The Maasai Mara! Arguably the most popular safari destination in the world! It is renowned for its concentration of wildlife, particularly the big cats, and also the great migration, where millions of animals, including wildebeests, zebras and gazelles, cross the crocodile-infested Mara River from the Serengeti National Park. For these reasons, it is featured in countless nature documentaries! But today we ask, is Maasai Mara worth the hype? Well, let’s find out!
Where is Maasai Mara located?
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is located in Kenya, on the southwest side of the country, on its border with Tanzania. Covering an area of roughly 1510 square kilometres (580 square miles), it forms one part of the larger Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, which also includes Serengeti National Park, found on the other side of the border in Tanzania.
It’s approximately 270 kilometres (168 miles) from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, and can easily be accessed either by road or air. Along the way, you will come across the Great Rift Valley, a spectacular view that adds to the incredible Mara experience.
What’s so special about the Maasai Mara?
So, is Maasai Mara worth the hype? Well, there are five crucial aspects about the Maasai Mara that make it so special and unique and, therefore, worth the hype. They are as follows;
Rich wildlife diversity
One of the things that makes this place so special is its incredible diversity of wildlife, offering excellent animal viewing throughout the year. Other than the Big Five (Lions, elephants, leopards, cape buffalos, and rhinos), which the reserve is renowned for, there are many other animal species.
You will find cheetahs, hippos, zebras, giraffes, and many other mammals. We also have to mention the wildebeests that migrate every year from the Serengeti and back in their millions.
The reserve is also home to over 500 species of birds that have been identified so far, with about 60 of them being raptors. Now, all these animals are in abundance in the park, which means that when you are on a game drive, the chances of you spotting many of these species are quite high.
The Great Wildebeest Migration
In the Maasai Mara, you will experience one of the most iconic events in the world, the Great Wildebeest Migration, which takes place annually. What happens is that over 2 million wildebeests and zebras migrate from the Serengeti into the Maasai Mara in search of greener pastures.
During this journey, they come across one of the biggest hurdles when they try to cross the crocodile-infested Mara River. Thousands of these animals don’t make it, but millions do.
This migration is probably the most spectacular event you will ever get to witness in our natural world, and it draws hundreds of thousands of tourists from across the world.
It occurs from July to September. Their journey back from the Mara to Serengeti occurs in October, but it’s less spectacular and more of a slow dispersal.
Stunning landscapes
If I were to ask you to close your eyes and just imagine what the Maasai Mara looks like, chances are that you will see endless golden savannah with clear blue skies, and honestly, you won’t be wrong! However, that’s not all the reserve offers! In fact, I dare say it’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Given that the reserve lies within the Great Rift Valley, it offers several types of terrain. To the west of the reserve, there is the Olooloo Escarpment, which is a towering sheer cliff rock wall that offers spectacular views of the park.
On the eastern side, there are the Ngama Hills which feature leafy bushes, and it is the perfect place to spot rhinos.
Then there is the Mara Triangle, featuring lush grasslands and acacia woodlands, and it’s where you will find most of the animals, including the migrating wildebeests. All these landscapes are incredible to look at and take photographs of.
The Maasai people
The Maasai Mara is not just about the animals or landscapes, it’s also about the Maasai people, who have called this place home for centuries. I mean, the National Reserve is literally named after them!
The Maasai people are a semi-nomadic community with a very rich cultural heritage and have a very deep connection to the land and the wildlife. For this reason, they are an integral part of the conservation efforts of the entire Mara ecosystem, together with wildlife authorities.
When you make your way to the Mara, you will get to experience their culture, watch traditional dances, and witness their way of life.
You will also hear stories about their connection to the land and what they are doing to protect the reserve and the animals. This is a special experience that you rarely experience elsewhere on safari. Only in the Maasai Mara!
Exclusive safari experiences
The accommodation is the other thing that makes the Maasai Mara worth the hype. You see, many lodges and camps are designed to give you an authentic safari feel – think canvas tents with modern comforts, open-air showers, and stunning views of endless savannah.
What makes it even cooler is the variety. You can go ultra-luxurious with five-star lodges that have infinity pools, gourmet dining and private game drives, or keep it more adventurous with budget-friendly camps that still let you experience the magic of the Mara.
As we mentioned earlier, some places are run by the local Maasai community, giving you a chance to interact with them.
In terms of the location, some of the accommodations are set right in the heart of the migration routes, meaning you might see thousands of wildebeests thundering past your doorstep, or a herd of elephants passing near you to go drink water in a river conveniently found right in front of your camp! It’s just an incredible experience all through.
Exciting things to do in the Maasai Mara
When you visit the Maasai Mara, we highly recommend the following activities;
Game drives – this is the most popular activity in the Maasai Mara, obviously! For the best experience, you need to get expert guides, most of whom are Maasai. Since they have a personal connection to the Mara, they do have a lot of knowledge when it comes to the animals, and more so how to track them or where they mostly are. This increases your chances of rare sightings, such as a leopard dragging a kill up a tree.
