Maasai Mara National Reserve Facts, Map, Location & Packages
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Maasai Mara National Reserve is a prominent wildlife conservation area located in Narok County, southwestern Kenya. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is part of the larger Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, which spans approximately 25,000 square kilometers across Kenya and Tanzania. The reserve covers an area of about 1,510 square kilometers (580 square miles) and is famous for hosting the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the landscape between July and October each year.
The Masai Mara is an extension of the greater Serengeti (25,000 square kilometers in size) ecosystem in Tanzania.
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Facts about Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Location: Situated in southwestern Kenya, the Maasai Mara is contiguous with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. It is named in honor of the Maasai people who have lived in the region for centuries.
- Size: The reserve covers approximately 1,510 square kilometers (583 square miles) of grassland and savannah.
- Wildlife: Known for the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros), as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and numerous bird species. It’s also one of the best places to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration.
- Great Migration: One of the “Seven Natural Wonders of Africa,” the annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes between the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara takes place from July to October.
- Climate: Maasai Mara experiences a semi-arid climate with two main rainy seasons: the long rains from April to May and the short rains from November to December. Annual rainfall varies from about 800 mm (31 inches) in the eastern regions to 1,200 mm (47 inches) in the west, and temperatures typically range from 12°C to 30°C (54°F to 86°F)
- Conservation: The reserve plays a vital role in Kenya’s conservation efforts, protecting numerous species from poaching and habitat destruction.
Access and Packages
Visitors can access the Maasai Mara through several entry points, including Ololomutiek, Sekenani, Talek, and Musiara gates. There are also multiple airstrips for those flying in, with the closest major airports being Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and Kisumu International Airport. Various safari packages are available, ranging from budget options to luxury tours.
Luxury Safari Package
- Days: (4-7)
- Price Range: $2,000 – $5,000 per person.
- Includes: Private air-conditioned vehicles, luxury tented camps, guided game drives, bush meals, and cultural Maasai village tours.
- Highlight: Exclusive game drives during the migration season, hot-air balloon safaris, sundowner experiences.
Mid-Range Safari Package
- Days: (3-5)
- Price Range: $1,000 – $2,000 per person.
- Includes: Comfortable lodges or tented camps, daily game drives, meals, and transport from Nairobi.
- Highlight: Affordable guided tours with excellent opportunities to spot the Big Five.
Budget Safari Package
- Days: (2-4)
- Price Range: $500 – $1,000 per person.
- Includes: Group safaris, budget camping accommodations, basic game drives, and road transport from Nairobi.
- Highlight: A cost-effective way to explore the Mara with shared safari vehicles and accommodations.
Wildebeest Migration Packages
- Days: (5-7)
- Price Range: $3,000 – $6,000 per person.
- Includes: Accommodation in migration hotspots, guided tours, hot-air balloon rides, and Maasai village experiences.
- Highlight: Designed to coincide with the Great Migration, offering prime viewing opportunities of river crossings.
Family Safari Package
- Days: (4-6)
- Price Range: $2,500 – $4,500 per family.
- Includes: Family-friendly lodges, private game drives, meals, and activities tailored for children.
- Highlight: Customizable for families, with educational tours and wildlife safaris that engage kids.
Talk To Our Experts
Our safari experts specialize in creating customized itineraries tailored to your interests and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a family adventure, a romantic getaway, or a thrilling wildlife experience, our team will work with you to design the perfect trip that meets your specific needs.
Maasai Mara National Reserve Gallery
The Maasai Mara offers incredible opportunities for photography, showcasing its diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Various online galleries feature stunning images of the reserve, capturing moments from safaris and the Great Migration.
Talk To Our Experts
Our safari experts specialize in creating customized itineraries tailored to your interests and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a family adventure, a romantic getaway, or a thrilling wildlife experience, our team will work with you to design the perfect trip that meets your specific needs.