Masai Mara National Reserve is a vast scenic expanse of gently rolling African savannah plains measuring 1510 square kilometers in area and bordering the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the south. Masai Mara is a unique wildlife conservation haven, famous for its spectacular natural diversity of wildlife and happens to be a premier Kenya Safari location in East Africa, offering visitors many reasons to visit this wildlife paradise. The reserve is a photographer’s and naturalist’s paradise, large numbers of Lions, Cheetah, elephants, Rhino, African Buffalo, Wildebeest, Giraffe, Zebra, and many more animals are found in the park in their natural habitat, unconfined and free to roam the vast wilderness stretching for miles on end.
Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the best and award-winning destinations in Africa. Known for its iconic sightings, and being home to the 7th wonder of the world, the wildebeest migration, and crossings, the reserve prides itself on the perfect destination for your safari holiday. A perfect safari holiday as we recommend will be a 7 days safari visit, with ease, rest, and maximum relaxation, and wildlife sightings.
The reserve has an amazing array collection of wildlife species and it is quite possible to spot not just the ‘Big Five’ as often mentioned widely, but also in fact the major 10 species, to include the Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos, Buffalos, Giraffes, Zebras, Cheetahs, and Hippos. Other major sightings to sight if lucky include, the serval cats, caracals, pythons, silverback jackals, and many others. It is quite possible that due to the nature and richness of flora and fauna in the national reserve, one can see all of the above animals not just in a single 2-3 hour game drive, but also with a little more luck, within an hour of your drive in the reserve. The section above lists photos and brief information on some of the amazing wildlife and animals that you will find in Masai Mara including a list of Bird species commonly spotted here.Â
Located on the banks of a river from which it has taken its name, Sand River Masai Mara is located within the Masai Mara National Reserve, close to the Tanzanian border. The interior fixtures and furnishings mirror this period perfectly, reminding all who visit of those countless Hollywood movies that have paid homage to a classic era of African adventure.
Sand River Masai Mara is an ideal destination, at any time of the year, for those wishing to enjoy exceptional game-viewing. The National Reserve is best known for its large concentrations of big cats, such as leopard, cheetah, and, of course, lion. Even the dramatic arrival of the Annual Migration merely adds to an already abundant resident wildlife that awaits discovery.
Basecamp Masai Mara is as much a home as it is a travel destination. Guests become more than visitors, they become part of the Maasai community. Join us around the fireplace, for storytelling and stargazing. This camp is our own cradle of mankind, where our journey once began. Situated along the Talek river in a tropical forest, you are co-existing with the birds and monkeys in the trees outside your tent.
At Basecamp Masai Mara we offer seventeen double riverside tents, all built along the banks of the Talek River, the natural border to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The dense riverbed foliage allows for maximum privacy and comfort, without compromising the view of the Masai Mara National Reserve.Â
Entim is designed to give you the friendliest, most intimate, luxury safari camp experience and the best wildlife safari in the Masai Mara. Our prime location along the Mara River is unrivaled for seeing and photographing animals all year round, but particularly to observe the greatest wildlife show on earth; over a million wildebeest, zebra, and antelopes migrating from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara (July-October).
You may not realize how rare it is to witness a migration river crossing, because the wildebeest can hesitate on the riverbank for days before taking the leap! But since Entim’s main wing overlooks the Mara River, while the private wing has an intimate bush setting, we see migration crossings from within the camp.
Game Drives are the main and major reasons why we visit Masai Mara. A game drive is an activity that involves in search of wildlife species in a wild national protected area. The best places to do such activities in Kenya include the Masai Mara. The reserve is known to host a wide variety of wildlife species such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, wildebeests, zebras, and many more. It’s home to the great wildebeest migration. Using our 4×4 land cruiser jeeps, you will be lucky to enjoy the comfort of game views in the rugged terrain of the reserve.
The local community makes our holidays in the wild worthwhile. In Masai Mara, you will get complimentary visits to Maasai Communities, engage and learn their cultural practices. The connection and engagements are what make it special.
Did you know Masai Mara has one of the best Sundowner moments in the African Savannah? Well, enjoy this romantic and relaxing moment while on our safaris. Either on a privately guided safari or on a relaxing safari holiday, you will be served an exceptional sundowner surprise overlooking the horizon of the plains as you enjoy a sip of your best drink.
