Zebra on Road in Masai Mara National Park

A Complete Guide to a Masai Mara National Park Safari

Planning a Masai Mara National Park Safari? Did you know the parks is one of Africa’s most famous game reserves and one of the best African Safari Wildlife Parks?  The park is home to Africas top predators, lions, hyenas, cheetahs, leopard. If you want to see what all the fuss is about, then Masai Mara National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves wildlife as much as they love being outdoors.

About Masai Mara In Africa

Masai Mara National Reserve is a protected area in the Narok County of Kenya. The park covers 1,510 km² and was established in 1946. It is one of the most famous game reserves in Africa, and a favourite destination for travelers who want to see the Big Five of Africa: lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinoceros.

Masai Mara National Reserve is also home to other wildlife, including cheetahs, hyenas, warthogs, gazelles, impalas, kudus, topis and waterbucks. There are also over 450 species of birds that live in the park, including vultures, marabou storks, secretary birds and crowned cranes.

Where is Masai Mara in Kenya?

Masai Mara is located in southwestern Kenya, near the border of Tanzania. The 1510 square kilometre Masai Mara National Reserve in south-west Kenya is a beautiful stretch of gently sloping African savannah grasslands that borders Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to the south.

Masai Mara is known for its abundance of wildlife. It’s home to lions, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, and many others. Where they are free to wonder in their natural habitat.

It is no wonder the park is a popular photography safari hot spot.

The Serengeti National Park is much bigger than Masai Mara – covering more than 14,700 square kilometers – and includes a wider variety of animals such as giraffes, zebras, ostriches and gazelles.

Getting to Masai Mara National Reserve

There are a few different ways to get to Masai Mara National Reserve, depending on what is most convenient for you. The two most popular options are by car or air.

If you’re driving, the road from Lake Nakuru NP is notorious and the driving time is about five hours. It’s also possible to get there by driving from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. The drive is about four hours.

Alternatively, you can fly into the reserve. There are several airstrips within the park, so it’s easy to find a flight that fits your schedule and budget.

National Reserve Accommodation

There are many options for accommodations. You can choose from camping and trekking lodges to luxury safari lodges. No matter what your budget or preference, you will find the perfect place to stay.

Luxury accommodation

When you’re on safari, the last thing you want is for your accommodations to be anything less than luxurious. Fortunately, there are several top-notch options for luxury safari lodges in Masai Mara National Park.

Looking for a luxurious experience? Consider staying at a Naibor accommodation. These properties offer everything from beautiful views to top-of-the-line amenities and services. However, if you’re on a tighter budget, there are plenty of affordable options available.

Wanting a touch of luxury while exploring the park? Olengoti Eco Safari Camp is a good choice. This camp features luxurious cottages with all the modern amenities and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. If that’s not enough incentive to stay here, just remember that prices are high because of the prime location.

For those who really want to make the most out of their experience at Masai Mara National Park, staying inside its boundaries is an absolute must. There’s simply no other place like it in Africa. Where you can hear lions roaring and baboons calling in the night!

Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

When you’re looking for an unforgettable safari experience, look no further than the Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp. Near the Saparingo River, and with all the amenities.

Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is on the Oloololo escarpment where the riverine forest meets the plains of Mara. Kichwa Tembo offers a variety of safari experiences and is perfect for guests looking for an authentic African safari adventure in a traditional tented camp setting.

Governor’s Camp

Governor’s Camp is another great option. It’s older and unfenced. That adds to the sense of adventure! Plus, it’s always busy with activities, so you never have to worry about being bored. Best of all, Governor’s Camp offers excellent value for your money.

Is a Masai Mara National Park Safari Worth it?

Wanting an unforgettable safari experience? Then a safari in Masai Mara National Park is definitely worth it. This park is recognized for its large population of wildlife, including the Big Five. You have a large chance to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinoceroses.

