Nestled in Kenya’s South Western region is the magnificent Masai Mara National Reserve. A common ground for millions of wildebeest and some of Africa’s biggest lion numbers. The Masai Mara is a true wildlife ecosystem comprising of a diverse wildlife species and birds together with astonishing landscapes, from plain savannahs, bushy woodlands to rugged hills.
A safari in Masai Mara is a rare opportunity to walk into a true animal kingdom, where nature reigns, grazers migrate, the big cats rule all under the protection of the mighty Maasai warriors. Our safaris in Masai Mara 2023 – 2024 are nothing short of wildlife action and highlights.
Masai Mara Migration 2024 – 2025
What is the Migration? The Great Wildebeest Migration is the annual movement of over 1.5 million Wildebeests, zebras, impala and topis from Serengeti National Park northward maneuvering all changes to make way into Masai Mara National Reserve. This movement is cyclical as the herds at some time in the year make a return journey south back to the Serengeti. The migration is nothing short of packed action, the river crossings are the major highlights as thousands of wildebeests struggle to cross the Mara River, an obstacle they face along their migrating route. What more action do you need after watching thousands of wildebeest cross a crocodile infested river while trying to avoid potential predators waiting for them at the rivers banks. It is truly a survival for the fittest and this is what constitutes safari in Masai Mara from July to October.
The Masai Mara welcomed this year’s migration as early as 12th July 2023 when we witnessed the first group of herds cross over from Serengeti National Park. As of August 23rd 2024, we have been witnessing a series of migrating herds herds that have been crossing over into the Park with almost 65% of the migration in the Masai Mara. The remaining percentage of the herds is spread in Northern Serengeti which is also a fine base to witness the migration at this time of the year. We will follow through with updates on this blog about the migration in the Masai Mara for the following few months left before the herds make their return journey back to the Serengeti.
Park Entrance 2024 – 2025
As of July 2024, there was a change in the park entrance fees charged in the Masai Mara. Formerly costing 80 per Adult and USD 45 per child charged per 24 hours for non resident visitors, the entry fee now is USD 200 per Adult per day and USD 50 per Child per Day (9 to 17 years) for the high season which is from 1st July to 31st December. For the low season from 1st January 2024 to 30th June 2025, the park entrance fees will be USD 100 per Adult per day and USD 50 per child per day (9 to 17 years).
Tourist Numbers 2024 – 2025
There has been a increase in the number of visitors to the Masai Mara in 2024 owing to the fact that a over a year has passed from the time the world was recovering from COVID 19. Most visitors can now book their safaris confidently which has greatly contributed to the increased numbers.
Masai Mara Safari Outside the Migration Time, Is it Worth it?
When we talk of safari in the Masai Mara, what pops up first is the migration, but is the Masai Mara worth visiting in the months without the migration? The answer is yes! Masai Mara National Reserve offers more that just the migration, you will be treated to one of Africa’s great wildlife spectacles with the big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo) present, in fact this is one of the best places to seek guaranteed big cats sightings (lions, cheetah, leopard). To add more to the adventure, you will have a chance to interact with the Maasai People, Kenya’s most popular tribe to the outside world, who live a nomadic life and are sworn protectors of this magnificent animal kingdom.
Is that all there is to a Masai Mara Safari? Well, there is much to uncover, from Hot Air Balloon Safaris to Horse back safaris, but for a comprehensive overview and any inquiries, you can reach out to our expert safari advisers at Masai Mara Holidays, we are always happy to assist with any queries, booking assistance or information.
Masai Mara Safari in the Low Wet Season April/May 2024
While we witnessed breathtaking safari experiences the rest of the year, the annual wet season of April – May in Kenya came with heavy rains this year which distracted tourist activities in the Masai Mara. Major rivers and bridges flooded causing a state of emergency within the park. Further still, we sadly witnessed some lodges and camps located next to river banks get flooded as a result of high levels of water at flowing in the riverine areas. Thankfully by June the park was up to normal business with most lodges and camps that had been affected well renovated and ready for bookings. The bridges that had been washed away were also re-constructed, further renovations were also made to the game trails that has been affected and new trails were also established.
The Kenya Protests, A Challenge?
We experienced a series of protests in Kenya between June and July but these pretests were themed to be peaceful. There is no record of any tourist activities that were affected and so should not worry any of your plans to book or to embark on your booked safaris to Kenya and the Masai Mara.
Where to stay on your safari to Masai Mara 2024 – 2025
The Masai Mara is served by many accommodation options that cater to almost every budget and comfort level. Solemnly the debate is whether you would prefer to stay with in the park itself or outside the park just close to the park gates. This choice entirely depends on your budget as most lodges and camps located inside the park are more pricey compared to those outside the park. The Great news is there are new accommodations coming up each year, and just like every year, we welcomed a couple of new properties that opened this year. We always advise that the best choice for lodging in the Masai Mara is well known to a reputable Kenya Safari Operator. Most of these agencies have experience in operating safaris in Masai Mara and would easily recommend a lodge or camp that will fit you budget needs and preferences. The best part? Tour operators will go ahead and book lodges and camps for you at a lower price you wouldn’t get if you booked for yourself.
At Masai Mara Holidays, we have a reputable in being reliable experts in operating safaris in Masai Mara as witnessed in some of the reviews our happy guests have shared on TripAdvisor. We are always happy to attend to your safari queries and booking requests. We also go far beyond the Masai Mara to operate safaris across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
