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Experiences

What to do in Masai Mara

The King of the Kenyan safari, the Masai Mara is bucket-list travel down to a tee. The iconic wildlife (think big cats, buffalo, elephant, giraffe, zebra and the famous river crossings of the Great Migration from July to September) is matched by some of the most beautiful scenery in Africa – and there’s a lengthy list of activities to help you discover it all. Morning and afternoon game drives are the bread and butter of a Masai Mara safari, and all-day expeditions are common especially during the Great Migration. There’s usually a bush breakfast under a shady tree or a mobile sundowner bar to complete the experience too. Specific to the private Mara Conservancies are walking safaris and night drives, both allowing you to get to grips with the landscape in different ways. In specific locations, early-morning hot air balloon flights are possible – definitely worth booking in advance – as are horseback safaris for varying capabilities. Finally, many camps have partnerships with local Maasai communities for a chance to join them in their daily life.

Spot wildlife on a Masai Mara bush walk

Step out onto the wide open grasslands in the early morning dew or the afternoon sunshine, to experience the Masai Mara up-close. Your guide will provide the 411 on this wild corner of Kenya, as you ditch the rumbling jeep for the melody of the bush. From the ground up, there is something to see...the hundred-legged millipede scuttling by, spotted hyena racing across your path and the martial eagle whose cry echoes across the skies. Lest we forget the safari icons, which you'll watch in wonder, although from further away!
Spot wildlife on a Masai Mara bush walk

Meet the Maasai and learn about their culture

Leave your home-away-from-home in the Masai Mara to meet the people who are the true keepers of Kenya. Dressed in traditional red shukas and ornate beadwork with a spear in hand, it's an honour to meet the warriors of the centuries-old Maasai tribe. Visit a local homestead where you'll hear the stories and legends that have been passed down for generations, listen to traditional songs round the fire and see the landscape through new eyes.
Meet the Maasai and learn about their culture

Go on a hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara

Rise with the sunbirds to hop aboard a hot air balloon and watch breathtaking views appear in technicolour as dawn breaks over the Masai Mara. Let the early morning winds be your guide as you enjoy the pure magic of a safari from the air. You may be reluctant to blink and we don't blame you! As one of Kenya's most iconic wildlife treasures, the Mara reveals snoozing prides of lion amongst the acacias, elephants marching across the plains and hippos that bask in the river. If you're travelling between August and November, you may even see the Great Wildebeest Migration as it spills over the savannah. When you come back down to earth, toast the experience with champagne or enjoy a hearty breakfast in the bush before returning to camp.
Go on a hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara

Spot nocturnal wildlife in Masai Conservancies

Under a canvas of stars, set out from camp in a jeep to spy on the wildlife as the Masai Mara comes alive with a whole new cast of creatures. Even more so than the day, nighttime belongs to the predators. Lion and leopard slink between the trees, sniffing out hidden plains game, and hyenas howl in excitement as they look for leftovers. In the quiet of the evening, scan the brush for a pair of glowing eyes - then try and figure out if they belong to a bush baby, aardvark or even the shy civet. Your guide knows all and won't let any rustle go unnoticed!
Spot nocturnal wildlife in Masai Conservancies

Witness the famous Great Migration in Masai Mara

Dubbed one of the greatest wildlife shows on earth, the Great Migration becomes even more thrilling as the tsunami of stomping wildebeest run the terrifying gauntlet of crossing the Mara River. From August the wildebeest and Zebra begin to gather along the river banks ready to cross from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara. As they build up the courage to face the crocodile-laden waters the big cats stalk in hot pursuit. The Masai Mara has the largest concentration of wildebeest, zebras and gazelle as they make their pilgrimage, before returning to Tanzania in November. Words cannot describe the sheer adrenaline of this spectacle and your guide will know where to find the best vantage point on a game drive to remember.
Witness the famous Great Migration in Masai Mara

More experiences

Search for wildlife on a game drive in Masai Mara

Search for wildlife on a game drive in Masai Mara

Hike the Kichwa Nature Trail

Hike the Kichwa Nature Trail

Walk along the Ololo Escarpment Trail

Walk along the Ololo Escarpment Trail

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