The Maasai Mara lies in the Great Rift Valley, which is a fault line some 5,600km long, extending from Ethiopia’s Red Sea through Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique.
There are four main types of topography in the Maasai Mara
There is an abundance of wildebeest, zebra, impala, topi, giraffe, and Thomson’s gazelle on the plains. Visitors often spot leopards, lions, hyenas, cheetahs, jackals, bat-eared foxes, and even black rhinos. The Mara river is filled with hippos and enormous Nile crocodiles.
Every July (sometimes August), the wildebeest travel from the Serengeti plains to the Masai Mara. In October or November, once they have feasted and the grass has all but gone, they return to the Southern Serengeti. The Mara birds appear in every size and color including the beautiful lilac-breasted roller and plenty of large species such as eagles, vultures, and storks.
The main Masai Mara Reserve is surrounded by the Mara conservation area, owned by different Maasai communities who formed conservation partnership agreements with private camp owners.
The Mara Triangle, which is the north-western part of the Masai Mara National Reserve is managed by the Mara Conservancy, a non-profit organization. It is divided from the rest of the Masai Mara National Reserve by the Mara River. The Mara Triangle is less visited and less crowded, resulting in abundant game sightings on the plains and between the volcanic hills that
distinguish this corner of the Mara.
This is a beautiful private wilderness area of more than 300 sq. km, effectively increasing the size of the National Reserve by 20%. It is a vital part of the Masai Mara ecosystem as it forms the north-western zone, bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve in the south.
The Mara North Conservancy (MNC) is a partnership between eleven member camps and more
than 800 Maasai landowners. The aim is to create a best-practice, world-class conservancy with long-term commitments to the environment, wildlife, and local communities. This area is a key dispersal zone for the annual “Great Migration” and supports an extensive variety of additional species.
The most recognizable include lion, cheetah, leopard, buffalo, hyena, elephant, crocodile, wild dog, giraffe, hippopotamus, and over 450 bird species.
It became a haven for big cats and forms part of the annual wildebeest migration route. The conservancy covers 350 sq. km, offering some of East Africa’s finest, year-round wildlife viewing. The area boasts one of the highest densities of lions per square kilometer in Africa and over 50 different species of raptors have been identified.
Tourism in the conservancy is limited to a maximum of 94 beds in five mobile camps. This
equates to a ratio of one game-viewing vehicle for every 2,100 acres, a move that is aimed at maximizing the client’s wilderness experience and minimizing the environmental impact of tourism.
Naboisho means “partnership” in Maa, the Maasai language. The 500 sq. km conservancy consists of land contributions from 500 Maasai landowners. One of the key motivations for creating the Mara Naboisho conservancy was to aid the protection and conservation of wildlife and landscape.
The conservancy is home to big cats (in impressive numbers) and herds of elephants, giraffes, and wildebeests. Unlike its neighbor, the National reserve, this private conservancy strictly monitors the number of tourists who enter the area, reducing the number of vehicles and the human impact on the environment and wildlife. The charm of the conservancy is its exclusivity.
A non-profit company established to create best practices in tourism and conservation, regain the conservation values of the area, enhance the benefits of local communities, and promote low-impact ‘private’ tourism.
The Conservancy is a critical wildlife dispersal area for migratory wildlife in the Mara ecosystem. Common animals include Burchell’s zebra, Thompson’s gazelle, impala, elephants, giraffes, spotted hyenas, jackals, African civet, genet, banded mongoose, warthog, tree hyrax, and porcupine. Big cats, including lions, are also present. The conservancy is also a bird haven.
This 290 sq. km conservancy borders the Masai Mara National Reserve. The conservancy is home to all animal species found in the Mara ecosystem, except the black rhinoceros. The area within the conservancy offers diverse landscapes and vegetation.
This pioneer award-winning conservancy was the first in the Mara ecosystem to set aside an area exclusively aimed at wildlife conservation (no human settlements or cattle allowed). This 175 sq. km conservancy belongs to a Maasai community and provides them with tangible returns to help them improve their lives and not be solely dependent on cattle.
You can explore the natural dramas of the Maasai Mara in our state-of-the-art 4×4 safari vehicles during the morning, afternoon, or full-day game drives. During the game drive, our knowledgeable guides will introduce you to life in the savanna and share their infinite knowledge about African wildlife.
Maasai Mara is one of the few places in Africa which are bird heaven; more than 500 species of birds have been identified in Maasai Mara. You should be spoiled with views of sunrise and sunset in this game reserve. For bird lovers stay ready for teaching and fascinating stories from our professional guides while on the search for birds
Accompanied by an armed ranger, walking safaris can be enormously exciting, and as much as anywhere else, there are areas of the Maasai Mara where creeping rather than walking pays high dividends. The areas surrounding are home to large numbers of buffalo, elephants, and hippos and a competent guide will often be able to put you in a safe position to watch these animals (as well as many others) at surprisingly close range.
