Close your eyes and visualise an African safari. Most likely, an image of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya would pop into your mind. Think flat-topped acacia trees dotting vast savannah. Real "Out of Africa" stuff. A realm of diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and profound cultural heritage, there's a reason it's so famous. We explore some of our favourite things to do when visiting the Maasai Mara in East Africa.
Sip and savour every second in the savannah, Image Credit: Great Plains Mara Expedition Camp
Our Favourite Experiences in the Maasai Mara
Located in the southwestern corner of Kenya, the Maasai Mara shares an open border with Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, creating a stage for one of nature's most spectacular shows: the Great Wildebeest Migration. Each year, millions of wildebeest and zebras brave the Mara River's treacherous waters, facing predators and currents in their quest for survival.
But there's so much more to the Maasai Mara than the Great Migration. Whether you're chasing the world's most surreal sunsets, looking for something to spike your adrenaline, or looking forward to your very first safari, the Maasai Mara will deliver... and then some! Here are some of our favourite things to do when visiting this classic East African safari destination.
Early Morning and Afternoon Game Drives
Game drives in the Maasai Mara offer the quintessential safari experience: action-packed wildlife encounters at sunrise and sunset. Explore the vast savannah in open vehicles, feeling like a true explorer as you spot everything from elephants and giraffes to the elusive big cats. Don't forget to look up, as an incredible 450 bird species make the Maasai Mara their home.
As the day draws to a close, bask in golden light and share a toast with a safari sunset staple: a gin and tonic. This sundowner drink just tastes better on safari. If you know, you know. If you don't, you're in for a treat!
Meet creatures big and small on your Maasai Mara game drives, Image Credit: Encounter Mara
Night Game Drives
Exclusive to selected conservancies and lodges, night safaris reveal a different side of the Maasai Mara. As the night pulls on its coat of darkness, you drive into the world of all the nocturnal creatures and predators as they emerge under a star-studded sky.
This is an experience guaranteed to ignite your sense of wonder and get your heart rate up! It almost feels like Africa takes on a different persona at night, and learning about its secrets is fascinating.
Head out after dark on a night safari, Image Credit: Mara Toto
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Glide silently above the Maasai Mara at dawn, watching the landscape transition from shadowy blues to vibrant golds. This unique vantage point might even reward you with views of dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration. End with a champagne breakfast in the bush – a touch of luxury amidst the wild.
Float up, up, and away, Image Credit: Tom Harding | Saruni Mara
Cultural Encounters
The Maasai people, with their vibrant attire and deep-rooted traditions, offer visitors a chance to connect with the region's cultural heartbeat. Guided village visits provide an authentic look into their pastoral lifestyle and relationship with the land.
Learn more about local beading crafts, Image Credit: Angama Mara
Big Cat Safaris
Renowned for its dense lion population, the Maasai Mara also shelters cheetahs and leopards. With some luck, you might spot all three on a single drive. Conservation efforts within private conservancies ensure sustainable tourism, offering exclusive and intimate wildlife encounters.
Meet the big cats of the African bush, like lions! Image Credit: Great Plains
Walking Safaris
Step away from the vehicle and immerse yourself in the Maasai Mara's subtler wonders on a guided walking safari. Learn to track wildlife, appreciate the flora, and connect deeply with the rhythm of nature.
We love walking safaris because it's almost like meditation, quieting your mind but also keeping you on high alert. Your guide will also share fascinating local stories and teach you about plant life, wildlife, and bird species.
Discover nature like the explorers of old, by going on a walking safari in Africa, Image Credit: Cottar's 1920s Camp
When to Visit the Maasai Mara
The best time to explore the Masai Mara mostly depends on what you hope to experience. The Great Migration's peak season runs from June to October, when wildlife is at its most dynamic.
However, the quieter months from January to March offer warm, dry weather and fewer crowds, allowing for a more serene safari experience. Our Travel Experts will guide you towards the very best time to suit what you wish to experience while in Kenya.
Picture yourself right here, Image Credit: Angama Mara
Planning Your Maasai Mara Journey
We believe every safari experience should be as unique as the guest embarking on it. At Rhino Africa, our Travel Experts are dedicated to tailoring your Maasai Mara adventure to match your wildest safari dreams.
Whether it's witnessing the migration's dramatic river crossings, soaring in a hot air balloon, or meeting the Maasai people, we'll curate an experience as bespoke as it's extraordinary.
Ready to discover the Maasai Mara? Let's start planning today!
