- Kenya
- 1,510 km² (Approx. 151,000 hectares)
- 1961
- Narok
- Famous for the Great Migration (wildebeest/zebra); high density of lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
- Moderate risk; prophylaxis is recommended.
- ~1°29′S 35°08′E
- Unfenced; part of the Greater Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem.
- Open savannah grasslands, rolling hills, and riverine acacia forests.
- for the Great Migration and river crossings; for calving season and predator action; for lush scenery (though rainy).
The Maasai Mara is Africa’s most iconic safari destination. It is globally renowned for the Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra traverse the Mara River. Unlike many parks, the Mara offers a high concentration of predators year-round, making it a "bucket list" location for wildlife photographers.
- Sekenani, Talek, Musiara, and Oloololo Gates.
- Multiple airstrips (e.g., Keekorok, Musiara, Serena) serve the reserve with daily flights from Nairobi Wilson (WIL) taking ~45 minutes.
- ~5–6 hours from Nairobi via Narok; roads are paved to the gates but can be rugged inside.
- Classic "Lion King" scenery with vast, waving grasslands.
- Thick vegetation along the Mara and Talek Rivers, home to hippos and crocodiles.
- A dramatic plateau forming the western boundary of the reserve.
- Reliable sightings of lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo; rhino are present but more elusive.
- Millions of grazers arriving from the Serengeti between July and October.
- The flat plains make the Mara one of the best places in Africa to see cheetahs hunting.
The Great Migration and dramatic river crossings.
Calving season; excellent predator visibility.
Lush green landscapes; lower prices; birding.
- Traditional 4x4 game drives in open-sided or pop-top vehicles.
- Dawn flights over the plains followed by a champagne breakfast.
- Guided tours to local Maasai manyattas (villages).
The Maasai Mara is the ultimate "theatre of wildlife." It provides the most consistent Big Five viewing in Kenya and is unmatched for large-scale migration spectacles.