With more than 440 species, Maasai Mara is a perfect spot for ornithologists. The most commonly seen bird species are African spoonbills, white-fronted bee-eaters, white-headed vultures, African fish eagles, spur-winged lapwings, and francolins.
Experience a unique experience of sleeping out in the wild with only the sounds of the African bush around you, the stars being your only light. This is one of the most amazing experiences you can have on a safari!
The fly camping tents are made of a see-through mosquito net to offer a 360-degree view of one of the most unique settings you will ever sleep in. Camp staff set up the fly camps in advance and you can either walk there as part of your safari activity or drive there after your last game drive.
Fly camping is about adventure, not luxury. Your tent is simple, the bed is very comfortable and the crew prepares fantastic meals in the middle of the wilderness. There is a bucket shower within the outside bathroom facility.
Explore our best Tours in Maasai Mara
The Maasai Mara is about 5 to 6 hours by road from Nairobi via Narok, the last stretch on rough roads that is part of the safari experience.
Daily scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport reach the reserve’s airstrips in about 45 minutes, and the Mara can be combined with the Serengeti by flying between the two countries.
The Masai Mara has an abundance of games all year-round but the best time to visit Masai Mara is during the dry season. The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Masai Mara in August and remains until October when they move back to the Serengeti in Tanzania.
High season – July to November and January
Low season – March to May – rainy season
The Maasai Mara has a wide range of tented camps and lodges inside the reserve and on the private conservancies around it, from simple camps to luxury properties overlooking the Mara River.
Our team carefully researched and focused on trips that attract people with the same interests and naturally get on well with each other through their shared interests.
Once you confirm your booking on a tour you will be sent further practical information – packing tips, detailed itineraries, including advice on health, passport and visa requirements, and minimum and maximum numbers of guests on tours.
Memorable meals are a hallmark of an excellent holiday. With the support of the best cooks, the quality of food and drink service is guaranteed.
Depending on the service level or tour type you have chosen, a pre-discussion with your tour planner is a win-win for an enjoyable trip.
Our cook accompanies other tours, and other services are included with our accommodation partners, including hotels, private camps, and luxury lodges.
The answer is absolute yes! The areas where safaris are organized are safe and free of political chaos.
We conduct safaris in politically stable regions to ensure our clients’ safety and enjoyment.
Our Professional Safari Guides are well-trained about wild animal behaviors, and they have enough experience to lead our clients in the wilderness.
Our vehicles are 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers and Land Rovers with a hatched roof to give maximum visibility of the game.
African safaris offer unlimited sightseeing; millions of animals, birds, and plant life are the defining features of the African savanna. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephants, Lions, Rhinos, Cape buffalo, and Leopards (the so-called “Big Five”).
On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeests, Zebras, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelles, Giraffes, Baboons, and Hippos. The birdlife is fantastic – in some areas, up to 400 bird species have been identified!
Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and there are hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! You will also see the acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains, and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises imaginable! Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow.
Tanzania’s destinations are accessible year-round, but we recommend scheduling your safari during the dry season for the best sightings, as grasses and bush are at their least dense—July to October and December through February. The green session includes March through June. Discuss with us for the best option if you have also a plan to coincide with the Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park.
(We suggest you remember) insect repellent (the best way to prevent malaria and other insect-borne diseases), sunscreen, cap or hat, sunglasses, binoculars, detergent powder if you want to wash some clothes yourself, hand-wipes small flashlight, aspirin, diarrhea medicine, rain jacket, poncho, or collapsible umbrella, plastic bags (for wet clothes, swimsuit and for keeping dust away from camera equipment), Kleenex/toilet tissue a neck chain for eyeglasses if you take them off to use binoculars and cameras, any medical prescription you need, masking tape or labels for marking exposed films cans, film, extra camera batteries.
Although more than 200 languages and dialects are spoken across Africa, this is not a problem, as English is widely spoken in East and Southern Africa. In addition to English, all our professional guides are multilingual, so we have you covered.
African safaris offer unlimited sightseeing; millions of animals, birds, and plant life are the defining features of the African savanna. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephants, Lions, Rhinos, Cape buffalo, and Leopards (the so-called “Big Five”).
On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeests, Zebras, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelles, Giraffes, Baboons, and Hippos. The birdlife is fantastic – in some areas, up to 400 bird species have been identified!
Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and there are hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! You will also see the acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains, and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises imaginable! Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow.
