Maasai Mara is what most people picture when they think of Africa: wide-open vistas full of animals and waving grass, dotted with trees and bodies of water. This region of Africa is mostly a dedicated conservation area where wildlife and tribal cultures, the Maasai, thrive. Maasai Mara is a region full of rolling grasslands where zebras, wildebeest, elephants, leopards, giraffes, gazelles and other animals roam across the plains in huge numbers.
Things to Do
- Known for its abundant wildlife, Maasai Mara offers a huge variety of safari options.
- Explore the area on foot, by vehicle or with a bicycle. (Safari Tips)
- Want to get a bird’s eye view of this lush African paradise? Take a hot air balloon ride to explore one of the best landscapes in the world.
- The area is also known for its culture, as local tribes still live here. These villages are friendly and typically welcoming toward tourists, so feel free to stop and visit with one of these communities when you find them. You can even take tours to see some of these incredible Maasai settlements.
- Pack a picnic lunch and go find a scenic spot to eat, or enjoy a bush dinner prepared by a chef to feature all sorts of authentic African tastes.
- Camping is popular here, and many people participate on night game drives where you can see animals that are usually asleep during the day.
- You’ll have the opportunity to eat authentic Kenyan cuisine. It’s traditional in Kenya to start the day with a sweet, milky tea known as Chai. Coffee is also popular in Kenya. Nibble on traditional dishes like mishaki, barbecued meat roasted over an open fire, and more familiar foods like corn on the cob, rice and delicious meat and vegetable stews. Fruit and vegetables are present at every meal, and every meal is usually accompanied by a piece of bread, fried dough or a biscuit.
- Have a destination wedding in the wilderness.
- Experience luxury resorts recommended by Independant
Pick the Best Time to Visit
Unlike many other areas of Africa, there is no “tourist season” in Maasai Mara. The wildlife here is abundant and active all year long, and the weather is generally beautiful whenever you decide to visit. This is a year-round destination that always has something to see, do and try. But if you want to see something that’s truly spectacular, go to Maasai Mara from early August to the end of November to watch the breathtaking wildebeest migration.
How to Get to Maasai Mara
Many major U.S. and UK cities provide direct flights to Nairobi, which is about 280 Km (or 174 miles) from Maasai Mara. From Nairobi, it’s possible to get a connecting flight directly to Maasai Mara. Daily flights arrive at Mara, so it’s always possible to take a plane out to this area. However, you can also drive there to enjoy scenic African countryside during the 6-hour trip. There are many places to stop to get food along the way. It is recommended to use a vehicle with four-wheel drive, as the road to Mara can be bumpy.
Once you get to Maasai Mara and start to experience the stunning views, the vast diversity of the wildlife, the food and the culture, you won’t ever want to leave. This is an ideal place to visit for taking pictures and creating lasting memories.