Besides the amazing wildlife viewing opportunities and game drives. You feel as if you are right in the middle of nature!

Safari Experience in Kenya

Kenya is the place if you want a fantastic safari experience! This East African nation is home to several national parks and reserves that provide a plethora of animal observations. Know before you go.

Vaccinations are a must for anyone travelling to Kenya. The nation has several diseases we suggest getting your vaccines beforehand. Masai Mara National Park is six hours away from Nairobi by 4×4 and driving there is not recommended 1. It’s a long drive, 2, it’s a muddy drive the roads are often flooded!

Negotiating is a part of the Kenyan culture. Don’t be surprised when people haggle you over prices.

The majority of safaris in Africa are uneventful and incident-free. However, there are a lot of things tourists can do to make their African safari as trouble-free as possible. The Kenyan government actually recommends that tourists do not go out after sunset.

That said, if you’re well-prepared, there’s no reason your safari experience in Kenya shouldn’t be incredible! Be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a good hiking boots as there are plenty of opportunities for hikes in Masai Mara National Park. And don’t forget your camera – you’ll want to capture all the amazing wildlife sightings you will experience!

Check out our post on Are African Safari Safe?

Road Conditions in Masai Mara?

What roads you may ask? The condition of the roads in the Masai Mara varies depending on the year. In some years, they are paved; in other years, they are not. However, even when they are paved, it is only a temporary fix and the roads will eventually become unpaved again. The main road that cuts through the park is easy to traverse, except for rainy months (March, April and May). During these months, muddy tracks can present an issue to 4WD vehicles.

Balloon Safari

If you’re looking for an amazing safari experience that you’ll never forget, consider a balloon ride over the Masai Mara National Park. From the air, you’ll have a unique viewpoint of the wildlife and landscape.

Ballooning is a popular activity in Maasai Mara National Park and for good reason! It’s a fun and exciting way to view the beautiful of the park. It’s an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

If you’re looking for something truly special during your stay in Kenya, be sure to book a hot-air balloon safari!

Exhilarating Wildlife

When you think of Africa, what comes to mind? For most, it’s the vast savannas and thundering herds of wild animals. There’s no place better in the world to experience this than in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Park. This wildlife-rich area is a paradise for safari enthusiasts, with an abundance of wildlife.

Visitors to the park can expect to see plenty of zebra, wildebeest and antelope grazing on the open plains, as well as vast herds of elephants making their way across the landscape. The park is also home to some rarer wildlife, such as cheetahs and leopards. And if you’re lucky, you might even glimpse Africa’s “big five” – lion, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros and leopard.

In the Masai Mara, bird watching is not for the birds. Trees, shrubs, and the skies are a live! Masai Mara is home to 500 birds and a terrifying 47 different birds of prey. These savannah species range in size from bizarrely large—like the ostrich, the biggest bird in the world, to teeny-tiny sun-birds.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable African safari adventure, be sure to put Masai Mara National Park at the top of your list!

The Great Wildebeest Migration

The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra make their way from the Serengeti in Tanzania. When it rains starts on the Serengeti, the migration starts.

The herds cross the crocodile infested Mara River several times during their journey. Many calves will be swept away by the current, others are eaten by the predators lurking under the water. Despite these dangers, it’s an incredible sight to see, especially when you consider more than half of all the wildebeest calves born. Don’t make it to adulthood.

Masai Mara offers excellent game viewing opportunities all year round. Many people visit specifically to witness “the great migration.” When is the best time to watch this phenomenon? July through October, just be prepared for crowds!

What Animals Can You Expect to See at Masai Mara?

The Masai Mara is a haven for wildlife. Expect to see lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and more on your safari drive. The Big Five are especially common in the park: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. However, you’ll also likely see smaller cats like servals and caracals and antelopes, zebras, and warthogs. It’s practically guaranteed that you’ll see some sort of animal during your time in the Masai Mara!

How Much Does it Cost to Enter Maasai Mara?

