Serengeti vs Masai Mara: which top wildlife park to visit for the best safari in Africa?

Serengeti vs Masai Mara: which park to visit for the best safari in Africa? 

In this guide, we compare the similarities and differences between Serengeti and Masai Mara to help you decide which of these top national parks is best for your safari in Africa.

Find out which is better for seeing the Great Migration in Africa - Masai Mara vs Serengeti. See when the ideal time is to go where and why. We'll look at different aspects of Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya so you can start planning your ultimate budget African safari in either park, or both!

Serengeti vs Masai Mara for the Best Safari in Africa

Serengeti vs Masai Mara? The easy answer is either Masai Mara or Serengeti won't disappoint. But, the ideal is to visit both of these legendary national parks. 

Both of these national parks offer fantastic African safari experiences, beautiful landscapes, a sense of space, and abundant wildlife year-round. And, both Kenya and Tanzania are amazing African safari destinations. The great news is there are plenty of budget African safaris that visit both Serengeti and Masai Mara on one affordable trip to Tanzania and Kenya. See our affordable Serengeti and Masai Mara Safaris.

Deciding on Serengeti or Masai Mara for an African safari comes down to your preferences and the time of year you visit.

Before we go into the differences between Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park, it helps to understand that these wildlife parks form part of the same ecosystem.

The Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem in Tanzania & Kenya

Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania together form the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem (aka the Serengeti Ecosystem).

The Masai Mara National Reserve is located in southwestern Kenya and shares its southern border with Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania. Not only do these national parks neighbour each other but Masai Mara and Serengeti share an unfenced boundary. This unfenced border allows animals (but not people) to move freely between Masai Mara and Serengeti.

As expected, the vast array of habitats plays home to an equally vast array of animals, and in huge concentrations. The Serengeti Ecosystem has an incredible number of predators, including over 3,000 lions, about 8,000 hyenas, and 1,000 leopards. The predators follow the grazers as they travel each year on the circular route known as the Great Migration in Africa, but some populations of animals remain permanently in certain parts of the parks. Grazers include huge populations of wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, a variety of antelope, and warthogs.

The Greater Serengeti Ecosystem also includes private game reserves and wildlife conservancies along with Masai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park. One of the largest protected ecosystems in the world, the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem covers an area of over 30,000 km² (almost 12,000 mi²). That's almost twice the size of Hawaii or about the same size as Belgium.

Being part of the same massive ecosystem, Masai Mara and Serengeti share many similarities, but there are differences too. Let's take a closer look.

Serengeti vs Masai Mara - differences & similarities

• Great Migration Africa: Best place to see the Great Migration - Serengeti vs Masai Mara
• Park Size: Which is bigger Serengeti or Masai Mara?
• Wildlife: Best for year-round game viewing - Serengeti vs Masai Mara
• Big 5 of Africa: Best Big 5 Safari - Masai Mara or Serengeti?

• Safari Cost: Which is more affordable - Masai Mara vs Serengeti Safari Costs?
• Accommodation: Which has better lodges & camps - Masai Mara vs Serengeti
• Scenery: Landscapes & habitats - Masai Mara vs Serengeti
• Cultural Experiences: Traditional African culture - Masai Mara vs Serengeti

• Birdlife: Best for Birding - Serengeti vs Masai Mara
• Safari Experience: Masai Mara vs Serengeti safari & activities
• Photo Opps: Masai Mara vs Serengeti - which is more Instagrammable?
• Getting There: Which is easier to access - Masai Mara in Kenya or Serengeti in Tanzania
• Conclusion: Masai Mara vs Serengeti - verdict on the best safari in Africa

For any other questions about Masai Mara vs Serengeti safaris, ask our African travel experts.

Best Place to See the Great Migration: Serengeti vs Masai Mara

Both Serengeti and Masai Mara are home to the Great Migration of Africa. The Great Migration (aka the Wildebeest Migration) follows an ancient route between these two national parks every year. During this annual wildlife migration, over 2 million wildebeest and plains game (gazelles and zebras) migrate through Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve. 

The bulk of the Great Wildebeest Migration takes place in the Serengeti National Park of Tanzania because it is much larger than Kenya's Masai Mara. The window of time for seeing the Great Migration in Serengeti is thus longer than in neighbouring Masai Mara. The Great Migration of Africa is only in Masai Mara for about two months of the year.

Best Time to See the Great Migration in Masai Mara, Kenya

From about August to October is the best time for a Great Migration Safari in Masai Mara, Kenya. Sometimes the herds arrive in Masai Mara as early as July however, depending on the rains.

