Maasai Mara Game Reserve

Maasai Mara Game Reserve is a pristine wildlife sanctuary and the most outstanding game reserve you can ever find on earth. It's located in southwestern part of Kenya in the Great Rift Valley along the Kenya/Tanzania border. It borders Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.

Maasai Mara is a "bucket list" item for many international travellers, wildlife viewers, nature lovers, photographers' and adventure enthusiasts. It's also an important birdwatchers' paradise. Birdlife is prolific here featuring over 450 different species that includes several migrants.

Mara is an important ecosystem in Africa full of wildlife, grasslands, forests, rivers, escarpments and communities. It's the most famous safari destination in Kenya where over 450 species of animals have been recorded. Here you will easily see lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, giraffe, wildebeests, zebras, buffalo, gazelles, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, buffalo, leopard, many kinds of antelopes and elephant.

Mara's vast landscape comprise of iconic wide open savannah with small bushy trees that dot the grasslands and a splash of riverine forests and towering escarpments. Open grasslands enable predators such as lion, cheetah and wild dogs to chase their prey unobstructed.

From late June every year drama in the Mara is hard to believe with the arrival of the Great Wildebeest Migration from Serengeti Plains in Tanzania. At the Mara River thousands of wildebeest and zebra are attacked by crocodiles as they attempt to cross this mighty river and enter Kenya "without passports" during the annual Great Migration. The migration is today one of the natural world’s most astonishing phenomena. Each year nearly two million wildebeest and accompanying large numbers of zebra, and smaller numbers of Grant's gazelle, Thompson's gazelle, eland and impala trek from the Serengeti to Maasai Mara and back again in search of fresh grazing. Following hot on their heels are the predators of the savannah: lion, cheetah, wild dog, jackal, hyena and vultures. The migration involves over 1.5 million animals arriving in July and departing in late October. Viewing these vast herds on the move is always unforgettable sight. This experience is rated as one of the most spectacular natural events.

This stunning game reserve is a complex wildlife habitat where you can easily spot all the "Big 5" in one day. Wildlife viewing is the main activity with game being abundant everywhere throughout the year. Other important activities include, Balloon safaris, cultural visits to Maasai homesteads, night game drives to view nocturnal wildlife, horseback riding, walking safaris and evening sundowners at very scenic locations to watch African sunset in all its glory.

For romance/honeymooners and those very special occasions, Maasai Mara will not disappoint and will be your perfect destination with those superb game drives, stunning wildlife, scenic landscapes and endless thrills. So, if you’re considering a wedding anniversary, proposing to your loved one or simply surprising her or celebrating your honeymoon, there's no other better choice than in the Mara in one of the wildlife conservancies. Imagine the excitement and thrill of enjoying luxurious accommodation, bush barbecues, night game drives and candle-lit dinning just outside your private tent? With the additional elegant and intimate warm tropical atmosphere, you can be sure of delightful experiences every day.

And to spice up this experience, how about a hot air balloon excursion to view Maasai Mara from the sky and enjoy Hippo Pool Bush Breakfast on the banks of Mara River?

What about adding few days in Diani, South Coast of Mombasa for a much-deserved beach escape to enjoy uninterrupted sunshine, indulge in barefoot luxury in the azure, crystal clear warm waters of the Indian Ocean? Mombasa Air flies directly to Ukunda Airstrip in Diani every day from Maasai Mara.

WHAT DO OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE?

Unforgettable trip! Far exceeded my expectations! So glad I chose Africa Safari Classics to plan our trip. My mom has had a safari on her bucket list forever and we finally decided to go despite the current uncertainties with the pandemic. Glad we did. Went the last part of December 2021. My 72 year old mom, my college age son and 2 daughters in high school. Great trip for everyone in our eclectic group.

Went into the trip thinking we would see a lot of animals but not everything. I was hoping for a cheetah or a leopard. We saw EVERYTHING! Saw all the big 5, cheetahs, hippos, etc! Not only that we saw it all very close. Saw lionesses with their cubs eating a zebra, a leopard with its kill in a tree, and so much more! I was worried that my camera would not be powerful enought to get the photos I wanted. So it was so awesome to see everything so close! The pictures my kids got on their phones were amazing because our drivers got us right up to the animals.

Highlights included:
Seeing all the animals so close!
Night game drive.
Hot air balloon ride during sunrise over the Mara.

