Masai Mara Holidays
As one of Africa's most famous wildlife reserves, the Masai Mara's breath-taking views, rolling landscape and rich animal life offers an unforgettable Masai Mara safari experience. From July to September, feel the ground tremble beneath your feet as you witness the great wildebeest migration, the most famous animal migration in the world.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve covers over 580 square miles of south-western Kenya and is the northernmost section of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. With your binoculars at the ready, you'll have the opportunity to spot the iconic Big Five as well as other unique animals such as zebras, hyenas, topis and the Thomson's gazelle. With no fences, wildlife roams free offering boundless adventures as you get up close to many of these animals in their natural habitat. Follow the footsteps of ancient explorers and traditional cattle herders of this region by immersing yourself in the local culture on a tour with the Maasai tribe and learn of their survival, traditions and way of life as you take a guided walking safari, through the wilderness, via traditional Maasai villages.
The Big Cat Country
A night-time game drive through the Mara Naboisho Conservancy is a great way to see the savannah come to life at sunset. For a fresh experience altogether, move on to Lake Victoria, the largest tropical freshwater lake in the world, rich in wildlife and boasting lush and verdant landscapes, outdoors enthusiasts can enjoy plenty more opportunities to embrace the African wilderness.
Travel from Masai Mara to Nairobi and pair your trip with a city stay that offers more safari experiences at Nairobi National Park. Or why not retreat to the tropical beaches of the Kenyan Coast? Whatever your dream holiday wish list, we’re here to make it happen. Give our Destination Specialists a call to plan your ideal Masai Mara holiday today.
Destination Highlights
Our favourite hotels
From luxury glamping tents to luxury lodges, the Masai Mara has it all. We know everyone is different, so if you can’t see something you like, we'd be more than happy to help you find what you’re looking for.
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Seeing the Great Annual Migration in the Masai Mara is a holiday memory you’ll never forget. Named one of the natural wonders of the world, it’s one of the many outstanding things you might see in this 583 square mile reserve in the heart of Kenya. Whether you take a traditional game drive, a Masai-guided bush walk or float above the open savannahs in a hot-air balloon, this wildlife-rich habitat is going to inspire you.
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![Olare Mara Kempinski Masai Mara]( "Olare Mara Kempinski Masai Mara")
Safari
There’s nothing quite as life-affirming as seeing the Big Five in this savannah wilderness. If you’re lucky enough to see the Great Annual Migration, you’ll be in awe at the two million wildebeest who stampede across these plains from the Serengeti.
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![Masai]( "Masai")
Maasai Tribe
Don’t miss the chance to visit a Maasai village. This world-famous tribe, famed for their red-checked shukas and mud bomas, remain one of the few to maintain a semi-nomadic life. They preserve traditions dating back to the 17th century.
Masai Mara
Wildlife viewing is good year-round but the best time to go to the Masai Mara is during the dry season from late June and between December to March. The wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara begins in July and lasts until around November when they move back to the Serengeti in Tanzania.
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“Make sure to include a hot air balloon trip in your safari: gliding over the giraffes and elephants in the Mara and finishing with a Champagne breakfast in the bush was amazing.”
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Lucy
Destination Specialist
“Add another dimension to your safari experience, escape the confines of a car and explore the Masai Mara on a walking safari tour. Many of these tours offer a delicious breakfast at the end of a thrilling walk.”
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Nick
Senior Destination Manager
“Twice daily game drives are the best way to see as much wildlife as possible whilst on holiday in Masai Mara. Due to the nocturnal nature of many of the animals in this region, you'll see different animals by exploring both day and night.”
Masai Mara Events and Festivals
The Masai Mara is one of the most sought after safari destinations, and has one of the biggest migration events in the world.
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The Great Annual Migration
Observe one of the greatest migrations in the world, as 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra, make their way to the refuge of the Masai Mara. Best time to go is during the dry season between July and October.
Local cuisine
Kenya cuisine takes on its own unique personality through the use of native spices and local ingredients. Many traditional dishes such as curries and stews, are colourful and packed full of flavour, sure to excite even the most cultured palate.
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Ugali
Ugali is a staple starch cornmeal made with maize flour, usually served as a white stiff porridge, good for dipping in stews or making into a makeshift spoon when you eat with your hands.
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Nyama Choma
Nyama Choma, Swahili for ‘roast meat’, is usually beef, goat or occasionally chicken cooked on a flavoursome Swahili barbeque. Enjoy with a beer, and slowly dig in, piece by piece.
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Githeri
A traditional Kenyan dish made with corn and beans flavoured with curry powder and white pepper. Githeri is native to East Kenya which can be cooked fresh, or dried.
Types of Masai Mara holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
The Masai Mara is located in southwest Kenya and covers an area of 583 square miles. It’s one of the most diverse ecosystems in Africa.
It takes four–five hours to drive from Nairobi to the Masai Mara and is a total distance of approximately 170 miles.
The best time to visit the Masai Mara is between June and October, when the dry season has arrived in Kenya. During this time an abundance of game can be seen around the watering holes.
