Reserve Area
ELEPHANTS
Bird Species
Migration Animals
Year-Round
Maasai Mara, sometimes also spelt Masai Mara and locally known simply as The Mara, is a large national game reserve in Narok County, Kenya, contiguous with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. It is named in honour of the Maasai people,[2] the ancestral inhabitants of the area, who migrated to the area from the Nile Basin. Their description of the area when looked at from afar: “Mara” means “spotted” in the Maa language because of the short bushy trees which dot the landscape.
Mara Overview & Location
Maasai Mara is one of the wildlife conservation and wilderness areas in Africa, with its populations of lions, leopards, cheetahs and African bush elephants. It also hosts the Great Migration, which secured it as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, and as one of the ten Wonders of the World.
| Distance from Nairobi | Approximately 260 miles (420 km) southwest. Drive time: 5–6 hours. Flight: ~54 minutes from Wilson Airport. |
| Size | Approximately 580 square miles (1,510 km²). The wider Mara ecosystem, including private conservancies, extends considerably further. |
| Established | 1961 as a small 200-square-mile reserve. Expanded and granted National Reserve status in the 1970s. |
| Time Zone | GMT+3 (3 hours ahead of London; 8 hours ahead of New York EST) |
The reserve began in 1961 as a small wildlife sanctuary. Over the following decades it expanded significantly and was granted full National Reserve status in the 1970s, when a portion of land was returned to the local Maasai community. That arrangement — the cohabitation of people, livestock, and wildlife — continues today through the network of private conservancies that surround the reserve, and is one of the reasons the Mara ecosystem remains so ecologically intact.
| Sekenani Gate | Main entrance. Most camps accessed from here. Most commonly used by visitors arriving from Nairobi. |
| Talek Gate | Eastern access point. Popular for camps in the Talek River area. |
| Musiara Gate | Northern entrance. Closest to Mara North Conservancy and the famous Marsh Pride territory. |
| Oloololo Gate | Western entrance leading into the Mara Triangle. Cashless payment only at this gate. |
How to Get to Mara
All visitors arrive through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. Direct flights connect Nairobi with London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Doha, Mumbai, Delhi, and several other major hubs. A Kenya eVisa is available online before travel — check here and is typically processed within three business days. Most nationalities qualify.
| Airlines | Air Kenya, SafariLink, Governors’ Aviation |
| Cost | USD $150–$350 per person one-way on scheduled services |
| Airstrips | Keekorok, Musiara, Ol Kiombo, Angama, Olare Orok — your lodge confirms the correct one |
| Best for | Anyone with limited time; those who value comfort; couples, families |
| Departure Point | Best Route | Approx. Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mombasa | Fly to Nairobi, connect to Mara | ~3 hours total |
| Diani Beach | Direct flight from Ukunda Airstrip | ~1.5 hours |
| Watamu | Fly from Malindi Airport via Nairobi | ~3–4 hours |
| Malindi | Fly from Malindi Airport | ~2.5 hours |
| Adults — Low Season (Jan to Jun) | USD $100 per person per day |
| Adults — Peak Season (Jul to Dec) | USD $200 per person per day |
| Children (9–17 years) | USD $50 per day, year-round |
| Children under 8 | Free entry |
What You get from Private Conservancies: Off-road game drives, night drives, and guided walking safaris — none of which are permitted inside the main National Reserve. Wildlife density in the conservancies, particularly for big cats, rivals anything in the main reserve with a fraction of the vehicle traffic.
| Sekenani Gate | Main entrance. Most camps accessed from here. Most commonly used by visitors arriving from Nairobi. |
| Talek Gate | Eastern access point. Popular for camps in the Talek River area. |
| Musiara Gate | Northern entrance. Closest to Mara North Conservancy and the famous Marsh Pride territory. |
| Oloololo Gate | Western entrance leading into the Mara Triangle. Cashless payment only at this gate. |
The best time to visit the Masai Mara depends on what you want to see. For the iconic Great Wildebeest Migration, plan your trip from July through October, when massive herds cross the crocodile-infested Mara River. For fewer crowds, lush scenery, and great predator action, visit during the January to February calving season.
