The Maasai Mara is the Serengeti’s northern reach and, acre for acre, 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.
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.
Planning & cost
Private Mara safaris from $8,000 per person, all-inclusive.
Every journey is private, all-inclusive and tailor-made — your own guide and vehicle, the finest lodges, and a specialist on call throughout.
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
Endless plains, two million wildebeest and the best big-cat country in Africa.
Explore →Maasai Mara FAQs
For most guests, a conservancy — the game viewing matches the reserve, with a fraction of the vehicles plus night drives and walks. During crossing season we often combine both.
Roughly July to October, peaking August and September. Crossings are unpredictable day to day — patience and a great guide are everything.
A 45-minute scheduled flight from Nairobi Wilson airport lands you at an airstrip minutes from camp. Morning arrivals from the US connect the same day.
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