Ndurumo Tours & Safaris
Maasai Mara National Reserve — Open grassland, high predator density, and the northern end of the Serengeti ecosystem.

Narok County · south-west Kenya

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Open grassland, high predator density, and the northern end of the Serengeti ecosystem.

Country
Kenya
Typical access
Road from Nairobi, or a scheduled light aircraft to an airstrip in the reserve
Usual stay
2–3 nights
Terrain
Open savanna, riverine forest, the Oloololo escarpment

Overview

What Maasai Mara is.

The Mara is grassland country: rolling hills, riverine forest along the Mara and Talek rivers, and horizons that stay open for miles. That openness is why it reads as the archetypal safari landscape, and why sightings here tend to be unhurried rather than snatched between thickets.

It is the Kenyan end of a single ecosystem shared with the Serengeti. Wildlife moves across that line all year; the famous river crossings are one seasonal expression of a much larger pattern of movement.

Most Ndurumo routes give the Mara at least two nights, because a single afternoon drive rarely does it justice. Longer stays let a guide work with conditions instead of against a schedule.

Wildlife

What you are likely to see.

Wildebeest and the river in the Maasai Mara
  • Lion, in some of the highest densities in Africa
  • Leopard along the riverine forest
  • Cheetah on the open short-grass plains
  • Elephant, buffalo and both black and white rhino
  • Wildebeest and zebra, resident herds year-round
  • Topi, eland, giraffe, hippo and crocodile

Experiences

How the days work here.

  • Game drives in an open-roof vehicle

    Game drives in an open-roof vehicle

    Morning and afternoon drives, with the option of a full day out and a picnic lunch where the route allows it.

  • The Great Migration

    The Great Migration

    Herds typically reach the Mara from the Serengeti around July and stay into October. Timing shifts each year with the rains.

  • Balloon safari

    Balloon safari

    A dawn flight over the plains, arranged locally at extra cost. Availability and pricing are confirmed per departure.

  • Maasai village visit

    Maasai village visit

    An optional visit to a nearby community, paid directly at the village. Ndurumo's itineraries list this at USD 10 per person.

Best time to visit

When to come to Maasai Mara.

Giraffe and open plains in the Maasai Mara
  • July – OctoberDry season and the usual migration window. Busiest and most expensive.
  • January – MarchDry, warm, quieter roads. Strong resident game and good predator viewing.
  • April – MayLong rains. Green, very quiet, lower rates, some tracks harder going.
  • November – DecemberShort rains, brief and usually afternoon. Good value and green landscapes.

Where you stay

Our shortlist at each level.

Properties Ndurumo may recommend or use at each level. Final accommodation is confirmed with your quotation and remains subject to availability.

Budget

Miti Mingi Eco Camp

Midrange

Masai Mara Sopa Lodge

Luxury

andBeyond Bateleur Camp, Cottar's 1920s Camp

Routes that include Maasai Mara

Safaris through here.

All Kenya safaris

Questions

About Maasai Mara.

How many nights should I spend in the Maasai Mara?

Two nights is the practical minimum and gives you one full safari day. Three nights lets you cover different parts of the reserve and allow for weather.

When can I see the river crossings?

Crossings are usually possible between roughly July and October, but they depend on rainfall and herd movement. No operator can guarantee a crossing on a given date.

Is the Mara good for a first safari?

Yes. The open landscape makes wildlife easier to find and watch, and the road route from Nairobi keeps a short trip workable.

Plan your safari

Build a trip around Maasai Mara.

Tell us your dates and how long you have, and we will shape a route that gives Maasai Mara the time it deserves.

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Giraffe and open plains in the Maasai Mara
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