Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration Safaris | 3 days Nairobi/ Mombasa Fly-drive

 

Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration Safaris | 3 days Nairobi/ Mombasa Fly-drive.

The 3 days Masai Mara Safari is Mid range to Luxury with a mixture of high class components.  You fly/ flight  into Masai Mara from either Nairobi Wilson or Mombasa Diani Airstrip.  Accommodation is either in luxury tented camps or safari lodges.  For game lodges we use Mara Serena while tented camps we recommend governors or any other of your choice.

The Safari Highlights

• Personally experience the Masai Mara Magic reputed to have the richest assemblages of wildlife in the world and supports about 237 herbivores per km² , making it one of the most productive natural terrestrial ecosystems”.  In Mara the overwhelming population and the rich species presentation is mesmerizing

• Witnesses first hand one of the seven wonders of the modern world-the wildebeest migration.

• A personal interaction with nature and see survival of the fittest in play as herbivores brave the often perilous life of prey and large carnivores stock, capture, kill and feed on them.  And of course do not forget the super predators- the vultures hovering in the skies.

• The flights from Nairobi Wilson or Diani Mombasa

• Use of private 4×4 custom made safari land cruiser in Masai Mara National Reserve

The Wildebeest Migration in Maasai (Masai) Mara /Serengeti wildebeest migration is not about wildebeests migrating per se but rather its influence on the movement patterns of the other animals including human beings.  The migration comprise of the never ending milling of over 2.5 million wild animals composed of a about 1.7 million wildebeests, and 800,000 common Zebras and gazelle, followed closely by their predators-lions, hyenas, leopards, jackals.   Hovering in the skies are thousands of vultures, the super predators. Patient in nature, they survey the migrating herds descending on the dead carcasses reducing them to skeletons in a matter of seconds.  The hazardous crossing of crocodile invested Mara and Grumeti rivers is magical wonder of nature attracting thousands of human beings.  This survival of the fittest spectacle has been described at the “seventh wonder of the modern world”.  Strategic sighting of the migrating herds tend to influence the setting up of tourism facilities. The best time to witness migration in Masai Mara National Park Kenya, is between July to September.

Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration Safari 3 days

Day1: Fly Nairobi Wilson/ Mombasa Diani  to  Masai Mara

Pick up from your hotel after breakfast and transfer to Nairobi Wilson or Moi airport/Ukunda airstrip.  Arrive at the airports an check in for your Masai Mara Flight.  From Mombasa, the flight will take about an hour and from Nairobi 30 Minutes.  Upon you are met by your safari driver guide and driven to your Lodge or tented camp for lunch. Lunch is followed by afternoon game drive in the vast Masai Mara National Park. Dinner and Overnight at your lodge of choice.

Masai Mara Flights

From Nairobi flights depart from Wilson Airpot; Mombasa flights depart from Moi Airport or Diani Airstrip;

Day2: Full Day Masai Mara

Full day in the Mara dedicated to either full day game drives.  Have an early morning game drive and return to the lodge for breakfast.  After breakfast collect your lunch boxes and proceed for a full day game drive. This gives you a chance to follow the migrating herds and witness nature at its best.  Watch for the predator hunting and the prey as they evade them.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge or tented camp of your choice.

Day3:  Fly Masai Mara to Nairobi Wilson/ Mombasa/Diani

Early morning game drive and return to the lodge for Breakfast. Check out of your lodge and have a morning game drive en-route to the airstrip.  Fly to Nairobi/ Mombasa where you are met and assisted to your hotel or to the airport to catch your flight back home.

ccommodation in Masai Mara.

You have lot of choices to choose from.

Prices

Seasonal Variations affect the price. 

Enquire the price of this safari

 

Rates include:

• Transportation- in the park by 4×4 custom made safari land cruiser: Flights from origin to destination

• Services of multi-lingual driver guide,

• Park entry fees

• Accommodation as mentioned on program

• Government taxes

• 2Litres mineral water per person per day.

Not included: 

• Tips and gratuities

• Laundry,

• Drinks and beverages and any other item of a personal nature.

  Other  wildebeest migration safaris are organized in both  Maasai (Masai) Mara and Serengeti National Parks.  The duration of the safari depends on various factors but mostly on time and budget but also the flexibility of the guest.

• Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration Safaris | 4 days Nairobi/ Mombasa Fly-drive 
• 11 days Masai Mara Serengeti Migration Safari commences from Nairobi and returns to the same via Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara, and Amboseli.
• The 8 days fly drive Wildebeest Migration Safari Masai Mara National Park  (Mara Explorer 8 days) is a luxury option. Guests fly from Nairobi Wilson to Masai Mara and return to the same.
• The 4 days 3 Nights Migration safari combines Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park and Lake Naivasha.
• The 6 days Best of Tanzania Safari focuses on wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park.   The best time to witness migration in Masai Mara National Park Kenya, is between July to September. Serengeti National Parkis best visited between March and May.

