Everything about this reserve is outstanding. The wildlife is abundant, the undulating grasslands ensure that animals are rarely out of sight, and the birdlife is prolific, with over 450 species recorded.
The first sight of this natural wonderland is breathtaking. Great herds of elephant browse among the rich tree-studded grasslands, along with an occasional solitary and generally ill-tempered black rhino. Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle, topi, eland and many more species of plains game offer a rich menu for the dominant predators – lion, leopard and cheetah – that hunt in this pristine wilderness.
In the Mara River, hippos submerge at the approach of a vehicle, only to surface seconds later to snort and grumble their displeasure. Seemingly drowsy crocodiles sunbathe on the riverbanks, mouths agape, waiting with subtle cunning for prey at which to strike with lightning swiftness.
Wildlife is not confined to the reserve and wanders freely in the surrounding areas where the Masai still tend their livestock. Centuries of close association have resulted in an almost symbiotic relationship where wildlife and people live in harmony with one another.
Although July, August, September and (usually) October are the months when the Mara plains fill with migrating wildebeest and zebra, there is plenty of resident wildlife year round. Apart from the better known species, there are numerous opportunities to add some rare and less frequently seen animals to your checklist; in the southwestern sector you may be lucky enough to see roan antelope (which are, regrettably, rare elsewhere in the country), bat-eared foxes peer from their burrows and there are thousands of topi, an antelope not found in most of Kenya’s other major parks.
Our wildlife trips in the Masai Mara range from a weekend to see its big cats to a fabulous ten day trip to witness the great migration. The combination of gentle climate, scenic splendour and untold numbers of wildlife makes the Masai Mara the most popular inland destination in Kenya.
Ideal for viewing: cheetah, Grant’s gazelle, leopard, lion, Thompson’s gazelle
Where: Rift Valley Province, Kenya
Wildlife trips
This
wildlife location
is featured in the following itineraries:
This ideal whistle-stop wildlife getaway to the Masai Mara is an opportunity to see some of the finest wildlife on earth. Lion, leopard and cheetah hunt topi, eland and gazelle in this pristine wilderness, herds of elephant roam the grasslands, while hippos and crocodiles cruise the riverbanks.
Find out more about Big Cat Weekend
Destination: Kenya
Price
(inc. flights): 6 days
from £2,395
Trip type:
Tailor-made Holiday
When to go:
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An outstanding value safari, staying in private camps in Amboseli National Park and the Masai Mara. All the big cats can be found here, together with large numbers of elephants and giraffes. If you value wildlife and adventure above the need for luxury accommodation, then this is the trip for you!
Find out more about Kenya Adventure Camping
Destination: Kenya
Price
(inc. flights): 9 days
from £3,495
Trip type:
Tailor-made Holiday
When to go:
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On this tour we travel from Nairobi National Park to the Masai Mara enjoying their superb variety of birds and mammals. Highlights include grey crowned crane, lesser flamingo, and some exciting endemic species. We should also see herds of zebra and wildebeest in the Mara, as well as a variety of other mammals.
Find out more about Kenya’s Birds & Wildlife
Destination: Kenya
Price
(inc. flights): 13 days
from £6,395
Trip type:
Group Tour
Tailor-made can be arranged
When to go:
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This 37-day comprehensive itinerary, which visits no less than seven countries, delivers the ultimate African safari experience and a wealth of contrasts. Travel to some of Africa’s best National Parks and stay in a range of classic lodges, hotels and tented camps on this wildlife trip of a lifetime.
Find out more about M) Classic Africa Explorer
Destination: Kenya, Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa
Price
(inc. flights): 37 days
from £16,495
Trip type:
Tailor-made Holiday
When to go:
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Join award-winning photographer Bret Charman on this 10-day tour to Kenya’s Masai Mara which has been designed to maximise photographic opportunities in this iconic wildlife location. There will be a particular focus on the region’s population of big cats, including lion, cheetah and leopard.
Find out more about Masai Mara Photo Safari
Destination: Kenya
Price
(inc. flights): 10 days
from £7,395
Trip type:
Group Tour
Tailor-made can be arranged
When to go:
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Ideal for young explorers, this amazing journey visits the land of the Masai warriors on a fun family educational programme in some of Kenya’s finest wildlife reserves. Staying in small camps and lodges, learn about wildlife, identify tracks and listen to the mysterious sounds of the savannah at night.
Find out more about Masai Warriors & Wildlife Galore
Destination: Kenya
Price
(inc. flights): 11 days
from £5,295
Trip type:
Tailor-made Holiday
When to go:
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After the Serengeti rains have ended and the grassland has turned to dust, witness the astonishing natural phenomenon of the Great Migration as huge herds of wildebeest and zebra make the long trip to the Masai Mara in search of fresh pasture. An unforgettable experience and a photographer’s dream.