Masai Mara is located south west of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. Its a plain savannah land decorated with tall standing acacia trees. The reserve is surrounded by community conservancies such as the Mara North Conservancy, Naboisho and many others.
| Adults | Under 16yrs to 5yrs | Children below 5yrs |
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USD 80 |
USD 20 |
Free |
| Adults | Under 16yrs to 5yrs | Children below 5yrs |
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KSH 1200 |
KSH 800 |
Free |
The most frequently asked questions about Masai Mara National Reserve. Our best of knowledge to your answers. For more, get in touch with us.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is best visited throughout the year, from January to December. The reserve offers different experiences throughout the 4 seasons of the year. In case you would want to experience the 7th wonder of the world, the Great Wildebeest Migration, the best time would be between June and October every year.Â
Masai Mara National Reserve has 5 main gates you can access from, these includes the Sekenani Gate, Ololaimutia Gate, Ololoo Gate, Talek Gate and Musiara Gates. They are all located in different access areas of the reserve. The Sand River gate gate is not accessible, the gate was closed some years back.
A quick and often the best means of transferwhileon a short safari such as 3 to 5 days safari, would be by air. Flying from Wilson Airport Nairobi for a time frame of 45minutes to 1 hour, to any of the airstrips in Masai Mara.
Althoughits reccomended to visit the Masai mara Reserve any time of the year, the wildebeest ussually checkin to the reserve in the months of June and return to serengeti in the months of Sept and October.
The best months are between June and October, you will witness the major crossings and migrations in Masai Mara. Huge herds are always spotted between end of July and Afirst two weeks of August.Â
January is a hot month compared and among the best month for safaris in Africa. A better time to visit Tanzania for the Wildebeest Calving Safaris and Big cats sightings. Its recommended for a beach holiday at the beach, the weather is hot and calm with the sensational holiday breeze from the Indian Ocean.We recommend a wildlife safari within the safari destinations in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana as they will be in peak season.
It’s considered a quieter month compared to the peak season months, in planning a safari holiday to Africa. It’s an amazing month to visit the major safari destinations within East Africa.Â
You can pack slightly heavy and light during this month.
February is a wet month when the long rains from Feb to April start. The best time to Visit the Ndutu Conservation Area in the south of Serengeti National and borders the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania. It’s the best time to go since you will witness the wildebeest calving season and major hunting activities. We recommend a wildlife safari within the safari destinations in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana as they will be in peak season.
It’s considered a quieter and tough month, with rough and sticky terrains in the parks. Good month for a budget yet remarkable safari holiday to Africa. It’s an amazing month to visit the major safari destinations within East Africa.Â
You can pack slightly heavy during this month.
March is a hot and wet month that receives long rains from Feb to April. A good month for a safari or beach holiday, but the best in case you would love the whole camp by yourself. Best time to visit Tanzania for the Wildebeest Calving Season in the Ndutu Conservation Area. We recommend a wildlife safari within the safari destinations in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana as they will be in peak season.
It’s considered a quieter and tough month, with rough and sticky terrains in the parks. Good month for a budget yet remarkable safari holiday to Africa. It’s an amazing month to visit the major safari destinations within East Africa.Â
You can pack slightly heavy during this month.
April is a wet month that receives long rains from Feb to April. Not a pretty good month for a safari or beach holiday, but the best in case you would love the whole camp by yourself. Most safari camps and lodges are closed down during this season to prepare and renovate for the peak season in June to Dec..We recommend a wildlife safari within the safari destinations in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana as they will be in peak season.
It’s considered a quieter and tough month, with rough and sticky terrains in the parks. Good month for a budget yet remarkable safari holiday to Africa. It’s an amazing month to visit the major safari destinations within East Africa.Â
You can pack slightly heavy during this month.
It’s a dry and hot month of the year but occasionally gets cold during the first weeks. A very good month to plan for your wildlife and beach safari holiday. You will be lucky enough to spot quite a huge number of wildlife species. It’s easy to spot wildlife during the dry season as they are looking for water and are often seen close to water holes and water ponds.
