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Plan Your Trip to Maasai Mara National Reserve: Best of Maasai Mara National Reserve Tourism

By kazufuji12

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Maybe your local zoo has lions, leopards, zebras or elephants. Maybe they even have wildebeest. But we bet they don't have 1.3 million wildebeest—never mind 1.3 million wildebeest in migration, with predators in hot pursuit. It's one of the most awesome sights in nature, and you can see it at Masai Mara in southwestern Kenya.

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Maasai Mara National Reserve travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travelers ask in the forums.

Flight Options

According to forum posts, flights from Eldoret to Maasai Mara involve a transfer at Nairobi-Wilson Airport, with carriers like Fly540, Safarilink, and Air Kenya serving this route. Some travelers suggest checking with carriers directly for availability. Additionally, direct flights from Nairobi to Maasai Mara are mentioned, operated by airlines such as Safarilink.

Driving Options

For travelers considering driving, a road trip from Nairobi to Maasai Mara is feasible. The road up to Sekenani Gate is tarred and generally in good condition, making it accessible by vehicles like a RAV4. However, some users noted that the road from Narok to Maasai Mara can be variable in quality.

Alternative Routes

Travelers have called out other routes involving longer drives or combinations of driving and flying. For instance, driving from Nairobi to Maasai Mara and then flying back to Nairobi is an option explored by some, offering a blend of scenic road travel and the convenience of air travel.

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General Consensus

According to forum posts, the best time to witness the migration in Maasai Mara is generally between July and October. Many users suggest that from late July to September, you can expect to see the migration at its peak.

Specific Recommendations

Some travelers said that late July to mid-August is considered the best period to witness the migration, particularly the dramatic river crossings. However, it's noted that these events can be highly unpredictable and are dependent on annual weather conditions.

Accommodation Tips

Travelers have called out that securing accommodations during the migration season can be challenging due to high demand. Early booking is recommended to ensure availability, particularly if you want to stay close to the Mara River, where the crossings occur.

Additional Insights

For many users, visiting during the peak of the migration in August offers a higher chance of witnessing river crossings, though there are no guarantees due to nature's unpredictability.

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Differences in Migration Experience

According to forum posts, the Mara River crossings, a highlight of the wildebeest migration, are more dramatic and frequently photographed along the Mara River's banks compared to the Sand River. Some travelers noted that while the Sand River sees crossings, the iconic scenes are often captured at the steeper banks of the Mara River.

Accommodation and Viewing Opportunities

Travelers have called out differences in accommodation options and wildlife viewing between various parts of the Maasai Mara. The central Mara Reserve, including areas like Governor’s Camp, is noted for good river crossing views. In contrast, private conservancies surrounding the reserve offer more exclusive experiences with fewer crowds and are sometimes recommended for a more intimate experience with nature.

Seasonal Considerations

For many users, the timing of visits also impacts the experience. The central areas of the reserve are generally busier during the peak migration months (July to October), while the conservancies offer a quieter experience but still allow for access to the reserve’s main attractions under certain conditions.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maasai Mara National Reserve

We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in Maasai Mara National Reserve, which include:

Maasai Mara National Reserve is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:


If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Maasai Mara National Reserve between March and May, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between September and November.