Did you know the name Masai Mara isn’t just a cool-sounding name but has a poetic origin? The name Masai comes from the Maasai ethnic tribe located in the northern part of Kenya,while the name Mara means spotted. Why spotted? The land appears spotted due to the many acacia trees and shrubs that dot the vast savanna landscape.
This reserve is the crown jewel of Kenya’s wildlife safaris, boasting a breathtaking landscape of golden savannah teeming with the most iconic wildlife of nature. It is home to the Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes, and a rich diversity in flora and bird species. Heard of the Great Wildebeest Migration? It is the annual migration of wildebeest across the Mara River, which unfolds a spectacle in nature as the zebras and gazelles join in the dramatic survival dance. Aside from the wildlife, the reserve offers stunning landscapes, rich Maasai culture, and endless horizons, providing a life-changing experience in the heart of the Masai Mara.
Masai Mara National Reserve is located 225 km from Nairobi, taking approximately six hours to get to either Sekenani, Talek, or Oloolaimutia gates. If you choose to travel by air, the journey will take approximately one hour from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to a variety of airstrips like Keekorok, Kichwa Tembo, and Angama airstrips, and this will depend on the accommodation chosen.
It is one of the biggest and most prestigious conservancies, covering 320 sq km. The conservancy is community-owned, which limits the number of guests promoting exclusive safaris. It offers activities such as walking safaris, off-road game drives, and night drives, which cannot be offered in the Reserve. Some of the most luxurious safari lodges and tented camps that offer high-end services are located in this conservancy.
Home to a high density of predators is Olare Motorogi Conservancy. Large lion prides, leopards and cheetahs roam in the conservancy. The camp also offers intimate game drives that are not crowded, giving the guests an experience of off-road game drives, walking safaris, and night drives. The conservancy is a vital part of the Great Wildebeest migration route.
It is one of the best-kept secrets of the Masai Mara, covering 200 sq km. Combining its commitment to sustainable tourism and community development and engaging activities such as horseback safaris and guided walking safaris makes it an ideal destination for travelers. Naboisho Conservancy offers a balance of luxury, exclusivity, and authentic experiences.
Resting on 18,700 acres of land, Ol Kinyei Conservancy is a pristine wilderness area home to prides of lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, elephants, and thousands of wildebeest. It also offers intimate, exclusive safaris, making it a personalized experience. Enjoy night safaris and nature walks if seeking peaceful and immersive nature experiences.
Lemek Conservancy is a relatively small conservancy, rich in wildlife, and serves as a corridor for the annual wildebeest migration. It is also most likely for spotting predators, like lions and cheetahs. Due to its location, Lemek offers all-year-round game viewing. For those looking for budget-friendly lodges without compromising wildlife experiences, this conservation offers that since it is less commercialized.
Enokishu Conservancy lies in the northern part of Masai Mara and focuses on conservation, community development, and sustainability. It is known for its eco-friendly lodges, cultural tourism experiences, and educational conservation programs. While enjoying night drives, you will spot nocturnal wildlife, while during the day, you will spot birds, giraffes, herds of elephants, and zebras.
Mara Siana Conservancy is a hidden gem on the eastern side of the Masai Mara, offering stunning views and a rich variety of wildlife. For those seeking an off-the-path safari experience, this conservancy is ideal due to its less visitation, unlike other conservancies. Enjoy the night safaris, guided nature walks, and off-road game drives.
Ol Chorro Conservancy is located near the Mara River and is managed by the community, focusing on local empowerment and sustainable tourism. The conservancy ensures the community benefits from the conservation efforts. The conservancy offers a more rustic and authentic safari experience, with night safaris, cultural visits to Maasai villages, and guided bush walks. Due to its ideal location, it is easy to spot crocodiles and the Great Wildebeest Migration.
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In the heart of Masai Mara, Keekorok airstrip sits at an altitude of approximately 5,200 feet (1,585 meters). The daily flights have a typical schedule with departure at 10:00 AM and arrival at 10:00 AM. The nearest accommodation is Keekorok Lodge, a 2-minute drive or, rather, a 5-minute walk. The airstrip also serves Sekenani Camp, Mara Topi Safari Lodge, Mara Sarova Game Lodge, Ashnil Camp, and Cottars Camp.
