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Kenya · East Africa · Safari

Masai Mara

Kenya’s most famous reserve, with dense big cat populations and the migration from about July to October.

Best timeJan to Feb, Jun to Oct
Ideal stay3 to 4 nights
GatewayNairobi
Month by month
  1. JAnuary (good)
  2. FEbruary (good)
  3. MArch
  4. APril
  5. MAy
  6. JUne (good)
  7. JUly (good)
  8. AUgust (good)
  9. SEptember (good)
  10. OCtober (good)
  11. NOvember
  12. DEcember

Travel advice: some regions are off-limits. Check your government’s advice for the exact areas before you book.

The Masai Mara is the northern tip of the Serengeti ecosystem and one of the best places on earth for lions, leopards and cheetahs. Neighbouring private conservancies limit vehicles, allow night drives and walks, and share income with Maasai landowners.

LionLeopardCheetahWildebeestHippoNile crocodile

Highlights

  • River crossings on the Mara River
  • Big cat sightings all year
  • Conservancy game drives with few vehicles
  • Maasai-guided walks

Wildlife to look for

Where to stay

Choose between camps inside the reserve or in the conservancies (quieter, more activities). There are options from simple tented camps to luxury lodges.

Getting there

Fly about 45 minutes from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to an airstrip, or drive about 5 to 6 hours.

Tips

  • Crossings are unpredictable: you may wait hours, so bring patience and a long lens.
  • Conservancies are worth the extra cost for fewer vehicles.
  • February is a good-value month with good cat sightings and fewer people.

Best time to visit

Jan to Feb, Jun to Oct. See where to go in Africa in January and our guide to the best time to visit Africa.

Travel advice: Parts of the country are off-limits under most government travel advice. Check your government’s advice before booking.

Plan your stay

Hotels on Booking.com Tours on GetYourGuide Tours on Viator

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Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Masai Mara?

Jan to Feb, Jun to Oct. Crossings are unpredictable: you may wait hours, so bring patience and a long lens.

How long should I spend at Masai Mara?

3 to 4 nights.

How do I get to Masai Mara?

Fly about 45 minutes from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to an airstrip, or drive about 5 to 6 hours.

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Serengeti National Park

Endless plains, big cats and the Great Migration year-round in different parts of the park.

Jan to Feb, Jun to Oct 3 to 4 nights

Ngorongoro Crater

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Okavango Delta

A vast inland delta where floodwaters arrive in the dry season, drawing wildlife from all around.

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