Ultimate Guide to Maasai Mara Safari (2025)
Maasai Mara Safari is one of the best ways to experience wildlife, not only in Kenya but also in all of Africa. This place is popular for its big open plains, rich wildlife, and the opportunity to experience the Great Migration, which is when millions of wildebeest and other animals cross the plains.
Nevertheless, there is a lot to do and see throughout the year in the Maasai Mara. The objective is to guide you through everything you need to know to have a memorable Maasai Mara Safari.
Whether you want to enjoy a Maasai Mara safari tour in luxury style or try a guided nature walk, get ready to pack your bags, because this guide will get you excited and ready to go. Keep reading to find out what Maasai Mara has for you.
Why visit Maasai Mara?
When it comes to seeing wild animals in Africa, the Maasai Mara is one of the top places that offers such an experience. When you get on a Maasai Mara safari, you will see large open lands full of animals like wildebeest and zebras. Plus, since it is home to more big animals than anywhere else in the world, you won’t miss spotting big animals like elephants.
Apart from viewing wildlife, you will find community-run conservancies, group ranches, and Maasai villages where you can meet locals and learn about their culture. Therefore, there’s a peaceful and exciting experience awaiting you.
Best time to visit the Maasai Mara
One thing about Maasai Mara is that at any time of the year, there’s always something exciting to see. Most visits to Maasai Mara are to experience the Great Migration, which happens from July to October. During this time, over a million wildebeest and other animals moved from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara. However, this period is when most people travel to Maasai Mara, which means you will experience a lot of crowds. So if you want a quieter experience, it’s best to try going in a different season.
If your bucket list includes seeing predators, then between January and March is the best time to go. This season is called lion season, and it’s the time when many baby animals are born. Another thing is that you will experience these predators in action due to the grass being shorter and the animals being easier to see.
Lastly, another season to look out for is the green season, which is from March to May. You will find cute baby animals everywhere, and yes, you might see more action from predators. Bird lovers also enjoy this season, as many colourful birds arrive during this time. These times are considered the cheapest because fewer tourists visit.
Maasai Mara safari activities
The activities you will engage in at Maasai Mara depend on what your safari camp or lodge offers for their guests. There are several interesting activities you will find, including swimming in a private pool, spa treatment, a picnic in the bush, or visiting a nearby Maasai village. However, some of the activities you will find may require additional charges (meaning they are not part of your package). Nevertheless, you will find something fun and amazing to do.
Types of Maasai Mara Safari Experiences
1. Luxury Safari
This is a Maasai Mara safari experience where you enjoy the wild while having all the comforts you want. The experience starts by staying in a high-end lodge that offers luxury experiences such as spa treatments, swimming pools, good food, and private game drives. Luxury safaris are set up in a way to make sure everything is handled for you. You just need to relax and enjoy wildlife at your own pace.
2. Mobile Safari
A mobile safari in Maasai Mara is when your camp moves with you as you explore different parts of the park. This kind of safari experience is best for people who want adventure and a more real feel of being in the wild. It is usually cheaper than staying in a lodge, but you will still have some basic comforts. Plus, you get to sleep close to nature, something the luxury safari cannot offer.
3. Self-Drive Safari
When you want a bit of freedom and explore Maasai Mara on your own, the self-drive safari packages are what give such an experience. It’s a bit of freedom because you will still need guidance to navigate through the Maasai Mara and have an authentic experience. A self-driving safari involves renting a 4×4 vehicle and then driving it through the Maasai Mara reserve. No boring group tour, you get to decide when to move and stop whenever something interesting catches your eye.
4. Walking Safari
A walking safari is next in line to give you the experience of wildlife up close. It involves exploring the park on foot with trained guides. Unlike driving in a car, you will easily notice animals, plants, and small details like animal tracks while walking on foot. It usually involves a small number of people walking together and a guide who knows around and makes sure everyone is safe. Plus, you would be able to explore places where cars cannot pass.
5. Balloon Safari
Seeing the Great Migration is one thing, and seeing it over a hot air balloon ride is one experience that can’t be explained with words. The hot air balloon ride starts early in the morning, so you can have all the unique views of the landscape and wildlife as soon as possible. It is one of the best ways to see the wildebeest migration, as well as predators such as lions, cheetahs and leopards.
6. Horse Riding Safari
Horse riding is another fun way to explore the Maasai Mara wildlife up close. Horse ride safaris are organised in nearby private conservancies like Olerai, where you can still have a feel of nature and enjoy the open plains. The horse riding sessions include morning and afternoon sessions, which both include feeding (breakfast and drinks at sunset). Trained rangers will be available to guide you, and you will also have safety gear, including proper saddles and helmets. While it lasts for 2 hours, you will surely enjoy the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Maasai Mara safe to visit?
Kenya is one of the safest countries in East and Central Africa. Therefore, Maasai Mara also shares this feature, even though it is far from city areas. So, you don’t have to worry much as Maasai Mara is well-managed and has good security to make sure everything is in place. Plus, not being close to busy city areas makes it naturally peaceful and safe.
If you’re more concerned about wildlife danger, then we want you to know it’s very rare for animals to attack visitors. Camps and lodges have guards who work day and night to keep the area safe. Plus, the guides are usually local guides who know the appropriate tips to show you how to stay safe and view animals.
2. What is the cost to enter the Maasai Mara Reserve?
At the time of writing this article, international visitors are charged a fee of $100 for adults and $50 for children, and the ticket is valid for 24 hours. Visitors who reside in Kenya are charged a fee of KES 1,000 for adults and KES 300 for children or students.
If you’re with a vehicle (personal or rented), you will be charged a fee of KES 400 for cars with less than 6 seats, and KES 1,000 for those with 6 to 12 seats, and the ticket is valid for 24 hours. Before going on a Maasai Mara Safari, make sure to verify the updated cost. Read more about the Maasai Mara park cost.
3. Are children allowed on a Maasai Mara safari?
Yes, children of all ages are welcome to have a Maasai Mara safari. Come along with them; it will be a great experience.
4. Is there mobile network coverage at Maasai Mara?
Safaricom and Airtel are the internet service providers that offer good network coverage at the Maasai Mara. Therefore, be assured that you will stay connected on the safari. Plus, many camps and lodges have free Wi-Fi and computers for guests. However, some remote parts of the reserve may have a weak or no signal.