Wild Plains and Great Migrations Masai Mara

The best time to visit the Masai Mara is generally from July to October (dry season), when the Great Migration is in full swing. This period offers the best opportunities for wildlife viewing, and if you’re lucky, you may witness the dramatic river crossings (although this is not an exact science). The super-herds of wildebeest typically arrive in the Masai Mara from the Serengeti around July-August and start moving back south by October.

This is Big Cat Central — lions, cheetahs and leopards are all on the cards (and often all on the same day). You’ll have the chance to tick off the Big 5 with the addition of Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo to that big cat line-up. During migration season, add hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle into the mix.

They’re neighbours — the Mara is the northern extension of the Serengeti ecosystem, and the two share an unfenced border for wildlife. The Serengeti (in Tanzania) is larger and more remote, whilst the Mara (in Kenya) is smaller, more concentrated and easier to access. The Mara offers private conservancies where you can go night-driving and walking, which aren’t allowed inside the Serengeti.

Yes, and they’re unforgettable! You’ll drift silently over golden plains as the sun rises, watching herds below from a bird’s-eye view. The landing often ends with a champagne breakfast in the bush — because why not?

Everything from intimate camps hiding in conservancies, to luxury lodges with plunge pools and butlers. At the other end, there are bigger hotels in the busier reserve areas — but we steer you toward smaller, stylish camps that keep the wild feeling intact.

Absolutely. Families love the wildlife density — there’s rarely a dull drive — and many camps cater with family suites, kids’ activities, and flexible schedules. For honeymooners, the Mara is pure romance: candlelit dinners in the bush, hot air balloon rides, and private sundowners on endless plains.

Private conservancies border the main reserve. The upside? Fewer vehicles, more space, and extra activities like walking safaris, off-roading, and night drives, which aren’t allowed inside the reserve. Staying in a conservancy also directly supports local Maasai communities — a win for both wildlife and people.

You’ve got two options: by air or by road. A short 45-minute bush flight from Nairobi drops you straight onto an airstrip in the Mara — fast, scenic, and hassle-free. By road, it’s about a 5–6 hour drive, bumpy in parts, but a great way to see rural Kenya along the way. Many travellers fly in, then drive out for a change of scenery (and a few roadside markets en route).