Destination
Nairobi & Maasai Mara, Kenya
Nairobi is the launch pad for Kenya's safari circuit, with the Maasai Mara's lions, elephants and Great Migration an hour's flight away.
Trips to Nairobi & Maasai Mara from every city
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When to go
| Month | Season |
|---|---|
| January | best |
| February | best |
| March | fine |
| April | avoid |
| May | avoid |
| June | best |
| July | best |
| August | best |
| September | best |
| October | best |
| November | fine |
| December | fine |
- July, August, September, October: Great Migration herds are in the Mara, with Mara River crossings from roughly late July to October.
- November, December: Short rains: green landscapes, dramatic skies and quieter camps.
- January, February: Hot, dry weather with excellent resident game viewing and calving on the plains.
April, May: Long rains: muddy tracks, grey skies and several Mara camps closed in April and May.
Where to stay in Nairobi & Maasai Mara
- Karen: Leafy suburb of the Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick elephant orphanage and the Karen Blixen museum.
- Westlands: Modern hotels, malls and restaurants close to Wilson Airport for safari flights.
- Gigiri and Runda: Quiet diplomatic quarter next to the Karura Forest trails.
- Maasai Mara conservancies (Mara North, Naboisho, Olare Motorogi): Tented camps on private conservancies with night drives and far fewer vehicles than the reserve.
- Mara Triangle: Western part of the reserve with Mara River crossings during the migration.
What to do in Nairobi & Maasai Mara
- Breakfast with giraffes at Giraffe Manor or the Giraffe Centre in Karen
- Elephant orphans at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
- Game drive in Nairobi National Park with skyscrapers on the horizon
- Fly to the Maasai Mara for three nights in a tented camp
- Hot-air balloon over the Mara at dawn
- Great Migration river crossings on the Mara River
Good to know
| Airports | Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) |
|---|---|
| Passport for US citizens | yes |
| Price level | upscale |
| Time zone | Africa/Nairobi |
| Kind of trip | nature, national-park, adventure, city, romantic |
Questions about Nairobi & Maasai Mara
When is the best time to visit Nairobi & Maasai Mara?
January, February, June, July, August, September and October. April, May: Long rains: muddy tracks, grey skies and several Mara camps closed in April and May.
Do US citizens need a passport for Nairobi & Maasai Mara?
Yes. Nairobi & Maasai Mara is in Kenya; bring a valid passport.
How expensive is Nairobi & Maasai Mara on the ground?
Nairobi & Maasai Mara is upscale by US standards: plan about $130 per person per day for food, getting around and tickets.