Big cats and open plains · Narok County, south-west Kenya
The Masai Mara is Kenya’s most famous reserve: rolling grassland, acacia trees and the highest density of lions, cheetahs and leopards in the country. It joins Tanzania’s Serengeti to the south.
The great wildebeest migration passes through from about July to October. Over Christmas and New Year the plains are green after the short rains, the resident big cats and elephants are easy to find, and calving season for many antelope begins. It is a great time to visit with fewer vehicles than in August.
About 5–6 hours by road from Nairobi via the Great Rift Valley viewpoint and Narok, or 45 minutes by scheduled flight from Wilson Airport.
All year. July–October for the migration; December–February for green plains, newborn animals and great big-cat sightings.
Three nights in a luxury or mid-luxury Masai Mara camp over Christmas and New Year, with park fees, transport and game drives included. Finish with three nights on Diani Beach.
Full-day drives with a picnic by the Mara River to find lion prides, cheetah and leopard.
Sunrise flights over the plains with a bush breakfast (optional extra).
Visit a Maasai manyatta next to the reserve.
Hotel, transport, park fees and activities in one price. No booking fees.