Serengeti vs Masai Mara: Which is better to visit for an African Safari

Serengeti Vs Masai Mara: Which is better to visit for an African Safari? Both Serengeti and Masai Mara are known to be iconic destination in east Africa and Africa at large, The Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve are ranked to be top safari destinations and also offer the most mind blowing experiences as you wild safari the country.

One of the things that have ranked these iconic safari parks fame is the that they both share great wildebeest migration in Africa and this is a common thing to do amongst them both.

Despite these similarities, the Serengeti and Masai Mara offer distinct experiences shaped by geography, culture, size, and safari style. Hence in this article, we get to sightsee some of the things that rank each as an iconic destination from the other.

Accessibility and Travel Logistics  during your Serengeti and Masai Mara safari

When considering the travel logistics of Masai Mara or Serengeti, they can both be accessed by both air and road. Below are some of the ways to access the national parks in their respective locations.

Serengeti national park

Maasai Mara national park
Nearest Airport: Kilimanjaro International (JRO), then local flights to Seronera or Kogatende. Nearest Airport: Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International), then fly to Mara airstrips.
By Road: ~8 hours from Arusha, often combined with Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara. By Road: ~5–6 hours from Nairobi, accessible by 4×4 vehicles.
   

Overview and Key Facts (Serengeti national park vs Masai Mara)

Consider the key facts below to find out which is better Serengeti or Masai Mara, for your safari. Learn about both of these national parks, including their locations, size, and more. So, these facts below make the Serengeti or Masai Mara ideal for safari experiences.

Feature Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) Masai Mara National Park (Kenya)
Location Northern Tanzania Southwestern Kenya
Size 14,763 km² 1,510 km²
Established 1951 1961
UNESCO Status World Heritage Site (since 1981) Not a UNESCO site but internationally recognized
Ecosystem Part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem Northern extension of the Serengeti ecosystem
Famous For The Great wildebeest Migration, Big Five, vast savannahs The Great Migration in Masai Mara, Big Cats, cultural experiences

History of Serengeti and Masai Mara

The difference between Masai Mara and Serengeti is significant in their history. Get to know how these parks got to exist as you plan your Masai Mara Serengeti migration or any other experiences.

The Serengeti National Park is named after a Maasai word “Seringit”, which translates as “endless plains.”. Additionally, Serengeti NP, unlike other Tanzania National Parks was dominated by the Indigenous tribes, especially the Maasai. These People lived in the region long before it became a protected area. The Serengeti was officially established as a national park in 1951, originally covering only part of the area.

Alternatively, the Masai Mara national park was established in 1961. Also, it was named after the Maasai people and the Mara River. The Maasai community to date play a crucial role in managing it. Unlike the Serengeti, the Masai Mara allows controlled grazing by Maasai livestock and more flexible tourism experiences

Serengeti vs Masai Mara: Top Attractions

Both the Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park are famous for numerous tourist attractions mostly related to wildlife. Hence, plan your Masai Mara and Serengeti safari tours to see these top attractions and wildlife.

Go on a safari to these best places to visit in Africa and experience these numerous thrilling attractions to marvel at. 

Serengeti Top Attractions Masai Mara Top Attractions
1. The Great Migration: Over 1.5 million animals with wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate annually in search of fresh grazing. Big Cats in Kenya: High density of lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The BBC’s Big Cat Diary was filmed here.
2. Seronera Valley: Heart of the park with year-round wildlife and luxury lodges. The Great Migration: Crossings of the Mara River from July to October are particularly dramatic here.
3. Grumeti River: Famous for dramatic crocodile vs. wildebeest crossings in Serengeti. Oloololo Escarpment: Scenic ridge offering panoramic views of the Mara.
4. Lobo Area & Northern Serengeti: Remote and excellent for animal migration viewing in July–August. Cultural Visits: Engage in cultural tours in Kenya with the Maasai community in traditional manyattas (villages).
5. Ngorongoro Crater (nearby): A UNESCO site, often combined with Serengeti safaris. Mara Triangle: Less crowded and well-managed, offering pristine Kenya safari game-viewing.

Masai Mara vs Serengeti Seasons | Worst/Best time to visit for a Safari

It’s best to be aware of the best and worst time to visit these parks as you plan your Serengeti and Masai mara safari. This is because Masai Mara or Serengeti National Park have what to offer in different seasons of the year. Below are some of the worst/best times to visit these national parks and safari experiences involved.

