Masai Mara Safari

Name: Masai Mara
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.8 (253 reviews)

Masai Mara Kenya Safari

This stunning landscape, populated by proud warrior people and incredibly prolific wildlife, is a powerful magnet for anyone with a taste for Masai Mara safari holidays. Grassy plains, towering escarpments, incredible skies and sunsets combine to create the perfect backdrop for the spectacular action that takes place every day across the national reserve.

Our safari holidays in Africa give you the chance to experience the vast scale of the landscape and its majestic inhabitants in all their glory. As you step out onto the open plains, you’ll feel smaller than you’ve ever felt before.

A Kenya safari in the Masai Mara is an unforgettable experience that will tug on your heart strings. Located in the Great Rift Valley, the region is renowned for its rich biodiversity, dramatic scenery and vibrant culture. Wildlife lovers from around the world flock to this iconic destination to witness the annual wildebeest migration, one of the greatest spectacles on Earth.

During a Masai Mara holiday, you’ll embark on thrilling game drives led by experienced guides and go in search of the iconic Big Five – the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros – in their natural habitat. The vast expanse of the Mara is also home to numerous other species of wildlife, making each safari drive a unique and exciting adventure.

Apart from wildlife viewing, you can immerse yourself in the Maasai culture by visiting traditional villages and interacting with local tribespeople. This cultural experience gives you a fascinating insight into the traditions and way of life of the Maasai people, known for their vibrant clothing, intricate beadwork and interesting storytelling.

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Our travellers rate our Masai Mara tours as

4.8 / 5 based on 253 reviews

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The Maasai Warrioress

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Top 5 Highlights of the Masai Mara

1. Amble along the Masai rivers: The Mara and Telek rivers bring life to the Masai Mara, creating a fertile environment for the most incredible safari viewing in Kenya . In the deeper pools, elephant families gather to cool themselves and hose each other down while towards the shore, crocodiles bask on flat rocks and rhinos lazily sunbathe in the mud. Walking along the Masai rivers brings you closer to the raw beauty of nature. The lush surroundings serve as a stark contrast to the vast, open plains of the Masai Mara. The rivers give you a glimpse into an ecosystem teeming with life and act as a lifeline for the Masai people, providing water for both the people and wildlife.

2. Race across the boundless grasslands: This is where you are guaranteed some of the best game viewing on a Kenya safari in the Masai Mara. Here is the haunt of the cheetah, the fastest animal on the planet, and its favourite dinner, the tail-twitching Thompson’s gazelle. On a rocky outcrop sits a pride of lions, tails swishing, eyes peeled for zebra, belligerent buffalo or baby giraffe as their own cute, furry cubs play-fight among themselves.

3. The Great Migration: Visit the Masai Mara between July and October for the world-famous spectacle of almost two million wildebeest, zebra and Thompson’s gazelle migrating en masse from the Serengeti in search of greener pastures. The Great Migration is one of nature’s most stunning events, captivating audiences worldwide. This mass movement is a vital part of the ecosystem, providing nutrients to the land and sustaining a delicate balance of life. The Mara River crossings are particularly breathtaking, as countless animals navigate treacherous waters teeming with hungry crocodiles.

4. Float up, up and away: A hot air balloon trip over the iconic landscapes of the Masai Mara is a breathtaking experience that gives you a different perspective of the beauty of the Kenyan wilderness. As the sun rises, the herds and big cats wake for their breakfast and the vibrant colours of the savannah come alive, casting a magical glow over the vast plains dotted with acacia trees. From the tranquil vantage point of the balloon, you can witness the splendid display of elephants, giraffes and lions below. The serenity of the flight is interrupted by the occasional whoosh of the burner, propelling the balloon gently through the crisp morning air.

5. Visit a Maasai village: Visiting a Maasai village is a culturally enriching experience that gives you an insight into the traditions and way of life of this unique community in Kenya. From the vibrant colours of their clothing to the rhythmic beats of their music and dance, every aspect of the Maasai culture tells a story of resilience and heritage. Interacting with the friendly villagers, learning about their traditions and witnessing their age-old customs, such as the jumping dance, is a memory you’ll hold onto forever. Their hospitality and warmth invite you to delve into this fascinating world rich in tradition and history.

