Location of Maasai Mara National Reserve
Where Is Maasai Mara National Reserve? Location, Map & Directions.
Maasai Mara National Reserve is in Narok County in southwestern Kenya, along the Tanzania border. The location of Maasai Mara forms the Kenyan part of the wider Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, which extends south into Tanzania and sits roughly 270 kilometres from Nairobi by road, although the actual driving distance varies according to the gate and accommodation area. The reserve covers about 1,510 square kilometres and can be reached by road in around five to six hours or by a flight of roughly 45 minutes from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. It is sometimes called Maasai Mara National Park, but its official designation is National Reserve.
Location of Maasai Mara at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Country | Kenya |
| County | Narok County |
| Region | Southwestern Kenya, on the Tanzania border |
| GPS (approximate) | 1.49° S, 35.14° E |
| Distance from Nairobi | Roughly 225–270 km by road, depending on the route and gate |
| Area | About 1,510 km² |
| Southern neighbour | Serengeti National Park, Tanzania |
| Main rivers | Mara and Talek |
| Main access | Road and air |
Where is the Maasai Mara in Kenya?
The reserve sits in the southwest of the country, within Narok County, close to the Tanzanian border. The road from Nairobi crosses the Great Rift Valley before reaching Narok town and continuing to the reserve. To the south, it meets Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, and together the two form one connected ecosystem. Wildlife moves across this landscape without regard for the political boundary, although the Kenyan and Tanzanian sides are managed separately.
What Surrounds the Maasai Mara?
To the south, the reserve borders Serengeti National Park. The Kenyan side is the northern extension of the larger Serengeti-Mara system.
To the west, the Oloololo (Siria) Escarpment rises above parts of the Mara landscape and provides distinctive views over the Mara Triangle.
To the north and east, the reserve is surrounded by community-owned conservancies such as Mara North, Naboisho and Olare Motorogi. They are separate from the National Reserve, with their own management and fees, and they help protect the corridors wildlife uses beyond the reserve boundary.
The wider area is also home to Maasai communities, and cultural visits can be arranged as part of a safari.
Landscape and Rivers
The Mara is mostly rolling open grassland, broken up by patches of woodland, riverine vegetation and scattered rocky outcrops. The Mara and Talek rivers are its defining features. The Mara River is particularly known for the seasonal wildebeest crossings during the Great Migration, though these are dangerous for the animals because of strong currents, steep banks, exhaustion and Nile crocodiles. For a closer look at how the reserve is divided, see our Maasai Mara map guide.
How Far Is the Maasai Mara From Nairobi?
The usual figure is around 225 to 270 kilometres by road, but the exact distance depends on which gate or camp a traveller is heading to. The reserve is large, and Sekenani on the east side is much nearer to Nairobi than Oloololo on the west.
How to Get to the Maasai Mara
| Transport | Route | Travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Road | Nairobi → Mai Mahiu → Narok → Sekenani Gate | 5 to 6 hours |
| Fly-in | Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL) to Mara airstrips such as Ol Kiombo, Mara Serena or Keekorok | About 45 minutes |
| Cross-border | Serengeti, Tanzania, via the Isebania or Namanga border posts | Full-day transfer |
By Road
Most road travellers leave Nairobi, pass through or near Narok town, and then continue to the gate nearest their accommodation. The road varies from good tarmac to rough gravel as it nears the reserve, so a 4×4 is generally the better choice, particularly after rain.
By Air
Most scheduled safari flights to the Maasai Mara depart from Wilson Airport in Nairobi rather than Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Depending on the airline and itinerary, flights can serve airstrips such as Keekorok, Ol Kiombo, Mara Serena and Musiara, as well as strips in surrounding conservancies. Routes and schedules vary by airline and season, and the best strip depends on where a traveller is staying. Our guide to Maasai Mara airstrips explains which strip serves which area.
Which Gates Serve the Maasai Mara?
| Area | Common access point |
|---|---|
| Eastern and central Mara | Sekenani, Talek |
| Northern Mara | Musiara |
| Southeastern Mara | Oloolaimutia |
| Southern Mara | Sand River |
| Western Mara and the Mara Triangle | Oloololo |
Sekenani is one of the main access points for road safaris from Nairobi, but the appropriate gate depends on the location of the accommodation. Gate arrangements and fees are covered in our Maasai Mara entrance fees guide.
What Is the Maasai Mara Known For?
The reserve is known for its large concentrations of plains wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants and buffalo, and for the Great Wildebeest Migration, which usually reaches the Mara between July and October. It also has hundreds of bird species and strong cultural links with the Maasai. The best time for any of these varies, so see our best time to visit guide for details.
Accommodation and Safari Experiences
The Mara offers luxury lodges, tented camps, mobile camps and campsites. Guided game drives are the main way to see wildlife, and many travellers also add a hot air balloon flight over the plains at sunrise. A local guide adds a lot to a drive, since they know the animals’ habits and the area’s history.
Travel Tips
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sturdy shoes, sun protection, binoculars and a camera, along with a warm layer for early mornings. Conditions change with the season, and July to October is a popular period for the migration and generally drier weather. Plan the route around the gate or airstrip closest to the camp, since that cuts transfer time more than anything else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the Maasai Mara?
In Narok County, southwestern Kenya, on the border with Tanzania.
Is the Maasai Mara a national park or a reserve?
A national reserve. It’s sometimes called a park, but the official name is Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Which county is the Maasai Mara in?
Narok County.
How far is the Maasai Mara from Nairobi?
Roughly 225 to 270 kilometres by road, depending on the route and gate.
Is the Maasai Mara near the Serengeti?
Yes. It borders Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and forms part of the same ecosystem.
Can travellers fly to the Maasai Mara?
Yes. Safari flights leave from Wilson Airport in Nairobi and take about 45 minutes.
Which gate should travellers use from Nairobi?
Sekenani is the usual choice for road travellers, though the best gate depends on the camp.
How big is the Maasai Mara?
About 1,510 square kilometres.
Is Maasai Mara part of the Serengeti?
No. Maasai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park are separate protected areas in Kenya and Tanzania. However, they form part of the wider Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, and wildlife moves across the broader landscape.
Which Nairobi airport do Maasai Mara flights use?
Most scheduled safari flights to the Maasai Mara depart from Wilson Airport (WIL), rather than Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Flight routes and schedules vary by airline.
Plan a Maasai Mara Safari
Chopper Tour and Travel can help match the road route, gate or airstrip to your chosen accommodation and Kenya safari itinerary, including transfers, flights and accommodation.