This is when the Mara earns its legendary status. Over two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle cross the Mara River in dramatic, crocodile-lined crossings. Wildlife concentrations are at their annual peak. Book 6–12 months in advance — the best camps fill at this lead time. Our team tracks crossing positions daily and positions your vehicle for the best possible windows.
Excellent predator sightings across the reserve. Low, dry vegetation means lions, cheetahs, and leopards are highly visible and active. Fewer vehicles than peak season and rates are more accessible. A strong choice for returning safari travellers who value quality wildlife without peak-season congestion at the river crossings.
Good game viewing with significantly fewer vehicles in the park. You may catch early Migration arrivals in June as the first wildebeest herds move north from the Serengeti. Rates are noticeably lower than peak season. A smart window for those who want quality sightings without peak-season pressure on availability or pricing.
Long rains bring a lush, cinematic transformation to the landscape. Wildlife disperses across the reserve but the permanent rivers continue to draw animals year-round. Birding is exceptional — 570+ species at their most active. Rates drop significantly and the reserve takes on a quiet, intimate character. Ideal for photographers and birders who prefer solitude at lower cost.
Birders should target January and February — after the short rains, before the long rains, when all 570+ recorded bird species are highly active and the bush is still accessible. The Mara is one of East Africa’s finest birding destinations in every season.
This is when the Mara earns its legendary status. Over two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle cross the Mara River in dramatic, crocodile-lined crossings. Wildlife concentrations are at their annual peak. Book 6–12 months in advance — the best camps fill at this lead time. Our team tracks crossing positions daily and positions your vehicle for the best possible windows.
Open 4×4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs are the standard vehicle. Most lodges run morning drives (departing before or at 6:00 AM) and afternoon drives (departing around 4:00 PM). Full-day options include a packed picnic lunch on the plains. Inside the main reserve, only road driving is permitted — no off-road and no night drives. In the private conservancies, off-road and night drives are permitted.
One of the Mara’s most celebrated experiences. Flights launch before sunrise from the Mara Triangle area, drifting silently above the plains as the light grows and wildlife moves below. Around one hour in the air, followed by a champagne bush breakfast.
Cost: approximately USD $450–$550 per person for the flight, plus an $80 balloon landing fee payable to the reserve. Advance booking is essential during Migration season.
Walking safaris are not permitted inside the main National Reserve. However, guided bush walks of approximately one to two hours are available in the surrounding conservancies, led by Maasai guides or licensed professional safari guides. These offer an entirely different perspective on the landscape and the smaller wildlife that game drives often pass over.
Spend time with a local Maasai community as they share daily life, warrior traditions, and cultural practices shaped by centuries of coexistence with wildlife. Visits are arranged through lodges and camps, and contribute directly to the community economy. One of the most meaningful parts of any Mara safari.
Available through licensed operators with advance permits in the private conservancies. Night drives reveal aardvarks, honey badgers, civets, servals, and leopards on the prowl — a world most visitors never see. Best incorporated into multi-night conservancy itineraries.
