Kenya is home to great and glorious wildlife and has plenty to offer when compared to other African nation. Masai Mara National Park, located towards the southwest of Kenya is the land of ultimate experiences and exotic wildlife species. It’s the place where photographers wait for days and months under the thick forest canopy only to get one precious shot of the exotic wildlife! Encompassing the best of Savanna wilderness, Masai Mara is a dream destination for every bucket list. Rolling hills, arid plains, and Masai people in the region they all thrive in the region by the Tanzania border.
Head to Masai and brace yourself for the time of your life where it will be you and the best of untamed Africa. To make sure that your Masai vacation is well-spent here is everything that you must know about the vast national park!
About Masai Mara National Park
Masai Mara had been lauded as the ultimate destination in Africa for wildlife viewing and jungle safari. Apart from the famed wildlife, the national park is also graced with ridiculously amazing landscapes, Masai village that still thrives amidst century-old tradition, and the most romantic and quaint safari lodges and unparalleled experiences that account for a wholesome trip to Kenya. Here are some of the most striking features of Masai Mara National Park in Kenya that are truly incredible.
- Excellent birding opportunities
- Game viewing
- Nile crocodile-infested Mara River
- A maximum temperature of 30 degrees Celsius, and a minimum temperature of 15 degrees Celsius
- Guided walking tours around the national park area
- Camping under stars
Masai Mara National Park Basic Information
Area: 1510 sq km
Location: Rift Valley Province
Elevation: stretches between 4,875 and 7,052 feet
Best Time To Visit Masai Mara National Park
The dry season starts from late June to October and makes for the perfect time to go to Masai Mara. July to October is the season for wildebeest migration when one can catch this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. By October end the wildebeest move back to the Serengeti in Tanzania.
Must Read: 10 National Parks In Kenya: Experience The Unsurpassed Charm Of African Wildlife!
How To Reach Masai Mara National Park
By air: Wilson Airport and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi is the nearest airstrip to Masai Mara National Park. It takes about 45 minutes from Airport to travel to Masai Mara. Also, you can fly all the way to Mara from the international airport which takes 45-minutes.
By road: Masai Mara is a 4.5-hour straight drive from the airport. Private taxis are the best option to travel to Masai Mara from the airport.
Masai Mara National Reserve Map
Things To Do At Masai Mara National Park
The national park area is a well-managed network of a plenty of activities increasing the Masai Mara tourism. While game viewing remains the most favorite, there are other interesting things to indulge in! Here are some of the must-try activities in Masai Mara Reserve:
1. The Big Five: Spot The Big Cat On A Prowl
The Big Five ( lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo) make the heart and soul of the African safari.
2. Wildebeest Migration: Behold The Popular Migration
Head to Masai Mara National Reserve from July to October if you wish to behold the most sumptuous spectacle, which is of wildest migration from Kenya to Tanzania.
Suggested Read: Honeymoon In Africa: Top 11 Romantic Getaways For The Best And Unique Experiences!
3. Mt. Kilimanjaro: Trek To The Tallest Standing Mountain Nearby
Plan a trek to the single tallest standing mountains in the world, Mt. Kilimanjaro almost 6000 meters above sea level.
4. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: Sample Tender Experiences
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is the ideal place to visit if you wish to adopt a baby elephant.
Must Read: 10 Exotic Kenyan Cuisines That Will Let You Blend With The Country’s Culture!
5. Engaruka Village: Experience The Maasai Way Of Life
Located to Tanzania’s northwest village, Engaruka village is so close to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara.
Must Read: 10 Surreal Beaches In Kenya That Portray The Soothing Side Of Africa!
6. Masai Mara: Camping Or Glamping? Make Your Pick
Camping or glamping in Masai Mara is certainly a wholesome experience. Which means that you get to experience the famed African wildlife up, close, and personal. By the Mara river bank and murky water holes, there are plenty of camps offering exquisite experiences.
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Real travel stories. Real stays. Handy tips to help you make the right choice.
7. Hot Air Balloon: Soar Over The Land Of Masai
Feast on gorgeous 360-degree views as you fly over the herd of hundreds of thousands of wildlife in the park. Head to the spectacular Serengeti-Mara ecosystem from where you can also catch the annual wildebeest migration.
8. Giraffes: Relish Wonderful Moments With Them
The entire Masai Mara region has a lot of giraffes and they are the prettiest creatures in the with whom you’d love to spend some time out there.