September is usually the best time to watch the Mara River crossing in Masai Mara. This river crossing is arguably the most thrilling stage of Africa's Great Migration with large herds of grazers plunging into the crocodile-infested waters. The river crossing can be witnessed from northern Serengeti or Masai Mara.

Best Time to See the Great Migration in Serengeti, Tanzania

From about November to July Serengeti is the best place to see the Great Migration in action. June is usually the best time to witness the Grumeti River crossing in the western corridor of Serengeti National Park. Some say this river crossing is as impressive as the Mara River crossing.

In northern Serengeti, the Great Migration peaks in about late May and June. This is when you have the best chance of seeing the vast herds migrating across the Serengeti Plains.

In southern Serengeti, from about January to February is an optimal time to witness the Wildebeest Migration. This is when the vast herds move south to give birth. During this calving season in Serengeti, thousands of wildebeest are born a day. The abundance of calves naturally attracts an array of hungry predators with their young cubs in tow. As a result, the wildlife sightings are spectacular and often brutal.

• For more about this wildlife spectacle see The Great Migration Africa which answers popular wildebeest migration safari FAQs or How to See the Best of the Great Migration Africa

Comparing Size: Which is bigger Serengeti or Masai Mara?

If size matters, Serengeti beats Masai Mara hands down. Serengeti is much larger than Masai Mara. Serengeti National Park covers an area of about 5,700 mi² (14,763 km²) vs Masai Mara's 585 mi² (1,510 km²) size.

If you want to experience vast African savannahs at their best, then Serengeti is best for your safari in Africa.

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Which is better for year-round game viewing: Serengeti vs Masai Mara

Which national park is best for game viewing throughout the year? Will you see more animals on a Masai Mara or Serengeti safari?

In terms of wildlife density, Masai Mara is better for game viewing. Although Serengeti boasts massive wildlife populations the wildlife is spread across a far larger area because the national park is so much bigger than Masai Mara.

Masai Mara National Reserve is home to a high concentration of wildlife year-round so it is easier to see more animals over a shorter time here. It is renowned for its exceptional big cat sightings. In particular, Masai Mara hosts large prides of lions and is rated as one of the best places to see cheetahs in the wild. 

Serengeti National Park is likewise home to an abundance of African wildlife, offering outstanding game-viewing throughout the year. It is also known for its excellent big cat sightings and also hosts large lion prides. 

For both Masai Mara and Serengeti safaris, the best time of year for general game viewing is between June/July and October. This is the dry season when animals congregate at dwindling water sources. But, Masai Mara has plenty of resident wildlife so the game viewing is not as seasonal as in Serengeti. Certainly, the wildlife populations swell from July to October, but game viewing in Masai Mara is excellent all year, due to its rainfall not being quite as seasonal as that further south.

Serengeti has the added advantage of being close to the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. This proximity makes it easy to visit the Crater and Serengeti on a Big 5 safari without blowing your budget. The Ngorongoro Crater hosts all the large African animal species, all year round, as the majority of them don’t migrate. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptionally high concentrations of wildlife, most notably one of the highest densities of lions in Africa.

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Which offers the Best Big 5 Safari: Masai Mara or Serengeti?

If you have your heart set on seeing the Big 5 African animals - lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo - which is the better, Masai Mara or Serengeti?

Serengeti National Park is better for a Big 5 safari because you are more likely to see all five of the Big 5 animals of Africa. That's because the chances of seeing leopards are higher in Serengeti than in Masai Mara. Especially in the central (Seronera Valley) region of Serengeti National Park. Add the nearby Ngorongoro Crater to your Serengeti and you arguably have the ultimate Big 5 safari in Africa, beating Masai Mara hands down.

Rhinos are scarce in the Mara-Serengeti Ecosystem but they are found in both national parks. In Masai Mara, you are most likely to see them in the Mara Triangle region and in Serengeti head to the Central Seronera Valley region (also best for spotting leopards). Luckily, the Ngorongoro Crater near Serengeti is one of the best places to see rhinos in Africa, hosting a healthy black rhino population.

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Safari Cost: which is more affordable Masai Mara vs Serengeti

In the past Masai Mara safaris were cheaper than Serengeti safaris, but as of 2024, the scales have tipped. The Masai Mara National Reserve entry fees have increased significantly closing the price gap.

That said, you can still do a Masai Mara safari on a budget, as Steph Parker explains in How to Experience a Masai Mara Safari on a Budget Now. The reason Masai Mara safaris used to cost less is due to more well-priced safari lodges located close to the national reserve. This is still the case, which is why one of Steph's top budget-saving tips is to stay in the Masai Mara Conservancies where prices have remained stable.