It’s considered a busy month compared to others in planning a wildebeest migration safari. The Beach is also great and offers clean relaxing beach holidays.Â
You can pack light and dress light during this month.
June is a quiet and cold month compared to any other month. Together with July, the two months recommend very low temperature and occasionally receives low rainfall levels within the major safari holiday destinations in East Africa, Kenya Tanzania Uganda Rwanda, and Zanzibar. We recommend a wildlife safari within the safari destinations in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana as they will be in low season, as Kenya and Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda, enters their peak season for the wildebeest migration.
It’s considered a quieter month compared to the peak season months, in planning a wildebeest migration safari. It’s an amazing month to visit the major safari destinations within East Africa.Â
You can pack slightly heavy and dress warmly during this month.
July is a quiet and cold month compared to any other month. Together with June, the two months recommend very low temperature and occasionally receives low rainfall levels within the major destinations in East Africa, Kenya Tanzania Uganda Rwanda, and Zanzibar. We recommend a wildlife safari within the safari destinations in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana as they will be in low season, as Kenya and Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda, enters their peak season for the wildebeest migration.
It’s considered a quieter month compared to the peak season months, in planning a wildebeest migration safari. It’s an amazing month to visit the major safari destinations within East Africa.Â
You can pack slightly heavy and dress warmly during this month.
It’s a dry and hot month of the year but occasionally gets cold during the first weeks. A very good month to plan for your wildlife and beach safari holiday. You will be lucky enough to spot quite a huge number of wildlife species. It’s easy to spot wildlife during the dry season as they are looking for water and are often seen close to water holes and water ponds.
It’s considered a busy month compared to others in planning a wildebeest migration safari. The Beach is also great and offers clean relaxing beach holidays.Â
You can pack light and dress light during this month.
It’s a dry and hot month of the year but occasionally receives rainfall during the short rain season. A very good month to plan for your wildlife and beach safari holiday. You will be lucky enough to spot quite a huge number of wildlife species. It’s easy to spot wildlife during the dry season as they are looking for water and are often seen close to water holes and water ponds.
It’s considered a quieter month compared to August in planning a wildebeest migration safari. The Beach is also great and offers clean relaxing beach holidays. Although it might a little bit busy, an amazing month to visit the beach.
You can pack light and dress light during this month.
October is fairly a good month to do your safari in both Kenya and Tanzania. Although its when the short rains of East Africa Starts, but offers a great opportunity to sight some of the best wildlife species. The month experiences some rain but most rain experiences hot season. hence a beautiful time to have your wildlife or beach safari holiday.
The wildebeest Migration at these time are on their way back to the Serengeti from Masai Mara. They are vital since they determine how easy it willbe to spot most wildlife species. Most importantly the big cats and the phenomenal Mara River cliff crossing.
The beaches are clean and not that conjested. Easy to enjoy your holiday.
After the short rains from October, the rains at times extend to November, and it becomes wet in some of the safari destinations. If you are looking to spotting wildlife, It will be a bit hard to spot since the grasses are tall, and water is available in many parts of the ecosystems.
You will be lucky to spot wildebeest crossings in the Tanzania Side, Serengeti Lamai Region, or down in Bolongoja. If you are looking to enjoy the scenic savannah plains, the lush green grass and trees will grace your holiday with beautiful sceneries every morning.
It’s advisable to use a 4×4 land cruiser jeep cruising in these safari destinations.
December is a pretty good month to do your safari holiday. Since it’s during the festivities, the month seems to a bit busy with everyone looking for an escape holiday. The month of December is generally hot but usually experiences some rain in between towards the end. The rain could be heavy or light.
December is generally a good month for wildlife and beach holidays. You will be luckier to spot wildlife in the major parks and enjoy clean sandy beaches.
The weather pattern is all the same for Kenya and Tanzania.
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Traverse the plains of Masai Mara for 4 Nights and later explore Lake Nakuru. Witness big cats and other wildlife species, enjoy sundowners and bush dinners in the wild world of Africa. Spend in the most exclusive camps in Masai Mara, enjoy close wildlife encounters and amazing nature immersion. Start planning today.
Traverse the plains of Masai Mara for 4 Nights and later explore Lake Nakuru. Witness big cats and other wildlife species, enjoy sundowners and bush dinners in the wild world of Africa.
