Masai Mara National Reserve (Masai Mara) is situated in south-west Kenya and is one of Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Reserves. Together with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, it forms Africa’s most diverse, incredible and most spectacular eco-systems and possibly the world’s top safari big game viewing eco-system.
Wildebeest migration: Make sure you have your safari book planned out that includes the Masai Mara National Reserve. I am sure you have heard the wildebeest migration is nothing short of amazing. It is one of the things you have do add to your bucket list. The best time to be in Kenya for it is JULY – OCTOBER.
SAFARIS: Have a look at the extensive list of safaris for you to choose from.
ACCOMMODATION: There is a wide selection of places to stay in and around the Masai Mara National Reserve and the conservancies surrounding it. The conservancies surrounding the Maasai Mara have a restricted number of vehicles allowing a more private game viewing of wildlife.
Maasai Mara National Reserve stretches 1,510 sq km (580 sq miles) and rises 1,500-2,170 meters above sea level. Add the conservancies and the area is at least twice the size. It hosts over 95 species of mammals and over 570 recorded species of birds. This is the World Cup of Wildlife, and together with the Serengeti National Park, there is no better place to witness the BEST WILDLIFE VIEWING IN THE WORLD!.
Distance
It’s about 270 km from the capital Nairobi City and takes about 4-5 hours by road or 40-45 minutes by flight. The road is great for the most part. there is a section from Narok town to Sekenani Gate that is a dirt road but fairly good. The other road through Lemek and Aitong town is not good at all and very bumpy.
Best Time To Visit
With the wildebeest migration in JULY – OCTOBER, this is the best time to see this incredible movement of animals. Although it is not guaranteed that the wildebeest get to Maasai Mara, it has yet to let us down. Also, December to February is great times as it is dryer and good for the Big Cats.
NOTE: The Maasai Mara is an all year round destination with the big cats, and all the big games still in the Maasai Mara Ecosystem.
Recommended Number of Days
Due to the amount to be seen in the reserve we feel a THREE to FOUR-day safari is suitable for just the Maasai Mara. If you are interested in photography the longer you stay the more chance of getting the ultimate photo.
We also recommend that you add on a few more days to see more of Kenya. (Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East National Park, Tsavo West National Park, Northern Kenya. Why not add some beach to… we like Watamu Beach & Diani Beach).