| Property | Distance from Gate |
|---|---|
| Sarova Mara Camp | 1.5 miles from Sekenani Gate (west) |
| Mara Explorer Camp | 2.5 miles from Sekenani Gate (northwest) |
| Osero Camp | 3.2 miles from Sekenani Gate |
| Zebra Plains Mara Camp | 4 miles from Talek Gate (southeast) |
| Olengoti Eco Safari Camp | 5 miles from Sekenani Gate (northwest) |
| Etumoto Safari Camp | 6 miles from Sekenani Gate (northwest) |
| Mara Bushtops Luxury Camp | 6 miles from Sekenani Gate |
| Mara Intrepids Camp | 7 miles from Sekenani Gate (northwest) |
| Mara Simba Lodge | 7.2 miles from Sekenani Gate |
| Losokwan Luxury Tented Camp | 10.2 miles from Sekenani Gate |
| Enkorok Mara Camp | 12.3 miles from Sekenani Gate |
| Porini Mara Camp | 13 miles from Sekenani Gate (northwest) |
| Basecamp Masai Mara | 13.2 miles from Sekenani Gate |
| Mara Eden Camp | 15 miles from Oloololo Gate (north) |
| Ilkeliani Camp | 15 miles from Sekenani Gate (northwest) |
| Entim Mara Camp | 28 miles from Sekenani Gate |
| Property | Distance from Gate |
|---|---|
| Kandili Camp | 2 miles from Musiara Gate (north) |
| Tipilikwani Mara Camp | 3.5 miles from Oloololo Gate (north) |
| Mara Siria Camp | 4.5 miles from Oloololo Gate (north) |
| Mara River Camp | 4.8 miles from Oloololo Gate (northeast) |
| Mara Crossing Camp | 5 miles from Oloololo Gate (northeast) |
| Beyond Kichwa Tembo | 6 miles from Oloololo Gate (northeast) |
| Hammerkop Migration Camp | 9 miles from Oloololo Gate |
| MaraChui Camp | 10.5 miles from Oloololo Gate (northeast) |
| Karen Blixen Camp | 11.5 miles from Oloololo Gate (northeast) |
| Fairmont Mara Safari Club | 12 miles from Oloololo Gate (northeast) |
| Royal Mara Safari Lodge | 15 miles from Oloololo Gate (northeast) |
| Neptune Mara Rianta Lodge | 15 miles from Oloololo Gate (northeast) |
| Saruni Mara Lodge | 25 miles from Oloololo Gate (north) |
| Olare Mara Kempinski | 30 miles from Oloololo Gate |
| Property | Distance from Gate |
|---|---|
| Kicheche Bush Camp | 15 miles from Oloololo Gate (east) |
| Mara Plains Camp | 27 miles from Oloololo Gate (southeast) |
| Property | Distance from Gate |
|---|---|
| Kicheche Valley Camp | 11 miles from Sekenani Gate (northeast) |
| Hemingways Ol Seki Mara | 11.5 miles from Sekenani Gate (northeast) |
| Eagle View Camp | 12 miles from Sekenani Gate (north) |
| Encounter Mara Camp | 12 miles from Sekenani Gate (north) |
| Naboisho Camp | 18 miles from Sekenani Gate (northeast) |
| Property | Distance from Gate |
|---|---|
| Kicheche Valley Camp | 11 miles from Sekenani Gate (northeast) |
| Hemingways Ol Seki Mara | 11.5 miles from Sekenani Gate (northeast) |
| Eagle View Camp | 12 miles from Sekenani Gate (north) |
| Encounter Mara Camp | 12 miles from Sekenani Gate (north) |
| Naboisho Camp | 18 miles from Sekenani Gate (northeast) |
Shared vehicle game drives, basic tented camp accommodation, full-board. A 3-day budget safari typically costs USD $500–$700 total per person all-in. Great for solo travellers and those wanting a genuine wildlife experience at an accessible price.
Private vehicle, mid-range lodge or permanent tented camp with ensuite facilities. More flexibility on timing and drive duration. The sweet spot for couples, families, and those wanting quality without luxury pricing.
Fly-in transfers, private conservancy access, private guide, premium camps with plunge pools and gourmet dining. Butler service, helicopter transfers, and bespoke programming from arrival to departure.
Unforgettable safari experience, famous for its vast red-dust plains and proximity to the coast. The highlights of this massive wildlife reserve include its iconic "dust-red" elephants, legendary maneless lions, and incredible geological wonders like the palm-shaded Galana River and the Yatta Plateau
+91 345 533 865
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+91 345 533 865
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A premier East African tour operator headquartered in Mombasa, Kenya, specializing in immersive, tailor-made wildlife and cultural experiences. We connect travelers directly to the region’s most iconic landscapes, seamlessly blending Kenya’s sweeping savannas with Tanzania’s rich biodiversity and pristine coastal beaches.
With an emphasis on flexible itineraries built around real-time wildlife conditions rather than rigid schedules, they offer everything from high-end luxury retreats to immersive camping expeditions.
+254 724 628 009
mail@eastafricatourstravel.com
+254 724 628 009
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