Tell us your travel dates and we’ll help you plan a cross-border itinerary linking the Mara with our Tanzania safaris.
Plan My SafariOr email usBrowse all safari packagesCovering roughly 1,510 square kilometres in southwestern Kenya, the Maasai Mara National Reserve forms the northern end of the wider Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. Its rolling plains, riverine forest along the Mara and Talek Rivers, and consistently high predator density make it one of the most reliable wildlife-viewing destinations in Africa.
The Mara is famous for its Mara River crossings, where wildebeest and zebra brave crocodile-filled waters during their migration north from the Serengeti. Beyond the migration, the reserve holds some of Africa’s highest lion densities, healthy leopard and cheetah populations, and the surrounding conservancies offer excellent, less-crowded game viewing alongside cultural visits to Maasai villages.
The Maasai Mara and Serengeti share the same migrating herds — the animals simply cross the invisible Kenya-Tanzania border as they follow the rain.
Nowhere delivers the drama of a river crossing quite like the Mara — it’s chaotic, tense, and unforgettable to witness in person.
The Maasai Mara is named after the local Maasai people and the Mara River, whose dramatic crossings are one of the most famous wildlife spectacles on Earth.
| Season | What You’ll See | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Jul – Oct | Mara River crossings, peak herd numbers | The classic migration spectacle |
| Nov – Dec | Short rains, herds moving south | Fewer crowds, green scenery |
| Jan – Mar | Resident wildlife, dry and clear | Good value, excellent predator sightings |
| Apr – Jun | Long rains, lush landscapes | Lowest rates, birding |
Most visitors fly into Nairobi and connect via a short scheduled flight (around 45 minutes) to one of the Mara’s airstrips, or drive from Nairobi in roughly 5–6 hours. When combined with a Tanzania safari, cross-border transfers can be arranged between the Mara and the Serengeti’s northern airstrips.
Three nights is a comfortable minimum to allow for a full day at the river during crossing season.
Yes — this is a popular cross-border itinerary we help arrange regularly.
Yes, Kenya requires its own eVisa or East Africa Tourist Visa, separate from a Tanzania-only visa — we can advise on this when planning your trip.
Tell us your travel dates and interests and we’ll build a free, tailor-made itinerary for you.
