The Maasai Mara is a national reserve in south-western Kenya, contiguous with Tanzania's Serengeti. Narok County manages most of it, while the Mara Conservancy manages the Mara Triangle; private and community conservancies surround the reserve.
- Country
- Kenya
- Type
- Reserve
- Approx. area
- 1,510 km²
- Best time
- June to October
- Suggested stay
- 3–4 days
- Main gateway airport
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
- Big Five
- Present
- Malaria
- Malaria area: see a travel doctor
Why go to Masai Mara
- Wildebeest migration and Mara River crossings (roughly July-October)
- Strong lion, leopard and cheetah sightings
- Dawn hot-air balloon flights over the plains
- Walking and night drives in neighbouring conservancies (not permitted in the reserve itself)
- Maasai village visits
Best time to visit Masai Mara
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Masai Mara is June to October.
Wildebeest and zebra herds from the Serengeti are usually present from July to October, when Mara River crossings can be seen; exact timing varies each year.
Long rains, with April usually the wettest month; some dirt tracks can become difficult.
A drier, warmer spell with good resident game viewing and fewer visitors than migration season.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12–28 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| February | 12–28 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| March | 12–27 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| April | 13–26 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| May | 13–25 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| June | 12–25 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| July | 11–25 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | peak season |
| August | 11–25 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | peak season |
| September | 12–27 | some rain | ★★★★★ | peak season |
| October | 12–28 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
| November | 12–27 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| December | 12–27 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Masai Mara includes lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, black rhino, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, gazelles, eland, ostriches and birdlife.
Things to do
- game drives
- hot-air balloon flights
- walking safaris
- night drives
- horseback safaris
- cultural visits
- birdwatching
- camping
Getting there
The reserve lies about 280 km west of Nairobi, roughly a 5-6 hour drive. Scheduled light-aircraft flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport serve airstrips in and around the reserve.
Trips to Masai Mara
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- Masai Mara for families
- Masai Mara for a honeymoon
- Masai Mara for photographers
- Masai Mara for a first safari
- Masai Mara on a budget
- Masai Mara for luxury travel
Compare with
- Masai Mara vs Samburu
- Masai Mara vs Ol Pejeta
- Masai Mara vs Amboseli
- Masai Mara vs Lake Nakuru
- Masai Mara vs Tsavo East
- Masai Mara vs Tsavo West
Travelling to Masai Mara from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Masai Mara?
Generally June to October. Wildebeest and zebra herds from the Serengeti are usually present from July to October, when Mara River crossings can be seen; exact timing varies each year.
How many days do I need in Masai Mara?
Most visitors spend 3 to 4 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Masai Mara?
The reserve lies about 280 km west of Nairobi, roughly a 5-6 hour drive. Scheduled light-aircraft flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport serve airstrips in and around the reserve.
Is there malaria in Masai Mara?
Yes, it is in a malaria-risk area. See a doctor or travel clinic well before your trip.
Sources: Magical Kenya (Kenya Tourism Board) - Maasai Mara · Mara Conservancy - Mara Triangle · Climates to Travel - Masai Mara · Weather Spark - Narok
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.