For Serengeti Safaris, there are fewer budget safari lodges, and accommodation is located inside the national park. So, taking day safaris in Serengeti National Park to save on costs isn't really an option. Mainly because the national park is too vast and there aren't cheap lodges close to the park. There are nevertheless quite a few high-quality budget Serengeti safaris you can do, most of which also visit the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.

Another factor to consider is that Masai Mara's cheaper lodges and camps are mostly concentrated in the eastern part of the reserve so it gets crowded. Even more so in the high season (about June to October). To avoid the worst of the crowds in Masai Mara you'll need to visit another region of the park and spend a bit more on accommodation, and hence your safari. Or, visit in the low season (November to December) when you can get better safari deals. But then you may end up travelling in the wet season and missing the Great Wildebeest Migration.

In short, if you want to avoid the most crowded areas within the Masai Mara your safari will cost more. 

Talk to one of our budget safari experts for advice.

Many of our budget Masai Mara safaris stay in the private conservancies of Masai Mara. These private wildlife conservancies are less crowded and offer a more exclusive safari experience at affordable prices. On these budget safaris, you explore both Masai Mara National Reserve and the private wildlife areas you stay in. The private Masai Mara conservancies either border Masai Mara or are close to the national reserve.

The cheaper (low) season for budget Serengeti safaris coincides with the rains. There are two rainy seasons, from November to December, and March to May. The pro is that the calving season takes place in the shoulder season around January and February, and the con is that the vegetation is lush from the rains which makes it harder to see animals in the bush.

• For more details see How much does a Serengeti safari cost? or How much does a Kenya safari cost?

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Masai Mara vs Serengeti Safari - which has better lodges & camps?

Masai Mara is better for affordable safari lodges and camps, as it has more budget accommodation options than Serengeti National Park. Many of the more budget-friendly lodges and camps are located outside of Masai Mara, in private conservancies, or nearby – which is not a bad thing. 

Both Serengeti and Masai Mara have many mid-range accommodation options, but Masai Mara has more. Serengeti, on the other hand, has more luxury safari lodges and camps. 

For the best budget camping safaris, we recommend either Serengeti National Park or the private Masai Mara Conservancy areas. Serengeti camping safaris stay inside the national park and provide a cheaper alternative to Serengeti lodge safaris. Masai Mara camping safaris stay at private camps inside the conservancies that are close to (or bordering on) the national reserve. The bonus of camping in private conservancies is that they are often less crowded than the affordable camps within Masai Mara, and you reduce the expense of national park fees.

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Landscapes & Habitats: Masai Mara vs Serengeti

Although these national parks are very similar because they are part of the same ecosystem, there are differences. Masai Mara is more hilly and treed. Serengeti has more diverse landscapes and habitats as it encompasses a far larger area. The northern region of Serengeti is more similar to Masai Mara with gentle hills and more trees.

Serengeti means ‘endless plains’, in the Masai language. Mara means 'spotted' which refers to the patches of shadows cast by the clouds and the clumps of trees dotting the savannahs.

The fact is the Serengeti Ecosystem encompasses a vast range of different habitats and landscapes. Yes, the stretch-as-far-as-the-eye-can-see grasslands are there, but there are also acacia-dotted savannahs, hilly outcrops (or kopjes), wooded hills, and riverine woodlands, all of which attract different wild animals.

The vastest grasslands are the Serengeti Plains in the southern part of Serengeti National Park and stretching up north through the central Serengeti to Masai Mara, where it becomes more grassy and hilly.

To the west too, toward Lake Victoria and up into Masai Mara, the landscape becomes more hilly and includes the iconic acacias that are present throughout the region, in a higher density. All sixteen acacia species are present here, distributed according to the soil conditions.

In the eastern area of Serengeti – the Ngorongoro Conservation Area – the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano is still active, spewing out carbonate lavas sporadically. To the south of this, the Ngorongoro Crater – long dormant – is in the Ngorongoro Highlands, an area of montane forest, woodlands, and grassland, depending on whether the slopes face the easterly trade winds that bring the rain, or not.

In the central Masai Mara, there are plenty of sweeping plains, and the Mara River is edged by dense river forests. The surrounding Masai Mara Conservancies boast more varied habitats including acacia woodlands and rocky outcrops.

In short, if you’re looking for any kind of African habitat, you’ll more than likely find it. You just need to pick the right area (ask one of our friendly safari experts for advice). The habitats often cover smallish areas, so you can easily move from grassland to hilly outcrops in a morning’s game drive.

Traditional African Culture: Masai Mara vs Serengeti

Masai Mara is the better option for your safari if you want to experience traditional African culture in addition to wildlife. The Masai Mara region of Kenya is home to the famous Maasai tribe known for their fierce warriors.

