Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife destination and one of the world’s great safari experiences. The Mara forms the northern extension of the Serengeti ecosystem, and between July and October hosts the Great Migration — when 1.5 million wildebeest, 250,000 zebra and thousands of gazelle cross the Mara River in one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles. Outside migration season, the Mara’s resident big cat population is outstanding year-round.
Ratings
Wildlife Density: ★★★★★ Infrastructure: ★★★★☆ Photography: ★★★★★
Adventure: ★★★☆☆ Exclusivity: ★★☆☆☆ Value for Money: ★★★☆☆ Scenery: ★★★★★
Key wildlife: Lion (large prides), leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, hippo, Nile crocodile (enormous in Mara River), wildebeest (1.5M during migration), zebra, giraffe, topi, Thomson’s gazelle, hyena
Best for: Great Migration (July–October), big cat photography, iconic African landscapes
Best time: July–October (migration crossings); January–February (big cats active in the Mara)
More about this reserve will be added here over time.
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