Masai Mara

Kenya’s Masai Mara, bordering the Serengeti in Tanzania and lying adjacent to the Great Rift Valley, is one of the very few areas left in Africa where wildlife can be seen in the large numbers that existed a hundred years ago with some of the best game viewing in Africa.

There is a mass of resident game but a particular highlight is the Great Migration, ‘the greatest wildlife show on earth’, which takes place between July and October. During these months, the plains darken with wildebeest and zebra, millions of them passing through on their hazardous annual journey in search of fresh pastures.

There is particularly good predator activity at this time, as lions, leopards, cheetahs and crocodiles earn their prey. As well as the prolific wildlife, the dramatic landscapes provide photo opportunities at every turn, from soaring escarpments to acacia-dotted grasslands, and blazing sunsets to towering rain clouds. Despite its popularity, there are plenty of small camps and lodges hidden in concession areas adjacent to the reserve and away from the madding crowds.

Did you know?

• The Masai Mara was named in honour of the Masai people. Mara means “spotted” in Maa (the Maasai language) and from the air looks spotty as there are so many small bushes.
• The Mara has two major rivers flowing through it the Mara and Talek Rivers.
• The guides in the Masai Mara are mainly local Masai and incredibly knowledgeable about the game, birds and flora of their homeland.
• Naboisho is the Masai Mara’s newest conservancy, created in 2011 to add vital habitat to Africa’s most admired eco-system.
• Kicheche Valley Camp is the smallest luxury camp in the area and is incredibly good value for this calibre of camp. 
• The Masia Mara continues over in Tanzania but is called the Serengeti.
• The migration usually arrives in the Mara from July to October.
• There are a number of camps on the Mara River where you can sit on the deck and watch the hippos below you.
• In the private concessions you can go horse riding and do walking safaris.
• The game viewing is excellent year round.
• The Masai Mara reserve gets very busy in the holiday months, we would always recommend staying in the conservancies which are quieter.