We are determined to ensure that you experience the luxury of genuinely memorable travel. On every trip, we aim to create a ‘charmed space’ within which you can relax, absorb fresh insights, be stimulated and charmed by new encounters – and have fun!
Whether traveling alone or with friends, Blessing Safaris guests often mention how particularly agreeable they find their traveling companions. our groups are deliberately small, comprising 2 to 7 guests especially for safari.
Our team carefully researched and focused on trips which attract people with the same interest and naturally get on well with each other through their shared interests.
Once you confirm your booking on a tour you will be sent further practical information – packing tips, detailed itineraries, including advice on health, passport and visa requirements, and minimum and maximum numbers of guests on tours.
Memorable meals are one of the hallmarks of an excellent holiday. With the support of the best cooks, the quality of food and drink service is guaranteed. Depending on the service level or type of tour you have chosen, pre-discussion with your tour planner is a win-win situation for an enjoyable diet. Other tours are accompanied by our cook and others are inclusive service from our accommodation partners include hotels, private camps, and luxury lodges
Help us to help you by organizing even better tours, and save money. If you contact us in advance you will save a big deal in terms of price as you have the best time for negotiation and customization of the tour with a safari planner and save more.
Why not? , We offer private tours whether you’re alone or with family and friends celebrating a special anniversary or planning a reunion of family and friends you can discuss with us. We can create a special itinerary away from traffic, travel in style with the itinerary specifically shaped to your requirements.
The answer is absolutely yes! The areas where safaris are organized are safe and free of political chaos. We conduct safaris in places that are politically stable to assure our clients’ safety and enjoyment.
Our Professional Safari Guides are well trained about wild animal behaviors and they have enough experience to lead our clients in the wilderness. Our vehicles are 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rovers with a hutched roof to give maximum visibility of a game.
African safaris guarantee unlimited sightseeing; millions of animals, birds, and plant life are the core characters of the African savanna. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephants, Lions, Rhinos, Cape buffalo, and Leopards (the so-called “Big Five”). On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeests, Zebras, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelles, Giraffes, Baboons, and Hippos. The birdlife is fantastic – in some areas, up to 400 bird species have been identified! Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and there are hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! You will also see the acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains, and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises one could ever imagine! Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow.
This aspect is much overstated. You will rarely see a snake, but if you do, it will most likely be from the safety of your safari vehicle. Tents and lodges all have bug screens fitted to windows and doors. In most areas where bugs or mosquitoes are prevalent, rooms and tents are also equipped with mosquito nets, adding to the idealistic ambiance. Bear in mind that malaria is a threat in most wildlife areas, and it is necessary to consult your doctor for advice before embarking on your safari.
Tanzania destinations are accessible throughout the year but we advise you to take your tours during the dry session for the safari so as you can enjoy the best sightings at this time as the grasses and bush are at their least dense. July to October and December through February. The green session includes March through June. Discuss with us for the best option if you have also a plan to coincides with Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park
Note – the migration is a natural event and the timing varies month by month; year by year. A good thing is it won’t happen in one day it takes time to complete. And we update most of our clients once the migration starts, so if your great desire is to witness the migration communicate with us in advance so as we can try our best to assure your encounter. Please note that the vast majority of travelers do not witness the wildebeest crossing of the Mara as the timing and duration varies widely each year. The best probable months are July, August, September
Around the turn of the century (until the ’30s and ’40s), mobile tenting was the only option, and “camp as you go” was the standard practice. Over the years the luxury connected with the traditional mobile tenting safari has increased. By the same token, one can understand that the cost of having a “luxury hotel” following one around in Africa is expensive. However, most people settle for permanent tented camps. Because they are “permanent” they can be equipped with flush toilets and traditional bathroom fixtures and conveniences. Don’t be misled by terminology – a permanent tented camp offers the comfort of a 5-star hotel but with the romance and adventure of being surrounded by the sights and sounds of Africa.
(We suggest you remember) insect repellent (the best way to prevent malaria and other insect-borne diseases), sunscreen, cap or hat, sunglasses, binoculars, detergent powder if you want to wash some clothes yourself, hand-wipes small flashlight, aspirin, diarrhea medicine, rain jacket, poncho or collapsible umbrella, plastic bags (for wet clothes, swimsuit and for keeping dust away from camera equipment), Kleenex/toilet tissue a neck chain for eyeglasses if you take them off to use binoculars and cameras, any medical prescription you need, masking tape or labels for marking exposed films cans, film, extra camera batteries.
Although more than 200 languages and dialects are spoken throughout Africa, this presents no problem as English is spoken throughout East and Southern Africa. Apart from English, all our professional guides are multilingual so we get you covered