If you are up for a more exclusive experience, you should consider staying in a private conservancy. Unlike in the main reserve, here they allow off-road driving, meaning you can get even closer to the action without the crowds. Some also offer night game drives, giving you a rare opportunity to see nocturnal predators like leopards and hyenas in action.
Hot air balloon trips – a hot air balloon ride is in many people’s bucket list! In the Mara, you will get the chance to have a bird’s eye view of the reserve, which is spectacular, especially at sunrise. This experience ends with a champagne breakfast in the bush. Now, balloon safaris are in very high demand, so, you must book in advance, especially during the wildebeest migration season.
Bird watching – with over 500 species of birds, the Mara is a paradise for birdwatchers. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to spot birds, as they are most active during these hours. If you visit between November and April, you’ll see migratory species from Europe and Asia, adding even more variety. Make sure you have high-quality binoculars for this though!
Cultural visits – when you visit the Maasai Mara, I would highly recommend that you visit a Maasai village. Go experience their culture and understand their way of life. It’s quite a unique experience! And if you want to support the community, you can always buy their handcrafted jewellery, which to be honest looks quite good.
Photography – Maasai Mara offers some of the best wildlife photography opportunities in the world. I mean, it has been featured in countless nature documentaries! You know, photography is all about capturing the perfect moment, and you will get a ton of those here. Especially if you choose the private conservancies which allow you to go off-road for more dramatic shots up close.
When is the best time to visit the Maasai Mara?
The best time to visit Maasai Mara depends on what you want to experience. Here is a breakdown;
July to September (the Great wildebeest migration) – this is the peak season and it’s the most popular time to travel here. This is the time that over 2 million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles migrate northwards from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara, facing dramatic river crossings and predators. Since it is after the long rains, the weather is usually clear and the landscape is very lush, making wildlife easier to spot. However, it is the busiest time to visit!
January to March (best for big cats & calving season) – with fewer tourists, this period offers excellent game viewing, especially for predators. Many animals give birth during this time, attracting big cats like lions and cheetahs. The landscapes are lush from the short rains, making for beautiful photography.
November to December (green season & fewer crowds) – The short rains bring fresh grass and fewer tourists, making it a peaceful time to visit. Bird watching is exceptional as migratory birds arrive, and the scenery is at its most vibrant. Wildlife is still abundant, but some areas may be harder to access due to muddy roads.
How is the accommodation in the Maasai Mara National Reserve?
The accommodation in the Mara caters to everybody and every taste. There are more than 75 accommodation options you can choose from;
Luxurious lodges – there are several luxury lodges in the Maasai Mara that offer high-end accommodations with spacious suites, private decks, and infinity pools overlooking the savannah. Popular options include Angama Mara, perched on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, and Mahali Mzuri, Sir Richard Branson’s ultra-luxurious tented camp found in the path of the wildebeests in Olare Motorogi Conservancy. These lodges cater to travellers seeking comfort, privacy, and a premium safari experience.
Tented camps – if you looking for an authentic yet comfortable stay, tented camps provide well-furnished canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms, wooden decks, and stunning views of the wilderness. You will find mid-range options like Mara Intrepids Tented Camp, which offers excellent wildlife access, and also semi-luxury stays like Sanctuary Olonana, located along the Mara River. There are many other tented camps in the national reserve.
Low-cost camping – If you’re looking for a more affordable adventure, there is the option of budget camping that allows you to experience the Maasai Mara without breaking the bank. Basic camps like Rhino Tourist Camp and Enchoro Wildlife Camp offer simple accommodations with shared facilities. Some budget safaris also provide dome tents with sleeping bags, letting you camp under the beautiful sky while enjoying guided game drives.
Eco-lodges – you will also get options focused on eco-friendliness and sustainability. Basecamp Explorer and Ilkeliani Camp are some of the well-known options designed for this purpose. These lodges provide a meaningful way to experience the Mara while contributing to conservation efforts. These ones are becoming quite popular of late!
Is Maasai Mara worth the hype?
Yes, visiting Maasai Mara is totally worth it and is highly recommended! If you are an adventurer or someone who loves nature, visiting the Mara should be on your bucket list. I mean, the density of wildlife, including the ‘Big Five,’ the lively culture of the Maasai people, and the magnificent landscapes will most certainly make your safari experience unforgettable.
Then there is the great wildebeest migration, a spectacle that’s definitely a wonder of the world and one that can only be experienced in the Maasai Mara, Kenya! When you experience it, the experience will remain with you forever. In short, if you love adventure, breathtaking scenery, and wildlife in its purest form, then yes – the Maasai Mara is absolutely worth it.