The Great Migration & Big Five
Masai Mara
Masai Mara · Africa’s greatest wildlife theatre
Kenya's most famous reserve is a golden sweep of savannah teeming with lions, elephants and cheetahs. Each year it hosts the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest and zebra thunder across the Mara River in one of nature's grandest spectacles.
Top sightsSights
The Great Migration
Dramatic river crossings of wildebeest and zebra, roughly July–October.
Big Five game drives
Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino across open plains.
Hot-air balloon safari
A dawn flight over the savannah, ending with a bush breakfast.
Maasai village visit
Meet the Maasai people whose lands border the reserve.
Mara River
The crocodile-filled river at the heart of the crossings.
What to eatFood
Nyama choma
Kenya’s beloved roasted meat, often at a lodge bush dinner.
Ugali
A staple maize porridge served with stews.
Bush breakfast
A safari tradition served out on the plains.
Good to know
- Time a July–October visit for the migration river crossings.
- Fly in by light aircraft from Nairobi to save a long, rough drive.
- Book a reputable lodge or camp with expert guides.
Getting there
Several airstrips take light-aircraft flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport in about 45 minutes.
Next city
Nakuru