Is Masai Mara part of the Serengeti? The Great Migration’s Home
No, Masai Mara is not part of the Serengeti, but they are connected ecosystems. Here’s the key difference:
1. Geographic & Political Separation
Masai Mara is in Kenya (1,510 km²)
Serengeti is in Tanzania (14,750 km²)
They are separated by the Kenya-Tanzania border, though wildlife moves freely across it.
2. Same Ecosystem, Different Parks
Together, they form the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem (~30,000 km²), one of the oldest and most diverse on Earth.
The Great Migration cycles between them annually:
July-Oct: Herds in Masai Mara (Mara River crossings)
Nov-Jun: Herds in Serengeti (calving in south, moving west/north)
3. Key Differences
| Feature | Masai Mara (Kenya) | Serengeti (Tanzania) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Smaller (more concentrated wildlife) | Vast (more remote areas) |
| Topography | Rolling hills, rivers | Expansive plains, kopjes |
| Crowds | Busier near river crossings | More dispersed visitors |
| Cost | Generally more affordable | Higher park fees/luxury options |
4. Can You Visit Both?
Yes! Many safaris combine them via:
Overland transfer (6-8hr drive + border crossing)
Flight (45min from Mara to Seronera airstrip)
Tip: For the full migration experience, visiting both is ideal—but if choosing one, pick based on season:
Mara for river crossings (Aug-Oct)
Serengeti for calving (Jan-Mar) or river crossings (Jul-Sep in north).
Planning Your Safari: Mara, Serengeti, or Both?
Understanding the connection between the Masai Mara and Serengeti is crucial for planning your dream African safari.
