Masai Mara national reserve is located in Kenya but is often recognized as Africa's premier safari destination. Masai Mara protects a variety of wildlife species, which include the big five animals, and Masai Mara welcomes the huge herds of the great annual migration of the zebras and wildebeest in millions each year from July to November. Masai Mara National Park's name features a hundred iconic images, such as cheetahs, cubs scanning the plains, and wildebeest and zebra trying to cross the Mara River full of crocodiles. Click here to see mountain gorilla trekking safaris 

Masai Mara National Park is separated by three major rivers: the Talek, the Sand, and the Mara River. The Mara River is prominent due to the dramatic spectacle of millions of wildebeest and zebra trying to cross the river as part of their great annual migration. The Mara Riverbanks are mainly occupied by trees and shrubs, and Masai Mara is also open grassland covered with acacia thickets. Click here to view our recommended mountain gorilla trekking tour 

Masai Mara is so famous because, despite its size, it protects an astonishingly high concentration of animal and bird species. Masai Mara National Park offers sightings of the Big Five, such as elephants, leopards, buffalo, lions, and rhinos. Other guaranteed sightings include cheetahs and small felines. Watch the elusive predators live, such as the spotted hyenas, the bat-eared foxes, and a slew of antelopes such as topis, oribis, elands, waterbucks, and gazelles. Masai Mara National Park also offers more than 450 bird species, hippos, and Nile crocodiles.

Top Things to Do at Masai Mara 

Game Drives

Take part in traditional guided morning or evening game drives at Masai Mara national park in an open-sided 4x4 safari vehicle. Most camps and lodges at Masai Mara national park showcase two sessions of excursions at the best times for wildlife species viewing, which include viewing the big five, spotted hyenas, and bat-eared foxes, among others. 

Hot Air Ballooning

Participate in a dawn hot air balloon flight above the Masai Mara national reserve as you view all the animals from space. A hot air balloon flight is a unique aerial experience that allows travelers to spot wildlife species from miles across the Masai Mara's vast plains. Enjoy the Masai cultural tour.

Most safari tourists dream is to spot the coveted 'Big Five'. Luckily enough, lions, leopards, elephants, and Cape buffalos are commonly sighted in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Rhinos can also be seen, but not so easily spotted. The term 'Big Five' has something to do with the size of these animals and anything to do with the difficulty in hunting these animals. Luckily, these days the big five animals can be seen in Masai Mara.

Lion, also called Panthera Leo

Lions are also known as Africa’s 'king of the jungle', the lion, because of their both awe-inspiring and terrifying strength, reputation, and speed. Approximately, there are over 850 to 900 lions serving within the Masai Mara National Reserve and its surrounding conservancies. A pride of lions can contain about three males, many adult female lions (one of them is a dominant female), and several youth-adults and cubs.

Elephant, also known as Loxodonta Africana

The African elephant is one of the most sighted 'Big Five' animals in the Masai Mara National Reserve. An elephant is the largest land animal on the planet. Despite being threatened by many poachers for its ivory tusks, the African elephant population in Masai Mara National Park has grown over the recent years.

Leopard (Panthera pardus)

When lions are famous for their strength, speed, and majestic appeal, leopards are also known for the heralded for their grace and stealth. There is a large population of leopards living in the Masai Mara National Reserve; however, they are rather elusive. Leopards are also listed among the vulnerable animals because of the loss of their habitat due to human encroachment. Leopards are big cats that are shy at night.

Rhino (Rhinocerotidae)

Kenya protects both the white and black rhino, but the white rhino is most commonly viewed (especially around Lake Nakuru). Of the two, the black rhino is smaller than the white rhino and more aggressive. In reality, there is very little color difference between the two. Although the Masai Mara protects a fairly impressive black rhino population within the Mara Triangle area, seeing rhinos on a Masai Mara safari depends on luck. There are over 35 to 50 black rhinos living in the Masai Mara National Reserve.

Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer)

The Cape Buffalo, or African Buffalo, are termed the most dangerous animals in East Africa. Lone males are so aggressive and unpredictable. Female African buffalos protecting their young are extremely aggressive, which can be dangerous. Masai Mara buffalo are normally spotted in herds of approximately 100 members or more. They are mainly seen near water points, especially during the dry season.

Masai Mara Great Migration

The legendary 'Great Migration'. The great annual trek from the Serengeti National Park to the Masai Mara by millions of wildebeest, gazelles, and zebras is incredible for tourists to witness. The animals set off on their trek from the Serengeti between July and August, then arrive in the Masai Mara around the same time. The wildebeest great migration is one of the dramatic legs when they are crossing the infamous Mara River.

Masai Mara birdlife

While in Masai Mara, tourists can be tempted to keep their eyes scanning the grounds searching for bird species. Masai Mara is home to over 500 bird species. The professional guides make sure you never miss out on the colorful birds flying within the park. Masai Mara bird species include bright green, Kori Bustard, and yellow feathers of a Fischer’s Lovebird, among others.

Most tourists prefer the Great Migration as key when choosing the best time of year to visit the Masai Mara. However, if you don’t want to travel to Kenya during the migration season, the Masai Mara has a lot to offer tourists apart from the Great Migration.