  For ultimate wildlife experience Combine  Masai Mara Safari with 4 Days Gorilla tracking in Rwanda

Enquiries: R&N Xplorer Africa Safaris  email us: rnxploresafaris@gmail.com

Great Wildebeest Migration Serengeti National Park | Masai Mara Safaris | Lodges

Masai Mara And Serengeti Ecosystems

The wildebeest shapes, conditions and maintain the Mara Serengeti Ecosystem.  The contiguous ecosystem is extremely rich, self sustaining and hence it has earned the label of the only “true ecosystem” on earth.  The Masai (Maasai) Mara enjoys a magical panorama.  From the tops of the rounded hills, the panoramic views of  expansive grassy plains teaming with herds of animals resemble a canvas painting. The overwhelming populations and the rich species presentation is mesmerizing.  “The Masai (Maasai) Mara ecosystem has one of the richest assemblages of wildlife in the world and supports about 237 herbivores per km² , making it one of the most productive natural terrestrial ecosystems”  On other hand Serengeti National Park is the best place to see predators in actions. The predator population is over 10,000 individuals. 8000 0f these are spotted hyenas and 3000 lions whose males famed for their black manes.  Seronera with its visitor centre is not only ideal for information but it a major wildlife hub with all the species represented. Hippos, lions, leopards, crocodiles, giraffes and primates can all be spotted within the area. Birdlife is profuse. The park has a total of 500 species recorded of birds

Wildebeest Migration Serengeti 2012

The  annual Maasai (Masai) Mara /Serengeti wildebeest migration is not about wildebeests migrating per se but rather its influence on life on the whole ecosystem.  The migration is a natural phenomenon, a never ending milling of over 2.5 million wild animals comprised of about 1.7 million wildebeests, 800,000 common Zebras and gazelle, followed closely by their predators-lions, hyenas, leopards, jackals.   Hovering in the skies are thousands of vultures, the super predators. Patient in nature, the vulures survey the migrating herds descending on the dead carcasses reducing them to skeletons in a matter of seconds.  The hazardous crossing of crocodile invested Mara and

Grumeti rivers is magical wonder of nature attracting thousands of human beings. 

 

This survival of the fittest spectacle has been described at the “seventh wonder of the modern world”.  Strategic sighting of the migrating herds tend to influence the setti

 

For ultimate wildlife experience Combine Masai Mara Serengeti 11 days with 4 Days Gorilla tracking in Rwanda

Wildebeest Migration Safaris 2012 | Kenya 5 days Nairobi Maasai Mara National Park Fly-drive Safari

Wildebeest Migration Safaris 2012 | Kenya 5 days Nairobi Maasai Mara National Park Fly-drive Safari.

Several  wildebeest migration safaris are organized in both  Maasai (Masai) Mara and Serengeti National Parks.  The duration of the safari depends on various factors but mostly on time and budget but also the flexibility of the guest.  The all drive 11 days Masai Mara Serengeti Migration Safari commences from Nairobi and returns to the same via Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara, and Amboseli.  The 8 days fly drive Wildebeest Migration Safari Masai Mara National Park  (Mara Explorer 8 days) is a luxury option. Guests fly from Nairobi Wilson to Masai Mara and return to the same.  The 4 days 3 Nights Migration safari combines Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park and Lake Naivasha.   The 6 days Best of Tanzania Safari focuses on wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park.   The best time to witness migration in Masai Mara National Park Kenya, is between July to September. Serengeti National Park is best visited between March and May.

5days Mara Explorer Wildebeest Migration Safari Masai Mara National Park

Day1 Arrival Nairobi and overnight/ 

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta airport in the late afternoon and transfer to your hotel. Overnight Nairobi Serena BB.

 

Day 02/  Fly Nairobi-Masai Mara
Before breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Wilson to catch a morning  flight to Maasai Mara.   On arrival, your private driver guide will meet you and drive you to the lodge.  Have a game drive en-route to the lodge. Have an evening game drive.  Overnight Keekorok Lodge FB.

Flights From Nairobi to Masai Mara are operated from Wilson Airport

Wildebeest Migration Safaris Masai Mara National Park Kenya | 8days Nairobi-Maasai Mara Fly-drive Safari

Wildebeest Migration Safaris Masai Mara National Park Kenya | 8days Nairobi-Maasai Mara Fly-drive Safari.

The  annual Maasai (Masai) Mara /Serengeti wildebeest migration is not about wildebeests migrating per se but rather its influence on the movement patterns of the other animals including human beings.  The migration comprise of the never ending milling of over 2.5 million wild animals composed of a about 1.7 million wildebeests, and 800,000 common Zebras and gazelle, followed closely by their predators-lions, hyenas, leopards, jackals.   Hovering in the skies are thousands of vultures, the super predators. Patient in nature, they survey the migrating herds descending on the dead carcasses reducing them to skeletons in a matter of seconds.  The hazardous crossing of crocodile invested Mara and Grumeti rivers is magical wonder of nature attracting thousands of human beings.  This survival of the fittest spectacle has been described at the “seventh wonder of the modern world”.  Strategic sighting of the migrating herds tend to influence the setting up of tourism facilities. The best time to witness migration in Masai Mara National Park Kenya, is between July to September.

