Safari Masai Mara National Reserve
From$974/person
ultra luxury
3-Day Maasai Mara Safari Ultra-luxury
3D / 2NDuration
PrivateGroup
All year round
Free cancellation · Local experts · Customisable
Safari comparison
Masai Mara National Reserve vs Serengeti National Park
Two of East Africa's most sought-after safari destinations — but which is right for you? Here's how Masai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park compare on wildlife, season, climate and price.
At a glance
FeatureMasai Mara National ReserveSerengeti National Park
Country
Kenya
Tanzania
Region
South-west Kenya, Riftvalley
North Tanzania
Best time to visit
The Masai Mara is a year-round safari destination, with each season offering a distinct experience. The most popular tim…
<p>Serengeti National Park is a year-round safari destination. From January to March, visitors can witness the wildebees…
Climate
The Masai Mara enjoys a mild, temperate climate throughout the year due to its altitude, with daytime temperatures typic…
<p>Serengeti National Park enjoys a pleasant tropical savannah climate characterized by warm temperatures throughout the…
Terrain
Savannah Grasslands, Semi-Arid Scrubland, Riverine Forest, Dense Bushland, Mixed Terrain
Savannah Grasslands, Mixed Terrain
Area size
—
—
Elevation
—
—
Safaris from
$974
$2,140
Available safaris
12 trips
8 trips
Wildlife species
9
22
Lodges & camps
2
7
Wildlife
Key species at each destination. Gold = found at both.
Masai Mara National Reserve
About Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya is a premier 1,510-square-kilometre wildlife sanctuary. Renowned for the annual Great Wildebeest Migration from July to October, it offers exceptional year-round Big Five viewing across open savannahs. The reserve is contiguous with Tanzania's Serengeti, forming a critical, biodiverse transboundary ecosystem.
- Big Five game viewing
- Great Migration
- Night game drives
- Hot air balloon safaris
- Predator sightings
- Family-friendly
About Serengeti National Park
Discover the magic of Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations and home to the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration. Stretching across the heart of northern Tanzania, the Serengeti offers exceptional game viewing, breathtaking savannah landscapes, and unforgettable encounters with the Big Five. From luxury safari lodges and hot air balloon adventures to year-round wildlife experiences, the park provides the perfect setting for nature lovers, photographers, and safari enthusiasts seeking an authentic and unforgettable African wilderness adventure.
- Hot air balloon safaris
- Great Migration
- Walking safaris available
- River crossings
- Photography opportunities
- Big Five game viewing
Safaris in Masai Mara National Reserve
Safari
Safari Nairobi City
From$1,085/person
mid range
4-Day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha Safari
4D / 3NDuration
PrivateGroup
All year round
Free cancellation · Local experts · Customisable
Featured
Safari Masai Mara National Reserve
From$1,105/person
mid range
5-Day Midrange Kenya Safari
5D / 4NDuration
PrivateGroup
All year round
Free cancellation · Local experts · Customisable
Safaris in Serengeti National Park
Safari Ngorongoro Crater
From$2,140/person
mid range
7-Day Great Migration River Crossing Safari in Tanzania
7D / 6NDuration
PrivateGroup
All year round
Free cancellation · Local experts · Customisable
Safari Serengeti National Park
From$2,647/person
mid range
9-Day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday
9D / 8NDuration
PrivateGroup
All year round
Free cancellation · Local experts · Customisable
Beach & Safari Ngorongoro Crater
From$3,000/person
mid range
8-Day Mid-Range Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday
8D / 7NDuration
PrivateGroup
All year round
Free cancellation · Local experts · Customisable
The verdict
Both Masai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park are world-class. Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is known for its big five game viewing, while Serengeti National Park in Tanzania stands out for its hot air balloon safaris.
Can't decide? Many travellers visit both on one multi-destination itinerary — we'll craft the perfect safari that includes the best of each.
Frequently asked
Is Masai Mara National Reserve or Serengeti National Park better for a safari?+
Both are excellent. Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is known for big five game viewing, while Serengeti National Park in Tanzania stands out for hot air balloon safaris. The right choice depends on your interests, season and budget — and many travellers combine both.
When is the best time to visit Masai Mara National Reserve?+
The Masai Mara is a year-round safari destination, with each season offering a distinct experience. The most popular time to visit is from July to October, during the Great Migration, when large herds of wildebeest and zebras move into the reserve from the Serengeti, attracting predators and creatin…
Can I combine Masai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park in one trip?+
Yes. Imara Africa Safaris can build a combined itinerary featuring both Masai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park, handling all transfers, lodges and logistics so you experience the best of each in a single seamless safari.