The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do in Masai Mara
Planning your Maasai Mara safari? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about experiencing one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations, from witnessing the Great Migration to unforgettable cultural encounters with the Maasai people.
Why Visit Masai Mara National Reserve?
The Masai Mara National Reserve stands as one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, drawing wildlife enthusiasts from around the globe. Located in southwestern Kenya along the Tanzanian border, this 1,510-square-kilometre (580-square-mile) wilderness forms the northern extension of the legendary Serengeti ecosystem.
Named after the indigenous Maasai people and the life-giving Mara River that cuts through the landscape, this reserve offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities year-round. Rolling savannah plains dotted with acacia trees create the perfect backdrop for spotting the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros—alongside cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, and countless other species.
What makes Maasai Mara special? The reserve hosts the world-famous Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, traverse the plains in an annual cycle of survival. This natural phenomenon, combined with exceptional predator populations and diverse ecosystems ranging from riverine forests to open grasslands, makes the Mara an unmissable destination for any safari lover.
Best Things to Do in Maasai Mara
1. Experience Thrilling Game Drives
Game drives form the cornerstone of any Maasai Mara adventure. These guided expeditions, typically conducted during the golden hours of early morning (6:00-9:00 AM) and late afternoon (4:00-7:00 PM), offer your best chance to encounter Africa’s magnificent wildlife.
What to expect: Expert guides with intimate knowledge of the terrain and animal behavior will navigate you through the reserve in specially equipped safari vehicles. Watch as prides of lions rest in the shade after a night’s hunt, elephants gather at watering holes, and cheetahs survey the plains from termite mounds.
Pro tip: Book both morning and evening game drives for different wildlife experiences. Mornings are ideal for active predators, while evenings offer spectacular photography opportunities with warm, golden light.
The Mara’s open terrain provides excellent visibility, making it one of the best places in Africa for viewing big cats. On average, visitors spot multiple lion prides during a three-day visit, with frequent sightings of leopards and cheetahs as well.
2. Witness the Great Migration (July-October)
Game drives form the cornerstone of any Maasai Mara adventure. These guided expeditions, typically conducted during the golden hours of early morning (6:00-9:00 AM) and late afternoon (4:00-7:00 PM), offer your best chance to encounter Africa’s magnificent wildlife.
What to expect: Expert guides with intimate knowledge of the terrain and animal behavior will navigate you through the reserve in specially equipped safari vehicles. Watch as prides of lions rest in the shade after a night’s hunt, elephants gather at watering holes, and cheetahs survey the plains from termite mounds.
Pro tip: Book both morning and evening game drives for different wildlife experiences. Mornings are ideal for active predators, while evenings offer spectacular photography opportunities with warm, golden light.
The Mara’s open terrain provides excellent visibility, making it one of the best places in Africa for viewing big cats. On average, visitors spot multiple lion prides during a three-day visit, with frequent sightings of leopards and cheetahs as well.
3. Take a Hot Air Balloon Safari at Dawn
Float silently above the Maasai Mara’s golden plains as the sun rises, painting the landscape in breathtaking hues of orange and pink. Hot air balloon safaris offer a unique, bird’s-eye perspective of the ecosystem below.
The experience: Your adventure begins before dawn with a briefing from your pilot. As the balloon gently ascends, watch the reserve come to life beneath you—herds moving across the plains, predators on the hunt, and the Mara River snaking through the landscape.
What’s included: Most balloon safari packages include the one-hour flight, a champagne breakfast served in the bush upon landing, and transportation back to your accommodation. The landing spot varies based on wind conditions, adding an element of adventure to each flight.
Cost considerations: While balloon safaris represent a significant investment (typically $400-$500 per person), they provide unforgettable memories and unique photographic opportunities impossible to capture from the ground.
4. Visit an Authentic Maasai Village
The Maasai Mara isn’t just about wildlife—it’s also home to the Maasai people, pastoralists who have lived in harmony with the land for centuries. A visit to a traditional Maasai village offers invaluable cultural insights.