Wildebeest Migration Safari Masai Mara 8 days

Wildebeest Migration Safaris | Masai Mara Serengeti National Park | Lodges

Wildebeest Migration Safaris | Masai Mara Serengeti National Park | Lodges.

Masai Mara Serengeti Wildebeest Migration

The Masai (Maasai) Mara magic is attributed to its panorama.  From the vantage of rounded hills, the large expanses grassy plains teaming with herds of animals resemble a canvas painting. The overwhelming population and the rich species presentation is mesmerizing.  “The Masai (Maasai) Mara ecosystem has one of the richest assemblages of wildlife in the world and supports about 237 herbivores per km² , making it one of the most productive natural terrestrial ecosystems”

Serengeti National Park is the best place to see predators in actions. The predator population is over 10,000 individuals. 8000 0f these are spotted hyenas and 3000 lions whose males famed for their black manes.  Seronera with its visitor centre is not only ideal for information but it a major wildlife hub with all the species represented. Hippos, lions, leopards, crocodiles, giraffes and primates can all be spotted within the area. Birdlife is profuse. The park has a total of 500 species recorded of birds

The Mara Serengeti Migration

Every year, in the months of July August and September, over 1.7 million wildebeests accompanied by about 800,000 gazelles and Zebras migrate from Serengeti into Maasai (Masai) Mara and back. The river crossings are particularly dangerous as large crocodile lie in wait of unsuspecting animals, killing and maiming thousands of them. Besides predation, migrating herds have to contend with flooded rivers and disease outbreaks. The wildebeest mate in Maasai Mara and Calve in Serengeti. 

The  annual Maasai (Masai) Mara /Serengeti wildebeest migration is not about wildebeests migrating per se but rather its influence on the movement patterns of the other animals including human beings.  Picture a never ending milling of over 2.5 million wild animals composed of a about 1.7 million wildebeests, and 800,000 common gazelles and zebras with predators-lions, hyenas, leopards, jackals etc following closely.  In this picture add thousands of vultures providing air cover the to migrating animals, the goggling human traffic; the hazardous crossing of crocodile invested Mara and Grumeti rivers  and behold your magical wonder of nature.

Wildebeest Migration Safaris | Masai Mara Serengeti National Park | Lodges

Wildebeest Migration Safaris | Masai Mara Serengeti National Park | Lodges.

An Introductions of Masai Mara And Serengeti

The Masai (Maasai) Mara magic is attributed to its panorama.  From the vantage of rounded hills, the large expanses grassy plains teaming with herds of animals resemble a canvas painting. The overwhelming population and the rich species presentation is mesmerizing.  “The Masai (Maasai) Mara ecosystem has one of the richest assemblages of wildlife in the world and supports about 237 herbivores per km² , making it one of the most productive natural terrestrial ecosystems”

Serengeti National Park is the best place to see predators in actions. The predator population is over 10,000 individuals. 8000 0f these are spotted hyenas and 3000 lions whose males famed for their black manes.  Seronera with its visitor centre is not only ideal for information but it a major wildlife hub with all the species represented. Hippos, lions, leopards, crocodiles, giraffes and primates can all be spotted within the area. Birdlife is profuse. The park has a total of 500 species recorded of birds

Every year, in the months of July August and September, over 1.7 million wildebeests accompanied by about 800,000 gazelles and Zebras migrate from Serengeti into Maasai (Masai) Mara and back. The river crossings are particularly dangerous as large crocodile lie in wait of unsuspecting animals, killing and maiming thousands of them. Besides predation, migrating herds have to contend with flooded rivers and disease outbreaks. The wildebeest mate in Maasai Mara and Calve in Serengeti. 

The  annual Maasai (Masai) Mara /Serengeti wildebeest migration is not about wildebeests migrating per se but rather its influence on the movement patterns of the other animals including human beings.  Picture a never ending milling of over 2.5 million wild animals composed of a about 1.7 million wildebeests, and 800,000 common gazelles and zebras with predators-lions, hyenas, leopards, jackals etc following closely.  In this picture add thousands of vultures providing air cover the to migrating animals, the goggling human traffic; the hazardous crossing of crocodile invested Mara and Grumeti rivers  and behold your magical wonder of nature.

For ultimate wildlife experience  combine 11 Days Masai Mara Serengeti Ngorongoro Safari  with 4 Days 3 Nights Rwanda Gorillas  Safari.

Maasai Mara National Park | Masai Mara Game Reserve | Migration | Safaris | Lodges

Maasai Mara National Park | Masai Game Reserve | Migration | Safaris | Lodges.

The Maasai (Masai) Mara  national park and reserve, once described as “Kenya’s Jewel never to be lost”, is in a class of its own.  The  best known wildlife sanctuary in the World Maasai (Masai) Mara National Reserve has acquired a high flier status having been  named “the seventh wonder of the world”.  The seventh wonder of the world is the  spectacle of the annual wildebeest migration between Maasai (Masai) Mara and Serengeti. 

