Things to Do in Maasai Mara
Maasai Mara, Kenya - Complete Travel Guide
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is Kenya's most celebrated wildlife destination, forming the northern extension of Tanzania's Serengeti ecosystem. This 1,510-square-kilometer expanse of pristine savannah is renowned for hosting the Great Migration, where over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the landscape in a spectacular annual journey. The reserve is named after the Maasai people who have coexisted with wildlife here for centuries, and the Mara River that cuts through this dramatic landscape.
Beyond the migration spectacle, the Maasai Mara offers year-round exceptional game viewing with healthy populations of the Big Five - lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. The rolling grasslands, acacia woodlands, and riverine forests create diverse habitats that support over 450 bird species and countless mammals. Visitors can experience authentic Maasai culture, enjoy luxury safari lodges, and witness some of Africa's most iconic wildlife moments, making it a bucket-list destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers worldwide.
Top Things to Do in Maasai Mara
Great Migration Game Drives
Witness the world's greatest wildlife spectacle as millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River between July and October. The dramatic river crossings, with crocodiles waiting below, create unforgettable scenes of nature's raw power and survival instincts.
Booking Tip: Book migration tours 6-12 months in advance, especially for July-September peak season. Expect to pay $300-800 per person per day for quality operators. Choose operators with experienced guides who know current migration patterns and multiple vehicle options for best positioning.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Float silently above the savannah at sunrise for a bird's-eye view of the Mara's wildlife and landscapes. This magical experience offers unique photographic opportunities and a champagne breakfast in the bush upon landing.
Booking Tip: Reserve balloon safaris well in advance as capacity is limited to 16 passengers per flight. Costs range from $450-600 per person. Book directly with operators like Governors' Balloon Safaris for better rates, and confirm weather backup policies during rainy seasons.
Maasai Village Cultural Visit
Experience authentic Maasai culture by visiting traditional villages (manyattas) where you'll learn about customs, participate in traditional dances, and understand the harmonious relationship between the Maasai people and wildlife. Witness traditional jumping ceremonies and learn about their semi-nomadic lifestyle.
Booking Tip: Choose community-run cultural centers like Maasai Mara Cultural Centre for authentic experiences costing $20-50 per person. Avoid overly commercialized villages near main gates. Book through your lodge or reputable local operators who ensure fair compensation to communities.
Big Five Game Viewing
Track Africa's most iconic animals across the Mara's diverse ecosystems, from the famous black-maned lions to elusive leopards resting in acacia trees. The reserve's high animal density makes it one of the best places in Africa to spot all Big Five species in a single safari.
Booking Tip: Book multi-day packages (3-5 days) for $200-500 per person per day depending on accommodation level. Early morning and late afternoon drives offer best wildlife viewing. Choose operators with open-sided 4WD vehicles and professional guides certified by Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association.
Night Game Drives
Explore the Mara after dark to discover nocturnal wildlife including leopards, hyenas, genets, and bush babies. Night drives offer a completely different perspective on the ecosystem, with unique sounds and behaviors not witnessed during day safaris.
Booking Tip: Night drives are only permitted in conservancies outside the main reserve, costing $50-100 per person. Book through conservancy lodges like Mara North or Ol Kinyei. Bring warm clothing as temperatures drop significantly after sunset, and ensure your operator provides powerful spotlights.
Getting There
The most common way to reach Maasai Mara is by flying from Nairobi's Wilson Airport, with multiple daily flights taking 45 minutes to various airstrips including Keekorok, Olkiombo, and Mara Serena. Road transfers from Nairobi take 5-6 hours via Narok town, with the last 100km on rough murram roads requiring 4WD vehicles during rainy seasons. Many visitors combine road and air travel, driving to Narok and flying the final stretch. Scheduled flights cost $150-300 per person, while charter flights for groups can be more economical.
Getting Around
Within the Maasai Mara, transportation is primarily by 4WD safari vehicles provided by lodges and tour operators. Most accommodations include game drives in their packages, with morning and afternoon drives being standard. For those staying in conservancies, walking safaris and horseback rides are additional options. Roads within the reserve are unmarked dirt tracks requiring experienced drivers and guides. Self-driving is possible but not recommended due to navigation challenges and wildlife safety concerns. Distances between camps and key wildlife areas can be substantial, making vehicle choice and guide expertise crucial.
Where to Stay
Mara Triangle
Central Mara Reserve
Mara North Conservancy
Ol Kinyei Conservancy
Naboisho Conservancy
Olkinyei Conservancy
Food & Dining
Dining in the Maasai Mara revolves around lodge and camp restaurants, which typically offer international cuisine with local influences, featuring fresh ingredients and bush dining experiences. Most accommodations provide full board packages including bush breakfasts after morning game drives, packed lunches for full-day safaris, and candlelit dinners under the stars. Signature experiences include champagne breakfasts after balloon safaris, traditional Maasai meals in cultural centers, and sundowner drinks overlooking the savannah. Several luxury lodges offer private dining options in scenic locations, while mobile camps provide authentic bush cuisine. Local specialties include nyama choma (grilled meat) and ugali, often served during cultural visits.
Top-Rated Restaurants in Kenya
Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)
When to Visit
The best time to visit Maasai Mara depends on your priorities. July to October offers the spectacular Great Migration and river crossings, but also brings peak crowds and highest prices. November to June provides excellent game viewing with fewer tourists and lower rates, particularly during the short rains (November-December) when the landscape is lush and green. January to March is ideal for bird watching and predator action as animals are concentrated around water sources. April-May long rains can make roads challenging but offer dramatic skies and excellent photography conditions. Wildlife viewing is exceptional year-round due to the Mara's resident animal populations.
Insider Tips
Stay in conservancies rather than the main reserve for exclusive wildlife experiences, night drives, and walking safaris while supporting community conservation efforts
Pack layers including warm clothing as temperatures can drop to 10°C (50°F) during early morning game drives, even in warm seasons
Bring a good camera with telephoto lens and extra batteries, as charging opportunities may be limited in remote camps, and consider a bean bag for vehicle-based photography stability