Masai Mara Holidays

Tailor-made itineraries for the Great Migration, Big Five sightings, and carefully picked eco-camps with local expert guides.

Kenya’s Premier Safari Destination

The Iconic Savannah Wilderness

A northern extension of the vast Serengeti, the Masai Mara National Reserve covers 1,510 square kilometers of remarkable biodiversity. Home to the legendary Big Five and an abundance of cheetahs, giraffes, and birdlife, it is most famous for hosting the annual Great Migration. Between July and September, the reserve is transformed as more than one million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles stomp across the plains—a spectacle that stands as one of the most impressive wildlife events on Earth.

Named in honor of the Maasai people, the word "Mara" translates to “Spotted”—a tribute to the timeless landscape dotted with acacia trees, shrubs, and bushes.

Planning Your Masai Mara Safari

The Great Migration: "The Greatest Show on Earth"

Witness an awe-inspiring natural spectacle as over 1.3 million wildebeest, 500,000 Thomson’s gazelles, and 400,000 zebra reach the Mara’s southern boundary around July. These herds face their greatest challenge at the Mara River, navigating crocodile-infested waters in a life-and-death struggle that defines the quintessential African safari Masai Mara.

1.3M+Wildebeest
400K+Zebra
4,100+Hippos

Beyond the Big Five: Iconic Wildlife & "Big Cat Diary"

The Mara’s fame is cemented by the BBC’s Big Cat Diary, filmed right here on these plains. While the Big Five are resident year-round (including black rhino in the Mara Triangle), the reserve is also the only natural habitat for the elegant Topi and a haven for over 400 bird species, from the Martial Eagle to the Ross’s Turaco.

Pro Tip: For the best cheetah sightings on your safari in Masai Mara, head to the short-grass plains where these diurnal hunters utilize their speed away from the wooded cover preferred by lions.

Private Conservancies vs. National Reserve

For a more exclusive holiday in Masai Mara, consider the nine community-owned conservancies surrounding the main reserve. Unlike the National Reserve, these areas allow for escorted bush walks and night game drives, offering a private bush experience with fewer vehicles and direct engagement with local Maasai conservation efforts.

Geography & Accessibility

Located i Southwestern Kenya, bounded by the 1,000-foot Siria (Esoit Oloololo) Escarpment, the Mara offers diverse landscapes from acacia woodlands to riverine forests. While the drive from Nairobi is a laborious 5-6 hours, we highly recommend the 45-minute flight from Wilson Airport to maximize your time in the wild.

Masai Mara Lodges & Camps We Love

From the sweeping sun-bleached grasses of the National Reserve to the predator-dense private conservancies, we’ve curated a collection of stays that conjure up the quintessential wildlife image of Africa. Whether you seek the golden age of safari or modern glass-fronted luxury, these are the properties where the Mara truly comes to life.

Angama Mara
Escarpment Luxury

Angama Mara

Located on the escarpment with breathtaking views of the rolling plains, featuring glass-fronted tented suites, a swimming pool, and gym.

Sala’s Camp
Private & Secluded

Sala’s Camp

Nestled close to the confluence of the Sand and Keekorok Rivers, offering panoramic views toward Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.

Mara Explorer
Classic Elegance

Mara Explorer

Situated on the Talek River in the middle of the Mara, featuring 10 luxurious tents each with private outdoor Victorian bathtubs.

Rekero Tented Camp
Riverside Immersion

Rekero Tented Camp

Hear hippos emerge at night to feed on the grass at this riverside camp located close to the confluence of the Mara and Talek Rivers.

Mara Plains
Exclusive Conservancy

Mara Plains

Located in the predator-dense Olare Motorogi Conservancy, offering access to more private land than any other camp in the Mara.

Spectacular Vistas

Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Situated high on a hill in the central western part of the park, offering a hotel-style experience with a pool and expansive plains views.