The annual migration of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle between the Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania, along with the determined pursuit of predators such as lion and leopard, is considered by many to be the greatest natural spectacle on Earth.
Spanning over 500 square miles of predominantly grassland, the Maasai Mara National Reserve provides fertile habitat for all of Africa’s Big Five, as well as crocodile, black rhino, and an astonishing variety of birdlife. It is one of the continent’s most sought-after destinations for safari holidays, and also home to the Maasai tribe, fearsome warriors and hardened pastoralists, many of whom still abide by the semi-nomadic practises their people have followed for centuries.
Location: 5 hours’ drive from capital, Nairobi in the rift valley, south-west Kenya
Wildlife safaris in Kenya are possible year-round, but the best, and consequently busiest time, is during the dry season which runs from late-June until October. During this period, the bush is not as dense and the animals cluster in large numbers by rivers and waterholes, making for exceptional viewing opportunities and the possibility of witnessing a predator in action.
Of course, just being in the Maasai Mara at the right time doesn’t guarantee you’ll see everything you want to, which is why it’s vital to use the services of professional guides with years of experience in safely tracking wildlife. It’s the best way to be sure you enjoy good viewpoints and high-quality safari activities whether travelling by 4×4, plane or on foot. A safari holiday in Kenya may only last a few weeks, but the memories will last for a lifetime.
Luxury boutique camps offer the quintessential Kenya safari experience, promising outstanding amenities and services to compliment the views. You might watch the animals gather around the waterhole from the comfort of your personal verandah; dine beneath the stars on gourmet seasonal food prepared by skilled camp chefs, and relax after your game drives with massages and treatments, or a refreshing dip in the camp’s private swimming pool. Whether travelling as a couple, a family or a group, there is an outstanding range of luxury Maasai Mara accommodation available that will take you back to the golden age of safari.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of Earth’s most spectacular natural wonders. Every year, immense herds of grazing animals including wildebeest, zebra and antelope, make their way clockwise around the Serengeti – Maasai Mara ecosystem, tracked constantly by predators such as lion and leopard.
Timing is everything when it comes to witnessing the Great Migration, as unfortunately the animals pay little attention to safari schedules, which is why many people opt for mobile camping, and experienced safari guides often prove to be an invaluable resource.
Maasai cultural tours introduce you to ways of life that are centuries-old, rooted in tradition, and never less than fascinating. You might join day-trips out to welcoming tribal villages, or stay overnight, taking part in ceremonies, rituals, craft workshops or farming activities that will give you a valuable insight into the daily lives, beliefs and customs of the Maasai people.
Through immersive encounters such as these, the visitor can develop greater understanding and awareness, bridge cultural differences, and help sustain these communities into the future. A Kenya safari holiday can only show you so much – Maasai cultural visits ensure a much deeper experience.
What better way to discover the raw majesty of the Maasai Mara and its wildlife than from the air. A Maasai Mara hot air balloon safari enables you to sail peacefully through the sky, at sunrise or sunset, for a spectacular bird’s eye view when the animals are at their most active.
Comfortable, spacious baskets allow for an unforgettable journey over the plains. For an additional touch of luxury, many hot air balloon safaris in Kenya can also be combined with a delicious bush breakfast prepared for you on landing.
Guided nature walks through the bush are a highlight of many Maasai Mara holidays. Much of the terrain here is made up of open savannah, allowing for superb visibility and a truly authentic safari experience. Professional guides use their knowledge and experience built up over many years to track the animals, while sharing fascinating insights into their behaviours and habitat.
Day and overnight hikes depart directly from safari camps, bringing you up close with giraffe, elephant, zebra and antelope, amid some of Kenya’s most captivating scenery.
Just two hours north of the Maasai Mara by jeep, Lake Naivasha is a vast freshwater oasis surrounded by acacia forest, papyrus swamp and many unique natural features shaped by volcanic activity over the centuries. Over 400 species of bird can be seen around this vast expanse of water, along with hippopotamus, giraffe and even the occasional shy leopard.
A popular weekend retreat from Nairobi, Lake Naivasha is the highest, and perhaps most beautiful of all the lakes in the Great Rift Valley. Boat safaris and game drives by day or night make for memorable experiences, but there are also many superb Lake Naivasha cultural tours on offer, from wine-tasting to visiting the historic Elsamere Conservation Centre, once home to Joy and George Adamson.
A safari in the Maasai Mara can easily be combined with trips to other parks and reserves that are either within easy driving distance, or a short flight away. Just two hours by road to the north is stunning Lake Naivasha, once home to Joy Adamson.
To the south of the lake lies Hell’s Gate National Park, renowned for the diversity of its wildlife and an enthralling Maasai cultural center. A few hours further on is Lake Nakuru National Park, considered by many to be one of the most magnificent parks in Kenya, and home to both white and black rhino as well as Rothschild’s giraffe.
