One of the icons of the safari circuit, the Maasai Mara lies in the heart of Maasai territory in south-west Kenya. It adjoins the Serengeti and from July to October, great columns of wildebeest and zebra that stretch from horizon to horizon surge across the plains and raging rivers in search of life-giving grass in the north. Dominated by lions and widely regarded as Africa’s greatest wildlife reserve, its appeal lies not only in the game, but also in the peaceful co-existence of Maasai and the beasts of the plain. Here, the Maasai maintain their traditional way of life, believing they are as much a part of the life of the land as vice versa. Living alongside the animals in harmony is pivotal to Maasai culture.
Recommended accommodation
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Cottars
Situated in the Maasai Mara, bordering the Serengeti and Loliondo reserves, this 22,000 acre private concession is named after the Cottar family, who operated the very first photographic safari in 1919.
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Kicheche and Kicheche Bush Camp
Choose between a hidden camp where game viewing starts right from the camp itself or the unfenced camp for the best views of the wildebeest migration.
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Mara Plains Camp
Mara Plains Camps is an intimate camp of seven luxury tents in the Olare Orok Conservancy, bordering the Maasai Mara Reserve, offering low-density game viewing with day and night game drives, walks and balloon safaris.
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Ol Seki Mara Camp
At Ol Seki time can be spent game viewing with the experienced guides either on foot or by vehicle. Enjoy bush picnics and sundowners in the Maasai Mara Reserve on the plains and the nearby Hippo pools
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Offbeat Safaris
Over the years, Tristan Voorspuy’s Offbeat Safaris have perfected the art of creating seamlessly organised riding safaris through the Maasai Mara and the Laikipia Plateau.
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Olonana
In the heart of big game territory, Olonana is an elegant tented lodge perched on the banks of the Mara River.
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Rekero and Rekero Kidogo
Set amidst the teeming wildlife of the Maasai Mara, Rekero is a seasonal family run camp literally feet away from the Talek River.
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Saruni
Lying in a remote valley alongside the Maasai Mara, Saruni is a luxurious lodge surrounded by amazing game populations.
Sample itinerary
DAY 1 LONDON/NAIROBI
Schedule overnight flight London to Nairobi.
DAY 2 NAIROBI/SHOMPOLE
On arrival in Nairobi transfer by light aircraft to Shompole for a 3 night stay.
DAY 3-4 SHOMPOLE
2 days of relaxation with massage and spa treatments as well as gentle game viewing.
DAY 5 SHOMPOLE/SARUNI
Transfer by light aircraft from Shompole to the Maasai. Mara, Saruni for a 3 night stay.
DAY 6-7 SARUNI
2 days of activities including game drives and walks with bush picnics and exploring the culture of the local
community.
DAY 8 SARUNI/FUNZI KEYS
Transfer by light aircraft to Funzi Keys for a 4 night stay.
DAY 9-11 FUNZI KEYS
3 days of relaxing, swimming, snorkelling and fishing.
DAY 12 FUNZI KEYS/NAIROBI
Transfer by light aircraft from Funzi Keys to Mombasa. Take the schedule flight to Nairobi and connect to London.
Day 13
Early morning arrival into London.
Price from £2,800 excluding flights, lunch and activities at Funzi Keys.
Please call us for a bespoke itinerary and quotation.
