The Maasai Mara is the Serengeti’s northern reach and, acre for acre, some of the richest big-cat country on the continent. From July to October the migration masses here and the Mara River crossings draw the world — but the Mara is magnificent in any month.
The real secret is the private conservancies bordering the reserve — Maasai-owned land where vehicle numbers are capped and off-road driving, night drives and walking are allowed. We place most guests there: the wildlife is the same, the experience is transformed.
Highlights of Maasai Mara
The river crossings
July to October — wildebeest braving the Mara River’s crocodiles in their thousands.
Explore The river crossings →The private conservancies
Naboisho, Olare Motorogi, Mara North — exclusive traversing, night drives and walking.
Explore The private conservancies →Big cats every day
The Mara’s lion prides, cheetah on the open plains and leopard along the river lines.
Balloon over the Mara
Dawn flight over the plains, champagne breakfast on landing.
Recommended lodges & camps in Maasai Mara
Where you stay shapes your whole safari. These are properties we know personally and return to again and again — chosen for their location, their guiding and the way they make you feel. Tell us which appeal and we'll build your journey around them.
These are a few of our favorites — we work with many more across every price point. Have a specific lodge in mind? Tell us in your enquiry and we'll secure it.
Best time to visit
Migration season and the river crossings. Book camps 9–12 months ahead.
Dry, green and quiet — superb big-cat viewing without the crowds.
Short rains — dramatic skies, newborn gazelle and excellent value.
In the rainy months many of these same camps drop their rates by 20–40% — emerald landscapes, newborn wildlife, superb birding and far fewer vehicles. Peak season isn't the only great season: tell us your budget and we'll show you what the green season buys.
Planning & cost
Fully tailor-made — priced privately to your camps, season and travel style. No fixed packages.
Every journey is private and tailor-made — your own guide and vehicle, the finest lodges, and a specialist on call throughout.
Everything else,
answered before you ask
The practical details that apply to every safari we plan — so this page is the only one you need.
Money & tipping
US dollars are accepted at virtually every camp, and cards work at lodges and city hotels. Your trip is fully inclusive, so cash is mainly for tips: plan on roughly $10–20 per guest per day for your guide and $10–15 for camp staff, handed over at the end of each stay. We send exact guidance with your final documents.
Health & safety
See a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure for routine shots and malaria advice (most safari regions require prophylaxis; parts of South Africa are malaria-free). Camps are remote but professionally run, with radio contact and evacuation cover — we require travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation.
Staying connected
Nearly all lodges have Wi-Fi in the main areas (often in-tent too), and an eSIM from your US carrier covers the cities. Expect to be offline on game drives — most guests come to see that as the point. Family back home can always reach you through us, day or night.
What to pack
Soft duffel bags only (light aircraft cap luggage around 33 lb / 15 kg), neutral-colored layers for cold mornings and warm afternoons, and binoculars. Laundry is included at almost every camp, so pack for 4–5 days no matter the trip length.
Full packing list →
Continue exploring
Kenya
The Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu and the Great Migration.
Explore → ExperienceThe Great Migration
Two million wildebeest on the move between the Serengeti and the Mara.
Explore → TanzaniaSerengeti National Park
The Serengeti — endless plains, two million wildebeest and some of Africa’s finest big-cat country.
Explore → RegionEastern Africa
The Great Migration, the Rift Valley and the gorillas — Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.
Explore →Maasai Mara FAQs
Getting to Kenya — flights, visas and health
Current at the time of writing. We re-confirm every requirement for your exact routing before you travel — and we will tell you what to apply for, and when.
Let's design your Maasai Mara journey.
Tell us how you like to travel and our experts will craft your private, tailor-made itinerary — no obligation.
Enquire now