The Masai Mara is one of the most visited national parks in Africa, it has gained a reputation for some of the best safari on the continent and while there are some incredibly busy areas these days there are also some that have retained their remote feel, exclusivity and world class safari experiences. It is also fairly easy to say that the Masai Mara has some of the best predator populations in Africa and if you are looking to get close to big game then this is a really good option.
As well as being a great safari destination the Masai Mara combines well with beach destinations, both on the Kenya coast and Zanzibar, making for superb and hassle free safari and beach combinations that can be tailored to suit anyone from families to honeymooners by selecting the right properties.
The greater Masai Mara area can be split broadly into two, the Masai Mara National Reserve and the Concessions; The National Reserve is an area controlled by the ministry, close to the “Talek Gate” is the busiest part of this ecosystem although there are still some camps inside this area that are remote enough to avoid the majority of the traffic from bigger lodges. The Masai Mara National Reserve plays host to the world famous Mara River Crossing where, each year, millions of Wildebeest take their chances in the swollen river to reach better grazing pastures.
The second part making up the Greater Masai Mara area is the Concessions, these are areas of land that belong to local tribes and villages and a single company or group of safari companies have arranged to occupy this land in exchange for a ‘rent’ and protecting the land…This system has worked really well in Kenya to extend the Masai Mara, protecting more land than the government would be able to and in the process creating more exclusive safari areas home to some great small and personal safari camps from classical through to ultra luxurious.
There is a third part that is not too often discussed but this is known as the Mara Triangle, a fantastic piece of land between the National Reserve and the escarpment to the West, this area has very few camps and prolific wildlife and is home to Governors Camp, an institution in East African safari circles.
The Masai Mara can be visited all year round and every season does have its differences, however, we tend to avoid travelling during the peak of the rains in April and May as traversing the area can be very difficult due to the local soil conditions. The peak time for travel is between late July and October when the Migration is in town.
Easily accessed from Nairobi’s domestic airport by a short light aircraft flight, if arriving on the same day it is important to remember that you will need to cross Nairobi to get from the international airport to the domestic, however, we can take care of all of this for you.
The game viewing in this area is phenomenal and therefore most camps concentrate on vehicle activities, there are a few of the concessions that have branched out and now offer walking, cultural activities and even sleepouts, all adding to your experience.
The Migration
The annual journey of 1.5 million wildebeest and some 200,000 zebra following the rains and the most appetising grasslands, all the while trying to avoid falling victim to the numerous predators stalking or lying in wait. The Migration follows a general annual pattern moving with the rains through the Serengeti and into the Masai Mara,
There is no doubt that this incredible event is on many peoples bucket list, however, it is easy to end up simply following the masses yourself, and not getting the best safari, check out this article for more info on the spectacle and our opinion on the best ways to experience it.
Top Masai Mara camps
Enkewa
Masai Mara, Kenya
Perfect for an authentic experience, this is a fantastically hosted and owner run little camp that offers one of the best safaris in the Masai Mara at possibly the best value.
Saruni Mara
Masai Mara, Kenya
Perfect for a luxury lodge, if you are looking to spoil yourself a bit while on safari in Kenya then the Saruni properties are perfect, offering a good safari experience alongside great attention to detail.
Naibor Camp
Masai Mara, Kenya
Perfect for a light and modern design but still a maintaining the feel of a traditional tented camp, this camp is in a fantastic location in one of the best wildlife areas in Kenya.
Sala’s Camp
Masai Mara, Kenya
Perfect for visiting one of the most remote parts of the Masai Mara and for combining the amazing Samburu or Laikipia with the Masai Mara, making up part of a lovely circuit.