Instinct of the Mara is luxury 5-star Masai Mara Camp that could easily pass for an intimate safari lodge situated in the wilderness area of Olderkesi Conservancy, Masai Mara National Park, Kenya in the path of the great wildebeest migration, Instinct of Mara sets itself apart from other camps in Masai Mara by offering the utmost exclusivity and comfort for our guests, Instinct of Mara Camp evokes the nostalgia of a bygone Kenya safari era – with a dash of luxury to its ample rustic comforts, Instinct of Mara Lodge surprises guests with an opulence that is delightfully out-of-place with the rugged terrain of the surrounding savannah plains, Set in one of the world’s most iconic wildlife ecosystems, the Instinct of the Mara Camp introduces a new style of a sleek safari lodge where the expression of space, freedom and the great outdoors meets with great safari adventure. But it’s not just a safari lodge – it’s a luxury safari camp with a host of contextual experiences to make a Masai Mara safari even more exciting and compelling. Instinct of the Mara interesting design blends traditional safari style with unique and unusual pieces of African art, this combination of cultural design creates a somewhat colonial impression that is evidenced immediately upon approaching Instinct of the Mara main area, experience classic Masai Mara safaris in soothing solitude and spectacular comfort with only the canvas walls of your tent separating you from the wonders of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, the ultimate in luxury camping safari, enjoy a private butler service, chandeliers, silverware, crystal, ensuite flush WC, outdoor heated style showers and comfortable high density beds with fluffy duvets. Custom made rugs and polished brass samovars add a touch of elegance, sophistication and romance. In the main area, the lounge and dining tent’s large curtains are rolled apart to reveal rich leather sofas, canvas director’s chairs and ornamental wooden chests, thick rugs line the floorboards and silver-studded shelves gleam in the atmospheric lamplight. the communal area opens onto wide decking which encompasses the front of the Instinct of the Mara Camp and looks out over the surrounding savannah, the walkway then leads on to Seven Premium tents and two luxury family tents and one luxury villa which can be configured to accommodate either double or twin beds and family tents, each of the guest tents feels more akin to a spacious private suite than a tent: a lounge area recedes into a bedroom, which in turn has a bathroom beyond. As in the communal area, colorful rugs line the floor and patterned storm lanterns throw dappled lighting across the walls. The beds are made up with soft linens and complimentary dressing gowns hang from polished hooks on the wardrobes. At the front of the tent, more decking with seating opens onto spectacular views across the plains. Despite the bedroom’s comfort and the entrance’s brilliant views, in many ways it is the bathrooms that feel the most impressive in Instinct Mara. They feature enormous, standalone bathtubs allowing you to take in the view while having a soak, basins sit in front of a large mirror and numerous thoughtful touches, to further enhance the sense of luxury, all the guest tents are equipped with a range of additional accessories. They each include a tea and coffee station; a writing desk; As well as day-time safari drives, several other safaris in Maai Mara activities are on offer. Instinct of the Mara provides the opportunity to seek nocturnal predators during night game drives and balloon flights are available and provide a different perspective. Local Masai villages or school visits can also be arranged for some engagement with the region’s Maasai culture. the small team of safari guides here are truly first-class. Their knowledge of the local flora and fauna is evident throughout each of their drives and you will find your guide’s warm personality and interesting conversation a real joy. Everything about Instinct of the Mara dining experience is excellent, from the food’s quality and presentation to its flavor and creativeness, the Masai Mara camps chefs are highly trained professionals and approach each meal with considerable culinary flair, able to cater to all dietary requirements when given advance notice. Meal arrangements are flexible, allowing you to eat out in the bush so as to extend the morning’s drive or to take packed lunches on full day drives. The main area at Instinct of the Mara in Masai Mara includes a dining table and various smaller tables spread across the surrounding decking, allowing you to eat in private or with the other guests. Private dining can also take place on the decking outside your tent if you request it. The camp’s breakfast generally includes a cold buffet as well as hot options which are cooked to order. The chefs can whip up healthy smoothies whilst daily specials add further variety to what is already quite an extensive range of options. Lunch in camp includes a lovely selection of dishes which are laid out for guests to help themselves to. There is always fresh bread and a variety of salad options which are wonderfully healthy. Picture a mixture of beetroot, avocado, grains and delicious dressings. Lunch is usually accompanied by a cheeseboard and either grilled meat or fish with tasty sauces. For