The Spirit of the Wild
The Masai Mara National Reserve
is the jewel of Kenya's wildlife heritage and one of the most famous wildlife
areas on earth. Covering approximately 1,510 square kilometres of open golden
savannah, rolling grassland, riverine forest, and acacia-dotted plains in
southwestern Kenya, the Mara forms the northern extension of Tanzania's vast
Serengeti ecosystem — together protecting the largest intact savannah ecosystem
remaining on earth. The Mara is most famous internationally for the Great
Migration — one of the world's most extraordinary natural spectacles — when
over two million wildebeest, zebra, and Thomson's gazelle pour northwards
across the Mara River between July and October, often in explosive, dramatic
river crossings that represent a primordial struggle of life and death in its
most raw form. Yet the Mara's wildlife excellence extends far beyond the
migration season — year-round residents include the full Big Five, large prides
of lion, exceptional leopard and cheetah populations, African wild dog, hippo,
crocodile, and over 560 bird species. The reserve borders a ring of community
conservancies that extend and enhance its protected ecosystem. The Mara has
inspired more wildlife films and documentaries than arguably any other location
on earth, and continues to set the benchmark against which all other safari
destinations are measured.
• The Great Wildebeest Migration — one of earth's greatest wildlife spectacles
Experience the raw power and beauty of nature in its purest form.
• Year-round Big Five with exceptional lion, leopard, and cheetah
Experience the raw power and beauty of nature in its purest form.
• Mara River crossings — explosive wildebeest river battles July–October
Experience the raw power and beauty of nature in its purest form.
• Over 560 recorded bird species
Experience the raw power and beauty of nature in its purest form.
• World's most documented and studied lion populations
Experience the raw power and beauty of nature in its purest form.
• Numerous world-class luxury camps and lodges
Experience the raw power and beauty of nature in its purest form.
• Surrounding conservancies offering even more exclusive experiences
Experience the raw power and beauty of nature in its purest form.
When to Embark?
Temperate African days and crisp, star-filled nights await your arrival.
The absolute best window for clear vistas and peak predator sightings.
The Magnitude of Herds
Everything here follows the ancient rhythm of the rains and the golden grass.
Lion
Ancient inhabitant of the Masai Mara National Reserve wilderness.
Elephant
Ancient inhabitant of the Masai Mara National Reserve wilderness.
Leopard
Ancient inhabitant of the Masai Mara National Reserve wilderness.
Rhino
Ancient inhabitant of the Masai Mara National Reserve wilderness.
Buffalo
Ancient inhabitant of the Masai Mara National Reserve wilderness.
Cheetah
Ancient inhabitant of the Masai Mara National Reserve wilderness.
Giraffe
Ancient inhabitant of the Masai Mara National Reserve wilderness.
Zebra
Ancient inhabitant of the Masai Mara National Reserve wilderness.
Wildebeest
Ancient inhabitant of the Masai Mara National Reserve wilderness.
Hippo
Ancient inhabitant of the Masai Mara National Reserve wilderness.
Flamingo
Ancient inhabitant of the Masai Mara National Reserve wilderness.
Geographic Heart
Lat: -1.5 • Lng: 35.15
Locate the Soul
Nestled within Kenya, the Masai Mara National Reserve represents one of the most significant ecosystems on our planet.
Our Curated Safaris
8 Day-Masai Mara & Zanzibar: The Signature Ultra-Luxury Safari & Beach Experience
An unrivalled 8-day journey through Africa's most iconic landscapes, blending the sweeping golden savannahs of Kenya's Masai Mara with the turquoise splendour of Zanzibar’s private shores. Experience the Great Migration from an exclusive hot air balloon and unwind in overwater bungalows with personalized butler service.
3-Day Masai Mara Fly-In Safari with Governors Camp
A fast-paced, luxury fly-in safari to the iconic Masai Mara, staying at the legendary Governors' Camp on the banks of the Mara River — perfect for travellers short on time but high on expectations.
8-Day Safari & Island Escape – Masai Mara & Zanzibar
The perfect East Africa combination: front-row seats to the Great Migration in Kenya's Masai Mara, followed by a Zanzibar island retreat through historic Stone Town and a pristine northeast coast beach resort.
10-Day Luxury Kenya & Tanzania Safari
This extraordinary ten-day luxury journey spans six iconic destinations across Kenya and Tanzania, including Lake Nakuru, the Masai Mara, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire. Guided by expert naturalists, guests experience Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles while staying in world-class lodges and tented camps.
Where to Stay
Mara Plains Camp
Owned by Great Plains Conservation, the camp features a design that pays homage to East African Swahili heritage, with large wooden doors from Lamu and deep red accents. It is one of the few camps in the Mara that offers total exclusivity within a massive private conservancy while remaining within striking distance of the main reserve's migration crossing points.
Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp
Established in 1919, Cottar’s is the oldest established safari family in Africa. The camp transports guests back to the 1920s with white canvas tents, authentic antiques, and silver-service dining. It offers a rare combination of high-end romance and serious conservation, providing an exclusive alternative to the busier parts of the main Mara reserve.
Amani Mara Camp
Amani Mara features 10 uniquely designed "African-style" cabins that blend salvaged eucalyptus and olive wood with modern luxury. The architecture is intended to create a "perfect symbiosis" with nature. Each suite is river-facing with private viewing decks, and the entire property is powered by solar energy, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability.
Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
&Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is a world-renowned safari destination offering a quintessential Masai Mara experience. Known for its warm Kenyan hospitality, the camp features contemporary glass-and-canvas tents that provide stunning views of the plains or the forest. Its strategic location allows for easy access to the Mara River for Great Migration crossings, while the camp itself offers a tranquil retreat with a rim-flow swimming pool that seems to disappear into the horizon of the Mara.
Essential FAQ
Visual Odyssey