Game lodges also called safari lodges, tented camps, private houses and campsites are all found in Mara Game Reserve. The tented camps and safari lodges in Masai Mara fall under three categories- luxury, mid range and budget. While only 12 properties are inside the Mara reserve others are in the neighboring group ranches.   Does it matter where you spend the night while in Mara? Yes.  If you are interested night game drives and lots of local culture then you can stay in the group ranches.  Group ranches are privately run by the local people. However unplanned development coupled with large number of visitors threatens the very survival of the reserve.  Large numbers of visitors are associated with high degree of pollution in terms of noise, dust and changed animal behavior which can lead to extinction of venerable species like the cheetah which hunts only during the day.

Masai Mara Self Drive: Self drive safaris are available to Masai Mara National Park.  Rent a 4×4 Car from Nairobi, Nairobi Airport,  Mombasa and dive solo to Masai Mara.  But always bear in mind that if you want to sit back and enjoy the best wildlife experience, a certified driver guide is a must. Driver guides are knowledgeable and will take care in the even of breakdowns.

Our all inclusive 11 Days seventh wonder of the world Maasai Mara Serengeti Migration  safari  give you the best opportunity to follow the migrating herds from Masai Mara into Serengeti and witness this great spectacle.  Book this safari between now and Aug 2012 at only USD 4050 PP Sharing for two.  This is an all inclusive private safari.  See Nairobi Masai Mara Lake Nakuru Lake Naivasha 4 Days Safari

Visit Masai Mara Contact

R&N Xplorer Africa Safaris

Masai (Maasai) Mara Accommodation Lodges Tented Camps

Accommodation In Maasai (Masai) Mara National Reserve:

Mara Serena Lodge

Will you spend the night inside the Mara National Reserve or in one of the group ranches? While our list is not exhaustive, it will help one to answer this question.  One of the major environmental concern in Maasai (Masai) Mara is the proliferation of unplanned development. Currently there are approximately 108 properties in Mara with a bed capacity of 4000.  A large proportion of the properties are in the community group ranches.  Game lodges, tented camps, private houses and campsites are all found in Mara.   The tented camps and lodges fall under three categories- luxury, mid range and budget.  Our aim is to feature as many properties as we can focusing on their location (Inside or outside the reserve), prices and facilities.

Lodges in Maasai (Masai) Mara

Only Twelve(12) properties are inside the park.  That means all the rest are either in private ranches or local Maasi Ranches.  Those found inside are distributed as follows.  In the Mara triangle are Governors camps- Little Governors, Mara Ol Kuruk and Mara Serena Lodge.  In Musiara section are Governors Private, Governors Camp and Governors Il Mora.  Other tented camps include Rekero, Kichwa Tembo and Mara Explorer and Intrepids.  The only lodges in this section are Ol Kuruk and Serena.  In the Sekanani section are Keekorok Lodge, Nairob Camp, Entim Camp, Sala’s Camp and Sarova Mara Game Camp.

All other accommodation facilities are to be found in group, community and private ranches. Below is the distribution,

Koiyaki Group Ranch has 20 properties.  These are Aruba Camp, Base Camp Maasai Mara, Dorobo Bush Camp, Elephant Pepper Camp, Fig Tree Camp, Governors Bush Camp, Grant and Cameron Private Mara Camp, Ilkeliani Camp, Karen Blixen Camp, Koiyaki Wilderness Camp, Mara Leisure Camp, Mara River Camp, Mara Simba Lodge, Offbeat Mara Camp, Ol Seki Mara Camp, Riverside Camp, Riverside Camp Site, Royal Mara Safari Lodge, Serian Camp, Tipilikwani Camp

Lemek Group Ranch accounts for 8 properties–

These are Kicheche Camp,Saruni Safari Lodge & Camp, Bush Buck Mara Camp, David Livingstone Safari Lodge, Duma Camp, Kicheche Fly Camp, Mara Buffalo Camp, Westminster Safari Lodge

Siana Group Ranch accounts for 15 properties including, Leleshwa Camp, Sekenani Camp, Siana Springs Intrepids, Amicabre Camp Site, Gypsy Mara Safari Camp, Flamingo Camp, Impiripiri Camp, Mara Bush Tops Camp, Hippo Mara Safari Lodge, Mara Safari Camp Springs, Maasai Mara Sopa Lodge, Olperr Elongo Camp, Oropile Camp, Line Africa Safari Camp Site,  Spur Wing Camp Site.

Siana Springs

Siana means “plentiful” in local maa language.  Siana accounts for a large number of springs and hence the name. The permanent tented camp is located on the edge of Mara Reserve inside Siana group ranch.  Has 38 tents with a swimming pool.  Tents are ensuite with showers and flush toilet.  They offer day and night game drives, bush walks, balloon safaris, and aromatherapy.  Has a private airstrip.

Olderikesi Conservancy is for exclusive use of Cottars with two properties- Cottars 1920 Safari Camp and Little Cottars Camp.  Ol Kinyei Conservancy has Mara Porini Camp.  Porini Lion Camp is located inside the Olare Orok Conservancy.

