Maasai Mara Travel Guide
Kenya’s most famous safari destination — open plains, big cats and, from July to October, the Great Migration.
What makes the Mara different
The Maasai Mara is known for consistently high wildlife density year-round, not just during migration season — lions, elephants, and resident herds of wildebeest and zebra are commonly seen on most game drives. It connects to Tanzania’s Serengeti, forming one continuous ecosystem.
The migration & beyond
July through October is peak season, when wildebeest herds cross the Mara River from the Serengeti — also the busiest and most expensive window. The dry months outside migration season (January–February) still offer strong game viewing with fewer visitors.
From Nairobi
A scheduled light-aircraft flight from Nairobi (Wilson Airport) to one of the Mara’s airstrips takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Driving takes roughly five to six hours by road, which some travelers combine with a stop in Naivasha or Nakuru.
Camps & lodges
Options range from tented camps inside the Mara conservancies (typically pricier, with better access and fewer vehicles per sighting) to lodges just outside the main reserve, which can offer better value without a major drop in game viewing quality. See our ultra-luxury safari camps guide for standout picks.