When is the best time to visit the Maasai Mara?

July to October is prime for the Great Migration and Mara River crossings. November to June brings lush scenes, newborns and superb birding. Wildlife viewing is rewarding year round with different photographic moods by season.

Which areas should I focus on?

Split time between the central Reserve for river valleys like the Talek and the Mara, and the Mara Triangle for low density game viewing below the Oloololo Escarpment. We match camps and pacing to your style.

What wildlife and birdlife can I expect?

Big Five present, famous big cat viewing and seasonal herds during the Migration. More than 470 bird species are recorded across open plains, escarpment slopes and riverine thickets.

What experiences can you arrange?

Day game drives, guided walks where permitted, dawn hot air ballooning, golden hour photography and cultural time with Maasai hosts. Private vehicles and specialist photographic setups are available on request.

How many nights should I plan?

Three to four nights for highlights, longer for Migration patience at river crossings and a mix of areas. We pair the Mara with Serengeti, Laikipia or the coast for a balanced journey.

MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

sunrise game-drive vehicles on a dirt track in Masai Mara, Kenya

Endless savannahs, acacia thickets and the lifeblood of the Mara and Talek Rivers set the stage for big cats, elephant herds, and—July to October—the Great Migration’s dramatic crossings. Expect superb year-round wildlife, varied habitats, and authentic Maasai culture across this iconic 1,510 km² reserve.

Explore Experience Inspiration

spotted hyenas with cubs resting in grass in Kenya's Maasai Mara

QUICK FACTS
1,510 km² reserve
Mara & Tallek River
Migration Jun-Oct
470+ bird species
Big Five hub

hot-air balloons at sunrise over the savannah in Kenya's Maasai Mara

great wildebeest migration with zebra herds in Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Where Rivers Meet Drama

Follow golden plains to the Mara and Talek, pausing for leopard tracks and lion calls. In the south, Sand River Masai Mara sits beside a migration route; in the Mara Triangle, Wilderness Mara opens vast, low-density game country, perfect for daylong drives or dawn ballooning.

Experiences & Highlights

Pair Big Five game drives with dawn Hot Air Balloon Safaris, golden-hour photography and guided walks where permitted. Add Cultural Experiences with Maasai hosts, Bush Dining under vast skies, and romantic or family-friendly stays. From escarpment views at Angama Mara to riverside drama with Rekero or Sand River, mobile freedom with Angama Safari Camp, and big-cat territory near Sala’s Camp.