The Maasai Mara National Reserve is located about 275 Km from Nairobi south-west parts of Kenya. It is considered to be Africa’s best wildlife reserve especially due to the annual Wildebeest migration.
On the Tanzanian side is the Serengeti National Park which is also a great National reserve and tourist destination.
Between the months of July and October, there is the famous wildebeest migration where the animals relocate form Serengeti National Park to Maasai Mara by crossing the Mara River.
Accommodation in Maasai Mara
If you are a budget traveler, Accommodation in the Maasai Mara might not be for you. The camps and hotels around the reserve start from about Kshs 40,000 ($400) and can go up to Kshs 350,000 ($3500) per night.
There are other cheaper hotels in the area though, so you don’t have a reason not to visit the place.
Going there with a tour group can also save you a lot since they take you to Maasai Mara at a very affordable rate.
Top Ten Luxury Hotels and Camps in and around Maasai Mara
- #1 Olare Mara Kempinski
- #2 Ngerende Island Lodge
- #3 Angama Mara
- #4 Nomadic Camp
- #5 Serian’s Nkorombo
- #6 Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Camp
- #7 andBeyond Bateleur Camp
- #8 Mara West Camp
- #9 Governors Camp
- #10 Little Governors Camp
- Mara Eden Safari Camp
- Sentinel Mara Camp
- Maasai Mara Serena Safari Lodge
When is the best time to visit Maasai Mara
The actual wildebeest migration takes places between JULY and OCTOBER. This is usually the best time to have this mind-blowing experience.
During December to February season, the Reserve is drier and tourists have the best opportunity to see Lions and other big five animals.
Facts about the famous Maasai Mara
Maasai Mara National Reserve extends 1,510 sq. km (580 sq. miles) and raises 1,500-2,170 meters above ocean level.
The conservancies within the reserve can take up almost the same size in addition.
There are about 600 species of birds and over 95 types of mammals.
Traveling from Nairobi to Maasai Mara
The reserve is at about 275 km from Nairobi City center and takes around 4-5 hours by road or 40-45 minutes by flight. The road from Nairobi is all tarmac but there is an area from Narok town to Sekenani Gate that is off-road. The other route through Lemek and Aitong town isn’t that great at all because of uneven terrain.
Activities to do in Mara
- Game and Wildlife viewing
- Camping
- Night game drives,
- Visiting Maasai cultural villages
- Hot air ballooning
- Bush dinner, lunch and breakfast
how can i go there from downtown?