The Maasai Mara is Kenya's most famous wildlife reserve and one of the best safari destinations on Earth. Home to the Great Migration and incredible big cat populations, it delivers world-class game viewing year-round.
Quick Answer
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is Kenya's premier safari destination, covering 1,510 km² of grasslands and hosting the Great Migration from July to October. Entry costs $200 per adult per day (2026). Plan at least 3 nights, fly in from Nairobi in 45 minutes, and consider private conservancies for walking safaris and night drives.
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The Maasai Mara National Reserve covers 1,510 km² of rolling grasslands, riverine forests, and acacia woodlands. It's part of the greater Serengeti-Mara ecosystem and hosts one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa.
The Maasai Mara is about 270 km southwest of Nairobi. You can drive (5-6 hours) or fly (45 minutes via daily scheduled flights from Wilson Airport). Fly-in safaris save time and offer aerial views of the Rift Valley.
Accommodation ranges from budget campsites to ultra-luxury tented camps. Staying inside the reserve puts you closer to wildlife, while private conservancies (Olare Motorogi, Naboisho, Mara North) offer exclusive game drives, walking safaris, and night drives.
Beyond traditional game drives, the Maasai Mara offers unique experiences that connect you with the landscape and local Maasai culture.
Recommended
Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia is home to the Big Five, the world's last two northern white rhinos, and a unique chimpanzee sanctuary. This full-day trip from Nairobi combines morning and afternoon game drives with a visit to the northern white rhino enclosure — a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter.
Hell's Gate is the only Kenyan national park where you walk and cycle alongside the wildlife. This full-day adventure combines a guided bike ride through soaring lava cliffs with a boat safari on the peaceful shores of Lake Naivasha — a wonderfully active alternative to a traditional game drive.
Lake Nakuru National Park sits in the heart of the Great Rift Valley, just three hours from Nairobi. This full-day excursion packs in rhino tracking, big cat sightings, and flamingo-fringed lakeshores into a single spectacular day out of the capital.
Depart Nairobi before dawn and arrive in Amboseli as the morning mist lifts off the savannah. Spend the day tracking large elephant families across open plains, with Mount Kilimanjaro forming a stunning backdrop. Return to Nairobi in the evening with memories to last a lifetime.
Choose from our carefully designed Maasai Mara packages, or let us create a custom itinerary tailored to your interests.
Before You Book
Current Maasai Mara reserve fees for 2026, including low-season and peak-season pricing, vehicle charges, and how to plan the right safari budget for your dates.
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