Masai Mara is probably the most famous game reserve and safari destination in Africa, where you can experience the amazing East African wildlife and the rich and diverse African flora. Consisting mainly of open savanna, Masai Mara Game Reserve is inhabited by lions, elephants, black rhinos, monkeys, antelopes, gazelles, zebras, giraffes, hyenas, and jackals, among others. The Mara River is one of the best places in East Africa to observe crocodiles and hippos.
Safaris & Masai culture. Many safari operators in Kenya arrange unforgettable safaris in Masai Mara with game drives in the morning, afternoon and at night. Safari walks, hot air balloon safaris, horse riding and other activities are also available around the game reserve. Masai Mara Game Reserve is also home to the Masai people who have strong traditions and who live side by side with the unique African wildlife. Visits to their villages are organized by the Masai Mara logdes and camps. Shopping in Masai Mara is mainly focused on the lodges and camps where you can buy beautiful Kenyan handicrafts. More shopping opportunities for local products are found outside the reserve gates.
Fascinating wildlife and Masai traditions in Masai Mara
The Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya is mainly open savanna with some acacia trees, which makes spotting wildlife here easy. Home to giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, lions, zebras, cheetahs, leopards, rhinos and many other exciting animals, Masai Mara is exceptionally rich in African wildlife. It is here you can see the famous East African wildlife at its best, including all of the "Big Five": lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and buffalo. The wildebeest migration around July and October is a major sight in Masai Mara area. You can also find a great variety of birds in Masai Mara.Safaris & Masai culture. Many safari operators in Kenya arrange unforgettable safaris in Masai Mara with game drives in the morning, afternoon and at night. Safari walks, hot air balloon safaris, horse riding and other activities are also available around the game reserve. Masai Mara Game Reserve is also home to the Masai people who have strong traditions and who live side by side with the unique African wildlife. Visits to their villages are organized by the Masai Mara logdes and camps. Shopping in Masai Mara is mainly focused on the lodges and camps where you can buy beautiful Kenyan handicrafts. More shopping opportunities for local products are found outside the reserve gates.
Practical information for your trip to Masai Mara
A major Kenyan safari destination, Masai Mara is situated in Southwestern Kenya in the Great Rift Valley, approximately 220 kilometers from the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. It is adjacent to the Serengeti reserve in Tanzania. It is a large area covering over 1500 km² of Kenyan grasslands. Masai Mara enjoys a mild climate with mostly pleasantly warm weather. Summer lasts from October to April.
Photo: Paul Mannix, used under Creative Commons License (By SA 2.0)
The major rainy season in Masai Mara lasts from March to June. The best season for wildlife viewing in Masai Mara is from May to September.
How to get there. There are several options for traveling to Masai Mara. There are regular domestic flights to Masai Mara's several small airstrips, and the park can also be reached by car, bus or matatu, a local minivan. The nearest city to Masai Mara is Narok. Safaris to Masai Mara from Nairobi are the most popular way to visit Masai Mara. Car rental in Masai Mara and elsewhere in Kenya is also available. It is recommended to use a local driver or guide familiar with the area and avoid traveling before sunrise or after sunset.
Lodges & services. What comes to the accommodation in Masai Mara there are numerous excellent lodges and tented camps in the area, offering fullboard services for the visitors. The restaurants in Masai Mara are situated within the lodges and camps and they serve usually both Kenyan and Western cuisines. Nightlife in the area is restricted to the bars in Masai Mara's lodges and camps. Masai Mara is a safe place to visit without any crime-related problems, but as the reserve is home to a variety of large predatory wildlife, never attempt to walk there by yourself.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Serengeti National Park, Nairobi, Lake Nakuru National Park
