Masai Mara – Kenya’s Most Iconic Safari Destination

Home to one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth, the Maasai Mara is where millions of wildebeest migrate each year between July and October in search of fresh grazing.

The Great Migration

Watch magnificent wildebeest thunder across the Maasai Mara plains.

The Big Five

Spot lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo in a single game drive.

Maasai People

Meet the original guardians of the land and learn their living culture.

Mara River

Witness dramatic river crossings during the migration season.

The Great Migration in Kenya

Where Nature Moves in Millions

Home to one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth, the Maasai Mara is where millions of wildebeest migrate each year between July and October in search of fresh grazing. This ancient rhythm of survival brings drama, danger, and awe — especially when the herds face their most treacherous challenge: crossing the crocodile-filled Mara River.

The sound of pounding hooves. The spray of water. The split-second choices between life and death. Few experiences match the raw intensity of the Great Migration.

Yet the Maasai Mara is not just a seasonal stage — it’s a year-round sanctuary for wildlife. It boasts one of the highest concentrations of predators and big game in Africa. From prowling cheetahs and basking hippos to giraffes weaving through acacia trees, every game drive offers something rare and unforgettable.

The region forms part of the famed Serengeti–Mara ecosystem, straddling the border between Kenya and Tanzania. Named after the Maasai people and the Mara River that carves through it, this landscape is deeply spiritual and alive with stories.

While on safari, you’ll likely encounter Maasai communities clad in vibrant red shúkà, continuing their centuries-old traditions of cattle herding and storytelling. Our journeys offer the opportunity to connect with these stewards of the land — adding heart and heritage to your safari.

Great Migration Safari Highlights:

  • Witness millions of wildebeest and zebra charge through the Maasai Mara between July and October
  • Tick off all of the Big Five: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo
  • Experience the iconic Mara River crossings — nature’s most dramatic wildlife encounter
  • Learn about the rich heritage and cultural traditions of the Maasai people
  • Visit year-round and still encounter exceptional wildlife and breathtaking landscapes
  • Book a luxury Great Migration safari with private 4×4 game drives and expert guides


Crafted for those who long to witness something truly wild, truly rare, and forever unforgettable.
Website: www.queensafaris.com
Instagram: @queenofeastafrica
Inquiries: luxury@queensafaris.com

Let us plan your private Great Migration experience — crafted for awe, wonder, and the legacy of a lifetime.

Located along Kenya’s southwestern border, the Masai Mara is one of Africa’s most renowned safari destinations. Best known for the Great Migration, year-round sightings of the Big Five, and rich Maasai culture, it’s a top choice for travelers seeking an unforgettable wildlife experience with luxury comfort.

From July to October, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross into the Mara from the Serengeti, creating dramatic river crossings and intense predator-prey interactions. But the wildlife spectacle begins earlier—as early as January, herds start shifting toward the Mara, following fresh grazing across the plains.

 

The Maasai people, who have lived in harmony with this land for generations, add cultural richness to every visit. Guests can visit authentic Maasai villages, learn traditional customs, and experience a unique way of life that continues to thrive alongside the wild.

🌍 Recognized as one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders, the Masai Mara is a sanctuary of life, drama, and diversity.

The Reserve at a Glance

The Masai Mara covers 1,800 square kilometers of open plains, acacia woodlands, and rolling hills. It forms part of the greater Serengeti–Mara ecosystem, one of the most wildlife-rich corridors on the planet.

 

  • Its name—Mara, meaning “spotted” in the Maa language—describes the landscape dotted with trees, shrubs, and herds of animals.
    Expect to encounter:

    • Over 1 million wildebeest

       

    • 250,000 zebras

       

    • 250,000 Thomson’s gazelles

       

    • Lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, hyenas, and more

       

    470+ bird species, including 57 species of raptors

     

The Great Migration

The Masai Mara is world-famous for hosting the northern stage of the Great Migration. While the most dramatic crossings occur July–October, the movement begins much earlier. From January onward, wildebeest and zebra start migrating toward the Mara, making it a dynamic destination even outside of peak season.