dinner, Instinct of the Mara has a set menu or buffet with interesting alternatives available for vegetarians. Although understated, Instinct of the Mara is undeniably luxurious. Beautiful design, well prepared meals and top-quality guiding help make for a very well-rounded Masai Mara safaris experience, while the safari camp’s small size and location on a private conservancy allow for real exclusivity. Instinct of the Mara is an exclusive and romantic camp with lots of thoughtful touches that would help make a honeymoon holiday feel extra special – for example the big bathtubs and the private decks overlooking the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara Park. The Instinct of the Mara has a children atmosphere and children of all ages are welcome. Children can take part in activities that are meant to be entertaining and will educate them about conservation, activities can include: painting; Maasai beading; kite flying; a bush survival skills course; and learning how to put those skills to the test by living like a Masai warrior. All the tents have 24-hour electricity and British style 3-pin sockets. Instinct of the Mara has a first-aid kit on site which the managers and some of the guides are trained to use. They also have first-aid kits in the vehicles. In an emergency, they would contact the flying doctors and a helicopter could easily land at the safari camp. There is a guard on duty during the day, and at night guests are escorted by guards between the main area and their tents. The Instinct of the Mara has fire extinguishers outside rooms and they organize regular fire drills. There is also a firebreak around the camp. Payment for any extras is accepted in US dollars, pounds sterling, Euros or Kenya shillings, either in cash or Mpesa or using a MasterCard or Visa with a surcharge.
Instinct of the Mara the Experience
Every person has a unique soul. Which is why the property at Instinct of the Mara was built to accommodate an array of travelers with different wishes and needs. Whether you are a solo traveler or part of a safari group, and whether you are seeking exhilaration or relaxation, we have a breathtaking space for you to experience everything you desire. It is our mission to deliver the ultimate experience. We exist because of you we are committed to bringing you personalized service and genuine human connection. Experience the panoramic theatre of the Masai Mara, where gentle breezes float through the wind. Feel the spirit of the savanna around you in this secluded oasis that will make you feel truly at home Our custom-designed pieces honor and preserve traditional craftsmanship—and uplift local communities in meaningful and profound ways. Instinct of the Mara is located on the 8,000-acre Olderkesi Conservancy in the Maasai Mara. The Instinct of the Mara camp sits on the edge of a hill surrounded by lush woodland with an ancient river running through the green rolling hills. Offering stunning views across the land, the area is also home to one of the Mara’s largest packs of wild dog and the camp has many visitors who roam the landscape including lion, elephant, black rhino, cheetah and leopard. There are eight Premium tents and two Luxury family tents at Instinct of the Mara, all nestled beneath the foliage. Interiors are warm, cozy and rustic with dark wooden floors covered in red rugs and a plethora of dark wooden furnishings and en-suite bathrooms to the back of the tents with double vanities. Each tent offers a private veranda to enjoy intimate views of the surrounds. Luxury tents have the added benefit of two rooms, a bathtub and a private entrance. One even offers a private plunge pool while the other has a large private deck. The tented lounge is a simple and comfortable area with sofas, chairs and tables. The bar and dining area, with its long communal tables, flows out to two dark wooden outdoor decks with more sofas and a fireplace. On the lawn in front of the main lodge, there’s also an outdoor lounging area with sofas and a fire pit, perfect for watching the sun descend over the trees. This Secluded African property arranges activities around the preferences of the guests, making every day a tailormade experience. Take day and night game drives through the conservancy in custom-built 4×4 vehicles where everyone gets a window seat. Take ornithological walks with expert guides to bird watch or head out on safari bushwalks in the surrounding area to spot bigger wildlife. Walks extend into the nearby hills where sundowners can be enjoyed with elevated views across the land. Guests can also take cultural visits to local Maasai villages to meet locals and browse craft markets. Instinct of the Mara Lodge is the most recent safari camp built by Secluded Africa – a top-quality Masai Mara Safari Company and Tour Operator owned by renowned conservationists and filmmakers. Journey with us through the greater Masai Mara savanna and feel the rhythm of Mother Earth. Not just as a passing sensation, but a deeper knowing that you are part of something incredible that can only be felt in Africa. Our Maasai team see you arriving without the pulse of Africa in your heart, but they will not let you leave that way. Born with lions and elephants as their close neighbours, the Maasai will guide you to an understanding of Africa and its nature that will fill your soul.
