Uganda Kenya Safari Tours – Masai Mara, Amboseli & More Adventures

Talk about Kenya safaris from Nairobi and Africa tours, and talk about the great Maasai Mara National Reserve.

All the best holidays, tours, safari adventures, expeditions, vacations, and travel packages happen here, not forgetting the special hot air balloon experience.

When it comes to Kenya safari tours and African safari holidays, the highlight is the Masai Mara National Reserve.

Our Masai Mara packages will help you fully enjoy this amazing safari destination.

Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s large nature reserve, most famous for its wildebeest migration.

It is a vast savanna reserve with grasslands and woodlands, which host many wildlife species.

Also known as the Masai Mara or The Mara, the Masai Mara National Reserve is named after the Masai people.

Location & Size of Masai Mara

Masai Mara National Reserve, home to Kenya safaris, is in Narok County, southwest Kenya.

The reserve covers 1,510 square kilometers and is part of the larger Masai Mara Ecosystem.

The northern region extends to 25,000 square kilometers, forming the Mara-Serengeti Ecosystem of Kenya and Tanzania.

The Serengeti National Park of Tanzania borders the Mara Reserve to the north, west, and east.

The Masai Mara National Reserve has three beautiful rivers worth exploring: the Mara, Sand, and Talek Rivers.

If there is one place with amazing landscapes, it is the Mara National Reserve. The reserve is known for its vast grassland plains and seasonal riverlets, while the southeastern part has acacia trees. The westernmost side is marked by the Esoit Ololol escarpment.

The western side of the Masai Mara is where the East African Rift Valley stretches 5,600 kilometers from the Red Sea in Ethiopia through Kenya, Malawi, and Tanzania to Mozambique.

This is one of the regions in the Masai Mara Reserve where many wildlife species can often be found.

History of the Masai Mara Reserve

Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya was established in 1961 as one of the country’s nature reserves. It was originally a wildlife sanctuary covering 520 square kilometers.

When it was upgraded to a reserve in 1974, its size increased to 1,510 square kilometers.

The Mara Reserve sits at an altitude of 1,500 to 2,180 meters. This Kenya safari destination has a long history.

Wildlife Safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara

Masai Mara National Reserve protects many different wildlife species.

The most important animals to see in the Mara Reserve include African bush elephants, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos—both black and white—and lions, which can be spotted on big game safaris in Kenya.

Other animals found in the savanna plains include zebras, Thomson’s gazelles, wildebeest, hyenas, jackals, bat-eared foxes, topis, cheetahs, and Masai giraffes.

The Mara Reserve is also home to serval cats, roan antelopes, hartebeests, hippos, crocodiles, and impalas.

Kenya Birding Safaris – Explore Bird Species

Over 500 bird species live in different habitats in the Masai Mara National Reserve.

The main birds in the Mara Reserve include ostriches, guinea fowls, Jackson’s bustards, red-winged Schalow’s turacos, superb starlings, grey kestrels, Pel’s fishing owls, African pygmy falcons, southern ground hornbills, black-bellied Hartlaub’s bustards, and long-crested eagles.

Other birds include Ross’s turacos, lilac-breasted rollers, grey-crowned cranes, and marabou storks.

Kenya Safari Activities in Masai Mara National Reserve

Masai Mara Migration Safari in Kenya

The great wildebeest migration is one of the top reasons why many safari travelers visit the Masai Mara.

This special experience allows nature lovers to see large herds of wildebeest and other animals as they cross the Mara River.

Every year, about 1.5 million wildebeests, along with other grazers, are seen crossing from the savanna plains of Tanzania to the Mara Reserve, usually in July and August.

Game Drives in Masai Mara & Beyond

Visitors at Masai Mara can enjoy half-day, full-day, or night guided game drives.

A game drive in the Masai exposes visitors to many wildlife species, including African lions, Masai giraffes, rhinos, wildebeest, antelopes, and birds.

These animals can be easily spotted during daytime game drives, while nocturnal species can be seen during night game drives.

Birding in Masai Mara

With around 500 bird species in the Mara Reserve, many can be seen on a birding safari.

The most notable birds include little bee-eaters, black-bellied Hartlaub’s bustards, African pygmy falcons, Ross’s turacos, Denham’s bustards, secretary birds, ostriches, Pel’s fishing owls, and grey kestrels.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Hot air balloon safaris in Kenya offer a unique way to view wildlife in the savanna plains of the Mara Reserve.

