If you’re planning the ultimate African safari, chances are you've come across two iconic names: the Masai Mara and the Serengeti. Both destinations are legendary, brimming with wildlife and breathtaking landscapes - but which one is best for your dream safari?
Whether you're planning a family-friendly adventure
or a romantic honeymoon escape, we can break down for you where each destination excels, covering a range of factors so you can decide which best fits your travel style, accommodation wishes, and your wildlife sightings bucket list.
These vast, wildlife-rich landscapes sit side by side across the Kenya-Tanzania border, forming one enormous ecosystem and playing host to the world-famous Great Migration. The Mara river flows through both countries, and while the two parks are deeply connected, they’re not the same - depending on what you're looking for in your safari experience, one may suit you better than the other.
Where they predominantly differ is in scale and density. The Masai Mara National Reserve is located in southwestern Kenya. It is the more compact option of the two, with about 1,500 sq. Km of densely populated land, teeming with wildlife. It has classic savannah scenery: rolling grasslands dotted with acacia trees, open plains, and gentle hills. It feels a bit like being inside a nature documentary – and for many, this is the quintessential African safari setting.
The Masai Mara has a high concentration of wildlife, particularly during the dry season (July to October). With fewer places for animals to hide and a strong focus on predator sightings, the Mara can deliver more intense game-viewing in a shorter time, especially for first-timers.
By contrast, the Serengeti National Park offers a vast open wilderness of 30,000 sq. Km in Northern Tanzania. It’s more remote and offers a diverse range of flora and fauna. The south is flat and grassy; the central Seronera region is rich in rivers and woodlands; the north is hilly and remote. Its vastness means you can go for long stretches without seeing another vehicle. For this reason, the Serengeti is the ultimate choice for adventurers craving open space, solitude away from more populated areas, and landscape on an epic scale. If you’re happy to take your time, the Serengeti rewards patient travellers with a deeper, more immersive experience.
There are numerous different types of safaris on offer. From more traditional game drives, to thrilling hot air balloon trips, and even tracking game on foot with guides, there are an abundance of opportunities to spot one of the famous Big Five in Africa.
Both parks are part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem, meaning the wildlife can roam freely between the two. However, there are some distinctions:
Masai Mara: Home to all the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino). It is maybe more difficult to see rhino here but has a higher concentration of big cats and is especially recommended for lions and cheetahs. Has the potential for easier sightings in a shorter amount of time.
Serengeti: Home to all the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) and to more diverse bird species.
Top Tip:
If time is of the essence and you want guaranteed sightings, we recommend the Masai Mara. For longer trips and a deeper immersion into the East African plains, pick the Serengeti.
The great migration, the famous natural phenomenon where great hordes of wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara River, has featured in wildlife documentaries and photography journals for years. Driven by their search for fresh grazing land and water, millions of these animals bravely leap into croc-infested waters to cross the river each year.
We can see why you would want to see this spectacular event for yourself. So, where is the best spot to view it?
Both the Masai Mara and Serengeti are part of the same migration route, but the timing of the spectacle depends on where the herds are.
The route flows through both Tanzania and Kenya, a distance of about 1,200 miles and is roughly circular; starting from southern Serengeti, moving north into Masai Mara territory, then looping back down south.
July – The temperature reaches circa 30 degrees, and the land dries up meaning that spotting game is easier. At this time of year, the migration is in northern Serengeti, starting to move towards Kenya.
August - This is a popular time to see river crossings as the migration herds enter into the Mara; these crossings are dramatic as predators are normally always close by.
September – The peak season is in full swing, with the Northern circuit becoming a popular option for tourists. The tail end of the migration is still in the north, with herds now on both sides of the Tanzanian and Kenyan border.
October – The migration herds have usually headed back to the Serengeti, with tail ends still in the Masai Mara.
The migration is in the Serengeti for more of the year, so for those wishing to view it in action in Kenya, July-September/October is the best time of year.
Another option is to visit Tanzania in December-February, when the herds are in calving season down in the Ndutu region in the Southern part of the Serengeti.
One of the highlights of visiting the Masai Mara is the opportunity to experience an authentic safari while meeting the iconic Maasai people, often dressed in their distinctive red-checked shukas. Your safari guide is likely to be a Maasai warrior or member of the tribe, offering not only expert knowledge of the local wildlife but also personal insights into their culture and traditions - providing a fascinating glimpse into everyday Kenyan life. Many travellers also choose to visit a Maasai village, where you can learn more about their semi-nomadic lifestyle and rich heritage.