Instinct of the Mara Information
Experience unspoiled Masai Mara Park up close and personal at the “Instinct of the Mara” lodge. Hidden away in a corner of Olderkesi Conservancy the camp celebrates the true luxury of privacy and endless possibilities. Here, the magical “Out of Africa” feeling is ever-present. Embedded in the untouched nature of the 7,600-acre conservancy in the secluded southeast of the Maasai Mara, you enjoy unforgettable safaris in one of the most beautiful and animal-rich areas of Kenya. Every meal at Instinct of the Mara is thoughtfully crafted to be a holistic, sensory experience. We cater to a variety of palates, and the food is accompanied by the finest wines and spirits from around the world. Our culinary team designs our daily menu to be harmoniously diverse, infusing global cuisine with local ingredients. Each day offers a different selection to choose from and includes options for various dietary requirements. On game drives you will encounter antelope, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and cheetah. The chance of getting the famous Big Five in front of your camera lens within one day is particularly good here. Olderkesi Conservancy is far away from the crowds of the more frequented Mara region in the northwest, is incredibly rich in wildlife and worth a trip at any time of the year, but especially during the “Great Migration” from late July to mid/end of September. As there is only one other lodge in this region of the Maasai Mara, you will share the unforgettable wildlife encounters with very few, if any, other people. The camp is nestled on a hillside, surrounded by pristine forest, features plenty of privacy and very personal, attentive service. Meals are taken in the stylish mess tent; between safari activities you can unwind in the comfortable lounge as well as on the private veranda of your comfortable retreat. Before and after dinner, you gather around the fire pit and let the exciting day end with a refreshing drink – surrounded by the mysterious sounds of the bush.
Instinct of the Mara 7 Standard Tents
- Double bed or twin beds
- Spacious en-suite bathroom with shower, double basins, bathroom amenities including shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion, toilet facility
- Writing desk
- Furnished private veranda
- English style three-pin charging points
- The tents are located far apart, so privacy is guaranteed
Instinct of the Mara 2 Luxury Suites
- 2 separate bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms
- Bathroom with shower, double basins, bathroom amenities including shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion, bathrobe, toilet facility
- Spacious living room with couch
- Expansive private deck with sun loungers, chairs, table, fire pit, and outdoor bathtub
- English style three-pin charging points
- Situated directly by a spring and surrounded by dense forest, the chances of animal sightings from the deck are high
- The Forest Suite is an ideal retreat for families or honeymoon couples
Instinct of the Mara Private Villa
- 2 separate bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and private decks with day beds
- Bathroom with shower, bathtub, double basins, bathroom amenities including shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion, bathrobe, toilet facility
- Spacious living room with dining area, couch, and fireplace
- General deck with outdoor dining area
- Spacious plunge pool
- Situated near the waterhole
- The private Villa is an ideal retreat for families and couples
Instinct of the Mara Activities
- Individual game drives in custom-built 4x4 vehicles with open roof hatches in Olderkesi Conservancy and in the Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Game drives after dark in the conservancy
- Picnic breakfast and lunch in the bush
- Guided bush walks
- The Waterfall is a stunning location with incredible views, an exciting hike, and the opportunity to swim at a stunning spot underneath the falls
- A sundowner on the nearby hill offers you the most splendid view of Maasai land
- Bird watching tours and guided ornithological walks
- Cultural visit to the local Maasai village
- Balloon safaris (at additional cost)
Instinct of the Mara Game Drive
Engage in up close encounters with the wildlife in our Open game viewing land cruisers. All our guides are knowledgeable and will share with you intimate details of the Mara's Fauna and Flora. You will be captivated by the vast beauty of the Maasai Mara Savannah with its rolling hills and indefinite horizon famous for its abundance of wildlife. Game drives allow you to get up close and personal with wildlife and the nature and are really the essence of a safari to Masai Mara. Every day on safaris in Masai Mara provides you with a unique set of wildlife experiences and sightings, no day is the same. Due to the unique location of Instincts Mara lodge our game drives are largely a private affair as in our conservancy there are no other vehicles. At