The continued existence of Maasai Mara lies in balance.  Unless urgent action is taken, the unchecked human development inside and outside the park is likely to suffocate the reserve.  The large crowds witnessed during the annual migration, the dust and continued noise from lodges, vehicles and balloons will lead to changed behaviour of animals, environmental degradation and eventual death of Mara as a valued tourist destination.

Wildebeest Migration Masai Mara

Maasai Mara Accommodation-Lodges, Tented Camps

Maasai Mara Accommodation:- Lodges Tented Camps & Camp Sites

As per the last count, Maasai Mara had a total of 108 properties. Alarm concerns have been raised Worldwide in regard to overuse and environmental degradation of this wildlife sanctuary. Our focus will be on location of the facility, their size, facilities in the rooms or tents.  Our short and detailed pre-amble focuses on the composition of great Maasai Mara, how to access it and the activities therein.  This will help one to understand the haphazard and catastrophic development taking place within the region.  The over development has led to sometimes high concentration of human traffic with devastating effects to the environment and the wildlife behaviour.

The Greater Maasai Mara

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the most famous game sanctuary in the world.  The size of Maasai Mara is debatable.  Is it 520 Km Sq or 1510Km Sq?  The original reserve comprised of the Mara Triangle alone(520Km sq).  LATER, two sections, The Musiara (Northwestern block) 300 Km Sq and the Sekanani (Eastern Block) of 700Km Sq were added to the reserve hence the total of 1510 Km Sq.  These are surrounded by large group ranches owned by the local Maasai.  The group or community ranches include Kerinkani(8,100hac)  Oloirien(80,000Hac) Kimintet(37,000Hac) to the West, Koiyaki(94,000Hac), Lemek(66,000Hac), Ol Choro Oiroua(11,800 Ha), Ol Kinyei (80,000Hac) to the North and Siana(152,000Hac), Maji Moto(140,000Hac),  Naikara and Ol Derikesi to the East.  In these group ranches are private conservancies like Ol Kinyei, Olderikesi, Siana, Olare Orok and Motorogi.

Acess:

Masai Mara can be accessed by road or by air.  The park is approximately 320 Km from Nairobi.  It all depends on the gate you use to enter the park.  Olololo gate is 320 Km from Nairobi, Musiara is 340 Km.  Other gates in Sekanani section include Sekanani, Taleki and Ol Laimutiek.   Daily flight operate from Nairobi to Mara.  The Mara Serena Airstrip, Kichwa Tembo Airstrip and Olkurruk serve the Mara Triangle.  Two airstrips serve Musiara.  One is at Governors and the other at Mara Intrepids.  Keekorok Airstrip serves Sekanani section.

Activities:

Maasai Mara is a big game country, hence most of the activities focus on animal sighting like day/night game drives, nature and bird walks, balloon safaris, visits to local Maasai community, excursions to Lake Victoria.

Accommodation:

Will you spend the night inside the Mara National Reserve or in one of the group ranches? While our list is not exhaustive, it will help one to answer this question.  One of the major environmental concern in Maasai Mara is the proliferation of unplanned development. Currently there are approximately 108 properties in Mara with a bed capacity of 4000.  A large proportion of the properties are in the community group ranches.  The properties are either lodges, tented camps, private houses or campsites.   The tented camps and lodges fall under three categories- luxury, mid range and budget.  Our aim is to feature as many properties as we can focusing on their location (Inside or outside the reserve), prices and facilities.

Inside the Mara National Park/ Reserve are 12 properties distributed as follows.

A)  Within the Mara Triangle are

1.  Little Governors: 17 luxury en-suite tents with wooden deck verandahs tucked around a large watering. The camp is approached by a boat ride across the Mara River, then an escorted walk through the riverine forest. Vehicles are left on the far river bank, and the camp is therefore quiet and undisturbed.  High season 16Jul-31 Oct; 15DEC-31 DEC Single PP USD 570, Sharing PP USD 456  Mid Season 1Jan-31Mar; 1Jun-15Jul; 1Nov-14Dec Single PP USD 496, Sharing PP USD 403, Green Season 1April-31May Single USD 287, Double USD 287

2.  Mara Serena Safari Lodge( USD

74 rooms styled in circular motif of a traditional Maasai “Manyatta. Has swimming pool, gift shop, forex facility.  Offer laundry, baby sitting, beauty therapy and massage service.   Rooms desidgend to  blend seamlessly into the landscape with magnificent vistas from their private verandas. Rooms feature spacious bathrooms.