9. Serengeti Golf: Enjoy Golfing In The Heart Of The Park
Serengeti Golf & Wildlife Estate is the place for all those who plan to go golfing. When you are around you can head to main Masai Mara Championship Layout along with 9-hole Whistling Thorn Course.
10. Lake Nakuru: Watch & Praise The Exotic Birdies Thriving
Lake Nakuru is the place to head where you get the rewarding views of the exotic birdies making the highlight of the ecology here.
Suggested Read: Top Safari Honeymoon Destinations, Experiences, & Resorts In The World
Best Resorts Near Masai Mara
A stay in these super luxury camps/lodges would only enhance your Masai Mara trip in the most remarkable way. Speak of luxury and grandeur and these stays have it all! Go on, find the best one for yourself.
1. Cottar’s 1920’s Safari Camp And Bush Villa @ INR 65,900
TripAdvisor review says it all – “You know that lifetime experience you’ve contemplated, talked about, always wanted to have? This is it! Sure it may take some time to travel there, yet once you’ve arrived you will talk about Cottar’s forever…”
2. Mara Bush Camp @ INR 62,000
TripAdvisor review says it all – “Our tents were very comfortable. Having to sleep in an actual bed after a Game Drive is a Must! Really love having my own private shower and toilet in my tent. Great touch having a wake-up call and coffee/tea was ready for you outside your tent in the morning. Food was excellent!“
3. Kilima Camp Masai Mara @ INR 38,000
TripAdvisor review says it all – “This place would get 1000 stars if it was possible. They have better service than any 5-star hotel out there. They really think of everything. The food is great. The view is to die for. Zebras graze at night in front of you…”
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4. Mara Serena Safari Lodge @ INR 30,000
TripAdvisor review says it all – “What an amazing place. Amazing staff. Amazing food. Amazing views. The food was really good. We had a waiter called Kevin (trainee) who served us so nicely…”
5. Royal Mara Safari Lodge @ INR 17,000
TripAdvisor review says it all – “I stayed 5 nights at Royal Mara, traveling with my mum. The manager and all the staff were really friendly and welcoming and looked after us. We had a wonderful time. The game drives were excellent. The Mara North Conservancy has so many animals and the guides were very good at spotting animals and giving information about them…”
6. Keekorok Lodge @ INR 10,500
TripAdvisor review says it all – “What an amazing place to stay. My partner and I stayed here for 5 nights in July and despite some varied reviews, we were not disappointed. We were flown by Safarilink from Nairobi on a small plane to a small airstrip where we disembarked and boarded an even smaller plane to either smaller airstrip…”
7. Masai Mara Sopa Lodge @ INR 10,000
TripAdvisor review says it all – “The perfect place for your Masai Mara stay. The track to the camp is very bumpy (and fun), but once inside, the place is great. Power is on from 4am-1am, quite a rarity in that area. Good restaurant and bar…”
Tips For Masai Mara National Park
- Enquire about the hot air balloon safari in advance. Not all the lodges offer this activity.
- If you plan on seeing the wildebeest migration then book well in advance.
- Always meet the locals with courtesy and in the company of operators.
- Try to book a flight with Go2Africa, they are supposed to offer best deals.
- There are more affordable and scheduled mini-bus safaris from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to drive you to Masai Mara. The 270km road to the reserve is scenic. However, there are travelers who choose to fly to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and then board a charter flight direct to the reserve.
- Game drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve are conducted in open-sided 4X4s, while programmed safaris use mini-buses with pop-up roofs.
- Avoid wearing flashy/bright clothes when on a safari, it turns off animals.
Further Read: Best Safari In Kenya: The Ultimate Guide For A Vacation In The Wild
For all the luxury and adventures of a lifetime you’ve contemplated, Masai Mara National Park is the place to be! The charm and unblemished allure of the wild would leave you bewitched for sure. So, plan a trip with TourTravelHotels and visit this nature’s beauty.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Masai Mara National Park
How many hours drive is it from Nairobi to Masai Mara?
It takes 5-6 hours from Nairobi to Masai Mara.
Is it safe to travel to Kenya?
Yes, it is safe to travel to Kenya.
Which are the best hotels in Masai Mara National Park Kenya?
The best hotels in Masai Mara National Park are Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Camp and Olare Mara Kempinski Masai Mara.