Also recommend going to different parks/conservancies. Loved Amboseli, Mara, and Eagle View (Naboisho Conservancy). Glad we didn't spend the whole time at only one national park.

Our guides were wonderful! Tony was our guide for the majority of the trip. He has been a guide for 15+ years and was great! My mom said she appreciated his patience answering all her questions and we never felt rushed.
Maurice did a great job planning it all out for us. I just emailed him with my list of what we wanted to see and do and I let him plan it since he knew what would be best for that time of year.
Can't say enough about how much I would recommend going with Africa Safari Classics.

Travel Review by Marie Nielsen, USA.

EMBOO RIVER CAMP

Emboo River Camp is hidden in a dense forest along Emboo River in the heart of Maasai Mara Game Reserve. The camp is beautifully set in a perfect location to explore this spectacular ecosystem and spot all its wildlife. Wildlife roam freely all around the lodge and along Emboo River. The camp guarantees unique wildlife experience with game drives in silent open-sided 4x4 safari vehicles, dinner under the stars without generator humming in the background, delicious meals with organic ingredients prepared on biogas, rain showers overlooking nature and knowing that every drop of water is filtered and reused. Emboo River’s holistic approach to sustainability is practical and the camp is proud to lead the way, with sustainability at the forefront of all its operations. Emboo River was the first lodge in this region to offer guests opportunity to embark on carbon-neutral safaris in converted electric 4x4 safari vehicles powered by solar energy. All the guest suites are located along the river bend and blend perfectly with nature to make sure that you get to enjoy the surroundings to the fullest.

SANCTUARY OLONANA

Sanctuary Olonana is immersed in a magnificent wildlife haven on a private stretch of the Mara River in the heart of Kenya’s most famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve. This elegant riverside hideout is set on this dramatic river which runs right past its forest setting. Sanctuary Mara comprises of contemporary glass-sided suites designed with floor to ceiling glass doors that fold open onto Mara River. All the suites feature plush king-sized beds and indulgent daybed on the deck for ultimate relaxation. The camp’s well-trained chefs passionately craft sumptuous meals to be sampled in the large dining room or al fresco on the sweeping terrace perched over the river. The dining room contains elegant tables and smart upright chairs, extending onto a dining deck that overlooks the river and its wild inhabitants. All game drives include sundowner cocktails and canapés at specially selected spots in the Mara. A sparkling swimming pool offers a cool refuge from the scorching heat. For your wellness, the spa staff here are skilled in delivering wide range of body treatments, from facials to full body massage.

BATELEUR CAMP

Bateleur Camp is set in a superb location, nestled in the cool shade of a dense forest on the edge of the Maasai Mara’s endless plains. This luxurious retreat is set in a wildlife concession at the base of Olooloo Escarpment overlooking Maasai Mara. Accommodation comprises 18 suites in two intimate camps. All the suites have en-suite bathrooms with twin hand basins and a private veranda for settling back to gaze at the riverine forest. With just nine tented suites the camp offers perfect luxury in the original canvas safari style. The communal lounge is decorated with contemporary touches and the veranda provides spectacular views of the surroundings. Delicious cuisine is served in a delightful setting beneath the stars. Bush breakfasts and romantic sundowners on the edge of the Rift Valley offer an experience one can never forget. A refreshing swimming pool provides cool comfort between game viewing excursions. Activities include both day and spot-lit night drives, nature walks, and visits to authentic Maasai homesteads. Well-equipped gym and variety of body treatments and massage are available.

TANGULIA MARA CAMP

Tangulia Mara Camp is a cozy tented bush camp perched on a leafy hill overlooking a salt lick by the Mara River. Tangulia Camp guarantees comfort, serenity and privacy with an array of unique safari experiences. Tangulia is located on the western boundary between Mara North Conservancy and Maasai Mara Game Reserve by the Mara River. This ideal location allows easy access to classic game viewing in the Mara Triangle west of the river and around Musiara Marsh. Both these areas boast of rich biodiversity and offer game viewing at its best. The Great Migration’s famous Mara River crossings are only a few minutes away. Tangulia comprises of 8 luxury homely tents including one family tent. All the tents are surrounded by leafy bushes and face the salt lick which is a favourite spot for wildlife and overlook the Mara River. Each tent has handmade king-sized beds with ensuite bathrooms. A wide variety of cuisine from pasta dishes to red and white meat are offered. All the meals and wide choice of beverages and fresh salads are warmly served over a communal handmade dining table in the mess area.