The road journey from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara takes approximately 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic conditions and the specific entry gate used. The route passes through Narok town and descends the Rift Valley escarpment, with a scenic viewpoint stop included on this itinerary. Departures are at 7am to ensure you arrive at the lodge comfortably before the afternoon game drive window. If your time in Kenya is limited, the Mara is also accessible by scheduled or charter flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi, which reduce travel time to around 45 minutes — contact us for a custom flying safari quote.

The Maasai Mara is one of the few reserves in Africa that delivers exceptional wildlife viewing in every month of the year, but the timing of your visit does affect what you are most likely to witness. The Great Migration peaks between July and October, when vast herds of wildebeest and zebra flood in from Tanzania's Serengeti and dramatic Mara River crossings occur with increasing frequency. This coincides with the dry season, when vegetation is low and wildlife congregates around permanent water. The shoulder months of January through March also offer outstanding big cat sightings and far fewer visitors on the roads. High season pricing reflects the migration period and the Christmas break, while low and mid-season rates offer genuine value for travellers with flexible travel dates.

The Great Migration is the annual movement of approximately 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebras, and various gazelles between Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Maasai Mara, widely regarded as the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth. The herds typically enter the Maasai Mara ecosystem between July and October, and it is during this period that the famous Mara River crossings take place, where thousands of animals plunge into crocodile-filled waters in dramatic succession. If your travel dates fall within this window, the probability of witnessing a crossing during a full-day game drive is high, though the exact timing of crossings is never guaranteed. Outside migration season, resident wildlife in the Mara remains abundant, with the Big Five, cheetahs, and large lion prides reliably present throughout the year.

Full board at Mara Sopa Lodge covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner for each night of your stay, meaning your main daily meals are taken care of from the afternoon you arrive through to breakfast on your departure morning. The lodge is positioned on an elevated ridge inside the Mara ecosystem, offering views across the reserve and access to the game-rich areas without lengthy drives to and from the gate. Alcoholic and soft drinks are not included in the package and are payable directly at the lodge. Optional extras such as the balloon safari and Maasai village visit are also settled separately.

A balloon safari is widely considered one of the most memorable experiences available anywhere in Africa. Flights launch at first light and carry you silently over the Mara's open plains and river systems, offering a completely different perspective on the ecosystem and its wildlife. The aerial view reveals the true scale of animal movements, river meanders, and the patchwork of habitats that make the Mara so productive. Flights typically last around one hour and are followed by a champagne bush breakfast in the field. The cost is USD 450 per person and is not included in the safari package, so it needs to be arranged in advance. We recommend booking early, especially if you are travelling during the migration months, as balloon slots fill quickly.

Yes. Because this is a private safari, the experience is inherently personalised — the vehicle, guide, and schedule are exclusively yours for the duration of the trip. For honeymooners or travellers marking a special occasion, we can arrange lodge upgrades, in-room decorations, bush dinners, and sundowner setups on request. If you would like to combine the Mara with a coastal extension to Diani Beach or a second park such as Amboseli or Lake Nakuru, we can build a custom itinerary around your dates and budget. Reach out to us via WhatsApp or the enquiry form on this page and we will put together a tailored proposal within 24 hours.