Maasai Mara Big Cat Safari

The Mara's resident lions, leopards and cheetahs are there all year, so big cat viewing works in any season. If you also want the migration herds, the crossings near the Mara River happen roughly July to October. We have no fixed departures listed, so ask us for dates and we will advise.

You drive, leaving Nairobi early and heading west through the Great Rift Valley and Narok town, about 280 kilometres and five hours. You reach camp by early afternoon and go straight out on an evening game drive. The return on day four follows the same scenic route.

All three nights are at Mara Intrepids Tented Camp, so you do not change camps during the trip. Staying in one base means more time out on the plains and less time packing. From camp you can reach the lion, cheetah and leopard areas quickly, and head north toward the Mara River on day three.

Day two is a full day with your guide focused on cats. Dawn is prime time, as lion prides return from the night's hunt and cheetahs start moving on the open plains. Afternoon drives focus on leopard territory along the Talek and Mara rivers, where they rest in riverine trees.

Yes. Day three heads north toward the Mara River, through rolling hills and river valleys with hippos and large Nile crocodiles. This is where the migration crosses between roughly July and October. The afternoon drive returns through open grassland that is good cheetah country.

Yes. Every drive is spent looking for lions, leopards and cheetahs, and the Mara's open grassland gives clear views of cats hunting and raising young. Early morning and evening drives are timed for the best light. Tell us about your photography goals and we will brief your guide.

Yes. Our Arusha team can extend this trip or link it with a safari in northern Tanzania, such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. We will plan the border crossing or flights so the two parts join smoothly.

Pack neutral safari clothing, a warm layer for early morning drives, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. A dust scarf helps on the long drive from Nairobi. Binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens are the most useful kit for spotting leopards in trees.

Entry rules for Kenya change from time to time, so check the current requirements for your passport before you travel, and we will advise when you enquire. Ask a travel clinic about vaccinations and malaria prevention, and carry a yellow fever certificate if your route requires one.

The Maasai Mara Big Cat Safari is 4 days and 3 nights. The day-by-day itinerary on this page shows where you go and stay each day.

This trip visits Maasai Mara National Reserve.

It is rated moderate: a reasonable level of general fitness is enough.

It runs for groups of 2 to 12 travellers.