Named after the Maasai people who have lived in the area for generations, the Maasai Mara reflects this proud and indomitable people. Throughout the year, the Maasai Mara is pulsing with life; around July of each year, millions of wildebeest and thousands of zebra flood the plains. This natural phenomenon is the world’s biggest Great Migration. The rolling grasslands mean game-viewing is easy, and the abundance of animals makes this one of Africa’s most exciting game reserves.
Regardless of when you visit, the Mara is a non-stop adventure thanks to the abundant wildlife viewing. The Mara is a world-renowned Big Five destination with exceptional populations of lion, leopard, thousand-strong buffalo herds, the rare black rhino and a thriving elephant population.
Alongside these incredible animals are over 470 bird species, each with unique calls and colourful plumage. No matter the time of the year, we assure you there will be plenty of opportunities to use your binoculars or camera.
See things from a different perspective and enjoy the sunrise over the wide expanse of the Mara from the basket of a balloon in the sky. Take in the vast plains while spotting wildlife from above.
Whether it be a large elephant herd or even a male lion snoozing off a busy night, the possibility of seeing the Mara and its inhabitants from above is a thrilling experience and is well worth the early wakeup call.
Many of East Africa’s most famous wildlife reserves are in Maasailand, including the Maasai Mara, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara and Amboseli.
As custodians of these wildlife sanctuaries, the Maasai play a vital role in East Africa’s natural heritage and have played a significant part in Angama’s history as our landlords, advisors and friends — their influence is seen throughout the lodge’s design and experiences.
Each year, millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the Serengeti ecosystem and cross the Mara River into Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve in search of fresh grazing grounds. This annual migration, driven by seasonal rains and the instinct for survival, is a breathtaking display of the resilience of nature.
Visitors to Kenya during this time are in for plenty of drama as predators lurk in anticipation of the herds in the long grass and in the roaring waters of the Mara River.
Regardless of when you visit, the Mara is a non-stop adventure thanks to the abundant wildlife viewing. The Mara is a world-renowned Big Five destination with exceptional populations of lion, leopard, thousand-strong buffalo herds, the rare black rhino and a thriving elephant population.
Alongside these incredible animals are over 470 bird species, each with unique calls and colourful plumage. No matter the time of the year, we assure you there will be plenty of opportunities to use your binoculars or camera.
See things from a different perspective and enjoy the sunrise over the wide expanse of the Mara from the basket of a balloon in the sky. Take in the vast plains while spotting wildlife from above.
Whether it be a large elephant herd or even a male lion snoozing off a busy night, the possibility of seeing the Mara and its inhabitants from above is a thrilling experience and is well worth the early wakeup call.
Many of East Africa’s most famous wildlife reserves are in Maasailand, including the Maasai Mara, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara and Amboseli.
As custodians of these wildlife sanctuaries, the Maasai play a vital role in East Africa’s natural heritage and have played a significant part in Angama’s history as our landlords, advisors and friends — their influence is seen throughout the lodge’s design and experiences.
Each year, millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the Serengeti ecosystem and cross the Mara River into Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve in search of fresh grazing grounds. This annual migration, driven by seasonal rains and the instinct for survival, is a breathtaking display of the resilience of nature.
Visitors to Kenya during this time are in for plenty of drama as predators lurk in anticipation of the herds in the long grass and in the roaring waters of the Mara River.
The Maasai Mara is situated in southwestern Kenya, contiguous with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. To the south, it merges with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, creating an expansive transboundary conservation area most famously known for the annual Great Migration.
It is easy enough to get to the Mara with a short and scenic flight from Nairobi landing you right in the heart of the action. Get front row seats as you fly over the Nairobi skyline, spot rhinos in the Nairobi National Park from above, then watch as the land changes and the Oloololo Escarpment and Mara River come into view.
The numerous experiences available to guests means there really is no ‘best time’ to visit the Mara — it will always be trip to remember. Our travel team will be happy to arrange these experiences and more for your time in the Mara.
Just a few degrees south of the equator, there are only minor fluctuations in the length of day and temperature over the year. What does vary, however, is the rainfall: there are two distinct seasons, the long rains from mid-March through June; and the short rains during November and early December. Clear bright mornings are the norm throughout most of the year, and in season, the rain tends to arrive in the afternoon and evening.
–Hot Dry Season (January to March): The warmest and driest time of the year, temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F)
–Long Rainy Season (April to June): Temperatures average between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F)
–Cool Dry Season (July to October): Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F)
–Short Rainy Season (November to December): Temperatures average between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F)
There are no visa requirements for any traveller visiting Kenya.
To enter Kenya you will need:
–All foreign travellers, including infants and children, must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) prior to travel to Kenya.
–The eTA must be applied for through the Online Portal . Your eTA is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.
–An eTA fee is applicable for many nationalities including the US and UK.
–An eTA is not required if you have a valid East African Tourist Visa (EATV).
–A valid passport for at least six months from the date of entry, recommended with at least two blank pages (temporary passports will not be accepted).
–Passport holders from the following EAC countries are exempted from applying for an eTA: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
Please note that all scheduled internal flights carry a luggage restriction of 15kg/33lb per person in soft bags, including carry-ons. The acceptance of excess baggage is at the sole discretion of the airline but some offer the option to purchase an additional freight seat for luggage weighing up to 75kg/165lb.
There are no compulsory vaccinations required for entry to Kenya.
–Travellers arriving from an endemic country will be required to present a valid yellow fever certificate for all travellers older than one year.
–Vaccinations need to be administered 10 days or more prior to travel, and the certificate will need to be provided as proof.
–Depending on your onward travel plans, or country of residence, you may also be required to have a yellow fever certificate for entry.
–Yellow fever certificates now have a lifetime validity.
Kenya is classified as a malaria area. We recommend that travellers contact their local medical clinic for professional advice, and that they obtain comprehensive travel insurance, including health cover, prior to travelling.
–Insect repellent is provided at all Angama properties and at most lodges in the region, please confirm for your specific itinerary.
All guests staying at Angama properties are covered for Emergency Medical Evacuation by air to a Nairobi hospital – from there onwards all medical costs are for the traveller’s own expense.
We recommend purchasing travel insurance at the time of booking to ensure you are covered for the unexpected. The insurance should include coverage for trip delay, trip interruption, trip cancellation, emergency medical and emergency evacuation/repatriation, and baggage delay and loss.
In an effort to reduce the impact on the environment, Kenya has recently made the use and importation of all single-use plastic bags illegal. With this in mind, we suggest you lean in to Kenya’s eco-friendly ways and leave any single-use plastic bags behind.
The experienced Angama Travel team is here to create an itinerary tailored to your dream holiday and destinations. They are ready to assist you during every step of your journey, from the exciting process of itinerary planning to support throughout your trip and keep in touch once you have returned home.
