MASAI MARA
KENYA
Budget : Premium Safari*
"OUT OF AFRICA"
Land of big cats
The Masai Mara embodies wild Africa in all its splendour. A land of golden plains stretching to infinity, sculpted by the meandering Mara River and punctuated by the cycles of nature.
As the seasons change, this sanctuary of life reveals unforgettable scenes: the Great Migration, when thousands of wildebeest and zebra brave the tumultuous waters and ambush predators; the lions that reign supreme over the vast savannahs; the elephants that make their way across the rolling hills. In the shade of the acacia trees, leopards and cheetahs move gracefully, silent witnesses to the richness of this ecosystem.
Between the Masai Mara National Reserve, the tranquillity of the Mara Triangle and the authenticity of private conservancies like Mara North, every corner of this territory tells a story. The story of an untamed nature, of a fragile balance between predator and prey, and of a land where Maasai traditions live on in harmony with the wildlife.
For nearly 5 years now, I have been focusing on the more remote and exclusive areas of the Masai Mara to avoid mass tourism. In particular, the numerous conservancies where the number of vehicles is limited to a maximum of 5 per observation and off-roading is authorised, allowing you to position yourself ideally for your photos.
The open savannah, territory of the big cats
Some of the Masai Mara's private conservancies, such as Mara North, Naboisho and Olare Motorogi, offer exclusive, wildlife-friendly experiences. See animals up close, on land managed in collaboration with local communities. These conservancies enable the Masai to graze their livestock while preserving the wild animals on their land. Cats are abundant here, especially cheetahs, which prefer areas where the grass is shorter to hunt.
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A perfect destination for wildlife photography enthusiasts!
Heart of the dry season
from January to March
The intense heat gradually dries out the Masai Mara plains, reducing water sources and attracting wildlife to the remaining rivers and waterholes. This period offers exceptional visibility for safaris, with predators taking advantage of the concentration of herbivores to hunt more easily. Hunting scenes are frequent, particularly around the Mara River and the permanent lagoons. With often clear skies and golden lights, it's also an ideal time for photography.
Rainy season
from April to May & November to December
Showers transform the savannah into an ocean of green. The births of many species, including the few resident wildebeest, zebra and antelope, attract intense predator activity. Although the rains can make some tracks difficult to walk, the soft light and contrasts offer ideal conditions for photography. Evening thunderstorms add a dramatic atmosphere to the landscape and to your photos. After migration, the grass is short and fresh, offering excellent visibility for photography.
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Cool dry season
from June to October
With warmer temperatures and thinning vegetation, the cool dry season marks one of the highlights of the Masai Mara: the Great Migration. Thousands of wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara River, braving crocodiles and predators. This is the ideal time to observe the vast herds on the move and spectacular hunting scenes, offering an unforgettable spectacle. However, this is the high season, with higher prices and many other vehicles.
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In short...
For total immersion in one of Africa's greatest wildlife sanctuaries, where endless plains, winding rivers and acacia forests meet, the Masai Mara is a must-see destination.
Highlights
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one of the best places in the world to photograph big cats
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conservancy safaris for an exclusive experience
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savannah landscapes as far as the eye can see
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small, authentic campsites
Iconic species to photograph
Lion
King of the Masai Mara, often seen in groups or coalitions of males dominating the savannah.
Cheetah
The Mara's fastest predator, often spotted on termite mounds or hunting on open plains.
Leopard
A master of stealth, it moves in the shadows and often perches on acacia branches.
Nile Crocodile
A patient predator, it waits in ambush in the waters of the Mara River, ready to surprise its prey.
Baboon
Lively and social, they live in large troops and play a key role in the ecosystem's balance.
Elephant
Guardian of the wilderness, he crosses the savannah in majestic herds, commanding respect.
Discover the experience
Because a picture is worth a thousand words, let yourself be enchanted by the wild beauty of the Masai Mara through the gallery below.
Large predators, endless plains and spectacular migration scenes invite you to imagine your next adventure in the heart of this mythical land.
Testimonials
Your feedback is my greatest source of pride.
A passionate man with a very respectful approach to the environment and these animals. He has a deep knowledge of flora and fauna, all while surrounding himself with quality local partners.
But also valuable advice for animal photography, a suitable vehicle and time spent which allowed me to learn a lot and come back with photos of which I am very proud.
Dubun A.
During our stay with Valentin, I was able to capture the most magical moments: breakfasts in the middle of a nature reserve, sunsets surrounded by elephants, herds of wildebeest blending into breathtaking landscapes.
I particularly remember this unique moment, alone in the middle of the savannah watching a serval hunt its prey, leaping through the tall grass, in complete calm.
Boisson R.
A great teacher, he was able to accompany us and give us his best advice during our various shoots, in every situation we came across (ground level shots, positioning, backlight and low light management, high speed management, etc.).
And all this was done with the utmost respect and ethics for the animals. What I loved!
Mulier N.
* Explorer Safari – from 4 500€ | Premium Safari – from 6 500€ | Luxury Safari – from 8 000€