Incredible And Wild Things To Do In Masai Mara For An Unforgettable Safari Adventure

Visit Masai Mara, a stunning destination in the heart of Africa, to spot native wildlife.

Imagine a breathtaking getaway with unique landscapes, abundant wildlife, and ecologically rich game reserves. This is Masai Mara, located in southwestern Kenya in Africa. Experience the best things to do in Masai Mara this year for a great vacation with your family and friends. It is located on the border between Kenya and Tanzania and is a part of the larger Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. The Kenya Wildlife Services manages it, and you can visit to learn more about the contribution of the local Maasai community. The game drives and cultural visits are the cherry on top, making it an exciting place to visit this year.

Top 10 Things To Do In Masai Mara

It’s time to check out the best things to do in Masai Mara for an amazing vacation. Follow this guide for complete details.

1. Guided Safari To Masai Mara Reserve

Visit the Masai Mara Reserve, among popular things to do in Masai Mara with family.

Photo: John Duncan / Wikimedia Commons

Masai Mara National Reserve has an area of about 1510 square kilometres. It is popular for its beautiful Savannah and wildlife adventures, offering a great family-friendly escape. You can spot predators like cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, and crocodiles. There are more than 470 species of birds, including vultures, eagles, and lilac-breasted rollers. There are great accommodation options ranging from luxury to budget for the visitors. With stays, you can enjoy great meals and drinks. Whether solo or with a partner, this blend of luxury and wild leaves you stunned upon visit.

Distance From The Airport: 20 km

2. Hot Air Balloon Safari

Try a hot air balloon safari, among popular things to do in Masai Mara with friends.

Photo: Harvey Barrison / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

It is a great experience to float silently above the golden savannah during the sunrise and watch a great variety of wildlife. For a hot air balloon Safari, you will leave early in the morning and take a sunrise flight that makes you drift over Masai Mara’s iconic landscapes. It is a golden opportunity to spot elephants, giraffes, lions, Buffalo, and even hippos in the rivers. This experience will offer you once-in-a-lifetime views and incredible photography opportunities. This is a serene experience. It is also a romantic safari to try for couples on their honeymoon.

Distance From The Airport: 20 km

3. Explore The Maasai Villages

Plan a trip to the Maasai villages, among popular things to do in Masai Mara this year.

Photo: Zenith4237 / Wikimedia Commons

During your trip to the Masai Mara, you can visit the Masai villages to absorb the enriching cultural experiences. It will provide you with a great insight into the daily life and heritage of the iconic communities. Upon visit, you will receive a warm welcome through traditional songs and dances. You can visit with your family and friends to learn more about their cattle-based economy. Their traditional mud hut, built by the woman using cow dung and sticks, is the highlight. This experience also supports sustainable tourism and empowers the local communities.

Distance From The Airport: 15 km

4. Witness The Great Migration

Watch the Great Migration, among the popular things to do in Masai Mara this year.

Photo: Zenith4237 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The great migration is a wonderful wildlife spectacle that you can observe in the Masai Mara, Kenya. Here, you get a golden opportunity to observe the annual movement of over 2 million animals. These animals include wild beest, gazelles, and zebras. The movement of the animals is across the Serengeti (Tanzania) and Masai Mara (Kenya) ecosystems in search of greener pastures and water. This phenomenon can be observed from August to October. It is a heart-pounding experience where the dust clouds and splashing hose can be observed. You’re advised to book your experience beforehand.

Distance From The Airport: 30 km

5. Experience The Guided Walking Safari

A fun activity to do with family is to go for a walking safari in Masai Mara, Africa.

Photo: Brian Harries / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Walking Safari is a great way to experience the African landscape and spot animals on foot. It is an immersive way to not just watch nature but be a part of it. It is usually guided by expert rangers, providing you with a first-hand experience of wildlife like never before. It is an opportunity to get closer to nature. You can learn more about the native plants, insects, tracks, and signs. You’re advised to wear comfortable and closed hiking shoes for a seamless experience. Caring binoculars are a great idea for watching animals up close.

