Masai Mara

The Masai Mara is, quite simply, one of the most iconic safari destinations in the world. Its rolling grasslands and acacia-dotted plains are home to extraordinary year-round wildlife. And, of course, from July to October the Mara hosts the Great Migration — over a million wildebeest and zebra surging north from the Serengeti, in search of seasonal grasses and permanent water, braving the crocodile-filled Mara River in one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles. See our Insiders Guide to the Migration below.

Yet the Mara is not only about the migration. Resident wildlife is prolific year-round: prides of lion lazing under acacias, cheetah scanning the plains, leopard slipping through riverine forests. Elephant, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, and crocodile are constants here. Whether it’s January or August, the Mara never disappoints.

But while the National Reserve draws the crowds, the real secret lies just beyond its borders. The private conservancies surrounding the Mara offer an entirely different experience — one designed for travellers who want exclusivity, intimacy, and depth of understanding.

The case for Mara Conservancies

Mara Conservancies are vast tracts of wilderness leased from Maasai communities. Here, wildlife moves freely between the reserve and the conservancies, but the number of guests and vehicles is strictly limited. The result? You can spend hours on a game drive without encountering another vehicle — a rare luxury in the Mara ecosystem.

These private conservancies also offer what the National Reserve cannot: guided bush walks, night drives, and the chance to connect meaningfully with Maasai culture. Many lodges work closely with local communities, so a stay directly supports conservation and livelihoods. For many of our guests, this sense of giving back is part of the experience.

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Where to Stay - Choosing between the (many) Masai Mara Camps

It’s true that the Mara can be exceptionally busy in peak season. If you want to try to see the spectacle of the Masai Mara wildebeest migration crossing the rivers, don’t expect to be alone! (River crossings are not guaranteed as I depends on a multitude of factors.) Some Masai Mara camps stake their reputation on their location being close to the Mara River. But then game-viewing will be busier.

But there are lodges within the park which are more secluded than others. Similarly, smaller, owner-run tented camps in the conservancies — from understated luxury to ultra-private villas — provide the seclusion and service that you value. Whether it’s sundowners with no one else in sight, a walking safari with an expert guide, or dining under the stars with the sounds of the bush around you, the conservancies deliver the essence of safari at its most personal.

Of course, a day trip into the National Reserve during migration season can easily be arranged — so you enjoy the best of both worlds: the epic drama of the river crossings and the serene, crowd-free intimacy of conservancy life. But many clients actually prefer the conservancy game-viewing.

Your ideal safari camp will depend on your interests, time of year and of course budget. Discuss your preferences with us so we can help you make the right choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to see the Great Migration in the Masai Mara?
July to October, when the herds cross the Mara River. But increasingly we are recommending the Mara out of peak season as there is plenty of resident game and the park is quieter.

Are the Masai Mara conservancies worth considering?
Yes, we often book the lodges in the private conservancies: they offer more exclusivity, the chance to enjoy walking safaris and night drives, and closer interaction with Maasai culture.

Is the Masai Mara only about the migration?
No! Resident wildlife is excellent year-round, particularly for big cats. In fact, the river crossings are increasingly one of the rare experience of over-tourism in action in Africa

Ready to see the Great Migration? Let us design a Masai Mara safari that combines drama, luxury, and seclusion.