At the height of migration, massive herds gather at the Mara River, where crocodiles lie in wait and predators patrol the banks—offering one of nature’s most unforgettable spectacles.

🎈 Private balloon rides book out 3–6 months in advance.

Year-Round Wildlife Encounters

The Mara is alive with wildlife in every season—not just during the migration.

Here you’ll find:

  • The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo)
  • Cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas

     

  • Giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles

     

  • A vibrant birdlife population, from storks to raptors


Its well-watered plains and high animal density make game drives here unforgettable, no matter the month.

Cultural Heritage: The Maasai People

Named after the Maasai, the reserve is a cultural heartland as much as a wildlife paradise.
As a Queen of East Africa guest, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Visit manyattas—traditional Maasai homesteads made of mud and cow dung

  • Witness the Ipid dance, where warriors leap into the air

  • Learn how the Maasai measure wealth by livestock and live in peaceful coexistence with wild animals

These experiences are authentic and respectful—guided by local communities, not commercialized shows.

How to Get to the Mara

By Air

  • 45-minute flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to airstrips like Keekorok, Ol Kiombo, Serena, Musiara, or Siana
  • By Road

    • 6-hour drive (270 km) from Nairobi via 4×4 safari vehicle

       

    • Offers scenic stops and flexibility

Best Time to Visit

  • There’s no single best time—the Mara is a year-round destination:
  • January–March: Early movement of wildebeest, lush landscapes, newborns, fewer crowds
    • July–October: Peak migration and predator action

    • November–December:
      Birding season, short rains, excellent resident game

       

    • April–May: Wettest period; some roads may be difficult to access

       

     Best camps fill fast during July–October.

Where to Stay: Our Top Lodge Picks

We partner with lodges that offer exceptional service, prime wildlife locations, and front-row views of Kilimanjaro.

Angama Amboseli – Contemporary Luxury in Kimana Sanctuary

  • Located in the private 5,700-acre Kimana Sanctuary, known for its “super tusker” elephants.
  • 10 stunning suites with uninterrupted mountain views and modern African design.
  • Infinity pool, photography studio, and tailor-made safari experiences.
  • Perfect for families, couples, and conservation-minded travelers.

Elewana Tortilis Camp – Timeless Safari Charm

  • .Nestled in an acacia grove on the park’s southwest edge, with prime elephant viewing.
  • Spacious tents with thatched roofs, a family suite, and a private house.
  • Solar-powered and community-focused, with 60% local Maasai staff.
  • Offers access to a private conservancy and exceptional guiding.

Getting to Amboseli

By Road:

  • Approx. 4.5-hour drive (220 km) from Nairobi via Emali on Mombasa Road (A109)
  • 4×4 vehicle recommended, especially during rainy months

By Air:

  • Daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and Mombasa to Amboseli Airstrip
  • Charter flights also available

Experiences to Look Forward To

  • Sunrise & sunset game drives

  • Hot air balloon safaris with champagne breakfasts

  • Cultural visits with the Maasai

  • Luxury bush dinners, sundowners, and spa treatments

  • Intimate campfires beneath the stars

 

Signature Experiences

  • Daily 4×4 game drives with expert guides
  • Close encounters with Amboseli’s iconic elephants
  • Sunrise and sunset photography with Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Walking safaris and swamp-viewing from Observation Hill
  • Cultural immersion and village visits
  • Birdwatching with over 420 species

     

Plan Your Safari

From the drama of the migration to the stillness of the savannah, the Masai Mara offers a rare blend of wildlife, wonder, and culture—all with luxury woven into every detail.

Let Queen of East Africa Luxury Tours craft your bespoke Mara journey.

Why Choose Amboseli with
Queen of East Africa

Amboseli is where giants walk, traditions are honored, and Kilimanjaro reminds you that some places are too powerful to forget.