Season Serengeti Months to Visit Masai Mara Months to Visit
Dry Season (Best for wildlife) June to October July to October
Wet Season (Worst time to visit but fit for Birding & Scenery) November to May November to June
Wildebeest Migration in Region December–July (Southern/Northern parts) July–October

What to Carry for a Serengeti or Masai Mara safari

While you are planning for your Serengeti or Maasai Mara National Park safari, there are some items to consider carrying along. This packinglist will help smoothen your safari experience in these places. Below is a list of the things to carry for your safari to Masai Mara or Serengeti;

  • Clothing: Neutral colors, lightweight layers, long sleeves for sun/bugs, hat, sunglasses.
  • Shoes: Comfortable hiking or safari boots.
  • Essentials: Sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, camera with zoom lens, reusable water bottle, flashlight.
  • Travel Documents: Passport, visa, yellow fever certificate, travel insurance.
  • Health: Anti-malarial medication, basic first aid kit.

Masai Mara and Serengeti Lodges & Camps

There are various accommodations found in the respective national parks. These Masai Mara and Serengeti safari lodges range from mid-range, budget, and luxury levels. Hence, making it easy for all sorts of budgets of to book safari plans.

Note: Mobile camps in both parks move seasonally to follow the East African wildebest Migration. Below are some of these accommodations found in both these parks.

Serengeti Lodges & Camps Masai Mara Lodges & Camps
Luxury Serengeti lodges: Four Seasons Safari Lodge, &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas Luxury Masai Mara lodges: Angama Mara, Mahali Mzuri (Richard Branson’s camp)
Mid-range: Serengeti Sopa Lodge, Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge Mid-range: Ashnil Mara Camp, Basecamp Explorer
Cheap Serengeti Lodges: Serengeti Green Camp, Public Campsites Budget Masai Mara hotels: Mara Explorer Backpackers, Mara Manyatta Camp

Activities to do in Serengeti and Maasai Mara

Both the Serengeti National Park and Masai offer mind blowing safari activities to do in Tanzania and Kenya respectively. So, this ranks the national parks the top best visited parks in Africa at large.

The table below shows the best safari experiences and places to visit in Serengeti and Masai Mara.

Things to do Serengeti National Park Maasai Mara National Park
Game drives ✔ Available throughout the park ✔ Available throughout the reserve
Hot air balloon safaris Seronera, Ndutu, Kogatende Talek, Mara Triangle
Night safaris Not permitted in the main park Allowed in conservancies
Walking safaris In private concessions With ranger escorts
Birding Over 500 species Especially rich near Mara River
Cultural tours Maasai villages near Ngorongoro Maasai village visits within the Mara

Serengeti and Masai Mara Safari Costs

It is best to take note of the different safari costs that occur in Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara. These places have different pricing depending on accommodation, transport, park fees, and activities.

It is also important to note that these Masai Mara and Serengeti safari prices are not fixed. They can change at any given time of the season. Below are some of the prices for the different safari activities in both national parks.

Category Serengeti National Park Masai Mara National Reserve
Park Entry Fees ~$70 per adult per day (non-resident), additional fees for vehicles and guides ~$80–$100 per adult per day (non-resident), varies by conservancy
Accommodation Budget: $50–$150 per night

Mid-range: $200–$400

Luxury: $600–$1,500+

Budget: $60–$180 per night

Mid-range: $250–$450

Luxury: $700–$2,000+

Game Drives (Daily) Included in most Serengeti safari packages or ~$100–$250 per day Included in most Masai Mara packages or ~$100–$200 per day
Hot Air Balloon Safari ~$550–$600 per person ~$450–$500 per person

Final Verdict: Which is better Serengeti or Masai Mara

There are various reasons why you should select one of these parks. These places to visit offer thrilling tour experiences to visitors. Here are some of the reasons why you should choose a wildlife safari to either Masai Mara or Serengeti;

Choose Serengeti if… Choose Masai Mara if…
You want vast, uncrowded landscapes You want dramatic river crossings
You’re combining with Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar You’re already traveling in Kenya
You enjoy longer itineraries You have limited time (2–3 days)
You want varied regions (Ndutu, Lobo, etc.) You want intimate, cultural experiences
Serengeti hot Air Balloon Safari: ~$550–$600 per person Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon rides: ~$450–$499 per person