Maasai Mara travel guide
Kenya's most famous safari destination is its vast open plains, the Great Migration, and some of the highest concentrations of big cats in Africa.
Overview
The Maasai Mara National Reserve sits in southwestern Kenya, a short flight or a 5–6 hour drive from Nairobi. It’s best known for the Great Migration (roughly July–October), when over a million wildebeest and zebra cross from the Serengeti, but the Mara has excellent game viewing year-round, including reliable sightings of lion, leopard, and cheetah.
Best time to visit
Jul–Oct for migration; good year-round
Main airport
~45 min (small aircraft)
Currency
Kenyan Shilling (KSh)
Mara River crossings
~5–6 hours
Most visitors fly into the Mara from Nairobi (roughly 45 minutes) rather than driving, since road transfers can take most of a day. Factor this into your budget when comparing flight vs. car hire options.
Related guides
Best time to visit Maasai Mara→
Nairobi to Maasai Mara: how to get there→
Budget safari in Kenya
Where to go
Mara River crossings
The iconic wildebeest river crossings are best seen July–September.
Mara Triangle
A quieter, well-managed section of the reserve with fewer vehicles.
Hot air balloon safaris
Sunrise balloon flights over the plains book ahead, especially in peak season.
Maasai village visits
Cultural visits to local Maasai communities, usually arranged through your lodge or camp.
Getting around
Once inside the reserve, game drives are typically arranged through your lodge or camp using their own 4x4 vehicles and guides; self-driving inside the reserve isn't the norm. If you're driving from Nairobi, an SUV or 4x4 is strongly recommended given the road conditions.