Masai Mara National Reserve in the Greater Masai Mara - Kenya
The ultimate wildlife viewing spectacle and home for wildebeest migration.
Imagine a cheetah and her cub gazing over the sunlit plains from atop a dusty termite mound, or zebra and over one million wildebeest braving the crocodile-laden waters of the Mara River. Picture Masai herdsmen guiding their cattle while adorned in vibrant traditional attire. The Masai Mara National Reserve captivates the imagination with its diverse and abundant wildlife and beckons to the heart of the wanderer like few other safari destinations do. Game drives offer an unparalleled opportunity to witness these scenes up close, including the Sand river.
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One of the key attractions of the Masai Mara National Reserve is the great migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebra, and other antelope species traverse the plains in search of greener pastures. The reserve is also renowned for its big five, and animals making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Four Distinct Landscapes
The Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s premier wildlife sanctuaries, is located in southwestern Kenya. Spanning 1,510 square kilometers (580 square miles), and bordering the Serengeti National Park to the south, it is among the most breathtaking safari destinations in the world. The reserve showcases four unique landscapes: sandy soils with scattered shrubs in the east, the natural boundary formed by the Siria Escarpment plateau to the west, lush grasslands and woodlands enveloping the Mara River, and vast open plains dotted with bushes. Discover the Greater Masai Mara by exploring our Masai Mara safari map and experiencing game drives in safari vehicles. The reserve is also a haven for wildlife photography.
Access to Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara National Reserve is approximately 270 kilometers from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. Flying into the reserve via its airstrips is a convenient option, taking about 40-45 minutes. Scenic flights over the reserve offer breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience. For those traveling by road, the journey takes approximately six to seven hours, with most routes offering a comfortable drive. It’s advisable to avoid the Lemek and Aitong Town road due to its rough conditions. For more details on traveling to the Masai Mara, visit our getting to Masai Mara page.
Accommodation Options
Experience comfort in the wild at the Masai Mara National Reserve, which boasts an amazing experience and world-class accommodation. Choose from a range of luxurious lodges, luxury tented camps, and camps within the reserve and its surrounding conservancies. Whether you opt for a tented camp or a safari lodge, each offers a unique blend of comfort, hospitality, and fine dining, ensuring an authentic safari experience. Most accommodations also offer bespoke safari packages, allowing you to explore the Masai Mara National Reserve in a way that suits your preferences.
A Diverse Experience for Everyone – Talek & Mara River
The Masai Mara National Reserve is divided into three sectors by the Talek River and Mara Rivers. To the west lies the remote Mara Triangle & Mara North Conservancy, known as the gateway from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara. The eastern Sekenani Sector is the busiest of maasai village and considered less appealing.
For a unique way to experience the Masai Mara, consider taking a hot air balloon safari ride.
Musiara Sector
Nestled between the Talek and Mara Rivers, the Musiara Sector is renowned for its iconic swampland, teeming with bird species and diverse wildlife. Historically, the Maasai people, Maasai warriors, and herdsmen traveled from afar to graze their cattle here during the dry season. Today, while Masai cattle are no longer permitted in the reserve, you might spot them in the conservancies. Buffalos and various creatures can be seen enjoying mud baths in the swamp’s puddles. The marsh is also home to the famous ‘Marsh Pride,’ a group of 25-30 lions and cubs popularized by the BBC’s documentary ‘Big Cat Diary’. Additionally, the Musiara Sector offers prime bird watching and viewing of the iconic wildebeest dramatic river crossings at the Mara River.
Sekenani Sector
For those traveling by road from Nairobi, the Sekenani Sector often serves as the main entry point. This part of the reserve is less scenic and not as attractive for safari-goers. It is filled with large hotel lodges and budget tented camps. Due to unregulated development and a constant influx of minibus tourists and safari vehicles, it lacks the untouched charm found elsewhere in the reserve. It’s suitable for passing through, but we recommend exploring other areas for a more enriching experience like the endless plains and pristine riverine forests of the Mara.
Further Reading
Inquire About Your Masai Mara Safari
We hope this information helps you conclude that the Masai Mara National Reserve is the ideal destination for your next adventure. If you have more questions or need specific details about the lodges, please fill out the contact form, and we will respond promptly! You can also interact with local community in this photographer’s paradise. You can also reach us through our email at safarioffers@ajkenyasafaris.com or james@ajkenyasafaris.com. We are also available via WhatsApp or Phone at +254 748 258880.