Find out more about Migration Special
Destination: Kenya
Price
(inc. flights): 10 days
from £7,595
Trip type:
Tailor-made Holiday
When to go:
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This 9-day classic safari incorporates the renowned Samburu and Masai Mara National Reserves. Staying in three luxury lodges, explore the rivers and plains of the Great Rift Valley, while looking for herds of elephant, big cats and Samburu specialties including Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe.
Find out more about Samburu & Masai Mara Safari
Destination: Kenya
Price
(inc. flights): 9 days
from £3,995
Trip type:
Tailor-made Holiday
When to go:
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A rich blend of outstanding scenery and memorable wildlife can be found on this trip to three of Kenya’s top wildlife locations - Lake Naivasha, Laikipia Plateau and the Masai Mara. Enjoy game drives, walking safaris and boat trips, before relaxing at a luxury hideaway lodge on the shores of Lake Victoria.
Find out more about Ultimate Kenya Safari
Destination: Kenya
Price
(inc. flights): 13 days
from £7,795
Trip type:
Tailor-made Holiday
When to go:
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This itinerary travels from Amboseli National Park in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, to the highlands of Laikipia Plateau, and on to the savannahs of the Masai Mara. Flying between locations and staying in top quality camps is one of the most exciting ways to experience Kenya’s excellent wildlife areas.
Find out more about Wings over Kenya
Destination: Kenya
Price
(inc. flights): 9 days
from £4,395
Trip type:
Tailor-made Holiday
When to go:
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Suggested accommodation options are shown below.
Please
contact us
for further recommendations.
The jewel in the crown of four sister properties in the Masai Mara, Governors’ Private Camp is perfect for anyone wanting an exclusive wildlife safari experience. It occupies a perfect location overlooking the Mara River where elephants come to drink and hippo bask in the shallows.
Find Out More about Governors’ Private Camp
Governors’ Camp has a magical setting, nestling in the forest along the banks of the meandering Mara River, its waters teeming with crocodile and hippo. Exclusively reserved for Kenya’s colonial governor and his royal visitors in days gone by, the camp today is still considered one of Africa’s best.
Find Out More about Governors’ Camp
Kicheche is a small and intimate classic tented camp, consisting of six spacious custom designed tents. Located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, bordering the Masai Mara Reserve, it offers the perfect blend of a luxury hideaway in an outstanding wilderness, with incomparable and uncrowded wildlife viewing.
Find Out More about Kicheche Bush Camp
Kicheche Valley is a small luxury camp with six tents, sited on platforms amidst acacia trees and rocky outcrops. Set on the eastern side of the Mara Naboisho Conservancy - home to impressive numbers of big cats, elephant, giraffe and wildebeest - the camp has a beautiful yet secluded location.
Find Out More about Kicheche Valley Camp
Situated in the vegetation close to the Sabaringo River in a private concession on the western edge of the Masai Mara, Kichwa Tembo Camp is comfortable and contemporary, yet still retains a classic safari atmosphere and is well known for its excellent guiding and service.
Find Out More about Kichwa Tembo Camp
Situated within the Masai Mara National Reserve, Little Governor’s is an intimate luxury safari camp, with 17 tents set around a large natural watering hole. Access is by boat only, ensuring a peaceful stay, and wildlife activity is constant, with giraffe, elephant and warthog all ambling through the camp.
Find Out More about Little Governors Camp
In the heart of the Masai Mara, on the confluence of the Mara and Talek Rivers, lies the elegant Mara Ngenche Safari Camp. With just ten spacious and well-appointed tents, this intimate and unfenced camp offers a spectacular wildlife experience, and overlooks a busy hippo pool.
Find Out More about Mara Ngenche Safari Camp
This exclusive camp on the northern border of the Masai Mara National Reserve is one of five in the 14,000 hectare Olare Motorogi Conservancy. It has just seven tented rooms on raised decks, and wildlife is never far away, with leopard regularly wandering through the camp, and cheetah territories nearby.
Find Out More about Mara Plains Camp
This award-winning camp is located in the exclusive 14,000 hectare Olare Motorogi Conservancy, a pristine wilderness bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve. Ten secluded luxury tents are situated along the banks of the seasonal Ntiakatiak River, offering guests a real African bush experience.
Find Out More about Porini Lion Camp
Porini Mara is the only safari camp in the Ol Kinyei Conservancy, and offers traditional game drives, comfortable accommodation and a wonderful safari experience at an affordable price. It has some of the best safari guides in the Mara, and with just six spacious tents, the camp has an exclusive feel.
Find Out More about Porini Mara Camp
This seasonal eco-camp is one of the Mara’s premier properties and consists of nine tents overlooking the Talek River, in the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. Operating between June and March, It is ideally situated for the annual migration, when hundreds of thousands of wildebeest zebra travel across the nearby river.
Find Out More about Rekero
Situated on the banks of the wildlife-rich Talek River, the luxury Tipilikwani Mara Camp boasts a unique location, combined with excellent food, personalised service and traditional Kenyan hospitality. Each of the well-appointed tents enjoy river frontage and is decorated with warm Masai colours.
Find Out More about Tipilikwani Mara Camp