If you’ve ever dreamt of watching lions hunt across golden plains or wildebeest thunder across rivers during the Great Migration, Maasai Mara National Park is where that dream becomes reality.
Located in southwest Kenya, the Maasai Mara is one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. From world-famous game drives to intimate moments with wildlife in the wild, it’s a place that lives up to the hype.
Whether you’re planning your first African safari or coming back for more, here’s everything you need to know before visiting the Maasai Mara.
Where is Maasai Mara National Park?
The Maasai Mara National Park, technically known as the Maasai Mara National Reserve, is tucked into the southwest corner of Kenya, along the border with Tanzania. It shares an open ecosystem with Tanzania’s Serengeti, creating one of the most spectacular wildlife corridors on the planet.
Maasai Mara National Park location details:
- Country: Kenya
- Region: Narok County
- Nearest town: Narok (about 2.5 hours away)
- Distance from Nairobi: Roughly 225 km (140 miles)
You can fly in or drive (more on that below), but either way, the journey is worth it.
How big is Maasai Mara National Park?
The size of Maasai Mara National Park is about 1,510 square kilometres (583 square miles). While that might sound small compared to other African parks, don’t be fooled, it’s densely packed with wildlife and surrounded by community-run conservancies that more than double the protected area.
The relatively compact size also makes wildlife spotting easier, especially during peak migration season.
Maasai Mara National Park entrance fees
Fees vary depending on where you’re staying and whether you’re visiting the main reserve or a private conservancy. Here’s a breakdown of the Maasai Mara National Park fees as of 2025:
Visitor Type | Jan–Jun (Off‑Peak) | Jul–Dec (Peak) | Notes |
Non-resident adult | US $100/day | US $200/day | Children 9–17: US $50; under‑8s free (masaimara.travel,Tor's Camp) |
Kenyan citizens | KES 1,500/day | KES 2,500/day | Children 9–17: KES 300–500 |
East African residents | KES 2,500/day | KES 5,000/day | Children 1,500–2,000 |
Extra charges may apply for:
- Night game drives
- Hot air balloon safaris
- Vehicle entry fees
Tickets are usually paid at the Maasai Mara entrance gates or through your safari operator.
How to get to Maasai Mara
Getting to the park is part of the adventure.
By road
Driving from Nairobi to Narok takes around 2.5 hours, with the journey to the park adding another 1.5–2.5 hours, making the total travel time 5–6 hours, depending on the gate. (Masaai Mara Map)
The main entry routes include:
Each gate provides access to different areas of the park, so be sure to choose one closest to your lodge.
By air
Daily flights from Wilson Airport (Nairobi) to several airstrips in the Mara take just 45 minutes. It’s faster, more scenic, and less bumpy, ideal if you’re short on time or planning a luxury safari.
Popular airstrips:
- Keekorok
- Ol Kiombo
- Musiara
- Kichwa Tembo
Wildlife in Maasai Mara National Park
If you’re coming for the animals, and let’s be honest, most people are, you won’t be disappointed.
The Big Five
The Maasai Mara is home to Africa’s Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo.) Lions are especially easy to spot here, often lounging in the sun or hunting in prides.
Great Migration
From July to October, over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, flood into the Mara from the Serengeti. It’s one of the most dramatic natural spectacles on Earth.
Other highlights:
- Cheetahs sprinting across open plains
- Massive hippo pods in the Mara River
- Towering giraffes and spotted hyenas
- 450+ species of birds, from lilac-breasted rollers to vultures
Night drives (in conservancies) reveal nocturnal creatures like aardvarks, genets, and bush babies. Read more truly stupendous facts about the Great Migration.
Maasai Mara game drives and activities
The classic Maasai Mara safari centres around game drives. These usually happen early in the morning and late in the afternoon when animals are most active.
Other experiences include:
- Hot air balloon safaris at dawn, complete with a champagne breakfast
- Walking safaris (in private conservancies only)
- Cultural visits to nearby Maasai villages
- Birdwatching excursions
- Photography tours with expert guides
Some camps offer night game drives, which aren’t allowed in the main reserve but are available in many conservancies.
Where to stay: reserve vs conservancies
You can stay inside the main reserve or in one of the private conservancies that border it. Each offers a slightly different experience.
Inside the main reserve
- Easy access to key wildlife areas
- Classic safari experience
- Often busier, especially in peak season
Private conservancies
- Fewer vehicles, more exclusive feel
- Activities like walking and night drives allowed
- Often involve partnerships with local Maasai communities
Top conservancies include:
Prices are usually higher in conservancies, but the experience can be more intimate and environmentally responsible.
