Wildlife in Masai Mara: Your Ultimate Guide to Kenya’s Safari
People often ask me, ‘What makes the wildlife in Masai Mara so extraordinary?’
My answer? Its sheer abundance and breathtaking diversity.
Home to over 99 mammal species, 500 bird species, and at least 20 amphibian species, the Masai Mara National Reserve promises unparalleled animal sightings. In this guide, I’ll take you through the wildlife of this park, highlighting the Big Five, Great Migration, and its resident plains game. I’ll also tell you the best times to visit for exceptional wildlife viewing and share tips on how to plan the best wildlife safari.
Elusive Leopards and Endangered Rhinos
Funny story… One time, after a long game drive, a client asked if we could stop inside the park for a few pictures. Throughout the drive, we’d been talking about how hard it was to spot cheetahs in the Mara. And wouldn’t you know it- just as we were about to drive off, there it was. A cheetah standing tall in front of our van, staring into our souls. There are an estimated 40-50 cheetahs in the Mara, but their solitary and secretive nature makes spotting them a more challenging but rewarding experience.
The Masai Mara is also home to about 35-50 black rhinoceros, a critically endangered species that is solitary by nature and a bit challenging to spot.
The Great Migration: See Nature’s Grandest Spectacle
I’ve guided over 50 migration tours in my career and the look of bewilderment on my client’s faces is something I’ll never tire of.
So what’s so great about this Great Migration?
Well, every year, almost 2 million wildebeest and zebras pour into the Masai Mara from Tanzania’s Serengeti. The event is recognised as the planet’s largest animal migration and is ranked as one of Africa’s most amazing natural wonders. The herds brave crocodile infested rivers, predators on land, drought and starvation yet continue their relentless march in search of greener pastures.
Pro Tip: The best time to see this spectacle is between July and October when the herds arrive in the Mara and the river crossings are at their peak.
Plains Game in Masai Mara
Beyond the migrating herds, the Mara ecosystem has a wide range of resident herbivores in the Masai Mara, including:Grant’s gazelles, topi, hartebeests, impalas, waterbucks, warthogs and zebras.
Pro Tip: From my experience, some of the best places to spot them are the Mara Triangle, the Topi and Paradise Plains, and the areas around the Mara and Talek Rivers.
Birds of Masai Mara: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
In the 11 years I’ve been guiding I’ve led fewer than 10 birdwatching safaris in the Mara, which is a little sad because the reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The ecosystem is home to over 500 bird species, ranging from the lilac-breasted rollers and bee-eaters to the secretary bird, African fish eagle, storks, and kingfishers.
Best Time for Unforgettable Masai Mara Wildlife Viewing
While the Mara offers great wildlife viewing all year round, certain seasons, I’ve learned, give you an edge when it comes to spotting specific species.
For better wildlife viewing and the Great Migration, visit during the dry season (June to October). At this time, wildlife concentrates around water sources, making them easier to see. Thinner vegetation also makes game viewing better. Nov to may
For beautiful landscapes and wildlife photography, I recommend visiting during the wet season (November to May). Also, tourists are fewer at this time, meaning lower safari prices.
Plan Your Unforgettable Masai Mara Safari
Here are my top tips for making the most out of your Masai Mara safari.
Accommodation Options for Every Traveller
The Mara has a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets and preferences. These include:
Luxury lodges which feature premium amenities and services. For the best experience I recommend staying in Angama Mara, Mahali Mzuri and the Olare Mara Kempinski.
Tented camps offer an authentic connection with the wild without sacrificing comfort. I’ve personally tested and approved these tented camps: Governors’ Camp, Saruni Mara, and &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp.
Budget options on the periphery of the reserve offer significant savings while providing a fantastic safari experience. Great options include Talek Bush Camp, Julia’s River Camp, and the Mara Sopa Lodge.
Safari Types for Every Adventurer
Visitors can experience the wildlife in the Masai Mara through:
- Guided game drives with experienced Masai Mara game viewing guides and naturalists
- Hot air balloon safaris for a bird’s eye view of the Masai Mara ecosystem
- Walking safaris (in specific areas) for an up-close encounter with the smaller Masai Mara animals
- Photography-focused safaris with guides for wildlife photography, Masai Mara enthusiasts
The Conservation Efforts in the Masai Mara
The Mara is a key conservation area in Africa with private and community conservancies that integrate tourism with community development and wildlife protection. These conservation initiatives are crucial as the animal species face threats from: Habitat fragmentation, climate change and droughts, human-wildlife conflict in the buffer zones, and poaching and wildlife trade
Despite these challenges, there are conservation success stories like the increasing giraffe population in the Masai Mara and the protection of endangered species in the Masai Mara, like the black rhino.
For more information on planning your African wildlife experiences in Kenya, visit the Kenya Wildlife Service website at https://www.kws.go.ke/.
To learn more about the wildlife conservation efforts protecting Africa’s animal species, Masai Mara, visit the African Wildlife Foundation at https://www.awf.org/.
About the Author
Harrison Kamau, a TRA-Licensed Safari guide and Travel Consultant for Masaimarasafari.travel
For over a decade, the Masai Mara has been more than an ‘office’ to me. She has been my teacher, my second home, and my most significant source of wonder. I’ve learned my biggest life lesson here —that everything exists in delicate balance —and watched the drama of life unfold in ways no classroom could ever teach.
Together, the Mara and I have grown, conquered many challenges, and celebrated even more wins.
So, yes, book a safari with us today! It would be an absolute pleasure to introduce you to this old and cherished friend of mine.
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