Mara Safari itineraries that You Want To Tour Visit & Experience. First, you can partake of activities, such as night game drives, walking safaris and village visits that are restricted within the public reserve. Second, each conservancy limits the maximum number of guests, vehicles and rooms, so you feel downright connected to nature without being amongst large crowds and high number of safari vehicles of the public reserve. Third, the conservancies are located adjacent to or within close proximity to the reserve, offering you easy and convenient access. Africa Tours & Journeys recommends perfecting your experience by staying both in the public Mara reserve and your preferred private conservancy for a diverse, wholesome safari.
8 Days 7 Nights Kenya Big Cat Safari
5 Days 4 Nights The Lake & Grass Lands
5 Days 4 Nights Migration Experience Safari Tour
7 Days 6 Nights Kenya Dream Safari
4 Days 3 Nights Parks and Peaks Safari Tour
5 Days 4 Nights Kenya Mini Safari Tour
6 Days Discover Kilimanjaro The Great Rift Valley and The Famous Masai Mara
8 Days 7 Nights Golf & Masai Mara Safari Tour
7 Days 6 Nights The Savannah & The Beach Safari Tour
7 Days 6 Nights Kenya Big Five Safari
8 Days 7 Nights Cheetah Safari
EAST AFRICA SAFARI BOOKING TRIP IDEA FOR MASAI MARA IN SOUTH-WESTERN KENYA
When visiting Masai Mara National Reserve, we recommend combining your wildebeest migration safari with Amboseli, Samburu or Laikipia – Lewa, Nakuru, Elementaita, and Naivasha – Great Rift Valley Lakes. You can also climb the 2nd highest mountain in Africa: Mount Kenya.
You may optionally extend out to other wilderness areas of Meru, Chyulu Hills or Tsavo East – Tsavo West for an offbeat wildlife tour.
You can end your vacation at the Indian Ocean for a beach vacation and Swahili cultural tour on the exotic spice island of Zanzibar, Lamu, or Mombasa.