Thinking About Safari? Here's What to Consider Before You Come to the Maasai Mara

A safari is one of the few holidays that genuinely changes people. But the difference between a good safari and the safari of a lifetime usually comes down to decisions made long before you board a plane. After more than a century of guiding guests through East Africa - five generations of Cottars, and counting - these are the questions we believe matter most.

When should you come?

Here's something that surprises many first-time visitors: the Maasai Mara is wonderful all year. Sitting at 1,500–1,900 metres above sea level, the climate stays remarkably gentle - days average around 21°C, with July nights at their crispest and February afternoons at their warmest. The real question is what kind of safari you want.

If the Great Migration is your dream, come in peak season, from mid-June through October, when over a million wildebeest and zebras surge through the ecosystem and the river crossings deliver nature's greatest drama. 

If you'd rather a slower and more intimate experience, then consider our private season (April to May, and November to mid-December). Visitor numbers drop, rates soften considerably, newborn animals appear across the plains, and the big cats become wonderfully conspicuous against the emerald grass. Some of our most devoted repeat guests will travel at no other time.

In between sits the high season - mid-January to March, and early June - when the landscape flourishes ahead of the Migration. It's a superb window for walking safaris, night drives and birdwatching, with the Big Five very much in residence.

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How long should you stay?

Longer than you think. We recommend a minimum of three nights, and there's a reason for it: the first day is spent decompressing - shedding jet lag, adjusting to the rhythm of dawn drives and unhurried afternoons. The magic tends to arrive on day three, when you stop counting sightings and start truly seeing.

A longer stay also opens up the full breadth of our unique safari offering. At Cottar's Safaris we over twenty distinct activities beyond the classic 4x4 wildlife drive, such as; guided bush walks and bush runs, stargazing, coffee tasting, foraging, seedball reforestation walks, time with raptor and cheetah conservationists, visits to an authentic Maasai village, etc. You simply can't fit that into a weekend. Many guests then combine their time with us with other destinations across East and Southern Africa - something our Travel Concierge team designs every day.

Reserve or private conservancy?

This may be the most underrated decision in safari planning. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is iconic, but it is shared - and sometimes, shared can mean a queue of vehicles.

Cottar's Safaris is different - we sit within the 7,608-acre community owned Olderkesi Conservancy - the only exclusive private conservancy in the greater Maasai Mara ecosystem. The difference here is profound, we offer sightings without congestion, plus the freedom to walk, drive at night and explore in ways the Reserve cannot permit. Just as importantly, conservancy fees flow directly to the Maasai who own this land, so your stay not only supports them but actively protects the wilderness you've come to see. Staying at Cottar’s Safaris provides access to the private conservancy as well as access to the Reserve.

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Who will be guiding you?

We're proud that guiding is where Cottar's Safaris is best known. Our team was named Best Guides in Africa at the 2025 Safari Awards, and many hold KPSGA Gold or Silver qualifications - among the most rigorous in Kenya. Beyond English and Swahili, several of our guides also speak Spanish and Italian. A great guide doesn't just find animals; they reveal the stories behind them.

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Who's coming with you?

Families thrive on safari, and children of all ages are welcome at Cottar's Safaris. Our Kids' Entomology Safari turns the smallest creatures into the biggest adventures, the Tracks for Tomorrow programme gives teens hands-on conservation experience, and the Maasai Warrior School teaches age-old skills they'll talk about for years. Little ones aged three and under stay free, complimentary nanny services can be arranged with notice, and our family tents come with a dedicated guide and private vehicle.

Couples and honeymooners should think about the moments between the wildlife drives: a surprise dinner in the bush, a candlelit meal on your own veranda, a canvas bush bath drawn under the stars, even a traditional Maasai blessing ceremony. (Honeymooners should also ask about our special offers - they're generous.)

Guests with access needs shouldn't assume safari is out of reach. While the terrain is naturally rugged, we have wheelchair-friendly tents and long experience welcoming guests with mobility requirements, hearing impairments and a range of neurodivergent profiles. Talk to us early so we can plan your stay around you.

What does it cost - and what does that buy?

A luxury safari is a significant investment, and it's fair to ask where the money goes. Our all-inclusive rates begin from around $1,000 per person per night, covering full-board accommodation with house wines, beers and select spirits, airstrip transfers, daily laundry, and the great majority of activities - from wildlife drives and bush walks to Warrior School, stargazing and cultural talks.

But the deeper answer is this: a well-chosen safari is conservation in action. Your stay funds the protection of vast wild landscapes and supports the communities who steward them. It's worth noting, too, that we have seasonal promotions - children staying free, honeymoon savings, and stay-four-pay-three offers among them.

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The practical essentials

A few things genuinely worth sorting early:

Visas. Most nationalities need Kenya's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), arranged and approved before you arrive. The process can be fiddly, so we've prepared a step-by-step guide for our guests.

Health. See your doctor before you travel. Malaria precautions are generally advised, and a Yellow Fever certificate is required if you're arriving from a country where the disease is present.

Packing. Light aircraft impose a limit of roughly 15kg per person in soft bags, so pack smart: neutral colours, a warm layer for cool mornings, a wide-brimmed hat, strong sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and spare camera batteries. Daily laundry at camp means you need far less than you think.

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Choosing who to travel with

Finally, the question behind all the others: who do you trust with the trip of a lifetime? Look for proven expertise and a track record you can verify - awards, independent reviews, longevity. Look for comprehensive insurance. And look hard at sustainability credentials: genuine certification, not glossy claims. Cottar's Safaris is the only Global Ecosphere Retreat® in the Maasai Mara, a standard that reflects our commitment to the land, the wildlife and the Maasai community we work alongside.

Come with curiosity, stay a little longer than feels sensible, and choose people who know this land deeply. The wilderness will do the rest.

Ready to start planning? Our team would love to help - explore cottars.com, check live availability, or speak to our Travel Concierge (journeys@cottarssafariservices.com) to design a safari that's entirely your own.