Distance From The Airport: 20 km

6. Explore The Mara conservancies

Visit the popular Mara conservancies, among popular things to do in Masai Mara, Africa.

Photo: Ninara / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve, the Mara conservancy showcases partnerships between local landowners and Safari operators. Here, you will experience the same thrill of spotting the wildlife as in the main Reserve. This does not include mass tourism but provides a more exclusive and sustainable experience. You can establish a deeper connection with the local culture. The Mara North conservancy is popular for incredible big cat sightings. The Naboisho conservancy has fewer camps and emphasises conservation and community benefit.

Distance From The Airport: 20 km

7. Enjoy Bird Watching

Bird-watching in Masai Mara, Africa, is a great activity to try with family and friends.

Photo: Stephan Hense / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Masai Mara is a great paradise for bird watchers. It has 470 recorded bird species. This is the landscape of riverine forest, open savannah, swamps, and escarpments. You can spot raptors, rollers, sunbirds, hornbills, herons, and rare species. It is a great place for both native birds and migratory species. October to April is the ideal time to spot these migratory species in the region. The Masai Mara river banks are ideal for spotting storks and kingfishers. You can also stay at the bird-friendly camps for an enhanced experience.

Distance From The Airport: 20 km

8. Experience The Mara Triangle

Visit the popular Mara Triangle, among the popular things to do in Masai Mara, Africa.

Photo: Laika ac / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Mara triangle is the scenic part of the Masai Mara and a true gem for Safari lovers. It is located in the south-west corner of the Masai Mara and can be accessed through the Sekenani Gate or the Oloololo Gate. This is the protected area and is exclusive for game viewing. It is peaceful and uninterrupted, with wildlife in abundance. You can spot big cats, elephants, buffalo, and giraffes. There are jaw-dropping views of the Mara plains, the perfect backdrop for both morning and evening game drives.

Distance From The Airport: 50 km

9. Boat Safari Along The Mara River

Visit the Mara River for a boat safari, among popular things to do in Masai Mara.

Photo: Karen Roe / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Boat Safari is an incredible way to experience the landscape of the Masai Mara. It offers you a unique perspective and peaceful exploration up close to the river. You can enjoy the tranquil sounds of the water and the surrounding nature. You can spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. The massive Nile crocodiles that lurk in the water of the river are the highlight. You can also catch a glimpse of a leopard or a lion at the edge of the river. The migration phenomenon can also be best seen near the river banks.

Distance From The Airport: 30 km

10. Explore The Local Museum

Visit the popular local museums, among the best things to do in Masai Mara, Africa.

Photo: Dosseman / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

To understand the region of Masai Mara, explore its rich culture and history. The Local museums are the perfect place to visit. The Masai Mara Cultural Centre, located near the Oloololo Gate, on the western edge of the reserve, offers an insight into Maasai customs, like marriage, ceremonies, and rites of passage. You can also observe the traditional beadwork, clothing, and artefacts present at the Cultural Centre. The Ngama Hills Maasai Cultural Museum is another museum celebrating the history and heritage of the local people in this region.

Distance From The Airport: 15 km

Now that you have checked the things to do in Masai Mara, you are all set to explore this paradise for safari and wildlife enthusiasts. It is known for its unparalleled Safari experiences, thrilling game drives, and opportunities to witness nature in its raw form. This is an unforgettable destination for travellers, especially those travelling with their family and children. Do not miss this wildlife adventure and schedule your trip with TripXL today! This visit guarantees an experience of a lifetime for you and your loved ones.

Cover Photo: Alexander Leisser / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Masai Mara offers family-friendly activities like game drives, nature walks, and cultural visits to Maasai villages that are suitable for all ages.
Yes, Masai Mara is great for adventure seekers, offering hot air balloon safaris, walking safaris, and thrilling wildlife encounters.
You can see the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos) and many other species like cheetahs, zebras, and wildebeest.
The Great Migration is when over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles travel from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara from July to October.
Yes, you can take cultural tours to nearby Maasai villages and learn about their traditions and lifestyles.

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