Marvellous, magical Masai Mara!

Discover one of East Africa's most iconic destinations

Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve is a global icon for the notion of an untamed wilderness, renowned for its raw beauty, exceptional wildlife, and a legacy of conservation that reaches beyond its borders. It's a place where biodiversity flourishes, where conservation efforts have redefined the relationship between communities and wildlife, and where luxury safaris provide an exceptional connection to the wild. At Anderson & Harvey, we are privileged to showcase the Masai Mara in its entirety - its history, its purpose, and its enduring allure...



While many immediately picture the spectacle of the Great Wildebeest Migration, the Mara’s significance runs much deeper. What is today known as the Mara Triangle - a 1,350 square kilometre swathe of savannah grassland - was established in 1948 when Kenya was still governed by Britain. And here's a curious fact - while it's named for the Maasai people, the Brits spelled the name with only one "a" - something that has not been rectified on government records - so it's Masai Mara National Reserve but the Maasai people!

In 1961 the Masai Mara came under the control of Narok County Council and since then it grown into the legend it is today, surrounded now by private conservancies owned by the local Maasai that are contributing to Kenya's conservation efforts while at the same time cementing community beneficiation through tourism.

A vast Eden...

Spanning more than 1,500 square kilometres, the Mara is part of the greater Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, a contiguous wilderness stretching across the Kenya-Tanzania border. This vast, interconnected system is not just home to iconic species like lion, cheetah and elephant, but serves as a critical refuge for countless other wildlife from plains game to birds and reptiles, as well as migratory species that depend on these landscapes for survival.

The Mara's rolling plains are dotted with acacia trees, rocky outcrops, seasonal and perennial rivers and support an intricate web of life. Carnivors thrive in staggering numbers, earning the Mara its reputation as one of Africa’s predator capitals. A plethora of herbivores ensure the savannah remains alive with movement and wetlands provide vital water sources, while diverse flora supports a thriving pollinator population.

The Masai Mara is equally remarkable for its avian diversity. More than 470 bird species have been recorded here, including both resident and migratory species. It's a paradise for birders, with everything from raptors like martial eagles and bateleurs to smaller treasures like bee-eaters and turacos. 

Communities & conservation

For those who venture beyond the national reserve into the Masai Mara’s private conservancies, the experience becomes even more profound. These conservancies, including Mara North, Olare Motorogi, and Naboisho, are pioneering models of community-driven conservation. By leasing land from Maasai communities, these areas simultaneously provide secure habitats for wildlife and sustainable income for local landowners. This symbiotic relationship has transformed the landscape, ensuring that areas once dominated by overgrazing are now flourishing wildernesses teeming with game.

Mara North is a prime example of how community collaboration yields tangible conservation success. Stretching across 300 square kilometres, it supports an extraordinary array of wildlife, from elephant and buffalo to elusive predators like leopard and painted wolves (African wild dogs). Similarly, Olare Motorogi Conservancy has become a sanctuary for some of the highest densities of lion found anywhere in Africa, alongside other key species like cheetah and zebra. 

The low-impact tourism policies within these conservancies ensure that visitor numbers are limited, guaranteeing a more exclusive safari experience. Guests often find themselves enjoying sightings without another vehicle in sight - an increasingly rare privilege in Africa’s top wildlife destinations.

Beyond the thrilling game drives, the conservancies also offer a richer, more intimate connection to the environment. Guided walking safaris reveal the intricate details of the bush and night drives offer a window into the Mara’s nocturnal world. These experiences, inaccessible in the main reserve, make the conservancies a compelling choice for those seeking deeper immersion.

Sustainable tourism in action

Culturally, the Masai Mara is inseparable from the heritage of the Maasai people. For centuries, the Maasai have lived alongside wildlife, their semi-nomadic way of life shaped by the rhythms of the land. The private conservancies provide guests with the opportunity to engage meaningfully with Maasai communities. From witnessing traditional dances to learning about their livestock management practices, these encounters offer an authentic glimpse into how conservation and culture intertwine.

For those seeking the pinnacle of safari luxury, the Mara’s private conservancies deliver experiences that redefine indulgence. Boutique camps and lodges blend seamlessly into the landscape, offering unparalleled comfort alongside sustainability. Guests can expect touches of refinement, from private plunge pools overlooking watering holes to gourmet meals served under a canopy of stars. 

The exclusivity of the conservancies means that every aspect of your stay is tailored to your desires, whether that’s a sunrise balloon safari over the plains or a helicopter excursion to the remote escarpments bordering the reserve.

Yet luxury in the Masai Mara goes hand in hand with purpose. A significant portion of conservancy fees directly supports anti-poaching units, community education programmes and habitat restoration projects. By staying in the private conservancies, guests actively contribute to safeguarding this fragile ecosystem for generations to come.

At Anderson & Harvey, we believe the Masai Mara is not merely a destination but a revelation. Its rolling landscapes, unparalleled wildlife, and commitment to conservation make it a place that inspires awe and respect in equal measure. Get in touch to find out more.