Best time to visit Maasai Mara National Park
The Maasai Mara is a year-round destination, but your experience will differ depending on the season.
Dry season: June to October
- Best time for wildlife viewing
- Peak of the Great Migration (July to October)
- Fewer mosquitoes, easier road access
- Can be crowded and pricey in peak months
This is the most popular window for game drives and photography. If seeing the river crossings during the migration is top of your list, plan for late July through early September.
Short rains: November to mid-December
- Lush green landscapes
- Fewer tourists
- Some animals disperse, but still excellent sightings
Great for those looking for a quieter experience, with lower rates and dramatic skies for photos.
Long rains: March to May
- Heavy rains, muddy roads, and reduced accessibility
- Fewer crowds and cheaper rates
- Harder wildlife spotting, but fantastic birding
This season is not ideal for first-time visitors, but it can work well for repeat travellers or birdwatchers.
Check out our guide “Best time to visit Kenya for safaris, beach holidays, and diving” and “
When can I see the Great Migration in Maasai Mara, Kenya?” to time your trip perfectly.
Cultural context: the Maasai people
The park and surrounding conservancies are named after the Maasai, a semi-nomadic ethnic group known for their distinctive dress, cattle-herding traditions, and deep connection to the land.
A visit to the Maasai Mara National Park isn’t complete without understanding the people who’ve lived here for generations. Many local Maasai communities work as guides, trackers, and hosts at eco-lodges.
You can join:
- Village visits to learn about daily life
- Traditional dancing and storytelling sessions
- Guided walks with Maasai naturalists
These interactions not only enrich your visit but also support community-based tourism, which helps preserve both culture and conservation.
What to pack for a Maasai Mara safari
Being prepared is key to a comfortable, safe safari. The weather changes fast, and the terrain can be dusty, hot, or chilly, all in a single day.
Safari essentials:
- Neutral-coloured clothing (avoid white, black, or bright colours)
- Lightweight layers for warm days and cool mornings
- A good sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Binoculars for game spotting
- Camera with a zoom lens
- Reusable water bottle
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes or boots
Many lodges offer laundry services, so you don’t need to overpack. Also, remember that plastic bags are banned in Kenya, including zip lock bags.
Tips for a seamless safari experience
Planning your trip to Maasai Mara National Park doesn’t need to be complicated. These practical tips will help make it smooth and memorable.
1. Book early, especially for migration season
Accommodation fills up fast between July and October. Book at least 6 months in advance for top lodges or camps.
2. Choose your style of safari
Whether you want a luxury tented camp, a mid-range lodge, or a self-drive experience, the Mara offers it all.
Luxury options often include:
- Private vehicles
- Personal guides
- All-inclusive meals and drinks
- Night drives and exclusive conservancy access
3. Combine with other destinations
Many travellers pair the Maasai Mara with:
This creates a varied itinerary across ecosystems and experiences.
4. Travel insurance is a must
Ensure your policy includes:
- Emergency evacuation
- Medical treatment in remote areas
- Trip cancellations and delays
Ask your tour operator whether evacuation cover is included; some remote lodges provide this automatically.
Responsible travel in Maasai Mara
The Maasai Mara ecosystem faces pressures from over-tourism, habitat loss, and climate change. Here’s how you can help protect it:
- Stay in eco-certified camps or conservancies
- Don’t crowd animals or pressure your guide to get “closer”
- Avoid litter and reduce plastic use
- Respect local customs and ask before taking photos of people
- Support community-run initiatives and crafts
Travel consciously so the wildlife, landscapes, and culture remain for future visitors.
Support community-based initiatives and crafts. Many Maasai conservancies show how tourism income distributed to landowners benefits both habitat and livelihoods. Discover how these collaborations are benefiting habitats for wildlife and local businesses. Read more on that here.
A few quick facts about Maasai Mara National Park
- The Maasai Mara is part of the greater Serengeti–Mara ecosystem, one of the oldest and most diverse on Earth.
- The name “Mara” means “spotted” in Maa (the Maasai language), referring to the acacia trees dotting the landscape.
- Over 95 mammal species and 450 bird species live here.
- The Mara River is home to massive hippo pods and some of the largest Nile crocodiles in Africa.
- It’s one of the few places where you can see all the Big Five on a single game drive, if you’re lucky.
Final thoughts on visiting Maasai Mara National Park
Whether it’s your first safari or your tenth, Maasai Mara National Park offers something rare: a wild, humbling, heart-thumping encounter with nature at its best.
Between the Big Five, the drama of the Great Migration, the vibrant Maasai culture, and those endless golden plains, the Mara doesn’t just meet expectations; it exceeds them.
Make space on your bucket list. Then make space in your heart. You’ll want to return.
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