Instincts Mara Camp Masai Mara from your arrival, until your departure, you will have your own private vehicle, safari guide and spotter to help you explore the incredible wilderness. Together you can plan your safari in Masai Mara and make the most of your time. So, whether you want to be out for a few hours or for the whole day with a picnic breakfast, picnic lunch and sundowners, we are happy to oblige. Thanks to an incredible team of guides and spotters, we are happy to find our own game and work our own areas staying away from the crowds. Our game drive vehicles are specially designed and built to give you the best game viewing experience and comfort while on game drives. Fridges, winches, camera stands, inverters and electric charging sockets, upgraded suspensions are just some of the features in our open game viewing vehicles. Walk with our Maasai guides, track animals, go on game drives, visit a Maasai village, horse ride and bird watch. When you’ve relaxed into the slow pace of ‘Africa Time’ and have your animal-spotting eyes in focus
Instincts Mara lodge Family Safaris
At Instincts OF Mara lodge, we love having kids on Masai Mara Family safaris. Children of all ages make fantastic Masai Mara safari goers. Like little sponges, they absorb all information and learn so quickly. Their enthusiasm and excitement in their experience, whether it is a lion on the hunt, chasing butterflies across the savannah or making friends at a local school or village or even spending an afternoon with the Masai warriors learning bush skills such as how to make a fire from two pieces of wood. At Instincts Of Mara lodge Masai Mara our guides are happy to patiently answer the endless questions that come from the little explorers and to teach them secrets of the bush. At Instincts Mara lodge we offer spacious family suites, which are custom built to host guest on Masai Mara Family Safari. Baby cots are also available. On request nannies can be provided to allow the adults to also have some relaxed time. Instincts OF Mara Camp has taken the utmost care to ensure that the land we operate on continues to thrive, as though uninhabited. We’ve consciously designed our luxury camp with the intention to be discreet, thoughtfully managed, and in tune with the natural rhythms of the wild. We are committed to engaging in activities that make a positive impact on the environment, the animals around us, and the communities in which we serve.
Instinct of Mara Camp Walking Safari
With one of the greatest bio-diversities in Africa, the Masai Mara boasts more than 95 mammal species, 550 bird species, and 1,000 plant species. Inhale the smell of rich soil soaked by equatorial showers as you take a guided nature walk around camp. Learn about the medicinal plants of the Masai Mara and the traditional practices of its indigenous people. From young explorers to seasoned travelers, our in Instinct of Mara Camp safari expeditions have something for everyone. A properly guided bush walking safari is the best way to experience nature and the sights, sounds and smells of the bush. Walking with an armed guide can provide a thrilling experience and there is something very uplifting approaching wildlife on foot. Apart from this, walking allows you the chance to see and learn about all the little things in the bush, such as medicinal plants, tracks and spoor, the insects and their whole symbiosis with nature and the world. Let your senses come alive. Our guides are masters in the art of wildlife spotting and are able to find and interpret tracks, animal behavior, to provide a captivating and in-depth safari to Masai Mara experience. Hear dramatic stories of wild encounters passed down over generations, accounts of life in the Mara, and come to understand how these communities have coexisted with the land and wildlife over centuries.
Masai Mara Honeymoon Safari
Looking for that magical post-wedding moment? Surprise your partner with a Honeymoon in Masai Mara park, Kenya – Masai Mara Game Reserve - The very name summons up romantic images of untouched nature and magnificent wildlife. And nowhere in Kenya will you find more romantic images than in the Masai Mara National Park - A Masai Mara Honeymoon is not simply a holiday, it is a pinnacle life moment, an experience that lives on in you forever. A Masai Mara Honeymoon Safari finds its way into the hearts of all who visit, choosing your Honeymoon holiday destination is probably one of the biggest decisions honeymooners faces. A trip such as this – really sets the platform for the first official experience as husband and wife. Here at Instincts of Mara we have been looking after Honeymoon safaris goers for many years. We know Masai Mara National Park like an elephant knows his trunk. What’s more, is that many of our Honeymooners become lifelong guests and it is incredibly special to have moments in the wilderness to mark the different chapters of your life together. So let’s begin…
- Unsurpassed luxury honeymoon. Yes.
