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Kenya is one of the iconic safari destinations in Africa. It is home to some of the most sought after wildlife reserves, including the Masai Mara, which together with the Serengeti, hosts the Great Migration from July to October.

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Tanzania is a fascinating travel destination embodied by Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak; the Serengeti National Park, home to one of the best wildlife shows in the world the wildebest migration; and the Ngorongoro Crater with its unbelievable density of animals in an exctinct caldera.

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Uganda, known as 'The Pearl of Africa', is a country filled with rolling hills, adventurous activities, beautiful scenery, and most famously, the Mountain Gorillas.

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Rwanda is not only the land of a thousand hills, but also a country rich in flora and fauna, particularly primates and most famously, the rare Silverback mountain gorilla. in fact, Gorilla Trekking is one of the main drawcards to this beautiful country

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An East Africa Safari gives visitors the chance to witness the annual wildebeest migration, witness the Big Five, go Gorilla Trekking and encounter some of the most spectacular cultures that will leave a permanent mark in your travel experiences.

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Maasai Mara Game Reserve

Background Info: Maasai Mara Game Reserve

The Masai Mara is a northern extension of Tanzania’s Serengeti, and is the site of the annual Great Wildebeest Migration which takes place from late July through to early October during which millions of wildebeest and thousands of zebra migrate from the Serengeti in Tanzania. The Masai Mara’s Great Migration is regarded as one of the greatest wildlife spectacles and natural wonders to witness first-hand. By far the most anticipated part of this journey is the dramatic Mara River crossings that occur between July and September as the animals enter Kenya.

Along with millions of wildebeest and huge herds of zebra, antelopes and other grazers, this jaw-dropping spectacle is a magnet for predators. There is no better place to witness lion, leopard, and cheetah in double-quick time, helped by the open terrain and the cats’ ease around vehicles. The Masai Mara National Reserve is therefore one of the best places in Africa for big cat sightings.

The Great Wildebeest Migration: This is arguably the most famous highlight of the Maasai Mara. From roughly July to October
Big Five: The reserve is home to a staggering concentration of wildlife, making it a fantastic year-round destination for game viewing.
Hot Air balloon Rides: For a truly unforgettable experience, a hot air balloon safari at sunrise offers a unique, bird's-eye view of the vast plains and the wildlife below.

Maasai Culture: Visiting a traditional Maasai village provides a fascinating insight into their unique culture, traditions, and way of life.
Varied Landscapes: The Maasai Mara boasts a diverse landscape, from rolling savannahs and open grasslands to riverine forests and the dramatic Oloololo Escarpment.
Birding: Top destination for birdwatching, with over 500 species recorded, including both resident and migratory birds.

Maasai Mara Game Reserve Wildlife Experience

Game viewing in the Maasai Mara is excellent all year round thanks to its varied landscapes, wide open spaces, temperate climate and diverse population of resident game. Its champagne-coloured savannahs are home to safari heavyweights like lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo, plus popular species like zebra, giraffe, hyena, eland and gazelle. Rhino sightings are scarce, but these endangered animals can be spotted – if you’re in luck – in the Mara Triangle.

The Mara is renowned for delivering exceptional big cat (lion, leopard and cheetah) sightings. Cheetahs are particularly well adapted to the region’s flat plains, which makes the Maasai Mara one of the best places to see these nimble predators. They often seek vantage points on fallen trees, termite mounds, and even game drive vehicles! It’s a highlight of any Maasai Mara safari to watch the world’s fastest land mammal chase down its prey.

Best time to visit
The Maasai Mara Game Reserve

The best time to visit Maasai Mara is between July and October, during the Great Migration. Temperatures remain pretty consistent year-round, and rainfall is all that separates the seasons. January and February is the driest season. These months offer the best wildlife sightings and great conditions for safari. March to May is the rainy season, and some lodges and camps will close in April when the rains are at their peak. June to October follows with a short dry season, often punctuated with short, sharp showers. Temperatures are typically cooler at this time of year.

How to get there

Most people fly to the Maasai Mara. If you’re driving, Maasai Mara National Reserve is 270km/168mi west of Nairobi. The road to the reserve is paved all the way from Nairobi to Sekenani Gate, and the driving time is about 4 to 5 hours*. If you’re driving to the northern end of the Mara (including to the Mara North and Mara Triangle conservancies), there’s an unpaved stretch of 70km/43mi soon after leaving Narok, although there are plans to seal the road. It’s also possible to drive from Lake Nakuru National Park. The distance is about 235km/150mi and the driving time is roughly 6 hours*.