The Maasai Mara is Kenya's crown jewel — 1,510 square kilometres of sweeping savannah where the drama of the African wild plays out daily. Whether you are watching a lion pride at sunrise or witnessing the Great Migration crossing, the Mara delivers an experience unlike anywhere else on Earth.
WHEN TO GO
The Great Migration crosses the Mara River between July and October, making this the peak season. However, the Mara is spectacular year-round. January to March offers lush green scenery and excellent predator sightings after the short rains. The dry season (June to October) means animals concentrate around water, making game viewing more predictable.
WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation ranges from budget campsites at KES 3,000 per night to ultra-luxury tented camps at USD 800+ per night. For most visitors, a mid-range tented camp in the conservancies (Olare Motorogi, Naboisho, Mara North) offers the best balance of exclusivity and value. These private conservancies border the Mara reserve and allow off-road driving and night game drives — activities not permitted in the main reserve.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON GAME DRIVES
A typical day starts at 06:00 with a sunrise drive lasting 3-4 hours. You return for breakfast and a midday rest, then head out again from 15:30 until sunset. An experienced guide makes all the difference — at Turkenya, all our guides are KWS-certified with minimum 5 years in the field.
THE BIG FIVE CHECK LIST
All Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) are present in the Mara ecosystem. Lions and elephants are sighted on virtually every visit. Leopards require patience but our guides know their territories. Black rhinos are rarer — found mainly in the Mara Triangle managed by the Mara Conservancy.
PACKING LIST
Neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, tan — avoid blue and black which attract tsetse flies), a quality zoom lens if you shoot photography, binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a light fleece for early mornings.
BOOK WITH TURKENYA
We offer 3-day, 5-day and 8-day Mara packages from KES 45,000 per person. All our safaris include park fees, accommodation, meals, game drives, and airport transfers. Contact us for a custom itinerary.