The Masai Mara - ‘The World’s Greatest Safari Destination’

Leopard_1_uuhvu6-2
Big cats rule the famous plains of the Masai Mara

Arguably, the world's greatest safari destination, the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the best game viewing areas in Africa, and home to the Big Five. 

Throughout the year you’ll see herds of zebra, impala, gazelle, wildebeest, buffalo and elephant on the plains of the Masai Mara, whilst hippos and crocodiles can be seen in the Mara and Talek Rivers. 

Lions, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, jackals, and bat-eared foxes can also be found in the reserve. 

If you visit at the right time of year, you can see the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth - the Great Migration. 

Each year over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra migrate from the Serengeti National Park to the Masai Mara in search of fresh pastures. 

During their journey the herds must brave the Mara River where they face treacherous water currents, huge crocodiles, opportunistic lions, and slinking leopards that lay in wait on the other side of the river. 

The wildebeest and zebra that make it across the river then make the journey to the fresh grass plains of the Masai Mara, however they’re still not completely safe here, as they risk attacks from lions, leopards and hyenas. 

Depending on when you visit the Masai Mara you may witness the struggles of the river crossings or dramatic predator/prey encounters on the vast open plains. 

Featured Masai Mara Holidays

We include the iconic Masai Mara in all of our suggested luxury Kenya safari itineraries. On our Luxury Kenya Safari Holiday you can enjoy a spectacular safari experience in Samburu National Reserve and the Masai Mara, whilst our Kenya Off The Beaten Track itinerary includes Laikipia, as well as Samburu and the Masai Mara. The Masai Mara can also be combined with our incredible gorilla tracking holidays in Rwanda and Uganda.

Where to stay in the Masai Mara

We’ve personally visited all of the luxury lodges and tented camps that we offer in Kenya’s Masai Mara. We love Mara Plains Camp, one of the Masai  Mara's most luxurious and environmentally friendly safari camps, located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy on the northern border of the Masai Mara National Reserve, and Mahali Mzuri which is Sir Richard Branson’s 12-tented luxury camp in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy in the wider Masai Mara ecosystem. 

More Africa travel inspiration from Wayfairer customers and travel specialists