Cultural immersion: Experience traditional warrior dances, learn about Maasai customs and social structures, and see inside traditional manyattas (houses made from mud, sticks, and cow dung). The Maasai are known for their distinctive red shukas (robes), intricate beadwork, and jumping dance ceremonies.
What you’ll learn: Discover how the Maasai have maintained their semi-nomadic lifestyle, their unique relationship with wildlife, and traditional practices including herbal medicine and cattle herding techniques passed down through generations.
Supporting local communities: Many village visits directly benefit local communities through tour fees. You can also purchase authentic, handmade crafts including beaded jewelry, sandals, and weapons—each purchase supporting Maasai families.
At Enkakenya Camp, we work closely with neighboring Maasai communities to ensure respectful, authentic cultural exchanges that benefit local people while educating visitors.
5. Explore on Bush Walks and Walking Safaris
Step out of the vehicle and experience the Mara on foot—a thrilling way to connect intimately with the African wilderness. Walking safaris led by experienced Maasai guides offer perspectives impossible to gain from a safari vehicle.
What makes walking special: Focus on the smaller details often overlooked during game drives—animal tracks, insects, medicinal plants, and bird calls. Learn bush survival skills, tracking techniques, and how to read the landscape’s subtle signs.
Safety first: All walks are conducted with armed guides and follow strict safety protocols. You’ll maintain safe distances from dangerous animals while still experiencing the thrill of being on foot in big game country.
Best for: Walking safaris suit adventurous travelers seeking deeper engagement with the ecosystem. They’re typically conducted in areas with lower concentrations of dangerous game, often in conservancies surrounding the main reserve.
6. Bird Watching Paradise: 500+ Species
Bird enthusiasts will find paradise in the Maasai Mara, home to over 500 recorded bird species. From colorful rollers and bee-eaters to massive secretary birds and soaring raptors, the diversity is extraordinary.
Notable species to spot:
- Lilac-breasted rollers with their dazzling plumage
- African fish eagles calling across the Mara River
- Secretary birds stalking through grasslands
- Kori bustards, among Africa’s heaviest flying birds
- Numerous vulture species at predator kills
- Vibrant superb starlings and golden-breasted starlings
Best birding seasons: November to April brings migratory species from Europe and North Africa, swelling the already impressive resident bird population.
Essential gear: Bring quality binoculars, a field guide to East African birds, and a camera with a telephoto lens for capturing these feathered beauties.
7. Photography Opportunities of a Lifetime
The Maasai Mara ranks among the world’s premier wildlife photography destinations. Whether you’re a professional photographer or smartphone enthusiast, the Mara delivers exceptional shooting opportunities.
Ideal conditions: The reserve’s open terrain, abundant wildlife, and spectacular lighting during golden hours create perfect photography conditions. Morning and evening game drives offer the best light for dramatic shots.
What to photograph:
- Big cats in action—hunting, playing, resting
- Dramatic Great Migration river crossings
- Sweeping landscape panoramas
- Intimate wildlife portraits
- Maasai cultural portraits (with permission)
- Spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the plains
Photography tips: Use a telephoto lens (300mm minimum) for wildlife, arrive at locations early for the best light, and maintain patience—the perfect shot often requires waiting for the right moment.
8. Romantic Sundowners and Bush Dinners
Experience the magic of African evenings with sundowner drinks and bush dinners under star-filled skies. These experiences combine luxury with wilderness in unforgettable ways.
Sundowner experience: As daylight fades, your guide finds a scenic spot overlooking the plains. Enjoy drinks and snacks while watching the sun set, painting the African sky in brilliant colors. Listen as the sounds of the bush transition from day to night—a deeply moving experience.
Bush dinners: Many lodges, including Enkakenya Camp, arrange bush dinners where tables are set up in the wild, often illuminated by lanterns and campfire light. Dine on gourmet cuisine while surrounded by the sounds of nocturnal animals—an experience that epitomizes African safari luxury.
