Masai Mara Travel Guide

The Masai Mara lies just across the border in Kenya and forms one continuous ecosystem with the Serengeti. It has the same migration and the same wildlife, but different park rules and a different style of safari.

The River Crossings

The Mara hosts the most dramatic chapter of the migration, when wildebeest and zebra plunge into the crocodile-filled Mara River. This usually happens from about July to October, after the herds have moved north from the Serengeti.

Maasai Culture

The reserve is named after the Maasai, who still live in the surrounding lands. Many visitors add a visit to a Maasai village to their game drives.

Crossing From Tanzania

Adding the Mara to a Tanzania trip means separate visa rules, a border crossing and a slightly different way of traveling. It is not a quick day trip, but it is a rewarding extension if you want to follow the whole migration story.

When to Go

July to October, if the river crossings are your main goal.