Things to do in Maasai Mara

Narok County

Named for the Maasai people and the Mara River that runs through it, the Maasai Mara is Kenya's most famous wildlife reserve — vast grassland alive with the Big Five and the northern half of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.

Best time to visit

June to October is the dry season and the most reliable game viewing, with the wildebeest river crossings usually between August and October. January to March is quieter with excellent resident wildlife.

Getting there

Light aircraft from Wilson Airport in Nairobi land at airstrips close to each camp, or drive via Narok to the Sekenani gate — a high-clearance 4x4 is best, especially in the rains.

What to do

Wildlife & safari

Big Five game drives

Morning and evening drives across the plains for lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino.

Wildlife & safari

The Great Migration crossings

Watch wildebeest and zebra brave the Mara River between July and October.

Adventure

Hot air balloon safari

Float over the plains at dawn and land to a bush breakfast.

Culture & heritage

Visit a Maasai manyatta

Spend time in a Maasai homestead learning about dress, beadwork and cattle life.

Adventure

Walking and night drives in the conservancies

Private conservancies bordering the reserve allow guided walks and after-dark drives.

Wildlife & safari

Photography drives

The Mara holds some of Africa's highest lion and cheetah densities — ideal for long lenses.

Good to know

• Stay in a private conservancy for night drives and off-road access the main reserve does not allow.
• Migration-season camps sell out 6 to 12 months ahead.
• River crossings cannot be timetabled — give yourself at least three nights.
• Pack warm layers: game drives leave before sunrise and the plains are cold.