Masai Mara Safari

Plan Your Trip: Masai Mara Safari Packages, Great Migration, Safari Lodges, and When to Go

The Masai Mara National Reserve is the most popular safari destination in Kenya, thanks to its large diversity of beautiful scenery. Meandering rivers, towering escarpments, and rolling grasslands provide the perfect habitat for an abundance of game, including the Big 5: lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and black rhino.

Game viewing here is spectacular at any time of year, but the big attraction is the Great Migration. From approximately June to November, thousands upon thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and more cross into the Masai Mara chasing the seasonal rains. Luxurious mobile camps change location throughout the year to follow the Great Migration and find the best position for wildlife viewing. There are also countless permanent, tented-style safari camps in the Mara, which may have 4 solid walls and a tented roof, or a permanent structure with canvas walls.

We recommend staying at a safari lodge in a private concession adjoining the Mara. This way, you can access dramatic Great Migration river crossings (where you’re likely to see several other vehicles since the national park is open to everyone). But you can also leave the crowds behind to explore more exclusive wilderness areas.

Outside of the Great Migration months, the Masai Mara National Reserve still boasts an exceptional safari experience, with grazers and predators found in large numbers on the open plains. Authentic cultural interactions with local Maasai tribe members are also on offer at nearly every safari lodge in the area.

Learn about more must-see places in Kenya here. Choose one of our Masai Mara safari packages or contact our Kenya safari experts to start planning your handcrafted trip to the Masai Mara and beyond!

Best Time for a Masai Mara Safari

Masai Mara National Reserve is an extremely seasonal safari destination. The best time to go depends on what you most want to see. The cost for Masai Mara safari lodges is at a premium during the peak months of June to November.

June to November: Best time for Great Migration safaris

July to August: Best time to see a river crossing

November to March: Light rainy season; good wildlife viewing with few crowds

April to May: Heavy rainy season; roads turn to mud and many camps are closed

Sample Vacations

22 days

Ultimate East Africa Safari: Kenya, Tanzania, and Gorillas

Discover some of Africa’s most famous, sought-after wildlife experiences on this bucket list East Africa safari. See rare rhinos and the Big 5 in Kenya, witness the Great Migration of wildebeest, track endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, and much more. This is a trip you’ll remember for life!

13 days

Classic Kenya Luxury Safari Package

Witness the Great Migration; experience safaris on horseback, camelback, or in a fixed-wing plane; and enjoy authentic interactions with local Maasai guides on this luxury Kenya safari.

18 days

Safari and Beach Package: Kenya, Tanzania, and Pemba Island

Discover adventure and luxury in East Africa’s most breathtakingly beautiful regions. Walk with the Maasai in the Chyulu Hills; witness the Great Migration; soak up views of Ngorongoro Crater from your luxury lodge; and enjoy 5 days of beach bliss on beautiful Pemba Island.

18 days

Masai Mara Safari Packages: Great Migration and Beach Vacation

This is the ultimate East African adventure! Embark on a Great Migration safari in the Masai Mara and the Serengeti; indulge the senses at Gibb’s Farm, Ngorongoro Crater; and cap it all off with 4 nights at a luxurious island resort.

14 days

East African Safari: Kenya and Tanzania Luxury Tour

This luxurious Great Migration safari takes you to the top highlights and hidden gems of Kenya and Tanzania. Enjoy unbelievable wildlife sightings in the Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and beyond while staying in Africa’s best 5-star safari lodges!

10 days

Luxury Great Migration Tour: Kenya and Tanzania

With this Luxury Great Migration Tour, witness the Great Migration in style. Stay in luxury lodges in Kenya and Tanzania for an unforgettable wildlife safari.

15 days

Africa Tour: Luxury Safari, Victoria Falls, and Cape Town

This Africa Tour takes you to safaris in Kenya and South Africa, plus Victoria Falls and lovely Cape Town.

11 days

Luxury Kenya Vacation Packages: Classic Big 5 Safari

Discover a classic Big 5 safari in Kenya with unique touches. Enjoy luxury stays in some of Kenya’s best wildlife viewing regions, from the Amboseli to the Maasai Mara!

10 days

Kenya Birthday Trip: Giraffe Manor and Masai Mara Safari

The ultimate birthday trip and bucket list safari! Stay at the exclusive Giraffe Manor, witness the Great Migration, see rare white and black rhinos, and discover some of Kenya’s hidden gems. Throughout your journey, enjoy luxury safari lodges that embody classic African safari.

7 days

Out of Africa Adventure: Luxury Kenya Safari

Experience the romance and adventure of Out of Africa in real life. Visit 2 of Kenya’s most luxurious safari lodges for an old world-style African safari.

11 days

Kenya Walking Safari: A Walk in the Wild Travel Package

This trip is for the intrepid explorer who wants to go far off the beaten path! Enjoy unique, multi-day walking safaris in the remote wilderness of Kenya, then cap it off with a luxury safari camp in the famed Maasai Mara.

12 days

Great Migration Tour: Kenya and Tanzania

Follow the action of one of Africa’s most incredible natural phenomena: the Great Migration of 2 million wildebeest and other grazers across the vast plains of the Serengeti.

10 days

Luxury Honeymoon Safari: Kenya

Visit the most remote and romantic safari camps in Kenya, plus a beach paradise, with this Luxury Honeymoon Safari package.

8 days

Luxury Air Safari: Kenya Adventure Package

Embark on a Kenya wildlife safari, VIP-style! See highlights like the Masai Mara and Amboseli, plus the wild and rarely-touristed Tsavo National Park. Travel in luxurious comfort on chartered flights from park to park.