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Amboseli
Kenya Safari Guide
Everything you need to know
Masai Mara Safari Trips & Tours
Masai Mara
The famous Masai Mara needs little introduction. Spanning an area of 1500 square kilometres in southwest Kenya, the reserve forms part of the Greater Serengeti savannah ecosystem, offering some of the best game viewing in the world. This is where vast assemblages of antelope are chased by more predators than you could ever imagine; where endless plains meet endless skies; and where the wildebeest of the Great Migration plunge furiously across the Mara River in their annual trek. Whatever you wish to tick off your bucket-list, a Masai Mara luxury safari will certainly not disappoint.
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The King of the Kenyan safari, the Masai Mara is bucket-list travel down to a tee. The iconic wildlife (think big cats, buffalo, elephant, giraffe, zebra and the famous river crossings of the Great Migration from July to September) is matched by some of the most beautiful scenery in Africa – and there’s a lengthy list of activities to help you discover it all. Morning and afternoon game drives are the bread and butter of a Masai Mara safari, and all-day expeditions are common especially during the Great Migration. There’s usually a bush breakfast under a shady tree or a mobile sundowner bar to complete the experience too. Specific to the private Mara Conservancies are walking safaris and night drives, both allowing you to get to grips with the landscape in different ways. In specific locations, early-morning hot air balloon flights are possible – definitely worth booking in advance – as are horseback safaris for varying capabilities. Finally, many camps have partnerships with local Maasai communities for a chance to join them in their daily life.
If it’s cats you’re looking for, there’s no better place than the Mara. The setting for the BBC TV series, Big Cat Diary, this is the place to see cheetah skulking across the plains, leopard peering through branches and more lions than you can shake a stick at.
The private conservancies surrounding the Mara are well worth an exploration if you’re looking to avoid the crowds. Only a certain number of operators are allowed in each one, meaning low tourist densities but with the same fabulous game as the Mara Reserve – and sometimes even more.
It’s been said a hundred times, but the Mara really does get busy, particularly when the wildebeest are in town (July to September). There are, however, a number of hidden camps and secret spots, and over the years we’ve become really quite good at finding them!
Dry Season
Temperatures are reasonably high, with moderate humidity and a handful of rainy afternoons.
Game viewing is good throughout the year with impressive numbers of resident game and plenty of predators.
Migratory birds such as bee-eater, rollers, eagles and huge flocks of swallows and swifts soar through the skies.
A beautiful time of year with Mocker and Green Banded Swallowtail butterflies flitting from flower to flower.
The Masai Mara can get crowded with tourists during this month.
Dry Season
Weather experienced is hot with moderate humidity and low rainfall.
Game viewing is good throughout the year with impressive numbers of resident game and a good density of predators.
Migratory birds are present and strengthening their wings for the long flight North.
Vast herds of buffalo congregate during this time with plenty of newborns, offering the opportunity to witness a late season birthing.
The Masai Mara can get crowded with tourists during this month.
Wet Season
Temperatures are high with lower humidity and rainfall increasing, especially towards the end of the month.
Game viewing is still good at this time of the year, as long as you don't mind the chance of seasonal rains.
Migratory birds are strengthening their wings and begin to fly North into Africa and Europe.
Roads can get muddy during this time of year making game viewing a little more tricky.
Wet Season
Temperatures drop slightly, humidity increases and a 1 in 2 chance of rainfall is expected.
Game viewing is still good at this time of the year, as long as you don't mind the chance of seasonal rains.
Wildflowers are in bloom with the beautiful whites and pinks of the Tissue Paper Flower as well as the red and yellow blooms of the Flame Lily.
Various herds of elephants move out of the forested areas to feed on the lush grasses of the open plains, providing exceptional viewing opportunities.
Roads can get muddy during this time of year making game viewing a little more tricky.
Wet Season
Temperatures continue to drop but are still hot, with high humidity and a 1 in 2 chance of rain.
Game viewing is still good at this time of the year, as long as you don't mind the chance of seasonal rains.
The grasses are longer during this time of year with cheetah making good use of the cover, hunting Thomson's and Grant's Gazelles.
Butterflies are present in good numbers with swallowtails in the woodlands and African Monarchs in the grasslands.
Roads can get muddy during this time of year making game viewing a little more tricky.
Dry Season
Temperatures are relatively hot and humid, with a sharp decline in rainfall.
Game viewing is good throughout the year with impressive numbers of resident game and good densities of predators.
Grasses are still long, concealing lions on the hunt for warthog and recently born eland calves.
An interesting month for birding with Saddle Billed Stalks and Crowned Cranes nesting on the outskirts of the marshland areas.
A good month to avoid the peak season numbers with a dramatic improvement in weather.
Dry Season
Temperatures are at their coolest but still relatively hot and humid, with rainfall unlikely.
The arrival of the Great Migration takes game viewing from impressive to exceptional.
Grasses are long hiding the newborn Thomson Gazelles from the numerous, hungry cheetah of the Masai Mara.
In the forest the Warburgia tree is fruiting, drawing in elephants, baboons, Blue monkeys and Brown parrots to feed.
July is known for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets, painting the sky pink, red and orange.
The Masai Mara can get crowded with tourists during this month.
Dry Season
Temperatures are slightly cooler but still relatively hot and humid, with a lower chances of rainfall.
The presence of The Great Migration takes Game Viewing from impressive to exceptional.
A great period for river crossings as the crocodiles make easy work of the sick and weak individuals in the herd.
The Quinine trees are in flower and fruiting in the forests attracting spectacular birdlife including hornbills, Turacos and barbits.
The sunrise experienced during the cool mornings is reason in itself to visit this region.
The Masai Mara can get crowded with tourists during this month.
Dry Season
Temperatures are hot and humid, with occasional afternoon rainfall.
The presence of the Great Migration takes Game Viewing from impressive to exceptional.
River crossings are frequent in this month, although crocodiles have, for the most part, had their fill.
Migratory birds begin to arrive from North Africa and Europe creating a splash of colour in the treetops.
Expect beautiful colours with the reds and oranges of the fireball lilies and the stripped blues and whites of the pyjama lilies.
The Masai Mara can get crowded with tourists during this month.
Dry Season
Temperatures have reached their peak, with lower humidity and the potential for occasional rains.
Catch the end of the action packed Great Migration with plenty of predator prey interactions.
Vegetation is lush and in bloom with migratory birds present in breeding plumage.
With the shorter grasses, rarely seen species such as the Bat Eared Fox and Serval Cat are more frequently spotted on the open areas.
Sunrises and sunsets are impressive with pinks and oranges cascading across the sky.
The Masai Mara can get crowded with tourists during this month.
Wet Season
The start of the 'Green Season', temperatures are high with lower humidity and an increase in rainy afternoons.
The Great Migration has now left the region, leaving behind the impressive numbers of resident wildlife, including a high number of predators on the open plains.
A great month for seeing young animals with topi, impala and giraffe choosing to calve during this period.
Vegetation is lush and in bloom with migratory birds present in breeding plumage.
The Masai Mara can get crowded with tourists during this month.
Wet Season
Temperatures begin to drop slightly, with lower humidity and fewer rainy afternoons.
The Great Migration has left the region, leaving behind the impressive numbers of resident wildlife, including a high number of predators on the open plains.
Migratory birds are present during this time of the year, providing plenty of activity in the treetops.
The rutting season for antelope has kicked of with males approaching their prime, posturing and fighting for territories and mates.
Another good time to visit the Masai Mara, avoiding the peak season crowds experienced in this region.