This trip exceeded all expectations in terms of the iconic wildlife we saw and the spectacular scenery, with a wonderful guide and crew. Also we had a good group of only 7, and being outside peak season camp sites were quiet, and there was less competition between safari vehicles for prime viewing spots.

Bridget Bennett Kenya & Tanzania Adventure

This was my fifth trip to Kenya and my second to Tanzania and it didn’t disappoint. It was a small group of seven and we had a great team to lead us. There were several changes to the itinerary and all enhanced the trip. We camped the first night near Lake Naivasha and had a great boat trip the following morning, seeing hippos, fish eagles and other water birds. When it came to game watching in Nakuru, Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro we couldn’t have done better. We saw a pride of lions devouring the buffalo they’d just taken down, a cheetah and prey, a leopard up a tree with its impala prey as well as vast herds of zebra and wildebeest between the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. Our two days at Cristal Resort at the end provided a relaxing end to the trip, apart from a noisy first night. We ate very well throughout thanks to our cook, Dan, who provided a wonderful range of freshly cooked meals, many of them vegetarian together with African specialties such as mandazi and ugali. Ben was an excellent driver and he and Godfrey were ever helpful, putting up and taking down our tents most efficiently. Caroline was an excellent tour guide, always cheerful and informative, always striving to improve our experience.

Susan Thackray Kenya & Tanzania Adventure

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What is the best time to visit the Masai Mara?

The Masai Mara is renowned for its incredible wildlife and stunning natural beauty, making it a popular destination for safari holidays. The best time for a Kenya safari in Masai Mara is during the dry season, which typically runs from June to October. During this time, the vegetation is sparse, making it easier to spot animals as they gather around water sources. The annual wildebeest migration also occurs during this period, providing a thrilling spectacle of hundreds of thousands of animals crossing the Mara River. Additionally, the cooler temperatures and clear skies in the dry season make for optimal viewing and photography opportunities.

What wildlife can I expect to see in the Masai Mara?

The vast savannas and rolling grasslands of this national reserve provide a natural habitat for a wide range of animals. During game drives, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the famous Big Five, including lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards and rhinoceros. The reserve is also home to zebras, wildebeest, giraffes and various antelope species. The annual wildebeest migration, where millions of animals move across the plains in search of greener pastures, is a spectacle like no other. Bird enthusiasts will also be delighted by the diverse species that call Masai Mara home.

FAQs on Masai Mara

What kind of accommodation is available in the Masai Mara?

You’ll find a range of accommodation in the Masai Mara depending on your chosen trip. Full-service camping is a popular choice for those wanting a closer-to-nature experience, with campsites like Nderit and Mara Springs providing basic facilities but tin the most beautiful surroundings. For a more comfortable experience, some lodges in the Masai Mara offer luxury accommodation among the wild landscape. Kicheche Premium Camps stand out for their high-end tented camps, combining luxury with an authentic safari experience.

What activities can I do in the Masai Mara?

One of the most popular activities to do in the Masai Mara is of course a safari tour. Embark on thrilling game drives in open-top vehicles to witness the amazing diversity of wildlife, from mighty lions to giraffes and elephants.

Another must-do experience in the Masai Mara is a hot air balloon ride over the expansive plains. This thrilling adventure provides a bird’s eye view of the savannah and lets you witness sunrise or sunset over the landscape. Alternatively, enjoy a cultural trip to a Masai village and learn about the traditional way of life of the Maasai people.

Do I need any vaccinations before visiting the Masai Mara?

When planning a visit to the Masai Mara, it’s important to make sure you are up to date on certain vaccinations to protect yourself from potential health risks in the region. The recommended vaccinations for travellers to the Masai Mara or any other part of Kenya usually include routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and influenza. It is also advised to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid, as these diseases can be transmitted through contaminated food and water. Malaria is also prevalent in the region, so antimalarial medications are typically recommended. Make sure you consult your healthcare provider prior to your trip to ensure you are properly protected.

Do I need a Visa for the Masai Mara?

Those travelling from the UK, EU and US require an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) to travel to the Masai Mara in Kenya. Travellers from most countries will need to obtain a visa or eTA before entering Kenya, with the exception of a few visa-exempt countries. The application process is usually straightforward and can be done online or through the Kenyan embassy in your country. It is important to check the specific requirements based on your nationality to ensure a smooth entry into the Masai Mara.