Perfect for: Couples seeking romantic experiences, special celebrations, or anyone wanting to fully immerse themselves in the Mara’s nocturnal atmosphere.
9. Authentic Camping Under African Stars
For the truly adventurous, nothing compares to camping in the Masai Mara. Fall asleep to the distant roar of lions and wake to the calls of hornbills and francolins.
Camping options: The reserve offers various camping experiences, from basic public campsites to more comfortable tented camps with facilities. At Enkakenya Camp, we provide comfortable tented accommodations that balance adventure with comfort.
The camping experience: Sleep under canvas with minimal barriers between you and the wilderness. Nighttime brings a symphony of sounds—hippos grazing near camp, hyenas calling, and the occasional distant roar of a lion. It’s safari at its most authentic.
What to expect: Most camps provide mess tents, dining facilities, and basic amenities. Some offer bucket showers and eco-friendly toilets, maintaining the authentic bush experience while ensuring comfort.
10. Support Conservation and Eco-Tourism Initiatives
The Maasai Mara faces conservation challenges, including human-wildlife conflict, habitat loss, and poaching. Responsible tourism plays a vital role in protecting this ecosystem for future generations.
How visitors contribute: Many camps and lodges, including Enkakenya Camp, engage in active conservation efforts. Your visit directly supports:
- Anti-poaching patrols and ranger programs
- Wildlife monitoring and research initiatives
- Community conservation projects
- Education programs for local schools
- Sustainable tourism practices that minimise environmental impact
Get involved: Ask your accommodation about their conservation initiatives. Many offer opportunities to participate in monitoring activities, tree planting, or community projects.
Responsible safari practices: Choose eco-certified accommodations, respect wildlife by maintaining safe distances, never litter, and support lodges that employ and partner with local communities.
Planning Your Masai Mara Safari
Best Time to Visit
July-October: Peak season for the Great Migration. Expect crowds but unparalleled wildlife viewing. Book well in advance.
January-February: Excellent time for predator sightings, calving season in the Serengeti draws predators. Fewer tourists and lower rates.
November-December, March-June: Shoulder seasons offer good wildlife viewing, fewer visitors, and competitive pricing. The “short rains” in November-December bring lush landscapes.
What to Pack
- Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive, brown)
- Layers for varying temperatures
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen
- Quality binoculars and camera equipment
- Insect repellent
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes
- Warm jacket for early mornings and evenings
Getting There
The Maasai Mara is accessible by both road and air:
By air: Multiple daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to various airstrips in and around the Mara (approximately 45-60 minutes).
By road: A 5-6 hour drive from Nairobi, offering scenic views of the Rift Valley. Road conditions vary seasonally.
Where to Stay: Why Choose Enkakenya Camp
Located in a prime position within the Maasai Mara ecosystem, Enkakenya Camp offers authentic safari experiences combining comfort with wilderness immersion. Our strategic location provides excellent access to key wildlife areas and migration crossing points.
What sets us apart:
- Expertly guided game drives by knowledgeable local guides
- Comfortable tented accommodations with modern amenities
- Authentic bush dining experiences
- Strong community partnerships with local Maasai villages
- Commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism
- Personalised service ensuring memorable safari experiences
Make Your Maasai Mara Dreams a Reality
The Maasai Mara offers something for every safari enthusiast—from adrenaline-pumping wildlife encounters and cultural immersion to luxury experiences and conservation participation. Whether witnessing the Great Migration, photographing a leopard in a tree, or sharing stories around the campfire under African stars, the Mara delivers moments that will stay with you forever.
Ready to experience the magic of the Maasai Mara? Contact Enkakenya Camp today to start planning your unforgettable African safari adventure. Let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime in one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife destinations.
Book your Maasai Mara safari with Enkakenya Camp and experience the adventure of a lifetime.
