The Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania are two of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations, and choosing between them depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
Wildlife & Game Viewing:
Both offer excellent game viewing, especially during the Great Migration (July to October in Mara; May to July in Serengeti). The Maasai Mara is more compact, making wildlife sightings easier and more concentrated, especially of the Big 5. In contrast, the Serengeti spans a vast area, giving you a sense of endless savannah and more remote, exclusive experiences.
Accessibility:
The Maasai Mara is easier to reach, especially from Nairobi with quick 45-minute flights to airstrips inside the park. The Serengeti requires more travel time and often multiple flights or long drives, especially if you land in Arusha or Kilimanjaro.
Accommodation & Costs:
Kenya’s Maasai Mara offers a wide range of accommodations—from luxury camps to mid-range lodges—making it more budget-flexible. The Serengeti leans slightly higher in cost, particularly in the more exclusive regions like the Grumeti or Ndutu areas.
Culture & Activities:
In the Mara, you’re more likely to combine your safari with cultural interactions with the Maasai people, village visits, and community-based tourism.
Choose Maasai Mara for easier access, concentrated wildlife, and shorter trips. Opt for Serengeti if you want a wilder, more expansive feel and are willing to invest more time and budget. Either way, you’re guaranteed a spectacular safari.