At around 5,282 feet (1,610 meters) of altitude, Ol Kiombo drops you straight in the middle of the happening action of Masai Mara. Its casual departure time from Wilson Airport is 10:30 AM, giving it an arrival time of 11:30 AM. Ol Kiombo airstrip serves Mara Intrepids, Mara Explorer, Porini Lion Camp, Base Camp, Fig Tree Camp, Kicheche Bush Camp, but it is in close proximity to Governors’ Camp, just a 10-minute drive covering approximately 3.5 km.
5,100 feet (1,555 metres) above sea level, Musiara airstrip is closest to Governors’ Camp which is a 5-minute drive. Flights depart from the airstrip at around 11:00 AM and arrive at 12:15 PM. This airstrip also serves Moran Camp, Serian Camp, Neptune Mara Rianta Camp and Little Governors’ Camp.
Kichwa Tembo Airstrip has an altitude of 4,951 feet (1,509 meters) above sea level, serving Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, which is less than a kilometer away, taking a 2-minute drive. Touchdown is around 11:15 AM, while departure from the park is 10:00 AM. Other lodges it serves are Kilima Camp, Mpata Lodge, and Bateleur Camp.
At an altitude of 5,170 feet (1,576 meters), Serena Mara airstrip is your ideal gateway to the games and fun of wildlife in the heart of Masai Mara. Flights depart the park at around 10:00 AM and arrive in the park at 11:00 AM from Wilson Airport. From the name, the airstrip is closest to Mara Serena Safari Lodge just 2 km away, but also serves neighboring camps and lodges.
Mara North Airstrip is approximately 5,200 feet (1,585 meters) above sea level. Its casual arrival time to the reserve is 10:00 AM, and its departure time is 11:30 AM. Mara North airstrip offers a transition into the wild. The nearest accommodation is the Mara Explorer Camp, a luxury accommodation just 5 minutes away, and the airstrip also serves Saruni Mara Camp, Saruni Wild Camp, and Kicheche Mara Camp.
At an altitude of 5,400 feet (1,645 meters), Mara Ngerende Airstrip is located 2 minutes away from Ngerende Island Lodge, making it the closest to the airstrip. Flights arrive by 9:30 AM and depart at 10:30 AM. Mara Ngerende also serves Kicheche Camp, Richards Camp, Saruni Camp, and Mara Safari Camp.
Siana Springs airstrip is located 5,350 feet above sea level, offering a scenic entryway adventure. Its casual departure time from Wilson Airport is 10:00 AM, giving it an arrival time of 11:00 AM. Siana Springs airstrip is 5 minutes away from Siana Springs Tented Camp, the nearest of all it serves, including Mara Bushtop, Porini Main Camp, Leleshwa Camp, and Hemingways Mara.
Nestled 5,000 feet above sea level is Olare Orok Airstrip, located in the wildlife-rich Olare Motorogi Conservancy. Flight departure time is 10:15 AM and arrival time is 11:15 AM, with Mahali Mzuri being 10 minutes out as it is the closest, as well as Sir Richard Branson’s safari camp and lodges within the conservancy.
The Big five
Lions, Leopards, Elephants, buffalos, and Rhinos
The Great Migration
Wildebeest, Zebras, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles
Common Animals
Cheetah, Hyena, Warthog, Hippo, Crocodile and Giraffe
Antelope species
Antelope species Eland, Impala, Bushbuck and waterbuck
Bird species
Secretary bird, ostrich, vultures, crowned crane and Lilac-breasted roller.
Masai Village Visit
Hot air balloon with champagne breakfast
Cultural Dances
Bird watching
Nature walks & hiking
Game drives
Camping & picnicking
Photography
The Maasai Mara is in Narok County, located in southwestern Kenya, near the Tanzanian border. It is also part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem.
It is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, known for the Great Wildebeest Migration. It also has a high concentration of wildlife, especially the big cats.
From July to October, during the Great Migration, however, wildlife viewing is excellent all year round.
Yes, but only private conservancies next to the reserve, since they are not allowed inside the main reserve.
Yes, but due to the rough terrain, a 4x4 is required, and hiring a guide is recommended for the best experience