The total cost of our Masai Mara safari was 120 USD. This price included park fees, transportation, and food. If you’re on a budget, you can consider spending just one or two nights in the park. However, keep in mind that accommodation and other activities will add to your costs.

How Many Days Do You Need for Safari?

When it comes to safaris, how many days you spend on the tour is entirely up to you. Some people are happy with just a one-day tour, while others want to see as much of the park as possible and opt for two or more days.

The good news is that even with just a one-day tour, you’ll have a good chance of seeing most of the animals that make this national park so famous. Elephants, lions, zebras, and antelopes are all common sightings here. If you have more time to spare, however, then you can explore further into the park and view other animals such as hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitats.

How Many Days is Enough for Masai Mara safari?

Masai Mara National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa. People often ask how many days they need to enjoy a safari in this park. The answer is that one day is enough for a 12-hour safari, but if you want to see more animals, you can choose between a private or group safari.

How Much Does a Safari in Masai Mara Cost?

Planning a safari in Masai Mara doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, there are many budget-friendly options available. For example, our complete guide to planning a safari in Masai Mara National Park costs just 60 USD per person. This includes three nights of accommodation and admission to the park.

We also offer tips and advice for traveling on a budget in Kenya. Our blog includes information on how to save money on food, transportation, and more. With a little bit of planning, you can enjoy an amazing safari without breaking the bank.

Can you self drive in the Masai Mara?

Self-drivers should have a good understanding of wildlife and the Masai Mara in order to maximize their chances at seeing big cats. A self-drive option offers flexibility and some foreign tour operators are more trustful than local companies, but the best way to get a good price is by getting in contact with an Kenyan company. Some safari guides may require that you have a valid driver’s license in order to drive them around–be sure to check with your guide before departing on your trip. There are certain circumstances when it may be possible to self-drive with a safari guide, but they will need to review your documentation first so they know you are prepared for the trip.

Why is the Masai Mara a great place to go on safari?

The Masai Mara is a great place to go on safari for many reasons. For one, the famous crossings take place in this park, and they are an incredible sight to behold. In addition, the Masai Mara has an incredible diversity of animal life, with everything from lions and leopards to rhinos and elephants. Finally, the park is easy-to-reach and beautiful, making it a perfect destination for any safari lover.

Final Thoughts about Masai Mara

Looking for a safari experience that is both thrilling and educational?

The Masai Mara National Reserve offers a unique mix of game viewing opportunities. You can take part in guided game drives, watch the wildlife from safe distances, or explore the park on your own.

The reserve is home to over 300 different species of animals, including the Big Five. This incredible wildlife experience is only one part of what makes this reserve so special. It’s also an important education resource for students, teachers, and researchers.

Click here to find out more of what we offer for African Photo Safaris!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Masai Mara a great place to go on safari?

The Masai Mara is a great place to go on safari for many reasons. For one, the famous crossings take place in this park, and they are an incredible sight to behold. In addition, the Masai Mara has an incredible diversity of animal life, with everything from lions and leopards to rhinos and elephants. Finally, the park is easy-to-reach and beautiful, making it a perfect destination for any safari lover.

Can you self drive in the Masai Mara?

Self-drivers should have a good understanding of wildlife and the Masai Mara in order to maximize their chances at seeing big cats. A self-drive option offers flexibility and some foreign tour operators are more trustful than local companies, but the best way to get a good price is by getting in contact with an Kenyan company. Some safari guides may require that you have a valid driver’s license in order to drive them around–be sure to check with your guide before departing on your trip. There are certain circumstances when it may be possible to self-drive with a safari guide, but they will need to review your documentation first so they know you are prepared for the trip.

Bob Wild is a professional photographer and the former owner of African Photo Safari, having led guided photo safaris to numerous destinations including Namibia in western Africa. He owns Who Said Photography and continues to help introduce newcomers to the joys of photography.