The Masai Mara National Reserve (or The Mara as it is also known as) is one of the most popular and most visited African game reserves. 

Situated in the south-western part of Kenya in the Great Rift Valley, the reserve covers just over 1,500 km².   A true ‘Out of Africa’ safari destination, the reserve is mostly made up of open plains, baked golden by the African sun.   

And whilst the actual size of the reserve means that it is nowhere near to being one of the largest in Africa, the sheer density of game and birdlife makes this an exciting and rewarding safari destination, for first-timers or for returning safari enthusiasts. 

Big cats, elephants, giraffe, wild dog, buffalo, rhino, hyena, wildebeest, gazelles and impala are just a few of the numerous mammals that can be spotted on daily game drives (no night drives are allowed in the reserve), and more than 1,000 species of birds have also been recorded, including the sacred ibis, eagles, vultures and the Masai ostrich.  

If you are staying here during the months of August through to October, you will be able to witness the  ‘Great Migration’, where literally thousands upon thousands of wildebeest, zebra and gazelles gather to graze on the central Mara plains, tired and exhausted after their long and arduous trek from the Serengeti plains in neighbouring Tanzania to reach this fresh grazing land.   

The last hurdle for the wildlife to cross to get to these plains is the Mara River, where many fall prey to the hungry crocodiles who lie in wait to ‘snap up’ any tired animals who are finding the dangerous river crossing just too much to handle after a journey that has been already about 900 miles. 

As well as game drives, you can also enjoy a sunrise safari hot-air balloon ride – making the Masai Mara now one of the few areas in East Africa where you can still participate in this exhilarating yet gentle activity. 

But it is not just about the wildlife.   Another highlight of a visit here includes a visit to a Masai tribe who live in mud hut villages dotted around the outside boundaries of the reserve. 

Unbelievably tall, and distinctively dressed in their traditional red robes, these visits offer guests the opportunity to interact with the local community. 

There is no wonder really, with all these factors, that the Mara is a special destination – and one that people want to come back to time and time again. 

When to Go?  

As the Masai Mara is a wonderful game-viewing destination all year round, the month you choose to travel in really is incidental. 

The hottest time of the year is December and January, with June and July being the coldest months. 

The rainy seasons are April, May and November, and during these months, many of the roads become very sticky with mud, making game drives even more exciting! 

July through to October are the dry months, and the grass is lush after the rains - and this is possibly the most popular time to  visit as it co-incides with the Great Migration.

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Properties 1 to 5 of 32

Ilkeliani Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve

Safari Lodge

   Average guest rating:5.0

The camp can accommodate a maximum of 30 guests at any one time. The tented rooms are raised up slightly on earth mounds, overlooking the river and the plains.

From USD90 per person.

Sarova Mara Game Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve

Safari Resort

   Average guest rating:5.0

The 20 Club en-suite tents offer breathtaking views of the Mara plains. They are luxurious and extremely spacious decorated in whites and soothing earthy colors with large beds, loungers, wardrobes and a desk.

From USD135 per person.

Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Mara Triangle

Safari Resort

   Average guest rating:5.0

The 74 luxury en-suite rooms are accommodated in twin wings which radiate out from the central building. Each tastefully-appointed modular room is set slightly in front of its neighbour, thus allowing uninterrupted views of the famous Mara River.

From USD155 per person.

Siana Springs Intrepids Camp, Siana Conservancy

Safari Resort

   Average guest rating:5.0

The camp offers 38 spacious tents situated in 3 secluded ‘wings': the Bamboo Wing, surrounded by bamboo groves and flowering ornamental trees near the main camp; the Palm Wing, overlooking a series of springs, lily-clad ponds and lush indigenous forest; and the Acacia Wing, which occupies more open acacia woodland rich in birdlife on the camp boundary. The tents boast the very latest in modern camping, with large single or double beds, personal closets and writing desks, en-suite bathrooms and secluded verandas.

From USD165 per person.

Keekorok Lodge, Masai Mara National Reserve

Safari Resort

   Average guest rating:5.0

Keekorok Lodge offers 101 rooms in total. The accommodation is set out in bungalows, single storey blocks and shaded chalets, all of which have been constructed using indigenous materials such as cedar wood and pink and grey sandstone - the colours look truly stunning against the ground's well-kept lawns.

From USD200 per person.

Properties 1 to 5 of 32