












Holiday in Masai Mara
National park in Kenya — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇰🇪
Country
Kenya
Type
National park
Best time to travel
July to October — Great Migration and river crossings. January/February is also good (calving season in the Serengeti). Excellent wildlife viewing year-round.
Budget/day
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Nairobi (approx. 8-9 hours), then a small plane to the Mara (45 min) or a 5-6 hour drive.
About Masai Mara
The Masai Mara in Kenya is synonymous with African safari and the scene of one of the greatest natural spectacles on Earth: the Great Migration. Every summer, over two million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles cross the Mara River on their way from the Serengeti to the green pastures of the Mara — a display of overwhelming drama. The river crossings are the highlight. Thousands of wildebeests plunge down the steep banks, battling against the raging currents and lurking crocodiles, while lions and leopards wait on the other side. This drama unfolds daily during the migration season (July to October) and is so intense that even experienced safari guides are never immune to its impact. But even outside the migration season, the Masai Mara is spectacular. The endless savannah with its gentle hills, solitary acacias, and wide horizons hosts one of the highest densities of predators in the world. Lion prides of up to 30 animals, cheetahs on the hunt, leopards in trees, and massive hippo pools provide captivating nature theater every day. The Mara is one of the best places in the world to see all three of Africa's big cats in a single day. The Masai, the namesake herding people, live in their traditional villages (Manyattas) around the reserve. A visit offers insights into a fascinating culture: the red-clad warriors with their characteristic jumping dance (Adumu), the intricate beadwork of the women, and a way of life that has coexisted with wildlife for centuries. Hot air balloon safaris over the Mara at sunrise are among the most unforgettable experiences Africa has to offer. Gliding silently over the endless savannah while herds of elephants wander below and giraffes graze among the acacias is pure magic — crowned with a champagne breakfast in the wilderness after landing.
Top 5 highlights in Masai Mara
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Great Migration
2 million wildebeests cross the Mara River — the largest animal spectacle on Earth (July-October)
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Glide silently over the savannah at sunrise with a champagne breakfast in the wilderness
Big Five + Cheetahs
One of the best places in the world to see lions, leopards, and cheetahs in one day
Masai Village Visit
Insight into the culture of the red-clad warriors, their dances, and beadwork art
Mara River Crossing
Dramatic scenes as thousands of wildebeests cross the crocodile-infested river
Hotels in Masai Mara
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Reise-SIM für Masai Mara
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Masai Mara
Recommended travel time
July to October — Great Migration and river crossings. January/February is also good (calving season in the Serengeti). Excellent wildlife viewing year-round.
Summer
22-28°C, short rains (Nov), long rainy season (Apr-May)
Winter
15-25°C, dry (Jun-Oct), cool in the mornings
How much does a holiday in Masai Mara cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
150-250€ (Budget Camp, shared Jeep)
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
600-2,000€ (Luxury Camp, Balloon Safari, exclusive Conservancy)
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to Masai Mara
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Compare package holidays now4 travel tips for Masai Mara
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Choose a conservancy: The private conservancies (Mara North, Olare Motorogi) have fewer vehicles and allow off-road driving and night drives — significantly more exclusive.
Book balloons early: Balloon rides (approx. 450 USD) are very popular — book at least 2 weeks in advance, even earlier in peak season.
Migration is unpredictable: The exact dates of river crossings vary each year. Travel with a flexible schedule and at least 3 nights in the Mara.
Malaria prophylaxis: The Mara is in a malaria area — prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Seek travel medical advice before the trip.
Food & drink in Masai Mara
These specialties you must try!
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