B) Within Musiara Sections

3.  Governors Camp (From USD 406 PP in low season to USD 456.00 PP sharing in high season)

Enjoys magical setup and was earlier reserved exclusively for Kenya’s colonial governor.  Has 37 tents with en-suit bathrooms, with hot and cold running water and flushing toilets, located along the Mara River with uninterrupted views over the Mara River others have views across the sweeping plains.  High season 16Jul-31 Oct; 15DEC-31 DEC Single PP USD 570, Sharing PP USD 456  Mid Season 1Jan-31Mar; 1Jun-15Jul; 1Nov-14Dec Single PP USD 496, Sharing PP USD 403, Green Season 1April-31May Single USD 287, Double USD 287

4.  Governors Il Moran Camp

Has 10 with twin or double beds.  Tents lined along the banks of Mara River with magical vistas. Tents are luxurious that feature super ‘king size’ beds fashioned from ancient fallen olive trees, and en-suite Victorian style baths, large shower, twin basins, flush toilet with running cold and hot water.  An ideal Camp for honeymooners and couples seeking a special safari experience. Offer game drives, balloon safaris, tours to lake Victoria and cultural tours.

3  Governors Private Camp

4  Mara Explorer Mara Intrepids

5  Rekero Tented Camp

Rekero Tented Camps has 8 spacious tents which can accommodate two pax. One family tent and the rest are either twin or triple.   Tents ensuite with flush toilets and bush towers.  24 hours solar power supply for lighting only.  Lantern lamps available. No power sockets in tents but power to charge electrical items available a the main house.

6. AFEX Mara Camp.

C)  In Sekanani

6.  Keekorok Lodge

7.  Nairob Camp

8.  Entim Camp

9.  Sala’s Camp

10. Sarova Mara Game Camp.

D)  Koiyaki Group Ranch has 20 properties.  These are Aruba Camp, Base Camp Maasai Mara, Dorobo Bush Camp, Elephant Pepper Camp, Fig Tree Camp, Governors Bush Camp, Grant and Cameron Private Mara Camp, Ilkeliani Camp, Karen Blixen Camp, Koiyaki Wilderness Camp, Mara Leisure Camp, Mara River Camp, Mara Simba Lodge, Offbeat Mara Camp, Ol Seki Mara Camp, Riverside Camp, Riverside Camp Site, Royal Mara Safari Lodge, Serian Camp, Tipilikwani Camp.

E)  Lemek Group Ranch accounts for 8 properties–

1.  Kicheche Camp USD 319 PP per night

Kicheche has 11 tents.   Each tent features en-suite bathroom, flushing toilet, low wattage lighting is supplied 24 hours. Majority of tents are in secluded positions overlooking the plains and nearby hills, while others are closer together for families or friends. Mess tent has lounge with comfortable seating, a library, board games, cards and local crafts.

2.  Saruni Safari Lodge & Camp USD

Saruni lodge has 6 cottages while the camp has three tents. Each cottage has hot and cold running water, 220 volt electricity, elegant Italian bathroom fittings, polished wooden floors, and large bathrooms where the canvas front can be totally open to offer you an amazing “shower with a view”.  Lodge has 220 volts electricity, running hot and cold water.

3.  Bush Buck Mara Camp

4.  David Livingstone Safari Lodge

5.  Duma Camp

6.  Kicheche Fly Camp

7.  Mara Buffalo Camp

8.  Westminster Safari Lodge

F)  Siana Group Ranch accounts for 15 properties, Leleshwa Camp, Sekenani Camp, Siana Springs Intrepids, Amicabre Camp Site, Gypsy Mara Safari Camp, Flamingo Camp, Impiripiri Camp, Mara Bush Tops Camp, Hippo Mara Safari Lodge, Mara Safari Camp Springs, Maasai Mara Sopa Lodge, Olperr Elongo Camp, Oropile Camp, Line Africa Safari Camp Site,  Spur Wing Camp Site.

Siana Springs USD

Siana means “plentiful” in local maa language.  Siana accounts for a large number of springs and hence the name. The permanent tented camp is located on the edge of Mara Reserve inside Siana group ranch.  Has 38 tents with a swimming pool.  Tents are ensuite with showers and flush toilet.  They offer day and night game drives, bush walks, balloon safaris, aromatherapy.  Has a private airstrip.

Leleshwa Camp USD

Has 6 intimate tents privately situated.

Sekanani Camp USD

Fifteen (15) en-suite tents, on raised platforms,  with full length bath.  A suspended bridge connects the tent with the mess area with bar and dining.

Olderikesi Conservancy is for exclusive use of Cottars with two properties- Cottars 1920 Safari Camp and Little Cottars Camp.  Ol Kinyei Conservancy has Mara Porini Camp.  Porini Lion Camp is located inside the Olare Orok Conservancy.

Maasai Mara National Park Masai Reserve Lodges

Maasai National Park / Reserve / Maasai Mara Migration /  Accommodation Lodges

The Maasai Mara National Park also called Masai Mara National Reserve is in a class of its own.  Once described as “Kenya’s Jewel never to be lost”, the best known wildlife sanctuary in the World Maasai (Masai) Mara National Park or Reserve has acquired a high flier status having been named “the seventh wonder of the world”.  The seventh wonder of the world is annual spectacle of the wildebeest migration between Maasai (Masai) Mara and Serengeti.  The richness of Maasai Mara is indeed immense.  Supporting about 237 herbivores per Km2, the Mara ecosystem has one of the richest assemblage of wildlife in the world.  It is the most visited destination in Eastern Africa. Masai Mara is not about the wildlife in the reserve alone but also the local Maasai community.  The local Maasai have developed group conservancies to tap the earnings of the tourism industry.  Though a good venture, if development in these conservancies is not checked, it will lead to eventual death of Maasai Mara.

