Imagine waking up and smelling the coffee beans brewing while on safari in Kenya's most illustrious game reserve – the Maasai Mara National Reserve. In front of your private deck, millions of wildebeest and other antelope are marching into the distance. It sounds like a dream come true, right? But for those who can't get there this very minute, grab a fresh cup and let's daydream by exploring the Maasai Mara in pictures together...
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The Great Migration is in full swing as the animals cross the Mara River
When it comes to the Maasai Mara, we're less about "dipping your toe in the water" and more about taking the proverbial plunge into the action-packed show of a lifetime. Yes, the Maasai Mara becomes more action-packed than the latest blockbuster during the Great Migration! And watching them try to cross the Mara River is the epitome of this action...
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Head in the clouds... literally!
With so much to take in, our advice when visiting the Maasai Mara is to take to the sky! Head into the clouds for a bird's-eye view and alternative safari experience where land giants turn into tiny specks, and you get a true perspective of why this part of East Africa is world-renowned.
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Travel in style (and convenience) with a luxury fly-in safari
Touch down on the Maasai Mara's wild savannah just a stone's throw from your luxurious lodge. When you choose to arrive by air, your adventure begins the moment you step off the plane. Many of our favourite luxury lodges in Maasai Mara have private airstrips nearby to make this possible.
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Are zebras black with white stripes or white with black stripes?
As you take your coveted ringside seat in the Maasai Mara, nature is on full display – the good, the bad and, of course, the ugly. While some moments may leave you gasping for air, others will fill you with the most profound joy. Nature in its purest form is truly something to witness. One of our favourites is watching newborn wildlife trying to find their feet!
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Maasai Mara is a photographer's paradise
In the Maasai Mara, nothing is ever as it seems. Take this photo, for example. What looks like a lone elephant is actually so much more – from the acacia tree adorned with buffalo weaver nests and all the many other critters hiding in the background. There's always a hive of action when you stop and look closer.
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Your guide will open your eyes to a whole new world in the Maasai Mara
Most lodge reservations in and around the Maasai Mara come with incredibly insightful guides and trackers, so you don't have to worry about missing a thing. We recommend letting your guide know what's on your wish list before you head out on your game drive. Although nothing can be guaranteed in the wild, they can guide you closer to your dream safari sightings.
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It's always fun and games while mom's not watching
Calving season, usually between January and March, brings the joyful dance of new life. Watching the newborns scramble to their feet or get into mischief as they explore their world is pure magic. It also brings a delicate balance between mothers protecting their little ones and predators trying to take advantage of this new "fast food".
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There's always something new to see, even for the most experienced safari-goers
When you think you've seen it all, the Maasai Mara introduces you to another variety of antelope. Although they resemble the hartebeest, topi is slightly darker with less sharp horns. These antelope love grass, so you'll see them in large numbers across the Maasai Mara.
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Did you know the term "hippopotamus" means "river horse"?
Although hippos aren't part of the Big 5, they're powerful mammals, and the harsh terrains of the Maasai Mara are no match for them. One of my favourite things on a safari is to sit quietly, with the engine switched off and watch the interplay between the hippos as they wade through the water.
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Listen out for the different sounds and calls of the spotted hyena
After watching "The Lion King" a few (hundred) times growing up, you might think of hyenas as (quoting Scar) "idiots". However, this couldn't be further from the truth, as they are highly intelligent predators with a complex social structure and impressive hunting strategies. In the Maasai Mara, you can witness this first-hand.
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How about a cup of Kenyan coffee in the air?
Can you imagine rising with the sun on an early morning hot air balloon safari as, among others, wildebeest roam in search of the sweetest grass to graze? The goal of the Great Migration is precisely that – moving to greener grasslands as the weather pattern dictates. And seeing their journey from above is a dreamy experience.
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There's plenty to learn from the Maasai people
Attributed to the Maasai tribe, who call the area home, the Maasai Mara is one of the oldest pilgrimages in the world. Many lodges honour the Maasai heritage and encourage guests to do so by participating in cultural teachings or going on a walking safari guided by a local Maasai.
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Just like a fingerprint, no two giraffe patterns are the same
Isn't a giraffe's silhouette against the Maasai Mara's sunset the ultimate postcard image of East Africa? Despite their grace-filled posture, these towering giants can surprise you with their speed, reaching up to 60 kilometres per hour as they dash across the savannah.
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These speed machines can reach speeds up to 112 kilometres (70 miles) per hour in short bursts
Cheetahs, the speedsters of the Maasai Mara, lurk in the golden savannah, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. During the Great Migration, they turn their incredible speed into quick meals, seizing the opportunity as the herds move through their territory.
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The Maasai Mara is one of the best places to see leopards
Leopards are famously elusive, often the hardest to spot and tick off your Big 5 wishlist. But these shy predators are more common in the Maasai Mara, frequently found draped over tree branches, blending into the landscape with effortless grace.
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Lions are the loudest of the big cats and can be heard up to eight kilometres away
You'll often find lions trailing the Great Migration, particularly during calving season when there are more vulnerable snacks they can target. Their strategic following of the migration routes ensures they're always close to their next opportunity for a feast.
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Now, imagine if these could be your own memories...
Choosing the right lodge in the Maasai Mara is crucial, as some close seasonally or move with the Great Migration. Luckily, our Travel Experts know where to stay for the perfect experience. Whether you prefer lodges that follow the action or those in permanent hotspots, we ensure you’re always in the heart of the adventure.
Have You Started Packing Yet?
We love the Maasai Mara and know you will, too. Contact our Travel Experts to turn your dream East African safari into reality. We can also recommend other fantastic African destinations to add on to your holiday, from white sandy beaches on Indian Ocean Islands, gorilla trekking, and so much more, Africa is your oyster!
