There are some fantastic things you can do on the Masai Mara.
The following list has been based on the activities you can do on the Masai Mara from the Mara Bushtops Camp. This is a recommended luxury camp you can learn more about in our guide to Masai Mara Lodges.
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Witness the Wildebeest Migration
The wildebeest migration is an annual event where over a million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle migrate from Tanzania to Kenya’s Masai Mara in a continuous cycle following the rains and fresh grass.
The migration often takes place between the months of July and October and is anticipated by hundreds of tourists and Masai Mara predators alike. This is also the best time to see the famous Mara River crossings. Watch the incredible amount of wildebeest struggle past crocodiles on their way to greener pastures. And one of the best camps to enjoy the spectacle is the Mara Bushtops Camp with prime viewing of multiple crossing points. They also operate the luxurious Roving Camp in Tanzania’s Serengeti, which can move for the best game viewing opportunities. -
Set out on your Safari Game Drive
The main event of your Masai Mara safari camp experience, game drives take you out and into the Masai Mara to search for the iconic animals. Accompanied by some of the region’s top guides and rangers, experience unmatched game viewing from the Mara Bushtops Camp, positioned in an exclusive conservancy of the Masai Mara.
You will head out on game drives in custom designed 4×4 vehicles suited to this environment for incredible game viewing. Your experienced drivers have a love of the environment and enjoy sharing their knowledge of the incredible wildlife.
All members of the Big 5 live on the Masai Mara. And you can find lions, elephants, Cape buffalo, and rhinoceros, as well as:- Giraffes
- Hippos
- Hyenas
- Nile crocodiles
- Wildebeest
- Zebra
- Gazelles
- Antelopes
- And much more
4 days+The Mara Bushtops Safari Camp
Nairobi, KenyaThe Mara Bushtops Camp is where luxury meets the wild. Nestled in its own private paradise, the luxury camp offers you unrivaled views of the regi...
- Exclusive Luxury, Wildlife Salt Lick
From $ 3,360
/ person -
Hover Above the Mara in a Hot Air Balloon
A hot air balloon over the Masai Mara is possibly the most incredible way to see this fantastic ecosystem. Get a better perspective of the area and admire the Masai Mara’s beauty from the sky. Relax with the tranquility of a balloon ride as you float above the plains watching the wildlife below. Enjoy the forest and the rivers of the Masai Mara on this truly unique experience as you drift in the breeze. You will also see why the Maasai named this the ‘Mara’, which means ‘spotted’ as you see the circles of trees, shadows from clouds, and scrubland that create beautiful scenery.
In keeping with tradition of hot air balloon flights, on your return to land you will be greeted with a champagne breakfast cooked where you land.
4 days+The Mara Bushtops Safari Camp
Nairobi, KenyaThe Mara Bushtops Camp is where luxury meets the wild. Nestled in its own private paradise, the luxury camp offers you unrivaled views of the regi...
- Exclusive Luxury, Wildlife Salt Lick
From $ 3,360
/ person -
Create Memories with the Maasai on Cultural Visits
The Maasai have been living on the Mara for hundreds of years and still live with traditional customs and traditions, albeit influenced a little from the modern world. While on the Masai Mara, you can visit a Maasai community.
You can enjoy a visit to Masai manyatta (village). The Mara Bushtops Camp has built strong relationships with the tribal elders, building trust and an agreement allowing privileged access to this incredible community. This is a great place to visit if you’re interested in exploring the Maasai culture to experience traditions and customs that have remained as they are for centuries.
As part of the Bushtops Mara experience, you can visit the Kakiya cave. Discovered by the Mau Mau in the 1950s, it now forms part of everyday Maasai tribal life. Many of the cave paintings are from this period, however, some appear to be much much older. -
Witness Iconic Wildlife on Walking Safaris
A walking safari is a great way to get onto the Masai Mara in the same manner as early explorers. Enjoy exploring the area on foot with highly trained guides. As you are no longer inside a custom designed safari vehicle, enjoy more excitement as you explore the Masai Mara looking for fantastic wildlife. Your skilled and experienced guide and rangers will keep you safe as you explore this outstanding wildlife destination. You will explore in the same way as your ancestors hundreds of thousands of years ago. Because the camp is in a private conservancy, you can head out directly from the Mara Bushtops Camp. All you need is a pair of good walking shoes and your sense of adventure.
Your guide will bring you in safe distance to different animals, including impala herds, zebra and even giraffe. You will also be taught about tracks, droppings and the plant life around you. -
Marvel at the Mara River
The Mara River is one of the documentary world’s most famous because of the annual wildebeest crossing. The river begins in Kenya’s highlands then drains into Lake Victoria, the world’s largest tropical lake.
This is a very important water source for animals of the Masai Mara and it grows to double its usual size after heavy rainfall. The animals you can find here include bird-life, hippos and crocodiles. The river is found in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve. The river is mostly known for the millions of wildebeest and zebra that brave the crossing on their cyclical journey between Tanzania and Kenya, as they follow the greener grass. Documentary crews often set up across the river to film as the wildebeest approach. Nile crocodiles then congregate at the crossing area waiting to catch their meal creating spectacular wildlife footage. -
Be Amazed by Mara Birdlife
The Masai Mara is a great place for birdwatching with 470 birds to find. Although it’s the big animals that dominate people’s attention, there are some fascinating birds to find as well. Among the diversity, you can find ostriches, the world’s largest bird, tiny sunbirds, and 46 different birds of prey. The grasslands hide the ground hornbills, which are about the same size as a turkey, kori bustards, secretary birds, plovers, and white stalks. The swampy areas are then great places to spot different storks and cranes, such as saddle-billed storks scouting for catfish.
