Activities To Do In Masai Mara National Reserve

Published on:
6th May 2025
3 Minutes Read

Top Activities To Do In Masai Mara National Reserve

Masai Mara National Reserve is part of the Great Mara–Serengeti Ecosystem, which, together with Serengeti National Park, forms one of the world's most diverse, incredible, and spectacular ecosystems.

Masai Mara National Reserve is home to over 95 mammal species, including the Big Five – lions, leopards, cape buffaloes, rhinos, elephants, and over 570 recorded bird species. The reserve is also a great site to see the Great Wildebeest Migration, the world's largest land mammal migration. Masai Mara National Reserve is an excellent African safari destination offering several activities that will make your safari a memorable one, and these include; 

1. Morning, Afternoon and Night Game Drives

Masai Mara is the largest protected conservation area, composed of open savannah grassland inhabited by various species. The game drive viewing is quite rewarding here. Game driving is a famous activity on African safaris, which is more enjoyed or adventured in 4×4 open roof safari vehicles to have a close, clear view of wild animals as you observe the regulations.

The game drive is usually done in three sessions. That is Morning, which starts at 6:30 am to 10:30 am. This is the best time to catch up with the African sunrise and a rewarding time to see animals actively looking for food or hunting in an open savannah grassland, as well as see cats and leopards going back from their hid outs. You can also be able to see a wide range of animals quench their thirsty near river banks, evening game drive starts at 4 pm till 6:30 pm this is the final time to catch them coming out from their hideouts, resting under the tree shades as they graze in groups. Night game drive which starts at 6 pm till 7:30 pm this is the final time to see nocturnal animals in the park, enjoy cheetahs, cats as they hunt their fellow animals.

The reserve's ecosystem supports many animal species, including the most famous big cats: lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffaloes, and Black-and-White Rhinos. Other species include Gazelles, Giraffes, Oribis, hartebeests, zebras, hippos, and crocodiles. Note that an armed guide strictly conducts all sessions. Never go to the park without an escort, and we recommend that our RoamRoar Kenya Safaris travelers always pack their clear cameras to film this incredible experience in a lifetime.

2. Great Migration Wildebeest Viewing

The Great Wildebeest Migration is the most spectacular wildlife event ever witnessed. Over two million wildebeests and over ten thousand gazelles and zebras embark on an annual migration across the Mara—Serengeti ecosystem, following an old route searching for water and green pasture.

From July through October, the migration arrives in the plains of Masai Mara National Reserve. It then crosses to Masai Mara with the Mara River Crossing, the deadliest event of the whole migration. The herd faces Nile crocodiles, and the high-speed waters of the river wash away some. Mara River Crossing is not an event for the faint-hearted.

3. Hot Air Balloon Safari

This is the best experience one should try while visiting, unlike the viewing game using a safari vehicle, which is good. Still, when it comes to balloon safaris, you will enjoy more of the park's beauty with an aerial view of the vast Mara plains as you take your breath away, especially during the great migration. This activity is done on an interesting route of the Mara River, where you can have an aerial view of the forests, birds, and aquatic animals before going deep into the savannah to enjoy the thrilling views of the scenic landscape. The balloon safari can be done within one hour, and after coming back for a picnic lunch or breakfast with champagne in the savannah plains, you will be given a certificate as a participant. The balloon safaris are best enjoyed with families and couples on a honeymoon.

4. Horseback Safaris

Maasai Mara is one of those African reserves and parks where horse riding is done as an activity. Masai Mara is inside the park for the game drive; this was mostly used by long-ago explorers since there were no cars, but today, even if there are safari vans and land cruisers, most guests prefer to use horse rides during their game drives, and it more popular in Maasai Mara.

It gives you an open way of exploring the best of the landscape, passing through other animals with an animal no off truck, only enjoying the fresh breeze of nature. During the migration, the experience is beyond as a well-trained game ranger escorts you. One enjoys more as you go close and close to the animals, even touching their backs.

