Explore Masai Mara National Reserve with Us.
The Masai Mara National Reserve in southwest Kenya, next to Tanzania’s Serengeti, is more than a wildlife destination. It’s a place that stays with you long after you leave.
The reserve, covering about 1,510 square kilometers, is named after the Maasai people, the traditional owners of this land, and the Mara River that meanders through it. It’s a haven for a vast array of animals, including the famous “Big Five”: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos.
Start Your Masai Mara Experience
Ready to start planning your unforgettable adventure in the Masai Mara? The best way to ensure a smooth and enriching trip is to connect with a reputable safari operator, especially one with local expertise.
This is where the MasaiMara.co.uk team comes in handy. We are wholly owned and managed by AjKenyaSafaris.com, one of the leading tour and travel companies in Kenya. You can contact us by phone, WhatsApp, email, or through our social media channels.
Contact Us Now
- Phone/WhatsApp: +254-704-532-105 or +254-719-222-430 or +254-748-258-880
- Email: [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected]
- Social Media: Facebook Page, Instagram Page, Twitter Page, or TikTok Page
Safari in the Masai Mara
A safari in the Masai Mara is a sensory experience. It’s the best way to see nature in all its glory. Imagine the ground trembling beneath your feet as thousands of animals cross the river during a Great Migration, or watching the endless plains stretch to the horizon in shades of gold and green.
A Masai Mara safari is one of a kind. You can customize your adventure, whether you prefer the luxury of a high-end lodge or the privacy of a private conservancy.
Safari Deals
Visiting the Masai Mara is made easier by the various packages offered by tour operators. These packages have better rates on accommodation, game drives with expert guides who will teach you about the ecosystem, and even a hot air balloon safari. Explore these special offers to make your trip more affordable.
Our Top Safari Deals
To get you started, we have listed some of our top packages. They are designed to provide value for your money while offering a truly memorable safari experience. Suppose you are a first-time visitor to Kenya. In that case, we recommend combining the Masai Mara with other destinations such as Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli National Park, and Nairobi National Park.
Here are our top deals to consider:
From Nairobi to the Masai Mara
If you are starting from Nairobi, getting to the Masai Mara is easy. The most common route is to go to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport.
From there, a short domestic flight will take you to one of the many airstrips inside the reserve. Alternatively, you can take a scenic drive from Nairobi in a 4×4 safari vehicle. This takes about 5-6 hours.
If you have about 3 days for a safari, we recommend traveling by vehicle from Nairobi to the Masai Mara. This will ensure you enjoy the scenic drive and make stopovers in places like the Great Rift Valley View Point and Narok Town – be sure to ask for Nyama Choma in Narok Town.
The flight is recommended if you have only about 2 days for the safari. It is faster, but it will deny you the opportunity of experiencing the countryside.
Demerits of Travelling By Road or by Flight
There are many benefits to enjoy when traveling by either road or by air. However, choosing one over the other comes with its shortcomings. To start, traveling by road means spending over 6 hours on the road. This can be exceptionally tiring for young children and older people.
On the other hand, you end up missing the attractive stopovers along the way, like the Great Rift Valley View Point and Narok Town.
Accommodation Options
The Masai Mara has many accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. The Greater Masai Mara encompasses the National Reserve and the adjacent private conservancies, each offering its own unique experience.
- National Reserve: Staying in the National Reserve puts you in the heart of it all. You’ll see animals roaming around the camps and lodges. Accommodation ranges from basic campsites to full-service lodges.
- Mara Conservancies: The private conservancies on the edge of the reserve offer a more secluded and exclusive safari. With fewer visitors, these areas allow night game drives and guided walking safaris. These conservancies are home to the most beautiful and intimate camps and lodges.
Featured Lodges
Some lodges in the Masai Mara are famous for their service and experiences:
- Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, situated in the Mara Triangle, offers stunning views of the plains and the Oloololo Escarpment, elegant tented suites, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Cottars’ 1920s Safari Camp: This camp takes you back in time, with a classic safari atmosphere and vintage charm. In a private conservancy, guests can enjoy exclusive game drives and nature walks led by experienced guides.
- Elewana Sand River Camp: Situated on the tranquil Sand River, this camp offers a serene retreat amidst the wildlife. Spacious tents combine adventure with luxury.
A Quote from Our Manager
“I have travelled to the Masai Mara a few times, and I must mention that every accommodation is different. That is why you will find them priced differently, ranging from budget to super luxury. Budget accommodations can start from as little as £40 per person per night on a full-board basis, while super luxury ones can cost over £2000 per person per night.
Some budget options include Crocodile Camp and Miti Mingi Eco Camp; some mid-range options include Mara Maisha Camp and Mtito Safari Camp. In contrast, luxury includes Mahali Mzuri and Angama Mara.” – Ms. Gladys Mwangi, AjKenyaSafaris.com’s Reservation Manager.
Unforgettable Masai Mara Experiences
The Masai Mara has so many amazing experiences:
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Imagine floating above the Mara plains as the sun rises and seeing the landscape and wildlife wake up below.
- Maasai Encounters: A trip to the Masai Mara is not complete without meeting the Maasai community. Learning about their culture and traditions adds a human element to your journey.
- Wildlife Encounters: Game drives in the Masai Mara offer incredible close-up views of Africa’s big animals – lions, leopards, and more.
- The Great Migration: Watching this is a big deal. Seeing millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River, often with predators nearby, is both exciting and emotional.
Hot Air Balloon Experience
“A hot air balloon is an experience unlike any other. The experience costs around GBP 460 per person and includes a bush breakfast with champagne. We pick guests early from the accommodation, around 5 am, and transfer them to the launch site.
The actual ride takes about 1.5 hours, and then a few more hours for breakfast. By 9.30 am, we head out for the morning game drives,”- Mr Peter Thairu, AjKenyaSafaris.com’s Safari Guide.
Masai Mara Facts
The Masai Mara has:
- Lots of Wildlife: A home to many animal species. Here you can see the Big Five and the Big Nine – cheetahs, zebras, and giraffes – and so much more.
- The Migration: One of the natural wonders of the world. Every year, millions of wildebeest and zebras make the journey between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of green grass.
- Stunning Landscapes: Open grasslands, flat-topped acacia trees, rolling hills, and the Mara River – the Masai Mara is picture-perfect everywhere you look.
- Maasai Cultural Heritage: The reserve is named after the Maasai people, so you can visit their villages (manyattas) and learn about their culture, traditions, and connection to the land.
Masai Mara Video
Before your trip, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Masai Mara by watching videos that showcase its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
By Harrison K. Irura
Harrison K. Irura is a senior travel consultant at AjKenyaSafaris.com and a writer who enjoys sharing his knowledge of African safaris. He focuses on the Masai Mara, combining his work experience with his love for storytelling.
His writing aims to guide and inspire readers, offering practical tips and vivid descriptions to help them plan their adventures. Irura’s knowledge is based on his work, so he is your go-to person for Kenya’s most popular destinations.