This is an aerial game viewing experience rather than a guided game drive using a 4×4 rental car.

Walking Safari in Kenya

A walking safari in Kenya is an exciting experience that nature lovers should not miss in the Mara National Reserve.

This activity is done with an experienced guide, allowing visitors to explore the hidden parts of the reserve.

Kenya Community Tours

Community and cultural visits offer a great opportunity to interact with local people, enjoy traditional dances and music, and learn about their customs and way of life.

Best Time to Visit Kenya

Masai Mara National Reserve is a year-round safari destination because of its good weather conditions.

However, to see the wildebeest migration, the best time to visit is between July and August.

Big game safaris are best from June to October and November to February.

Masai Mara National Reserve Entry Fees

Foreign non-residents can visit the Masai Mara by paying an entry fee of USD 200.

Children pay USD 100, and East African residents or nationals pay Ksh. 1,200.

Where to Stay – Kenya Safari Accommodation

Masai Mara Reserve offers different types of accommodation for visitors, including luxury, mid-range, and budget options.

The best places to stay in Masai Mara include Acacia House, Maasai Serena Safari Lodge, Fairmont Mara Safari Club, Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, Olonana Tented Camp, Mara Bush Camp, and Mara Ngenche Luxury Tented Camp.

Popular Kenya Safari Questions & Answers

Below are some of the most popular Kenya safari questions and answers.

• Where is the Masai Mara National Reserve located? It is in Narok County, southwest Kenya.
• What is the Masai Mara National Reserve known for? It is famous for the wildebeest migration and many wildlife species.
• How big is the Masai Mara National Reserve? It covers 1,510 square kilometers.
• What is the best time to visit the Masai Mara? The best time is July to August for the wildebeest migration. Big game safaris are best from June to October and November to February.
• What animals can I see in the Masai Mara? You can see lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, leopards, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, and many more.
• How many bird species are in the Masai Mara? There are over 500 bird species in the reserve.
• What are the main rivers in the Masai Mara? The Mara, Sand, and Talek Rivers.
• What is the Great Wildebeest Migration? It is when about 1.5 million wildebeests and other animals move from Tanzania to Kenya, usually in July and August.
• What is a game drive? It is a guided safari tour where visitors drive through the reserve to see animals.
• Can I do a night game drive in the Masai Mara? Yes, night game drives are available to see nocturnal animals.
• What is a hot air balloon safari? It is a safari where you fly over the Masai Mara in a balloon to see animals from above.
• Are walking safaris available in the Masai Mara? Yes, guided walking safaris allow visitors to explore on foot.
• What cultural experiences are available in the Masai Mara? Visitors can meet the Masai people, watch traditional dances, and learn about their way of life.
• What is the entry fee for foreign tourists? The entry fee is USD 200 for adults and USD 100 for children.
• How much do East African residents pay to enter the Masai Mara? They pay Ksh. 1,200.
• What types of accommodation are available in the Masai Mara? There are luxury, mid-range, and budget lodges and camps.
• What are some popular places to stay in the Masai Mara? Some options include Acacia House, Maasai Serena Safari Lodge, Fairmont Mara Safari Club, and Mara Bush Camp.
• What is the altitude of the Masai Mara? It is between 1,500 to 2,180 meters above sea level.
• Which country borders the Masai Mara? Tanzania, with Serengeti National Park bordering the reserve.
• How old is the Masai Mara National Reserve? It was established in 1961.
• Was the Masai Mara always a reserve? No, it was first a wildlife sanctuary and later became a reserve in 1974.
• What is the Masai Mara Ecosystem? It is a large natural area covering parts of Kenya and Tanzania, including the Masai Mara and Serengeti.
• What is special about the western side of the Masai Mara? It has the Esoit Ololol escarpment and is part of the East African Rift Valley.
• Can I see the Big Five in the Masai Mara? Yes, lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos live in the reserve.
• Are there crocodiles and hippos in the Masai Mara? Yes, they are often seen in the rivers.
• Can I see cheetahs in the Masai Mara? Yes, the reserve is one of the best places to see cheetahs in Africa.
• Are there any forests in the Masai Mara? Yes, the reserve has woodland areas along with its grasslands.
• Is the Masai Mara open all year? Yes, it is open year-round for safaris.
• How far is the Masai Mara from Nairobi? It is about 225 kilometers from Nairobi.
• What kind of transport is used for safaris in the Masai Mara? Visitors use 4×4 safari vehicles for game drives, and some take hot air balloon rides.