The Maasai Mara occupies 1,510 square kilometres of rolling grassland in south-western Kenya and forms the northern end of the Greater Serengeti–Mara ecosystem, which spans more than 25,000 square kilometres across the two countries. It is named for the Maasai people and for the Mara River that runs through it.
First designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1948 and established as a reserve in 1961, the Mara is managed by Narok County alongside a ring of community conservancies. Those conservancies matter for visitors: they permit night drives and walking safaris that are not allowed inside the reserve itself, and they hold a share of the same wildlife at far lower vehicle density.
The Mara is best known for predators. The Greater Mara holds an estimated lion population in the high hundreds, with cheetah on the open plains and leopard along the riverine bush. From July to October the migration herds cross the Mara River from the Serengeti, and the crossings are the single most sought-after wildlife spectacle in Africa.
What it looks like
Highlights, up close
Where it is
- Best time to visit July to October for the migration; January to March for green-season predators
In depth Landscape, wildlife, birds & seasons What you might see here, and when conditions are best.
Seasonal climate guide
Typical conditions across the Northern Circuit by season — a reference guide based on long-term patterns, not a live forecast.
A closer look
Before you travel What to carry, health precautions & emergency numbers Packing list, vaccinations, and who to call if you need help.
What to carry
- Neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, brown) — avoid bright white, black and blue, which attract tsetse flies
- A warm layer or fleece — early-morning game drives and the Ngorongoro rim are cold even on the equator
- Wide-brimmed hat and polarised sunglasses
- High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
- Insect repellent (DEET-based, for dusk and dawn)
- Binoculars — one pair per person makes a real difference
- A power bank and universal adapter (Tanzania uses UK-style Type G plugs)
- A soft-sided duffel bag rather than a hard suitcase, for light-aircraft and 4x4 luggage limits
- A basic personal first-aid kit and any personal medication in hand luggage
- Cash in US dollars (2013 or newer notes) for tips and small purchases
Health precautions
Malaria
Northern Tanzania is a malaria risk area. Speak to your doctor or a travel clinic about antimalarial medication well before you travel, and use insect repellent and cover up at dusk and dawn regardless.
Yellow fever certificate
Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from (or have transited more than 12 hours through) a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If that applies to your routing, carry your International Certificate of Vaccination.
Altitude
The Ngorongoro Crater rim sits above 2,200 m and Kilimanjaro/Meru climbs go much higher — mild headaches or breathlessness are common at altitude. Drink plenty of water, ascend gradually where you can, and tell your guide if you feel unwell.
Sun and hydration
The equatorial sun is stronger than it feels in the open-sided safari vehicles. Drink more water than you think you need, and reapply sunscreen through the day.
Routine vaccinations and travel insurance
Make sure routine vaccinations are up to date, and take out travel insurance that explicitly covers emergency medical evacuation — the parks are remote, and evacuation by light aircraft is the standard response to a serious medical issue.
General guidance only, not personal medical advice — please confirm requirements and recommendations with your own doctor or a travel clinic before you go.
Emergency numbers
Worth saving to your phone before you travel.
- Chanua Africa Safaris (24/7 on safari) +255 702 345 991
- Tanzania Police (emergency) 112
- Ambulance 115
- AMREF Flying Doctors (air evacuation) +255 683 116 000