Masai Mara is a good choice for families.
Suitability: ★★★★★
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.
Why Masai Mara for families?
- It is a malaria area, so check with your paediatrician and choose lodges with mosquito nets.
- A short domestic flight can replace a long road transfer.
- Some camps and activities have minimum ages, so confirm with the provider before booking.
What awaits you in 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
Wildlife you may encounter: lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, black rhino, buffalo, giraffes and zebras.
Suggested time on the ground: 3 to 4 days. 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.
Activities that fit
game drives, cultural visits, birdwatching and camping.
When to go
The best period overall is June to October. For quieter months and often better value, try November.
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.
Other destinations for families
- Addo South Africa
- Ngorongoro Tanzania
- Pilanesberg South Africa
- Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
- Akagera Rwanda
- Kruger South Africa
Full Masai Mara guideBest safaris for families
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Masai Mara good for families?
Masai Mara is a good choice for families.
When should I visit Masai Mara for families?
Generally June to October.
What should I know before booking?
It is a malaria area, so check with your paediatrician and choose lodges with mosquito nets.
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.