Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Maasai Mara National Reserve covers approximately 580 square miles (1,510 square kilometers) in southwestern Kenya, contiguous with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. The landscape features rolling grasslands, acacia woodlands, and riverine forests along the Mara River. This diverse terrain supports a wealth of wildlife including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, zebras, and the extraordinary annual Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, traverse the Mara River in their quest for fresh grazing grounds. Established in 1961, the reserve is named after the Maasai people, who inhabit the surrounding region and maintain a long-standing cultural connection with the land. Visitors gain a unique opportunity to witness some of Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles through game drives, guided walking safaris, balloon safaris, and photographic safaris. The region's open landscapes and abundant wildlife attract photographers and naturalists from around the world. Maasai Mara also serves as an educational hub promoting wildlife conservation and community-based tourism. The reserve has well-established lodges and tented camps, offering access to the abundant wildlife year-round. The Mara River corridor is particularly significant as a hotspot for predator activity and dramatic river crossings. Overall, the Maasai Mara offers an immersive, unforgettable safari experience that highlights East Africa’s natural and cultural heritage.
