The Serengeti and the Maasai Mara are arguably some of the most breathtaking places to visit on earth. Apart from the incredible array of wildlife species, these two places host the annual wildebeest migration that has been dubbed one of the Seven New Wonders of the World!
Now, one of the most frequently asked questions is which of these two is the best for an African Safari? Given the beautiful African vistas, fascinating wildlife safaris, and the plethora of wildlife that both offer, this is a difficult question. Only by exploring what each park offers can we help you decide where to go.
See Also: Kenya Tanzania Safari Packages
What is the Best Time to Visit the Mara and the Serengeti?
During the rainy season and just after the rains are over, the vast Serengeti plains provide fertile grazing grounds for the animals. In these months, from December to May, the Serengeti is awash with both grazers and predators on the hunt. This is a great time to visit the Serengeti as you are assured of seeing lots of wildlife without breaking a sweat and in their numbers.
However, the months between July and October are extremely dry, and any visitor to the Serengeti can expect to see sparse wildlife and fewer numbers of the usual animals on the plains.
Generally speaking, lots of wildlife spend the months of December to May upon the lush and eye-catching plains of Southern part of the Serengeti, grazing, fattening up, and giving birth in February. This can be an opportune time to visit the Serengeti with plenty of predators hunting the calves.
On the other hand, Maasai Mara has lots of ‘resident wildlife.’ So unlike the Serengeti, viewing wildlife is not seasonal. The fact that rainfall in the Mara is not as seasonal as in the Serengeti makes the Mara a dependable game viewing location. Still, during the July to October period, wildlife numbers swell incredibly.
After the rains stop in late May or early June in the plains of the Serengeti, the calves are big and strong enough to head north to the Grumeti River and from onwards to Kenya. Thus around July up to October, you can experience the wildebeest migration.
Wildlife in the Maasai Mara
Apart from the famous wildebeest, the Maasai Mara ecosystem boasts of a mouth-watering variety of wildlife, including the Big-Five: The lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Other animals include lots of antelope species and the Maasai giraffe. Interestingly, the Mara hosts one of the highest lion populations in the world.
Additionally, the park is home to over 500 species of birds, including ostrich, ground hornbill, saddle-billed storks, and goliath herons, among others. You can also sight the Kori Bustard, arguably the largest flying bird native to Africa.
How can we forget the imposing Nile crocodiles that rule the Mara River, especially during the migration?
Wildlife in the Serengeti
The Serengeti has a magnificent and diverse population of wildlife, including the Big-Five, wildebeests, gazelles, impalas, spotted hyenas, African wild dogs, black-backed and golden jackals, Nile crocodiles among others.
The Maasai Mara/Serengeti Safari Experience
Whether you choose the Mara or the Serengeti, you are bound to have an unforgettable safari experience feasting your eyes on African landscape and wildlife. Experiencing the annual wildebeest migration is something that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Between July and October, over two million animals (ungulates) migrate from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara. This migration of these animals – mostly consisting of wildebeests – is the largest of any animal movement in the world. Seeing this spectacular migration should be added to the bucket list of every person in the world!
Both national parks offer game drives/viewing by Safari vehicles. Whether you need to experience a night drive or a safari walk, it can be arranged, especially within the private conservancies in the Mara.
A classic way to view the beauty of Africa would be a hot-air balloon safari. Other safari experiences in both parks include bird-watching, guided walks, and photography safaris. You can also opt to explore the Mara on horseback.
How to Get to the Mara and Serengeti
The Serengeti is located in a remote region of Northern Tanzania, but accessing it is relatively easy. The easiest way is to fly from Arusha Airport straight to any of Serengeti’s seven airstrips.
You can also fly in from Kilimanjaro International Airport, located 200 miles from Serengeti’s southern gate. Some visitors opt for private or schedules charter flights to fly them directly to the airstrips within the park.
Another preferred way is an overland 4×4 safari drive from Arusha, and this takes around 8 hours. Self-drive safaris are also preferred but not recommended unless you have a 4×4 vehicle.
For visitors to the Maasai Mara, you can fly into Nairobi city and drive the approximately 190 miles to the park. For an easier journey, you can fly in from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and reach the Mara within 30 to 45 minutes. With almost all the safari camps and hotels having their own airstrips, getting to your preferred accommodation in the Mara is easy. However, there are lots of airstrips in the Mara in case your accommodation doesn’t have one.
Regardless of whether you choose the Maasai Mara or the Serengeti, one thing is clear; you are going to have the time of your life!