- Exceptional, discreet, personalized and private service. Yes.
- Incredible private location in the heart of the Masai Mara
Masai Mara Sundowners
Founded during the days of the great game-hunting Masai Mara safaris of the 1920's, the sundowner marked the point at which, the day’s hunting over, a fire would be lit, camp-chairs laid out and elegant cocktails served by white-gloved waiters. The scene set; the highlights of the day could then be discussed as the hunting party watched the sun make its regal descent. Today, the hunting days are long gone, but the tradition of the sundowner lives on. On the equator, the sun begins its descent at roughly the same time all the year round – between five and six pm. For the perfect sundowner experience, therefore, you’ll set out with your driver/guide in the late afternoon. This is the perfect time for a game drive: the heat has gone out of the sun; the air is fresh and the light is beginning to turn its trademark gold – it’s known as ‘magic light’ and is the ideal time for photography. This is also the optimum time to catch the wildlife as it emerges into the cool of the evening. Now is the time to see the hyenas on the prowl, the zebra in their dust baths, the hippo as they emerge from the river. Now is the moment when you might be lucky enough to encounter a family of cheetah. Or even to come across our local leopard and her beautiful cub. At Instincts of Mara, we have an excellent selection of sundowner spots, each of which has its own particular charm – all of which are panoramic. Arriving at your destination, stools will be laid out, a safari bar will be whisked out of the back of your vehicle, delicious ‘bitings’ will be served, and you can settle down for the sun set. It’s quite a show. Sinking in a huge mango-pink ball, the sun drops slowly behind the grey-blue of the escarpment. The sky turns every shade of lilac-grey until all that is left is a soft pink glow punctuated by great shafts of silver. And on the horizon, the zebra stand out in soft silhouette.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Rise high up above the Mara plains on a Hot Air Balloon Safari as the first rays of sunlight paint a magical landscape below. Soar with the birds or glide over predators hunting their prey for a truly magical experience.
Maasai Village Cultural Tour
Embark on a Maasai Village Cultural Tour to visit the surrounding communities and learn about the Maasai way of life from those who know it best.
Olderkesi Conservancy
The Olderkesi Conservancy is a 7600-acre piece of land set aside by the Olderkesi Community as a Conservation area in southern Kenya, immediately adjacent to the southeastern boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve (MMNR) and on the border with Tanzania. Olderkesi Conservancy is part of the greater Serengeti – Maasai Mara Ecosystem, crossing into Tanzania and covering approximately 30,000 km2 The particular piece of land that the Olderkesi Conservancy occupies is vitally important to the greater ecosystem and comprises multiple types of habitats, including grasslands, riverine valleys, forests, and woodlands. It’s a haven for many species of wildlife, not to mention a route for the great wildebeest migration. It’s also home to the Maasai – a very independent people who still value tradition and ritual as part of their everyday lives. Historically, the Maasai are semi-nomadic pastoralists, placing huge importance on their herds of cattle, but also living alongside wildlife in harmony, with lions and wildebeest playing an important role in their cultural beliefs. Olderkesi is one of the last of the communal areas to undergo sub-division in the Mara region, as mandated by the Government. The Olderkesi Group Ranch has 6,650 members who represent the head of each family and jointly own the Conservancy through the Olderkesi Community Wildlife Trust. The Cottars Wildlife Conservation Trust (CWCT) has been working in partnership with Secluded Africa Wildlife and Community Trust (SAWCT) and the greater Olderkesi Community to secure this important ecological landscape and to improve the lives of the community members. To date, the tourism partners have collected lease fees on behalf of the community and supported the community through projects that have included building schools and bridges, providing medical and ambulance services, employing security scouts from the community, building water troughs for cattle, providing bursaries, the establishment of environmental clubs, and Human Wildlife Conflict mitigation efforts. In return, the leased land is to be left alone, free of settlements, farming, and uncontrolled domestic livestock grazing and exists to create safe habitat and passage for wildlife. In addition to managing the Olderkesi Conservancy, we aim to scale up the area under conservation by leasing strategic areas within the Olderkesi Group Ranch from landowners and managing the new areas on their behalf.
Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara National Reserve and its neighboring conservancies form Kenya’s flagship conservation area and is one of the finest wildlife and safari destinations in Africa. The Masai Mara is made up of Maasai Mara National Reserve, the Mara Triangle, and several smaller conservancies. The main Masai Mara National Reserve is managed by the Narok County Government and is around 1000 km², it is separated from the smaller, privately managed Mara Triangle, by the Mara River. The main reserve has four main entry gates – Oloolaimutia, Sekenani, Talek, and Musiara and the Mara Triangle’s main entry gate is Oloololo. Located in south west Kenya, the Masai Mara National Reserve is renowned for its vast scenic expanse of gently rolling African savannah plains, measuring approximately 1510 square kilometers in area, bordering the notorious Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the south. The Masai Mara’s sprawling wide-open plains provide a sanctuary for its abundant wildlife to freely roam the vast Masai Mara wilderness and beyond. The legendary Masai Mara is also the site of the iconic Great Migration in Africa – also known as the Gnu Migration, Serengeti Migration and Masai Mara Migration. The annual Great Migration is one of the chief reasons why so many travelers venture to Kenya, Tanzania, and the Masai Mara for a Migration safari. The iconic Masai Mara Great Migration includes millions of wildebeest, accompanied by large numbers of zebra, and smaller numbers of Grant’s gazelle, Thomson’s gazelle, eland, and impala venture across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem moving from the Masai Mara National Reserve to Tanzania Serengeti National Park. Proclaimed one of the greatest wildlife spectacles and remarkable natural wonders in the world – Witnessing and experiencing the Masai Mara Great Migration should undoubtedly be on everyone’s African safari travel bucket-list. Besides its spectacular wildlife spectacles and seasonal highlights, the Masai Mara National Reserve is not only deemed one of the most prestigious and unique wildlife conservation havens in Africa, famed for its remarkable natural diversity of wildlife and birdlife, it is one of the most prominent and premier Kenyan safari locations in East Africa, offering visitors and game and nature enthusiasts alike an authentic, one-of-a-kind, and unforgettable African safari experience. Voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and famously declared a top, not-to-be-missed, bucket-list worthy African safari and wildlife destination, its no surprise avid travelers, keen adventurers and explorers, globe trotters, and eager wildlife and nature enthusiasts travel from around the globe to experience all of the Masai Mara’s wilderness wonders and safari adventures first-hand.
Wildebeest Migration by month
The Great Migration of wildebeest crosses both the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya – the time of year you want to travel, plus a few other factors will depend on if you are better to see the migration in Kenya or in Tanzania.
Jan – March is the birthing season when half a million new calves arrive, and this happens in the southern Serengeti, making a Tanzania safari your top choice for this time of year.
April and May bring the wet season, and with it plenty of rain, making this a less popular time to travel to see the wildebeest cross the Serengeti.
June and July see the wildebeest moving northward in the Serengeti and starting to head towards the Masai Mara in Kenya. During these months, the large herds will cross the Grumeti River, which whilst less dramatic than the Mara River crossing is still a fantastic event to witness.
August – September is when the famous Mara River crossings happen as the herds hunt for fresh, greener pastures in the northern Serengeti and in the Masai Mara in Kenya. Once they have crossed the Mara River, they will remain here for August to October, before crossing back to follow the rains southward in October.
October –December. The rains begin to fade in October, and the herds begin to migrate south in preparation for the Serengeti's approaching rains. This is the end of the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, until the following year, but the herds will head southward towards the southern Serengeti, ready for calving season in January.
