The Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania are two halves of one great ecosystem, and the wildebeest herds cross between them. They feel different to visit. This guide sets them side by side so you can choose, or decide to do both.
Side by side
| Maasai Mara (Kenya) | Serengeti (Tanzania) | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | About 1,510 km² | About 14,750 km² |
| Protection | National reserve, with community conservancies around it | National park, World Heritage site since 1981 |
| Migration | Herds usually arrive from about July and stay to around October, with Mara River crossings | Herds are here most of the year, with calving on the southern plains from January to March |
| Big cats | Lion, cheetah and leopard are all regularly seen | More than 3,000 lions are reported in the wider ecosystem, along with leopard and cheetah |
| Rhino | A small black rhino population, reported as about 25 to 30 in recent years | Black rhino survive in small numbers, fewer than 70 in total |
| Driving rules | Tracks only inside the reserve. Conservancies allow night drives, walks and off-road driving | Vehicles stay on tracks in the park |
| Crowds | The river crossings can be busy in peak weeks. Conservancies are quieter | Quiet for much of the year, busier at the crossing points |
| Getting there | Around 5 to 6 hours by road from Nairobi, or a short flight | Usually via Arusha or Kilimanjaro, then a flight or long drive |
Choose the Maasai Mara if
- You have a short trip of about four to six days and want a lot of wildlife in a compact area.
- It is your first safari and you want simple logistics from Nairobi.
- You want to see the Mara River crossings, between roughly July and October.
- You would like night drives or guided walks, which are possible in the private conservancies.
Choose the Serengeti if
- You have a week or more and enjoy wide open spaces.
- You want to see calving on the southern plains, usually January to March.
- You want to combine it with the Ngorongoro Crater.
- You prefer a quieter feel away from the crossing points.
Read the guides
See our full guides to the Maasai Mara, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Great Migration calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Maasai Mara or the Serengeti better for the Great Migration?
Neither is better all year. The herds are in the Serengeti for most of the year and are usually in the Mara from about July to October, when the Mara River crossings take place. Calving happens on the southern Serengeti plains, usually from January to March.
Is the Serengeti bigger than the Maasai Mara?
Yes. The Serengeti National Park covers roughly 14,750 square kilometres. The Maasai Mara National Reserve covers about 1,510 square kilometres. They are one connected ecosystem.
Can I visit both on one trip?
Yes. Many travellers combine the two, crossing by road at the border or flying between them. We can plan the route for you.
Which is less crowded?
Crowds depend on where and when. The Mara River crossings can be busy in peak weeks, while much of the Serengeti is quiet outside the crossing points.
Sources
Figures were compared across sources, and migration timing changes a little each year. We leave out fees, because sources disagree. Serengeti National Park (Wikipedia), Maasai Mara (Wikipedia), Kenya vs Tanzania Safari (Adventure Life), Mara conservancy or reserve guide (Africa Geographic).
Want help choosing?
Tell us when you can travel, how many days you have and what you most want to see. A planner replies, usually the same day.
Plan my tripWhatsApp +254 794 588 242WhatsApp +254 725 824 854