The Masai (Maasai) Mara magic is attributed to its panorama.  From the vantage of rounded hills, the large expanses of grassy plains teeming with herds of animals resemble a canvas painting. The overwhelming population and the rich species presentation make Mara the best destination for any serious wildlife observer.

All the ‘Big Five’ of Africa: Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino, and Leopard are represented in Maasai (Masai) Mara.  Bird life is exceptional with large number of raptors and scavengers.   The permanent Mara River with its tributaries, the Sand and Talek Rivers, ensures a continuous supply of water making it a year round sanctuary of many animals throughout the year.

The Greater Maasai Mara

The size of Maasai Mara is debatable.  Is it 520 Km Sq or 1510Km Sq?  The original reserve comprised of the Mara Triangle alone(520Km sq).  LATER, two sections, The Musiara (Northwestern block) 300 Km Sq and the Sekanani (Eastern Block) of 700Km Sq were added to the reserve hence the total of 1520 Km Sq.  Talking of Maasai Mara would not be complete without touching on the group ranches.  The group or community ranches include Kerinkani(8,100hac)  Oloirien(80,000Hac) Kimintet(37,000Hac) to the West, Koiyaki(94,000Hac), Lemek(66,000Hac), Ol Choro Oiroua(11,800 Ha), Ol Kinyei (80,000Hac) to the North and Siana152,000Hac), Maji Moto(140,000Hac),  Naikara and Ol Derikesi to the East.  In these group ranches are private conservancies like Ol Kinyei, Olderikesi, Siana, Olare Orok and Motorogi. View R&N Xplorer Africa Safaris Maasai Mara Map.

The Annual Wildebeest Migration

Every year, in the months of July, August and September, over 1.7 million wildebeests accompanied by about 800,000 gazelles and Zebras migrate from Serengeti into Maasai (Masai) Mara and back. The river crossings are particularly dangerous as large crocodile lie in wait of unsuspecting animals, killing and maiming thousands of them. Besides predation, migrating herds have to contend with flooded rivers and disease outbreaks. The wildebeest mate in Maasai Mara and Calve in Serengeti.

The annual wildebeest migration, between Serengeti and Maasai Mara is not about wildebeests migrating per se but rather its influence on the movement patterns of the other animals including human beings.  Picture a never ending milling of over 2.5 million wild animals composed of a about 1.7 million wildebeests, and 800,000 common gazelles and zebras with predators-lions, hyenas, leopards, jackals etc following closely.  In this picture add thousands of vultures providing air cover the to migrating animals, the goggling human traffic; the hazardous crossing of crocodile invested Mara and Grumeti rivers  and behold your magical wonder of nature. The 12 Days seventh wonder of the world Maasai Mara Serengeti Migration  safari give you the best opportunity to witness this great spectacle.This is best combined with 4 days Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda

Where are the Wildebeest? Maasai (Masai) Mara or Serengeti? The Migration Cycle:–

The migration follows a clockwise direction dictated by the rain patterns in the Mara/Serengeti ecosystem.  The Migration has been going on for as long as our ancestors can remember and where it started is debatable.  The best times to view migration in Serengeti is December to Jul.  While in Maasai Mara, the best time is August to November.  Between December and March, the herds congregate in Eastern Serengeti Plains where carving takes place.  Births accounts for over half a million calves annually.  April and May still in Serengeti the calves matures and gets ready for migration.  June is the month of crossing Grumeti River along the Northern Corridor towards Maasai Mara.  In July/August, the herds cross the Mara River into Maasai (Masai) Mara, where mating takes place.  By November the succulent grass in Mara is finished and the migrating herds heads for Serengeti where curving will take place and the entire cycle starts all over again.

Physical Features of Mara National Reserve:

The Western boundary of Maasai (Masai) Mara is marked by the Olololo/Sirisia Escarpment. The water is supplied by  Mara River and its tributaries Taleki and Sand.  The Loita hills

Getting to Maasai Mara,

The drive from Nairobi to Maasai Mara will take 4-5 Hrs.  Daily flights are available from Nairobi Wilson airport with morning and afternoon departures. The best time to visit is during the annual wildlife migration. Though a safari mini van will make it to Maasai Mara, better use a 4×4.  4WD car are available for hire to visit Maasai Mara either with a driver or on self drive.  Please note that always have a partner when you go self drive in the parks.