Mara River Crossings
The Mara River crossings are known as the ‘biggest event’ of the entire migration of the wildebeest. Travelers will never forget this life-or-death experience of baby wildebeest and their mothers fighting for their lives, as they attempt to cross the famous Mara River and confront the starving crocodiles. Watching the herds blindly jump into the river is spectacular, to say the least, as they face over 3,000 crocodiles that lurk in the murky waters of the Mara River. The wildebeest that successfully cross the Mara River are rewarded with the green grass; however, they still face threats of the big cats prowling on the plains of the Masai Mara. The Mara River, sometimes known as the 'river of death,' is 395 kilometres long and has a surface area of 13,504 km squared. The river starts in the Kenyan highlands of Narok county and flows through the Masai Mara national reserve's grasslands to the northern Serengeti in Tanzania before draining into Lake Victoria, the Nile's main reservoir. There are various crossing points along the Mara River, with different large herds crossing at different points.
When to see a river crossing
Although the migration usually occurs from July to October, it is difficult to determine exactly when the wildebeest will cross the Mara River until the vast herds have congregated near the Masai Mara national reserve on the Serengeti's northern side. Even once the herds have congregated, they can stand on the edge of the Mara River for several days until one brave wildebeest, quite literally, takes the plunge. The crossing usually starts mid-July to late August, keeping in mind this is a gradual event that takes place over several weeks at different locations along the Serengeti/Masai Mara border. The return journey back to the Serengeti happens in late October, however, this is less of a spectacular event as it is more of a slow dispersal.
Best places to stay
If you are specifically looking to see a Mara River crossing, we would recommend staying in the main Masai Mara Reserve, although it is worth noting that this can get busy during peak time. Staying in a conservancy is a quieter option and although a little further from the ‘main’ action, there are no fences so the animals move freely, and you can still take a trip into the main national reserve if you want to. Many of the camps in conservancies are on rivers so you can see a river crossing, it may just not be as dramatic as those crossing the Mara River.
Why visit Masai Mara?
Close your eyes and envision a gentle rolling savannah stretching out as far as the eye can see. Imagine countless wildebeest and zebras grazing lazily right there in front of you. The feeling is humbling and inspiring all wrapped into one. The Masai Mara is known for the highest concentration of wild animals in the world. More than 40% of Africa’s larger mammals can be found here. However, there’s more to the Masai Mara than endless plains. Aside from the main Masai Mara National Reserve proper there are a dozen community conservancies, several group ranches and quite a few Maasai villages in the area.
Booking Tented Mbweha Camp
Instinct of the Mara is one of best luxury camps and 5 star tented camps in Masai Mara park and Masai Mara Camp is the perfect Masai Mara safari website to use when booking a tented camp in Masai Mara as were the expert safari company offering tented camps Masai Mara, with a wide range of Masai Mara camps to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect Masai Mara Camps to suit your needs and budget Masai Mara Safari camps offers competitive prices, with many safari camps in Masai Mara offering discounts and special offers. The safari camp in Masai Mara website is also easy to use, with a simple and intuitive booking process. finally, camps in Masai Mara offers excellent customer service, with a dedicated team on hand to assist you with any queries or issues you may have. Safari Camp Price above are only indicative tented camp rates and are based on two people sharing a double room. The tented camp prices may vary depending on the season of safari and the number of people you will be traveling with. Contact us with your safaris dates and we will extend to you our discounted rates above for your booking at Instinct of the Mara we believe booking a tented Camp should be easy as we have provided you with contacts information including email address, telephone numbers and official website, we’ve partnered with the top tested camps sites to help you find the perfect safari camp. Our tented camps offer big 5 game viewing, superior service, excellent cuisine, and accommodation to rival any in southern Africa. Experience magnificent sunsets, all manner of beast and prey at the watering hole, early morning or late afternoon game drives in search of the ‘Big 5’ with an expert guide, boma fires under an African sky, pampering at the spa, a splash in the pool, sundowners in the bush. The most expensive lodges and exclusive safari camps and up market lodges found in Masai Mara a collection that offers guests the utmost in luxury, exclusivity, service and game viewing. All of our Masai Mara accommodation suggestions below offer that WOW factor while catering to the needs and demands of those who demand only the best and those who require the utmost privacy.
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