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    Wildlife as far as the eye can see

    Kenya’s legendary Maasai Mara is one of the most famous game reserves in the world. Home to the Big Five, as well as the millions of migrating wildebeest and zebras who thunder across the plain during the Great Migration each year, a luxury Maasai Mara safari is a truly unforgettable experience.

    Between July and September, the herds pour into the Maasai Mara from the dry plains of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. The wildebeest must cross the Mara River on the border, marking the most treacherous point in the journey, with hungry crocodiles waiting patiently beneath the surface.

    The sound of millions of clattering hooves and the spray of the water as they crash through the river is an incredible sight and one of Africa’s premier wildlife experiences. Our preferred way to experience the Great Migration is from one of the more remote areas, such as the Mara Triangle, where camps such as Wilderness Mara endeavour to offer an immersive wildlife experience in a quieter location, offering an immersive wildlife experience focused on local conservation and community partnerships.

    The landscapes here are characterised by seemingly infinite stretches of golden savannah – a quintessential safari landscape that lets the imagination soar with thoughts of the majestic animals that roam here. The Maasai Mara has one of the highest concentrations of wildlife year-round. The Big Five can all be observed here, along with huge pods of hippos basking in the rivers, cheetahs racing across the savannah and giraffes ambling between the acacia trees.

    The reserve itself is named after the Maasai people, who inhabit the area, and you’ll have opportunities to learn about their traditions and lifestyle during your trip. The Maasai have been grazing their cattle on these lands for hundreds of years, and this is still common practice for many, while others use their in-depth knowledge of the land to work as guides in some of the Maasai Mara lodges.

    Get in touch with our Africa travel designers to start planning your bespoke Maasai Mara safari.

    From our experts

    Experiences picked by our destination specialists

    • Watch the Great Migration from the Mara Triangle preview image
    • Find all of the Big Five on a guided game drive preview image
    • Learn Maasai traditions from a local guide preview image
    • Float above the savannah by hot air balloon preview image
    • Spot aardvarks, pangolins and honey badgers preview image

    Watch the Great Migration from the Mara Triangle

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    Experience the phenomenon of the Great Migration from a quieter perspective at Wilderness Mara or Angama Mara, in the Mara Triangle.

    Find all of the Big Five on a guided game drive

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    Marvel at each of the Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and African buffalos on an expert-led game drive.

    Learn Maasai traditions from a local guide

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    Learn about Maasai culture and traditions from your knowledgeable Maasai guide.

    Float above the savannah by hot air balloon

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    Float above the plains on a hot air balloon ride, witnessing the remarkable wildlife and scale of the savannah from above.

    Spot aardvarks, pangolins and honey badgers

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    Your local guide will help you to spot rare animals including aardvarks, pangolins, aardwolfs, honey badgers and caracals.

    A word from one of our experts

    Our Africa expert Jamey describes the kind of breathtaking wildlife, including elephants, lions and black rhinos, that make the Maasai Mara one of the greatest wildlife destinations on earth.

    Jamey Lowis

    Jamey Lowis

    Travel Designer

    Luxury Maasai Mara safari lodges

    There are many incredible places to stay in Maasai Mara. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our safari experts:

    Maasai Mara

    Ol Seki Hemingways
    Ol Seki Hemingways is located in the heart of the Naboisho Conservancy which borders the world-famous Maasai Mara. The camp consists of nine luxurious tents scattered across the rocky escarpment, offering incredible views out over the Ngama Hills. Each stylish tent has been designed to offer secluded privacy and spacious accommodation. Neutral tones intermingle with the Bedouin style tents, whilst locally sourced fabrics and furniture, a large comfy bed, and a writing desk add further comfort. There are six domed Nina tents and two expansive family suites titled Simba and Chui. The Nina tents feature high domed ceilings and six opening panels on three sides, meaning you can enjoy the sunrise from the comfort of your double bed.. Out front you’ll find a large deck where you can relax, eat, drink, and stargaze. The Simba and the Chui tents are both suites, with the former connecting two enormous double bedrooms and their en-suites to a kitchen, dining room, and living area. There is also a fully-stocked bar. If you desire a butler or complete privacy, the Simba suite can provide both ends of the luxury spectrum. The Chui tent features two large en-suite twin bedrooms with a stone boardwalk separating them from a large central living space that houses a private kitchen, lounge and dining room. This is the perfect suite for families or friends travelling together. With a view of the acacia scrub behind your table, the dining area will reinvigorate your senses, whether you sit inside the modern establishment or on the outside terrace. Dining can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways: with a completely mobile kitchen, meals can be had on the grassy plain of the conservancy one evening, or eaten by lantern light as you gaze across the Ngama Hills the next. Private dining on the decks is also available.  On the main deck guests can congregate around the campfire and enjoy a sundowner while exchanging stories from the day. There is also a library with comfy leather chairs and a selection of safari literature. Guests can also enjoy access to an inviting swimming pool, allowing you a chance to cool off while absorbing the stunning natural surroundings. Alongside game drives you can enjoy a picnic in the reserve for lunch, meet the local Maasai herdsmen, or soar above the plains in a hot air balloon.
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    Why book with Jacada?

    Safari expertise illustration image

    Safari expertise

    Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.

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    Unforgettable guides

    We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.

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    Responsible travel

    By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.

    Ready to plan your adventure?

    Whatever you want from your Maasai Mara safari, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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    Meet your Africa team

    When to visit the Maasai Mara

    The best time to visit Kenya depends on what you’re after.

    If you’re in search of the Great Wildebeest Migration, July to October is the best time to go. If you’re looking to spot some rare migratory birds, go between October and April. December to March is the warmest time to visit, and it’s a great time to go on a Maasai Mara safari in search of the Big Five.

    The Great Migration

    July - October

    Rare Migratory Birds

    October - April

    The Big Five

    December - March

    When Is the Best Time to Visit Kenya?

    When Is the Best Time to Visit Kenya?

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    Plan your trip to Maasai Mara

    Whatever you want from your adventure in Maasai Mara, our team of safari experts are ready to help.

    Start Planning

    Don't take our word for it

    Inside the Maasai Mara with Jamey

    Explore the grasslands and rivers

    Speak with our Africa specialists to start planning your own trip to the Maasai Mara.

    Jamey Lowis

    Jamey Lowis

    Travel Designer

    Hot air balloon over Marrakech in the sunset light.

    Your trip, your story

    We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

    Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.

    Where would you like to travel?
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