The Masai Mara is one of the most iconic safari destinations in Africa. Located in southwestern Kenya along the Tanzanian border, the reserve is famous for its rolling savannah landscapes, abundant wildlife and extraordinary concentration of big cats. The Mara forms part of the larger ecosystem connected to Tanzania's Serengeti. National Tourism Service Portal For many travellers, the Masai Mara is the safari they have imagined before ever setting foot in Africa. Wildlife in the Masai Mara The reserve supports an impressive variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, hippos and crocodiles. The Mara is particularly famous for its predators. Lions, cheetahs and leopards are among the highlights, while the open grasslands provide excellent opportunities for wildlife photography. The Great Migration During the migration season, huge herds of wildebeest and zebras move north from the Serengeti into the Mara ecosystem. The famous Mara River crossings can create some of the most dramatic scenes in African wildlife. However, migration timing is influenced by rainfall and animal movements, so exact crossing dates cannot be guaranteed. The broader Masai Mara ecosystem offers excellent wildlife viewing beyond the migration period as well. Magical Kenya Maasai Culture The Mara experience is not only about wildlife. The region is also home to Maasai communities whose traditions, pastoral lifestyle and cultural heritage are closely connected to the surrounding landscape. Properly arranged cultural visits can give travellers a deeper understanding of life around the reserve. Things to Do Game drives are the heart of the Masai Mara experience. Depending on the area and regulations, travellers can also enjoy hot-air balloon experiences, birdwatching, photography and cultural visits. KWS Best Time to Visit July to October is particularly popular for travellers hoping to experience the migration, while the green seasons can offer beautiful scenery, fewer crowds in some areas and excellent resident wildlife viewing. KWS Why Visit Masai Mara? The Masai Mara combines extraordinary wildlife, beautiful landscapes and one of nature's greatest spectacles. Whether it is your first safari or your tenth, the Mara has a way of leaving a lasting impression. Onyx Nature Safaris can combine the Masai Mara with Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and other destinations in Kenya or create a Kenya-Tanzania safari combining the Mara and Serengeti.