This guide will look at the things to do in Masai Mara to create the most favorable memories. Kenya is well known for its magnificent safaris, and one of its most breathtaking destinations is the Masai Mara National Reserve. It is located in the Great Rift Valley, southwest of Kenya, about an hour’s drive from Nairobi (280 km), making it the perfect destination for a few days’ safaris.
A Brief History of the Masai Mara National Reserve
So, let’s start with some history about the Masai Mara. The reserve was initially established as a wildlife sanctuary. In 1961, during the colonial period in Kenya, Masai Mara was expanded to include a more significant number of wildlife inhabitants and acted as a wildlife corridor to the Mara from Serengeti.
After that, the respective local county councils, Narok and Trans Mara, were assigned responsibility for managing the east and west sides of the reserve, respectively. The western side of the reserve includes the Mara Triangle.
Many consider the reserve one of the world’s premier wildlife sanctuaries, known for its famous wildebeest migration. Masai refers to the local community inhibiting in the area, while Mara means “spotted” in the Maa language.
It describes the tree-dotted (spotted) views of the reserve. There are spectacular wildlife collections, stunning landscapes, endless open spaces, great year-round weather, and internationally renowned accommodations.
From exclusive luxury camps and safaris to inexpensive camping options, everything is going well in Masai Mara when visiting an incredible African destination.
When more than a million wild animals migrated north from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara, thousands of travelers came especially to observe the world-famous annual wildebeest migration.
The reserve is part of a larger ecosystem, including the adjacent Serengeti National Park (located in northern Tanzania). Serengeti covers an area of approximately 25,000 square kilometers, which is equivalent to 9,700 square miles. Although the Serengeti is adjacent to the Masai Mara in the south, the Sirius Cliff is in the west, and the open savanna grasslands are in the north and east of the reserve.
The two main rainy seasons typical of Kenya also apply to the Masai Mara: April to May and September to November. Although the rainy season is short, it is accompanied by hours of sunshine. The reserve’s terrain usually includes open grasslands and rolling hills, with the non-seasonal Mara River (migration crossing point) and seasonal rivers in between.
Some basic geographic data are as follows:
Altitude: about 1,480-2,280 m. (4,900–7,200 feet);
precipitation: 85 mm (3.4 inches) per month;
temperature range: 12–31 °C (54–87 °F)
Things to Do in Masai Mara National Reserve
Many tourists visit Masai Mara on a three-day trip, but I think you should spend at least four to five days there. There are so many things to explore in Masai Mara National Reserve that I promise you won’t get bored. The vast reserve covers an area of about 1,510 sq km, equivalent to 580 sq miles. As you can see, you need to have ample time to explore and enjoy this breathtaking Masai Mara safari.
#1. Hot Air Balloon
A hot-air balloon safari is one of the most breathtaking experiences that should be on your bucket list. Flying over the Masai Mara in a hot-air balloon is probably the most incredible way to see this extraordinary landscape and create unforgettable memories.
From the air, you can better understand the area and enjoy the beauty of the Masai Mara. Three companies operate hot air balloons: Governor’s Camp, The Hot Air Balloon, and the Ship Company.
Though it can be a bit scary, you can enjoy the tranquility of a hot-air balloon ride as you float on the plains and observe the wildlife below. Admire the forests and rivers of the Masai Mara in a truly unique experience while letting yourself be blown away by the breeze.
You will fly for about an hour to admire some beautiful sights and have enough time to take many photos and videos. Offered on many trips and following the hot air ballooning tradition, you will enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush. When you return to the ground, a Hot air balloon is among the best things to do in Masai Mara.
#2. Eighth Wonder of the World – Wildebeest Migration
One of nature’s most spectacular wildlife events and the eighth wonder of the world, the wildebeest migration is a large-scale migration of more than one million animals, including wildebeest, antelope, zebra, and lions, and other big cats, from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara.
Migration is a clockwise movement that lasts for a year. It occurs in many places, including the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya, and is affected by climate, grasses, mating cycles, and birth. Experiencing the wildebeest migration is among the best things to do in the Masai Mara.
#3. Game Drives
The best way to explore Masai Mara is by taking game drives. This is an adventurous journey by a 4 x 4 open-roof safari vehicle to the reserve’s wildlife area. The purpose is to explore it and see all kinds of wild animals in their natural habitat. The morning drive is the most exciting one as you get to observe the sunrise in the African skyline and catch the animals in their best gear as they look for food of the day in shiny savannah grassland.
The evening game drives are dazzling, usually from 4 to 6 pm. You, as the animal, look for dinner while the crocodiles sunbathe on the banks of the Mara River. Walking at night is also a curiosity for many Maasai Mara visitors.
Please note that night tours are not allowed in the central Masai Mara National Reserve and can only be carried out in private or group reserves that border the central reserve. Business hours are from 7 pm to 9 pm, and tours can only be conducted under the guidance of trained rangers. You may have to pay additional fees. Enjoying game drives is among the best things to do in Masai Mara.
#4. Nature Walks
During your stay, hiking is a great way to get to the Masai Mara. Enjoy the fun of exploring the area on foot with a trained guide. Since you are no longer riding a custom-designed safari, you will enjoy more excitement while exploring the Masai Mara in search of marvelous wildlife. This way, you experience the reserve better and integrate with the Maasai, the local community.
Possibly the most iconic individual tribe in Africa, the Maasai are a nomadic people and traditionally live by raising cattle. The Maasai were originally a Nile ethnic group. They are said to have migrated from the semi-arid Nile Valley north of Lake Turkana centuries ago and lived near Maasai Mara and most of the Great Rift Valley. The Maasai people have their unique nomadic culture and lifestyle, not to mention their traditional “shukas” or brightly colored or red coats.
The safaris are safe, as the game rangers are well-trained and equipped with guns. They guide you on trails that are less utilized by wildlife. You get a close experience with animals like antelopes, giraffes, buffalos, and elephants.
What Animals Are in Masai Mara
In short, the wildlife of the Masai Mara is considered one of the best collections of wildlife in the world. With almost 90 species of mammals and more birds, the Maasai Mara and the surrounding Da Mara ecosystem are rich in wild animals. Tourists from all over the world come to watch the African Safari Park.
We ranked wild animals on a list of general mammals, including the famous Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, and buffalo), Big Nine, cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, and zebras.
Maasai Mara nearest airport
Due to its location, there is no airport close enough to Masai Mara National Reserve, but there are several gravel runways within the region. Keekorok Airstrip, once the only paved airstrip in the park, is now converted into a high-standard gravel runway.
Together with Serena Airstrip, it is one of the region’s leading and most famous airstrips. Two daily flights leave Nairobi for Masai Mara, each stopping on several runways. Several airlines operate on this route, including Kenya Airways, Safari Link, and Governors Aviation Air.
The nearest international airport to Masai Mara is the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, which can be reached in one hour by plane.
Passengers should know which airstrip in Masai Mara to use when booking a flight. There are nearly a dozen airstrips in Masai Mara, including community wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife ranches around the main sanctuary.
It would be best to fly to the airstrip closest to your residence to avoid unnecessary long transfers, which are also quite expensive. Some of the more common airstrips include Keekorok (code KEU), Siana, Kichwa Tembo (code KTJ), Musiara (code MDR), Ol Kiombo (code OLX), and Serena (code MRE) airstrips.
You can also check out fun things to do in Nairobi on this website.