You can find the goliath heron, which is the world’s largest heron species, plus sacred ibis, yellow-billed storks, and great white egrets. There are many different kingfishers, with seven species of giant kingfishers to see. You can usually spot these on the Mara River itself.
The vultures are then easy to spot as they zone in on lion kills. And guests are often surprised by the sheer number you find on the Mara. Several different vultures have been identified so far. The birds of prey are often the favorites and you can see the large martial eagles soaring over the plains, which are the largest eagles in Africa. These birds are so powerful that they prey on young impala and other bird species. Not just a home of this giant, you can also find the tiny pygmy falcon at home on the Mara. -
Moonlit Moments in the Masai Mara
As the sun dips below the horizon, experience the Mara’s nighttime spectacle. The Masai Mara transforms into a celestial stage, where nature and the cosmos offer an enchanting spectacle. At Mara Bushtops Camp, the nights reveal the untamed beauty of a world less seen. And you can easily imagine your ancestors standing in awe beneath these very stars.
At Mara Bushtops Camp, you will enjoy the untouched wilderness of the private Masai Mara conservancy. From the camp, you will be delighted by undisturbed, crystal-clear panoramas of the vast African night sky. While our daytime safaris are an attraction in their own right, many are unprepared for the sense of wonder the nighttime brings. Gaze above and let the constellations tell their age-old tales.
But don't just look to the skies. As darkness blankets the Mara, a new ensemble of nocturnal actors takes the stage. Witness night hunters on the prowl, foraging porcupines rustling through the brush, and diligent dung beetles charting their path by the glimmer of the Milky Way. Our private Conservancy status ensures exclusive access, allowing you to immerse in these nightly spectacles, a privilege few get to savor. -
Try Your Hand At The Bushtops Bushcraft Challenge
As a more hands-on activity, you can choose a journey of practical discovery with the Bushcraft Challenge at Mara Bushtops Camp. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of local traditions, ignite your primal instincts with basic survival skills, and embrace the essence of conservation while delving into the vibrant flora and fauna of the region.
Initially designed with younger members of the family in mind, the Bushcraft Challenge's universal allure transcends age boundaries, beckoning the curious minds of all who seek to uncover the secrets of the wild. Your expedition begins with archery and spear throwing, a chance to awaken your inner hunter and engage in friendly competition against friends, family, and even Lawrence, your charismatic camp manager. As laughter echoes through the air, participants of all ages experience a whirlwind of emotions, from triumphant hits to unexpected misses, forging unforgettable memories against the backdrop of the African wilderness.
The adventure deepens with the art of bead-making, a window into East African culture that allows you to craft your own intricate jewelry under the expert guidance of a local artisan. As you weave together vibrant beads, you'll imbue your creation with the very essence of the land, carrying it as a cherished reminder of your journey. Delve further into cultural immersion through the age-old practice of baking Swahili treats. Learn to craft the delectable Mahamri, a Swahili donut, under the tutelage of a local chef. As the tantalizing aromas envelop you, revel in the culinary heritage that unites communities through the ages.
But it's the truly transformative experiences that make the Bushcraft Challenge a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Witness the age-old Maasai fire-making technique, an awe-inspiring display of tribal expertise that forges flames from brushwood alone. These are skills that bridge the gap between ancestral wisdom and modern sensibilities, offering both entertainment and invaluable survival knowledge.
And what better way to leave your mark on the Mara than with a Plaster of Paris Cast, a tangible memory etched in time? Under the guidance of our knowledgeable guides, capture the intricate prints of the wild inhabitants you encounter, creating an enduring tribute to your wildlife encounters. This hands-on experience culminates in a personal memento that will impress your loved ones, standing as a testament to your deep connection with the untamed realm. -
Admire Mornings on the Mara with Al fresco Dining
You can also enhance your safari experience with Al Fresco Dining at Mara Bushtops Camp. Picture yourself savoring delicious breakfasts under the expansive African sky, enjoying delicious freshly prepared meals with the rustle of the grasslands.
Imagine awakening to an early morning call that heralds an adventure into the Kenyan wilderness. As the sun ascends, illuminating the landscape in golden hues, you'll disembark from your vehicle to a breathtaking tableau. Your table, adorned with elegance, awaits you—no other diners in sight, just you, our skilled chef, and your guide. Delight in a hot meal accompanied by effervescent bubbly and a buffet laden with culinary delights. The cost, a modest 50 USD per person, pales in comparison to the priceless immersion in this experience.
To say farewell to the day, you can also enjoy a sundowner as the sun sets. Watch the Masai Mara change color to prepare for night. Your guide will find the perfect spot after your game drive to relax with a cocktail, bonfire and good company.
4 days+The Mara Bushtops Safari Camp
Nairobi, KenyaThe Mara Bushtops Camp is where luxury meets the wild. Nestled in its own private paradise, the luxury camp offers you unrivaled views of the regi...
- Exclusive Luxury, Wildlife Salt Lick
From $ 3,360
/ person
Ash Card
Tour Advisor @TourTheTropicsAsh Card is a frequent visitor to the Tropics and has a passion for helping visitors get the best experiences from tropical locations. Ash is a contributor and tour advisor at TourTheTropics.com. Feel free to contact Ash for tour help in the tropics. When not helping tourists with tours and info, Ash can be found traveling, on wildlife tours or salsa dancing. Ash has completed a BSc in Biology, a Master’s degree in Zoology, and has undertaken a research scholarship at a world-class university on animal behavior. He has published scientific research in the Australian Journal of Zoology and the Journal of Behavioral Ecology. His goal is to help a global society live in balance with the natural world.
