I update this guide annually because the Maasai Mara changes — park fees increase, new conservancies open, and the migration timing shifts slightly each year. Here's what's current for 2026.
Overview
The Maasai Mara National Reserve covers 1,510 km² of savanna grassland in southwestern Kenya. It's the northern extension of Tanzania's Serengeti ecosystem and the terminus of the Great Migration — the annual movement of two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle. All Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, black rhino) are present, and predator density is among the highest in Africa.
Best Time to Visit
July to October is peak season. The Great Migration river crossings happen primarily August-September, though the exact timing varies. This is when the Mara is at its most spectacular and most crowded. Lodges charge peak rates.
January to March is also excellent. The short dry season brings calving on the Serengeti's short-grass plains (visible from the Mara's southern conservancies). Fewer tourists, lower prices, and newborn wildebeest attract predators.
Avoid April to May — the long rains turn roads to mud, some camps close, and animal viewing is harder in tall grass. November's short rains are lighter and the Mara is still very good.
Year-round, the resident wildlife is exceptional. You don't need the migration to have a great safari here.
Getting There
By air: Bush flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL) take 45 minutes. Safarilink and AirKenya operate multiple daily flights to Mara airstrips (Ol Kiombo, Keekorok, Musiara, others). One-way fares: $200-350. This is the recommended option — it saves a full day of driving and the aerial views are spectacular.
By road: 5-6 hours from Nairobi via Narok. The last stretch is rough, unpaved, and exhausting. Only consider driving if you're on a tight budget or combining with other destinations.
International flights: Fly into Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta (NBO), transfer to Wilson Airport for the bush flight.
Where to Stay
Budget ($200-350/person/night)
Mara Sopa Lodge — Solid mid-range on the Oloolaimutia side. Swimming pool, decent food, reliable game drives.
Sentrim Mara Camp — Tented camp with en-suite bathrooms. Good value.
Mid-Range ($400-600/person/night)
Mara Intrepids Camp — Well-located near Musiari Marsh for predator sightings. Excellent guides.
Basecamp Masai Mara — Eco-camp on the Talek River. Community-owned.
Luxury ($800+/person/night)
Governors' Il Moran Camp — 12-tent camp in a prime riverine location. Superb service.
Kicheche Mara Camp — In the Olare Motorogi Conservancy. Low vehicle density, night drives, walking safaris.
angama Mara — Perched on the rim of the Mara Triangle with dramatic views.
Conservancies vs. National Reserve
The private conservancies bordering the reserve (Olare Motorogi, Naboisho, Mara North) are worth the premium. They limit vehicle numbers, allow night drives and walking safaris (forbidden in the national reserve), and offer a more exclusive experience. Conservancy fees ($80-120/day) are usually bundled into camp rates.
What to See & Do
Game Drives
Morning drives depart at 6 AM (when predators are most active). Afternoon drives from 4 PM catch the golden hour. Full-day drives ($150-250 per vehicle) cover more ground and let you wait at river crossing points.
Great Migration River Crossings (Jul-Oct)
The Mara River crossing points near Serena and Kichwa Tembo are the classic spots. Crossings are unpredictable — you might wait hours or see nothing. Budget at least 3 days in crossing season for a good chance.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Governors' Balloon Safaris: 1-hour dawn flight + champagne bush breakfast. ~$450/person. Book 2-3 months ahead for migration season. Minimum age 7.
Maasai Village Visit
$25-40/person through lodges. Traditional dances, fire-making, and craft shopping. Revenue supports local community projects.
Black Rhino Tracking
Around 26 critically endangered black rhinos live in the reserve. Ask your guide to try specific areas near the Lerai Forest. Roughly 60% chance of a sighting on any given morning drive.
Budget Breakdown
Category
Cost
Park fees (non-resident)
$80/adult/day
Conservancy fees
$80-120/day (often included in camp rate)
Bush flight (round trip)
$400-700
Accommodation (budget)
$200-350/person/night all-inclusive
Accommodation (luxury)
$800-2,000/person/night all-inclusive
Balloon safari
$450/person
Maasai village visit
$25-40/person
Tips (guide + camp staff)
$25-35/person/day
Kenya eTA
$30
Total 4-day budget safari: ~$1,800-2,500/person all-in
Total 4-day luxury safari: ~$5,000-10,000/person all-in
What to Pack
Clothing: Neutral colors (khaki, olive, beige) — not white (gets dusty), not bright colors or patterns. Layers — mornings on the crater rim are 10-12°C, afternoons on the plain are 28°C
Camera: A 200-400mm lens is ideal. Beanbag or window mount for stability. Bring dust covers — the tracks are extremely dusty
Binoculars: Essential for birds and distant animals. 8x42 or 10x42
Sun protection: Wide-brimmed hat, SPF 50, sunglasses
Health: Malaria prophylaxis (atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline), DEET insect repellent, long sleeves after 4 PM
Cash: Small USD bills ($1, $5, $10) for tips and village visits. Bills must be post-2006
Safety
The Mara is Level 1 safe for tourists, but wildlife is genuinely dangerous.
Never exit the vehicle inside the national reserve. Lions, buffalo, and hippos kill people
Walking safaris only in private conservancies with armed rangers
Keep arms inside the vehicle. Maintain 25m distance from big cats
Malaria is real — take prophylaxis, apply DEET after 4 PM, wear long sleeves at dusk
Nearest hospital is in Narok, 3 hours away. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential
Essential Tips
Book guides directly with camps rather than through aggregators — it's often cheaper and you get their best guide
Park fees are per 24 hours, not per visit. A 3-day safari means $240 in fees alone per adult
Solo travelers pay 30-50% single supplements at most camps. Budget for it or find a travel partner
Charge devices in camp — some remote camps only have solar power and may limit charging hours
Download offline maps before you go. Cell coverage is spotty once you leave the main towns
The Mara is the kind of place that sounds exaggerated until you're there. Then it exceeds even the exaggeration. If you're considering pairing it with Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater is a natural extension and the Serengeti completes the migration circuit.
For a personal account of what five days in the Mara actually feels like, read our safari journal.