If you combine Ngorongoro Crater with Serengeti Park on a Tanzania Safari then you'll experience more of the local African culture. You may encounter the red-robed Maasai in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You can also see traditional African culture in several of the nearby rural villages.

Both Masai Mara and Serengeti offer cultural tours so either is good for experiencing traditional African culture.

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Best for Birding: Serengeti vs Masai Mara

Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is better for birding with over 500 bird species recorded, versus Masai Mara's 450-plus species. Serengeti is considered one of the best birding destinations in the world.

The wet season, from November to April is the best time for birding in both Serengeti and Masai Mara. This is when resident bird populations are nesting and when migrant species arrive from Europe and North Africa.

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Masai Mara vs Serengeti Safari Experience & Activities

It's a tie between the two. Whether you choose to go to Serengeti or Masai Mara, you are sure to have an unforgettable safari and experience true Africa – its landscape, its animals, and its hospitality.

In terms of Masai Mara vs Serengeti Park, they offer similar wildlife safari activities. In both, game viewing takes the form of morning and afternoon game drives in safari vehicles. Both offer limited night drives and walking safaris in the private game reserves and wildlife conservancies or concession areas, not in the national parks themselves.

At Masai Mara, you can take a hot-air balloon safari inside the national reserve. At Serengeti, hot-air balloon safaris are offered in some of the private reserves and concession areas, but not in the national park.

A similar note applies to the exclusivity of your African safari. In both national parks, your safari experience may be more ‘crowded’ during the high season. Exciting sightings, such as a lion kill, may be shared with multiple other tourist vehicles. In the private conservancies (mostly at Masai Mara) vehicle numbers are limited so the wildlife sightings do not get crowded. That being said, outside of the ‘big wildlife sightings', these national parks are vast enough to accommodate plenty of visitors.

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Photo Opps: Masai Mara vs Serengeti - which is more Instagrammable?

Which is the more Instagrammable travel destination of the two - Masai Mara or Serengeti? The better Instagram location is...

Either. Both offer epic photographic opportunities.

The river crossings probably offer the ultimate Instagram moments. The Mara River crossing (between Masai Mara and Serengeti) is often more dramatic than the Grumeti crossing in Serengeti Park making for better action shots.

Hot-air Balloon Safaris offer some of the best Instagram shots. These can be done in Masai Mara or the private reserves of Serengeti.

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Getting to Masai Mara in Kenya & Serengeti Park in Tanzania

Most Serengeti safaris start in the nearby town of Arusha, accessed via Kilimanjaro International Airport. Alternatively, you can start your Serengeti safari in Tanzania's biggest city, Dar es Salaam.

Browse our upcoming tour departures for upcoming Arusha departures or Dar es Salaam tour departures to compare options.

Getting to Masai Mara is equally straightforward. Most Masai Mara Safaris start in Nairobi, Kenya's capital. From there you either take a domestic flight to Masai Mara or travel overland, depending on the safari you pick.

On African Budget Safaris we feature several Kenya Safaris to Masai Mara (where Masai Mara is the primary or only destination). In total, we offer about 60 African Safaris that visit Masai Mara as part of longer itineraries to multiple destinations in Kenya, Tanzania, and beyond.

To view upcoming Masai Mara tours departing from Nairobi see our Nairobi tour departures.

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Masai Mara vs Serengeti Safari - which offers the best safari in Africa?

Ultimately, neither is better than the other. Both Serengeti and Masai Mara win the prize for the best safari in Africa. They are both amazing travel destinations and there are pros and cons to going on a wildlife safari in both. 

Masai Mara safaris generally offer slightly more concentrated game viewing year-round. So, if you are short on time and want to see the most animals possible, then Masai Mara is probably the better option for your African safari. Simply because of its more compact size and high wildlife densities.

If you are on a tight budget, the Masai Mara Conservancies are (generally) cheaper than Serengeti National Park. However, the park fees for Masai Mara National Reserve are higher and it is also (generally) more crowded than Serengeti National Park.

Budget Serengeti safaris are best for an African Safari to experience the mind-blowing vastness and diversity of habitats in Africa. It also hosts the lion's share of the Great Wildebeest Migration.

If you are trying to decide more generally whether Kenya or Tanzania is better for your wildlife safari, see Which is the best safari country: Kenya or Tanzania?

The great news is that many of our budget African safaris, visit both Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park on one affordable African safari, so there's no need to choose! 

Ideally, we recommend visiting both Serengeti and Masai Mara for the best safari in Africa! They are after all joined and part of the same ecosystem. If time and/or budget prevents this, choose according to the season you’re going, your budget and your preferences.

Chat with one of our safari experts for help with planning and booking your budget safari to Masai Mara or Serengeti (or both), and beyond.

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