Safari experiences in the Masai Mara and Serengeti offer something for every type of traveller, from classic game drives to immersive cultural encounters. The Mara is known for shorter, action-packed drives with a strong connection to Maasai culture, while the Serengeti offers longer, more remote explorations across vast, open landscapes. Both regions offer sunrise hot air ballooning and guided walking safaris, though walking is typically limited to private conservancies or designated areas with expert guides.
One of the real strengths of this area is the sheer variety of accommodation on offer. Much of this is thanks to passionate, owner-run camps and lodges that bring a personal touch to everything they do. You’ll find options to suit every style, from adventurous to indulgent. Traditional safari lodges feature permanent buildings, stylish interiors, and extras like pools or spas, often with the feel of a boutique hotel. These are ideal if it’s your first safari or you’d like a few home comforts. For a more immersive experience, we recommend one of the exceptional tented camps. Far from basic, these offer spacious tents with rugs, plush double beds, and hot water bottles for chilly nights. Many are set deep in the wilderness, so you can drift off to the sounds of the African night.
A hot air balloon ride at sunrise is one of the most iconic experiences on a luxury Masai Mara holiday. Drift peacefully above the vast savannah as the first light of day reveals the breathtaking landscape below. After landing, enjoy a memorable bush breakfast surrounded by nature. You can find out more about this true bucket list adventure here: Trans-Serengeti Balloon Expedition | Far and Wild Travel
Kilima Camp offers an elegant yet relaxed safari, with spacious family tents and panoramic views of the Masai Mara from its perch on the Oloololo Escarpment. Families can enjoy game drives, guided walks, hot-air balloon safaris, and visits to Maasai villages. With a focus on sustainability, warm hospitality, and thoughtful touches like a hot tub with a view, it’s a place to connect with nature in comfort and style
Alternatively, our Northern Tanzania safari is designed for adventurous families who want to explore beyond the ordinary, with a route that takes you from Arusha’s peaceful forests to the wide-open plains of the Serengeti. Timed for the calving season (December to March), it offers front-row wildlife experiences, from walking with giraffes to watching newborn wildebeest take their first steps. With immersive stays in family-friendly camps and dramatic landscapes at every turn, it’s a journey full of freedom, discovery, and moments you’ll remember forever.
If you’re looking for a luxury safari that blends wild adventure with exceptional comfort, both Kenya’s Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti are home to some of Africa’s most refined safari camps – places where thoughtful design, world-class guiding, and personalised service come as standard.
Naibor Camp is a stylish riverside retreat in the heart of the Masai Mara, offering front-row access to the Great Migration and year-round game viewing. Its luxury tents combine comfort with eco-conscious design, each with private verandas overlooking the Talek River. With exceptional guiding, fresh locally sourced dining, and thoughtful extras like spa treatments and hot air balloon safaris, Naibor is a perfect blend of wilderness and understated luxury.
Angama Mara sits high on the Oloololo Escarpment, with breathtaking views over the Masai Mara and easy access to the wildlife-rich Mara Triangle. Its 15 tented suites combine elegant design with Maasai-inspired details, alongside amenities like an infinity pool, library, and flexible dining. Rooted in sustainability and community, the lodge supports local projects and offers a meaningful, immersive safari experience.
Asilia Naboisho Camp offers an exceptional safari experience in Kenya’s private Naboisho Conservancy, where guests can enjoy exclusive activities like off-road drives, guided walks, and night safaris in a wildlife-rich setting with far fewer crowds than the neighbouring Masai Mara. With just nine thoughtfully designed tented suites and warm, community-focused hospitality, the camp balances comfort and character while keeping its environmental impact low through solar power and sustainable practices.
Singita Explore Camp is an exclusive, private-use safari that unfolds in Tanzania’s 350,000-acre Singita Grumeti Reserve, bordering the Serengeti and free from crowds. Your mobile camp is set up just for your group, with stylish tents, exceptional guiding, and complete flexibility over each day. Blending conservation focus with refined simplicity, it offers rare access to extraordinary landscapes and wildlife, especially during the Great Migration.
Nomad Lamai Serengeti is a beautifully designed lodge set high on the Kogakuria Kopje, offering panoramic views over the Serengeti plains and prime access to the Great Migration river crossings from July to October. With eight stylish suites that blend naturally into the landscape, a rock-set swimming pool, and open communal spaces, it provides a luxurious yet low-impact safari experience. Year-round wildlife viewing, guided bush walks, and a strong focus on sustainability make it an ideal choice for travellers seeking both adventure and authenticity.
