Masai Mara in Kenya

Open spaces as far as the eye can see.

Giraffes, zebras, lions and elephants crossing the savannah.

The nature reserve guarantees some amazing experiences you’ll never forget.

Welcome to Masai Mara!

A nature reserve in a class of its own

Masai Mara is located in Kenya and was established in 1961 in a move to the protect wildlife from poaching. The nature reserve is located in the south-western part of Kenya, bordering Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, and is part of the ancient and unique Serengeti ecosystem.

The ecosystem helps give the nature reserve its fantastic nature, diverse wildlife and the safari experiences of a lifetime.

Masai Mara is not a particularly large reserve, but what it doesn’t have in size, it makes up for in experiences.

Masai Mara’s wildlife

Masai Mara’s wildlife is quite unique.

The nature reserve is home to all manner of animals, including antelopes, lions, cheetahs, leopards, wildebeest, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and zebras. In short, Masai Mara is phenomenal if your aim is to enjoy the greatest animal experiences on your safari.

Masai Mara is, for example, one of the best places to see lions, and there is actually a good chance of catching a glimpse of all the big five animals.

The great migration in Masai Mara

You can’t say Masai Mara without mentioning the great migration.

Unique experiences await all year round on the plains of Masai Mara, but the number of animals increases around the time of the great migration.

From around July to August, some 2 million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles cross the Mara River and enter the territory of the Masai Mara. At this time of the year, Masai Mara is one of the places in the world with the highest concentration of animals.

The large herd comes in search of the fresh grass and water supplies of Masai Mara’s plains. The migration takes place in fits and starts, and one of the best times to experience the crossing of the Mara River is around July and August, although crossings can be experienced until around October, when the herd crosses back on its return to Tanzania and Serengeti National Park.

But remember: Whenever you visit Masai Mara, you are guaranteed wonderful animal experiences.

Masai Mara’s nature

It is not just the wildlife of Masai Mara that is a fascinating experience. The nature of the reserve is an attraction in itself.

Masai Mara’s landscape offers stunning scenery that changes with the seasons. From north to south, the Mara River runs through the picturesque landscape, which offers magnificent plains with a view as far as the eye can see, hilly grasslands and areas with acacia trees.

With the rain come lush nature and replenished waterholes, while during the two dry seasons, it increasingly becomes a golden savannah.

And if that weren’t enough, you also have the opportunity to experience Masai Mara from the basket of a hot air balloon. For some people, this will be an “icing on the cake” experience!

The people of Masai Mara

Masai Mara is home to the red-clad Masai.

The colourful tribe has traditionally lived as warriors and herds, and does not live off the wild animals but off its cattle.

In addition to the red clothing, which is called a “shuka”, the Masai also wear colourful jewellery and have pierced ears. When you’re getting close to a Masai village, you’ll be in no doubt.

The tribe’s traditional language is Maa, and it is one of the 2,000+ languages spoken by the 3,000 or so African tribes. A visit to a Masai village is a wonderful experience. The Masai are friendly and hospitable tribal people who are happy to tell you about their traditions.

Amazing animal experiences, beautiful scenery and fascinating tribes are some of the ingredients of a holiday to the scenic plains of Masai Mara.

If there are specific experiences you wish to enjoy on your safari in Masai Mara, it’s important to travel there at the right time, as the experiences are linked to the climate of the reserve and the country.

If you’re unsure about which holiday to Masai Mara to choose or when to go, you are more than welcome to contact our travel specialists, who are on hand to help you make the right choice.

Masai Mara won’t disappoint!

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller