The Masai Mara is legendary as the setting for the spectacular annual Great Migration: in July and August, over a million wildebeest and zebra brave the crocodiles of the Mara River to reach the fresh grasses of the savannah – where they are hunted by predators like lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena. Throughout the year, the Mara offers the most diverse wildlife in Kenya. Here you will encounter animals in the huge numbers similar to those found in the 19th century. Permanent rivers sustain wildlife through the dry seasons. The riverine forest around the Mara River supports elephant and giraffe. The abundant plains game attracts prides of lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena, jackal and the smaller nocturnal cats. Over 500 bird species – including 53 birds of prey - have been recorded in the Mara’s varied landscapes.
The Masai Mara area is in the southwest of Kenya and forms the northern part of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. ‘Mara’ means ‘spotted’ in the Maasai language and accurately describes the land lying north of the Mara River, which is stippled with acacias. For several centuries, the wildlife shared these lands with the pastoral Maasai people and their cattle.
The Mara encompasses the Masai Mara National Reserve and the equally extensive Maasai group ranches which, up to now, have served as wildlife dispersal areas. There are various concession arrangements between the group ranches and private safari operators, with large tracts of land dedicated to conservation. Game-viewing within the reserve is more strictly regulated. Beyond the boundaries of the national reserve, in the concessions, game is equally prolific, there are fewer visitors and game walks and night drives are permitted.
Important: please check the notification about 2024 park fee increases in our Travel Guide section.
Getting to the Masai Mara
The Masai Mara is a 4-5 hour drive from Nairobi. The route takes you down the escarpment and along the bottom of the Great Rift Valley before climbing the foothills to Narok and passing the Loita Hills.
The Mara also has seven airstrips served by scheduled flights from both Nairobi (about 45 minutes) and the coast. Most of our clients choose to fly between game reserves.

Kenya Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday
Itinerary Highlights
- Big Five Safari in the Masai Mara
- Down time on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar
- Walking tour of Stone Town
Masai Mara Safari & Zanzibar Beach Adventure
Itinerary Highlights
- Wildlife galore in Naboisho Conservancy
- Watch the famed Wildebeest migration (in season)
- Explore the heritage of Stone Town
- Rest & relaxation time at the Zanzibar coast
Kenya Safari & Mauritius Escape
Itinerary Highlights
- Explore one of the world's great wildlife-viewing locations
- Chance to seek the Big 5 on safari
- Superb accommodation and hospitality
- Luxuriating in style at the beach in Mauritius
Kenya Safari & Zanzibar Beach Honeymoon
Itinerary Highlights
- Seek wildlife in the great Masai Mara
- Day and night drives, bush walks and bush breakfasts included
- Romantic stay in a former Zanzibari palace
- stay on the white sandy beaches of Zanzibar
Big Cat Masai Mara & Samburu Safari
Itinerary Highlights
- Search for big cats and an abundance of other wildlife in the world renowned Masai Mara
- Seek dry-country wildlife best sought in Samburu
- Enjoy intimate bush camps with a relaxed safari ambience and exceptional service
Kenya Elephant Safari
Itinerary Highlights
- Exclusive itinerary to Rainbow Tours
- Wildlife rich areas
- Small boutique camps
- Fly betweeen parks - maximising time on safari
Kenya and the Seychelles - Wildlife Bonanza and Beach
Itinerary Highlights
- Big five game viewing in the Masai Mara
- Quintessential African savannah and bush scenery
- Sublime beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters of the Seychelles
- Superb accommodation and hospitality
Rwanda, Kenya & Zanzibar
Itinerary Highlights
- Golden hour with the incredible Mountain Gorillas
- Spotting the Big 5 and an abundance of other wildlife in the renowned Masai Mara
- Sublime relaxation at the beach in Zanzibar
Birding and Wildlife in Kenya's Great Rift Valley
Itinerary Highlights
- Kenya's wildlife-rich Great Rift Valley
- Visits to Lake Nakuru and Naivasha
- Safari in the Masaai Mara
- Supporting Responsible Tourism
Visions of Kenya Safari
Itinerary Highlights
- Amboseli for its magical landscapes and excellent wildlife sightings including an abundance of Elephants
- Lewa, where you have the strongest chance in Kenya to seek Black rhino
- Masai Mara, one of the world's premier wildlife-watching destinations
Looking for inspiration?
You'll find expert travel guides, holiday ideas and insider tips now on the Rainbow blog

Top 5 First Time Safari Destinations

Salar De Uyuni - The World's Largest Salt Flat


10 Strange Animals and Where to Go to See them


Top five South Africa Safari lodges

Sustainable Tourism In Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica

Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware