The Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s most famous wildlife destination and one of the most celebrated conservation areas in Africa. Bordering Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, it forms part of the greater Mara-Serengeti ecosystem — home to the annual Great Wildebeest Migration, considered the 8th wonder of the natural world.
Its name honors the Maasai people, the traditional inhabitants of the area, and the Mara River that cuts through the reserve, a lifeline for its diverse flora and fauna.
🐾 Wildlife
The Mara is renowned for its rich wildlife density. It hosts over 95 mammal species and over 500 bird species, making it a year-round safari destination. The Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino — are all found here.
Other commonly sighted animals include:
- 🦓 Plains zebra
- 🐃 African buffalo
- 🐆 Cheetahs
- 🦒 Masai giraffes
- 🦌 Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelles
- 🐗 Warthogs and topis
- 🐊 Nile crocodiles and hippos (especially near Mara River)
The Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebras move in search of greener pastures, is the park’s most famous spectacle, with dramatic river crossings often patrolled by predators.
🌱 Landscape & Scenery
The landscape is vast and breathtaking, dominated by rolling grasslands dotted with flat-topped acacia trees. The reserve is traversed by the Mara and Talek Rivers, both of which support large populations of hippos and crocodiles.
To the east lie the Ngama Hills, while the west features the Oloololo Escarpment, offering panoramic views and perfect sundowner spots.
Activities to Do in Masai Mara
Game Drives
Explore the vast plains in a 4x4 safari vehicle and encounter the Big Five, antelopes, giraffes, and more in their natural habitat.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Enjoy a scenic sunrise flight over the Mara followed by a bush breakfast in the wild — an unforgettable way to view wildlife from above.
Maasai Village Visit
Engage with the local Maasai tribe, experience their culture, traditions, and dances, and support community tourism efforts.
Guided Nature Walks
Join expert guides for bush walks near conservancy areas and learn about animal tracks, medicinal plants, and birds up close.
Photography Safaris
Capture breathtaking wildlife moments with support from guides who position you at the right place for stunning shots.
Sundowner Experience
Relax with drinks and snacks at a scenic viewpoint while watching the sunset over the savannah — perfect after a game drive.
Top Attractions in Masai Mara
Mara River
Witness the dramatic wildebeest migration and predator-prey action during the crossing of this iconic river.
Oloololo Escarpment
Enjoy panoramic views of the plains below, often used as a backdrop in documentaries and films.
The Big Five
Spot lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos throughout the reserve on game drives.
Mara Triangle
A less crowded section of the reserve known for its rich biodiversity and excellent game viewing.
Talek River
Another migration hotspot, surrounded by lodges and teeming with wildlife all year round.
Cultural Bomas
Experience authentic Maasai traditions, dance, and crafts at nearby villages and bomas.
Open Savannahs
Endless plains filled with acacia trees, grazing herbivores, and the occasional stalking predator.
Bird Watching
Home to over 450 bird species including secretary birds, hornbills, vultures, and crowned cranes.
Conservancies
Explore adjacent conservancies like Naboisho and Olare Motorogi for walking safaris and night drives.
Masai Mara National Reserve Park Fees
High Season (July – December 2025)
| Category | Citizen (KES) | Resident (KES) | Non-Resident (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 3,000 | 4,500 | 200 |
| Child (3–17 yrs) | 1,500 | 2,000 | 100 |
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