Mulah Adventures logo
All Safaris Get A Free Quote
Call us · Mon–Sat+254723 551 665
A cheetah during a hunt at the masai mara
Signature DestinationNational ReserveGreater Masai Mara

Masai Mara National Reserve

Kenya’s flagship safari reserve, famous for year-round big cats, open savannah and the seasonal wildebeest migration.

Include in My Safari View Photos Open Map
Best TimeJune to October; August to October for peak migration activity
High SeasonJune to October and December to March
Size1,510 km² / 583 mi²
Altitude1,435-2,143 m / 4,708-7,031 ft
Overview

Why visit Masai Mara National Reserve?

The Masai Mara is Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife reserve and one of Africa’s strongest year-round safari destinations. Abundant resident game supports excellent predator viewing in every season, while the arrival of migrating wildebeest and zebra adds another layer of drama during the northern phase of the Serengeti-Mara migration.

Before You Go

A quick, practical view

Why travellers choose it

Highlights

  • ✓Exceptional wildlife viewing throughout the year
  • ✓Excellent lion, leopard and cheetah sightings
  • ✓Seasonal wildebeest migration and river crossings
  • ✓Wide choice of camps and lodges
Good to know

Considerations

  • •Popular areas can become crowded
  • •Roads can deteriorate after heavy rain
  • •Peak migration months command premium prices
01
Wildlife

What you can see

The reserve supports the Big Five, large numbers of plains game and some of Africa’s most reliable big-cat viewing. Wildebeest and zebra numbers increase dramatically during the migration season.

02
Scenery & Habitat

The landscape

Rolling grasslands, acacia trees, rocky kopjes and the Mara and Talek rivers create the archetypal East African savannah landscape.

03
Experiences

Things to do

Game drives are the main experience, with hot-air balloon safaris popular at dawn. Cultural visits and conservancy-based walking or night activities can be added in the wider Greater Mara ecosystem.

Plan Around The Seasons

When to visit Masai Mara National Reserve

Best Time To Visit

When to go

June to October is excellent for general wildlife, with August to October often offering the best chance of migration action in the Mara. Outside migration season, resident wildlife remains very strong.

Weather & Climate

What conditions feel like

Because of its elevation the Mara is milder than many lowland parks, with warm days and cool mornings. Rain falls in several seasons, with heavier showers around the long rains.

Getting There

How Masai Mara National Reserve fits into your route

The Mara is accessible by road from Nairobi, but light-aircraft flights are popular because they reduce transfer time. Numerous airstrips serve different parts of the reserve and neighbouring conservancies.

Ask us to build the route →
Safari Ideas

Tours featuring Masai Mara National Reserve

Use these as a starting point or ask us to build something completely custom.

All safaris →
Your Safari, Your Way

Ready to include Masai Mara National Reserve?

Tell us your dates, travellers and preferred style. We will connect this destination with the right route, lodges and experiences.

Plan My Safari