5. Bird Watching

Masai Mara is also known as a haven for birders, with over 500 bird species, of which more than 60 are raptors. The reserve boasts a large number of ostriches, known as Maasai ostriches. The bird life of the reserve can be encountered in different ecosystem areas that form the reserve, such as open savannah, river banks, great rift valley escarpment, and rock sides. Bird-watching activities can be done throughout the year in Maasai Mara, and some of the list to see include cattle egret, rufous-bellied heron, hamerkop, sacred Ibis, secretary bird, sooty chat, African fish eagle, tawny eagle, long-tailed cormorant, ostrich, sooty chats, the kori bustard and many more to see.

6. Sundowners and Bush breakfast

Honeymooners visit –Maasai Mara, a destination for your romantic lifetime experience; enjoy your life together in the savannah with delicious meals and drinks. Just notice that nothing is better than experiencing the beautiful sunset in the wilderness while in your partner's arms.

7. Visit The Maasai People

Masai Mara is surrounded by a local community famously known as the Masai people/culture, one of the greatest African cultures you shouldn't miss on your safari to Mara. Masai people are pastoralists and live alone as cattle; they have a unique culture that cannot be seen elsewhere. These people live around the reserve and have been here for years, so they have interesting traditional norms and customs. Visit the Masai community on your safari to Masai Mara and discover the unique traditional houses, learn about their lifestyle, and get to know how to get fresh blood from animals, milk their indigenous cows, get excited about their dancing style as they jump up and down to the iconic and much more, note that, it is good to support sustainable tourism.  

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8. Visit the Mara River

The Mara River originates from the Kenyan highlands and flows into Lake Victoria. It provides a crucial water source for animals in the reserve. It is famous for being the crossing point for wildebeests migrating from Serengeti National Park to Masai Mara National Reserve. During the wet season, the Mara River increases in size and is home to some of the largest Nile crocodiles in Africa. Most game drives in the Masai Mara end near the river, as it attracts a variety of wildlife, including numerous birds, crocodiles, and hippos.

9. Stay in one of the Private Conservancies or Ranches

The Masai Mara National Reserve attracts many visitors from June to November. To avoid the crowds, consider staying in one of the private conservancies owned by the Maasai. These conservancies and ranches surround the main reserve and contain a larger population of wild animals than the reserve itself. One of the advantages of staying in a conservancy is the opportunity for crowd-free game drives and participation in activities not allowed in the main reserve, such as night game drives, nature walks, and viewing animals outside the main trails.

We also book for our guests to stay at Enkorok Mara Camp a budget camp outside the park. This tented camp seamlessly blends in with nature, offering our guests an ideal haven to delve into the marvels of the African wilderness.

10. Camping

If you love camping in your free time, you'll have a fantastic experience at the Masai Mara National Reserve. You'll be sleeping in the heart of the African wilderness, with wild animals nearby, making it a unique adventure. There are many campsites within the reserve; most are public, but there are also private options with amenities like kitchens and toilets. Some even feature pools where you can relax with friends and family.

 11. Photography

The Masai Mara National Reserve is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich vegetation. Many top wildlife photographers have visited the reserve to capture its natural beauty. However, you don't need to be a professional photographer to enjoy a photographic safari. Anyone with a good camera and a passion for photography can participate in this activity.

12. Guided Nature Walks

The national reserve is naturally gifted with various species to encounter, which can be done in your free time during your stay at Masai Mara. Guided nature walks can be enjoyed on foot with the help of the local guide and the armed guide who leads you to walking trails that predators less use for you to be able to enjoy close views of wild animals such as Elephants, Giraffes, Antelopes, Buffaloes, and many others around the park. This activity is more enjoyable when you carry it out by the researchers and learn more about different vegetation zoning of the reserve behaviors of the animals. Since it is a walking safari, you can also meet the local people known as the Masai people and learn more about their interesting culture, as you can still reach the Masai River and be able to sightsee water animals such as crocodiles, hippos, and water birds many more.

Key Takeaway

RoamRoar Kenya Safaris offers incredible, budget-friendly tours to the Maasai Mara, designed for all types of travelers. When you book with us, you can expect an unforgettable safari experience. Our three-day tour offers a fantastic opportunity to witness the world-renowned Great Wildebeest Migration, provided the timing aligns. This unique journey ensures a hassle-free travel experience from Nairobi to Masai Mara and back. You'll have the chance to observe the majestic Big Five in the stunning African savannah, making for a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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