Each of these properties combines deep connection to nature with the kind of experience where everything is taken care of – right down to your evening G&T by the fire, under the stars
A safari honeymoon is unlike anything else – wild, luxurious, and deeply memorable. Whether you’re dreaming of candlelit dinners in the bush, private plunge pools overlooking the plains, or waking to birdsong in a beautifully styled tent, the Masai Mara and the Serengeti both deliver in style. Here are a few of our standout favourite combinations:
A Masai Mara honeymoon blends wild adventure with romantic escape, starting with unforgettable wildlife experiences on Kenya’s savannah. Stay at an intimate camp that feels both authentic and indulgent, with the option to add barefoot luxury on Lamu Island’s beaches. It’s a honeymoon of contrasts, combining raw nature with refined comfort in one seamless trip.
This luxurious honeymoon journey in the Serengeti begins with a night in Arusha before venturing into an exclusive, off-the-beaten-track safari with Olakira Mobile Camp, perfectly positioned for front-row views of the Great Migration. Days are spent exploring untouched plains and predator-rich valleys, with the comfort of a beautifully appointed tented camp that moves with the wildlife. After the thrill of the bush, unwind in your private beachfront villa in Zanzibar, where white sands, candlelit dinners, and turquoise waters offer the ultimate romantic escape.
Honeymoon Tip:
The green season (Nov–March) offers lush backdrops, lower prices, and romantic isolation, perfect for couples.
You can’t go wrong with either destination - but your perfect safari depends on your goals, group, and budget.
Choose the Masai Mara if you're looking for an easy-to-reach safari destination with some of the best big cat sightings in Africa. It’s a brilliant choice for first-time safari-goers and families alike, with a great range of lodges and camps that cater to all ages. The wildlife viewing here is reliably outstanding year-round, and during the Great Migration months, it’s nothing short of spectacular. The Mara also combines effortlessly with a relaxing beach break on Kenya’s coast – somewhere like Diani makes a lovely contrast, with palm-fringed sands, warm waters, and laid-back luxury. Take a look at this Kenya safari and beach escape for inspiration.
Opt for the Serengeti if you're drawn to vast, open plains, a stronger sense of wilderness, and a more secluded, off-the-beaten-path experience. It’s perfect for those who want to feel immersed in nature and enjoy that sense of space and solitude – especially for a romantic escape or honeymoon. There’s something magical about the Serengeti’s sweeping landscapes, and the migration here can feel even more raw and untamed, depending on the time of year and where you stay.
Kenya’s Masai Mara is generally easier to reach. You can fly in from Nairobi in under an hour, or drive from the capital in about six hours (though flying is far more comfortable). This makes it a great choice for shorter trips or first-time safari-goers. Those tight on time or traveling with young children may find this option more logistically convenient.
The Serengeti is also accessible. Most travellers fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, then connect via Arusha to a light aircraft flight into the park. You can also combine it with other northern Tanzania highlights like the Ngorongoro Crater in Tarangire as part of a longer circuit.
Whether you're dreaming of a lion's roar at sunrise or a candlelit bush dinner under the stars, both Masai Mara and the Serengeti will deliver memories for a lifetime. A cross-border safari gives you front-row seats to different migration stages, varied scenery, and a richer understanding of this extraordinary ecosystem.
We can help you build a seamless itinerary that combines the best of both, tailored to your travel style and timing.
Few adventures compare to exploring Africa on a self-drive trip. Set your own pace each day, arriving at your lodge before moving on to the next stop. We design every journey carefully, balancing drive times with variety so no two days feel the same. We work with trusted partners who provide reliable vehicles, clear directions, maps, and round-the-clock support.
Safari vehicles are central to any African safari, offering a safe and comfortable way to explore and view wildlife. Safari vehicles come in different styles, and offer a safe and comfortable way to explore and view wildlife. From open or closed vehicles to newer electric options, each is suited to particular destinations and designed to maximise your experience and visibility.
In East Africa, closed safari vehicles are generally the most used; this is what you will likely find in Tanzania, where you are on national park land. However in Kenya, where you are on private conservancies, you are more likely to be in an open top Jeep or 4x4.
Masai Mara stands out as the ideal destination for a family safari. With shorter drives and quicker chances of spotting wildlife, it's perfect for those traveling with children. The region offers family-friendly lodges that cater specifically to kids, featuring engaging activities designed for younger guests. Additionally, private conservancies in the area provide unique opportunities such as off-road driving, night safaris, and greater flexibility in planning your adventure. For a top family pick, consider this option: Affordable Kenya Safari and Beach.
The Serengeti is a dreamy honeymoon destination, offering remote and intimate luxury lodges that create the perfect romantic escape. Couples can enjoy greater privacy and a more personal experience. The stunning landscapes provide a breathtaking backdrop for unforgettable sunsets, making every moment feel truly special. For an ideal honeymoon itinerary, explore this option: Grumeti Hills | Far and Wild Travel
and start planning your tailor-made holiday
