Masai Mara National Reserve
Kenya's flagship reserve and the northern stage of the great migration, famous for dramatic Mara River crossin…
Explore ParkKenya — Overview
Kenya is where the modern safari was popularized, and the Masai Mara National Reserve remains its centerpiece — an extension of the Serengeti ecosystem across the border, famous for dramatic Mara River crossings during the great migration between July and October.
Beyond the Mara, Amboseli National Park offers some of Africa's most photographed elephant herds set against Mount Kilimanjaro, Tsavo (East and West) forms one of the largest protected areas in the world, and the Rift Valley lakes — Nakuru, Naivasha — add flamingos, rhino sanctuaries and a change of scenery close to Nairobi.
Rates (USD)$150 to $600 pp/day
Best Time To GoJuly to October; January to February
High SeasonJuly to October (Mara migration)
Size580,367 km²
Pros & Cons
- World-famous Masai Mara river crossings and predator density
- Iconic elephant-and-Kilimanjaro views at Amboseli
- Well-developed tourism infrastructure and short internal flights
- Strong conservancy model bordering the Mara for exclusive game drives
- Easy to combine with a short Rift Valley lakes extension
- Mara can be crowded with vehicles during peak crossing weeks
- Popular camps book out early for July–October dates
- Some parks require separate conservancy fees on top of park fees
Kenya Parks & Reserves
Every park and reserve below is published on Africa Safari Book with its own detailed guide and linked tours.
Amboseli National Park
Home to large, habituated elephant herds photographed against the snowcap of Mount Kilimanjaro just across the…
Explore ParkMkomazi National Park
A dry-country park bordering Kenya's Tsavo, Mkomazi is a stronghold for black rhino and reticulated giraffe in…
Explore ParkLongido
A Maasai community area near Mount Longido, offering guided cultural walks and homestays close to the Kenya bo…
Explore ParkTsavo National Park
Split into Tsavo East and West, this is one of the largest protected areas in the world, known for red-dust el…
Explore ParkLake Nakuru National Park
A Rift Valley soda lake famous for flamingo flocks and a fenced sanctuary protecting both black and white rhin…
Explore ParkLake Naivasha
A freshwater Rift Valley lake close to Nairobi, popular for boat rides among hippos and walking safaris in nea…
Explore ParkSamburu National Reserve
A semi-arid reserve along the Ewaso Ng'iro River known for the 'Samburu Special Five' species found nowhere el…
Explore ParkNairobi National Park
The only national park bordering a capital city, offering rhino, lion and giraffe sightings with the Nairobi s…
Explore ParkOl Pejeta Conservancy
A private conservancy on the Laikipia Plateau, home to the world's last two northern white rhinos and a large …
Explore ParkKidepo Valley National Park
A remote wilderness on the Kenya-South Sudan border, often rated among Africa's most spectacular parks despite…
Explore ParkWildlife
Kenya offers classic Big Five viewing across most of its parks: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino (both black and white, in select sanctuaries). The Masai Mara holds some of Africa's highest lion and cheetah densities, while Amboseli is known for exceptionally large-tusked elephant bulls.
The Mara-Serengeti migration brings well over a million wildebeest and zebra north into Kenya between July and October before they return south — the single largest overland animal movement on Earth.
Things To Do
- Game drives in the Masai Mara and private conservancies
- Hot air balloon safaris over the Mara at sunrise
- Elephant and Kilimanjaro photography in Amboseli
- Flamingo and rhino viewing at Lake Nakuru
- Maasai cultural village visits
- Short beach extensions on the Kenyan coast (Diani, Watamu)
Best Time to Visit & Weather
Jul – Oct
Dry season and peak Mara river-crossing window; book camps well in advance.
Nov – Dec
Short rains; green landscapes and fewer visitors.
Jan – Feb
Warm and dry, good general game viewing outside the Mara migration window.
Mar – May
Long rains; lowest rates, some roads and camps affected.
How To Get There & Staying Safe
How To Get There
Most safaris begin at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, with light-aircraft transfers to the Mara, Amboseli or coastal airstrips arranged by your operator.
Staying Safe & Vaccinations
Anti-malarial precautions are recommended for most safari areas. A yellow fever certificate may be required depending on your travel history. Always follow guide instructions on game drives, especially around predators and elephants.
Kenya Safari Tours
3-Day Lolldaiga Hills Conservancy Safari
$2,050
Operator: Serengeti Wildlife Safari
Duration: 3 Days
View Tour4-Day Central Island National Park Crocodile Safari
$3,600
Operator: shoshana Africa
Duration: 4 Days
View Tour5-Day Sibiloi National Park & Koobi Fora Safari
$4,200
Operator: Kilimanjaro Travel
Duration: 5 Days
View Tour2-Day Lake Magadi Soda Lake Safari
$700
Operator: Abakombe Tours and Safaris
Duration: 2 Days
View Tour2-Day Mount Suswa Twin Craters & Caves Safari
$680
Operator: Serengeti Wildlife Safari
Duration: 2 Days
View TourKenya Safari Reviews
★★★★★ 5/5
The Mara Lives Up to the Hype
"We timed our trip for a river crossing and it delivered — but Amboseli's elephants against Kilimanjaro were just as memorable, and far quieter."
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