Hire 4×4 Car to visit Masai Mara:

4x4 Car Hire Nairobi

Our vehicle Car Hire  / auto rental locations include-Nairobi City Centre Office, Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Coded NBO or JKIA) serving the whole of the country and Nairobi.  Other locations in Kenya include, Mombasa Town,  Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA), Malindi Airport (MYD), Kisumu, Nakuru, Nanyuki. They  open from 08:00to 18:00 hrs from Monday to Saturday.  Rental Cars can be returned at the point of pick up, at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta (NBO) airport or at the hotels in either Nairobi, Mombasa or Malindi. In the rest of East Africa rental locations (locations des voiture) are Kigali (Rwanda),  Kampala , Jinja and Entebbe (Uganda),  Bujumbura (Burundi) Dares salaam, Dar es Salaam Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), Arusha ( Tanzania) and Zanzibar.

Maasai (Masai) Mara National Reserve Gates

Remember you must enter the reserve through the official gates: These are Olololo Gate, Sand River Gate, Sekanani Gate, Taleki Gate, Musiara Gate and Ololaimutieki Gate.

Activities / What to do / Attractions in Maasai (Masai) Mara National Reserve

Activities include game drives, Bird/nature walks with Maasai morans, camping, visiting Maasai villages, balloon Safaris, cultural dances, Maasai (Masai) Village visits, tour of lake mfangano islands in lake Victoria.

January, February– it is usually dry with the grass cropped short.

April-July long rains.

Mid-July- September migration

Accommodation In Maasai (Masai) Mara National Reserve:

Will you spend the night inside the Mara National Reserve or in one of the group ranches? While our list is not exhaustive, it will help one to answer this question.  One of the major environmental concern in Maasai Mara is the proliferation of unplanned development. Currently there are approximately 108 properties in Mara with a bed capacity of 4000.  A large proportion of the properties are in the community group ranches.  Game lodges, tented camps, private houses and campsites are all found in Mara.   The tented camps and lodges fall under three categories- luxury, mid range and budget.  Our aim is to feature as many properties as we can focusing on their location (Inside or outside the reserve), prices and facilities.

Lodges in Maasai (Masai) Mara

Only Twelve(12) properties are inside the park.  That means all the rest are either in private ranches or local Maasi Ranches.  Those found inside are distributed as follows.  In the Mara triangle are Governors camps- Little Governors, Mara Ol Kuruk and Mara Serena Lodge.  In Musiara section are Governors Private, Governors Camp and Governors Il Mora.  Other tented camps include Rekero, Kichwa Tembo and Mara Explorer and Intrepids.  The only lodges in this section are Ol Kuruk and Serena.  In the Sekanani section are Keekorok Lodge, Nairob Camp, Entim Camp, Sala’s Camp and Sarova Mara Game Camp.

All other accommodation facilities are to be found in group, community and private ranches. Below is the distribution,

Koiyaki Group Ranch has 20 properties.  These are Aruba Camp, Base Camp Maasai Mara, Dorobo Bush Camp, Elephant Pepper Camp, Fig Tree Camp, Governors Bush Camp, Grant and Cameron Private Mara Camp, Ilkeliani Camp, Karen Blixen Camp, Koiyaki Wilderness Camp, Mara Leisure Camp, Mara River Camp, Mara Simba Lodge, Offbeat Mara Camp, Ol Seki Mara Camp, Riverside Camp, Riverside Camp Site, Royal Mara Safari Lodge, Serian Camp, Tipilikwani Camp

Lemek Group Ranch accounts for 8 properties–

These are Kicheche Camp,Saruni Safari Lodge & Camp, Bush Buck Mara Camp, David Livingstone Safari Lodge, Duma Camp, Kicheche Fly Camp, Mara Buffalo Camp, Westminster Safari Lodge

Siana Group Ranch accounts for 15 properties including, Leleshwa Camp, Sekenani Camp, Siana Springs Intrepids, Amicabre Camp Site, Gypsy Mara Safari Camp, Flamingo Camp, Impiripiri Camp, Mara Bush Tops Camp, Hippo Mara Safari Lodge, Mara Safari Camp Springs, Maasai Mara Sopa Lodge, Olperr Elongo Camp, Oropile Camp, Line Africa Safari Camp Site,  Spur Wing Camp Site.

Siana Springs

Siana means “plentiful” in local maa language.  Siana accounts for a large number of springs and hence the name. The permanent tented camp is located on the edge of Mara Reserve inside Siana group ranch.  Has 38 tents with a swimming pool.  Tents are ensuite with showers and flush toilet.  They offer day and night game drives, bush walks, balloon safaris, and aromatherapy.  Has a private airstrip.

Olderikesi Conservancy is for exclusive use of Cottars with two properties- Cottars 1920 Safari Camp and Little Cottars Camp.  Ol Kinyei Conservancy has Mara Porini Camp.  Porini Lion Camp is located inside the Olare Orok Conservancy.

The continued existence of Maasai Mara lies in balance.  Unless urgent action is taken, the unchecked human development inside and outside the park is likely to suffocate the reserve.  The large crowds witnessed during the annual migration, the dust and continued noise from lodges, vehicles and balloons will lead to changed behaviour of animals, environmental degradation and eventual death of Mara as a valued tourist destination.

Important Links

Hire 4×4 Car in Nairobi to visit Masai Mara National Park

Combine 12 days Great Migration Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngoronogoro, Manyara, Amboseli Safari with Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda