Masai Mara vs. Serengeti: Which Is Better?

Chances are you’ve sat through one or two documentaries on the Discovery Channel and been enthralled by the beautiful wildlife that exists in Africa.

Kenya and Tanzania are two of the countries where you can get a full view of these extraordinary animals—no TV screen required.

If you’re planning your own trip to Africa to see its natural beauty, you might be torn between the parks of Masai Mara vs. the Serengeti. Which fits better into your itinerary?

We’re here to help you out! Below is a guide outlining the benefits of Masai Mara and the Serengeti to help you plan your dream vacation!

The Difficulty in Comparing Masai Mara vs. the Serengeti

What experienced travelers often find troublesome about comparing Masai Mara and the Serengeti is how similar they really are. The two parks are part of the same ecosystem, which extends 30,000 square kilometers through both Kenya and Tanzania.

However, new travelers often have a picture of what a safari holiday looks like and what to expect from an African ecosystem. This can lead them to think Masai Mara and the Serengeti are identical and dismiss the idea of seeing one over the other.

Considering Logistics

Planning your trip to Africa means booking plane tickets and finding accommodations. When it comes to logistics and financial limitations, Masai Mara is a more convenient and affordable choice.

Flights to the nearest airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, tend to be cheaper than those to the airport closest to the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Accommodations near Masai Mara also are cheaper on average than those near the Serengeti. However, this will depend on how early in advance you book your accommodations. Tourists are eager to see these awe-inspiring parks, so the local accommodations fill up quickly, even a year to two in advance.

As far as the accommodations themselves go, the two are very similar in style. They both offer budget tents and tent camps, as well as resort-style lodges. However, for those looking for a more deluxe experience, the Serengeti also offers private villas and hotel-style quarters.

Both locations also offer mobile-camps as an option. These are perfect for visitors who want to track the wildlife migrations, as the camps move with the traveling animals.

Safari Experience

Of course, most people visiting one of these two locations are doing so to go on a safari through the parks. So, the big difference people search for between the locations is the safari experience.

Masai Mara is a smaller park than the Serengeti. This means that the wildlife is more concentrated, and it’s easier to see more of it during your safari than a safari of the same length in the Serengeti.

Much of the wildlife between the two locations is the same. They both boast what is known as the Big Five: African elephants, lions, rhinoceroses, leopards, and Cape buffalo. Both locations are also excellent for bird-watching

Both are also known for their large populations of zebras, wildebeests, and gazelles. The migration of these animals, particularly the wildebeests, is a popular viewing experience among tourists. For anyone interested in seeing the migration, it’s important to know that the animals migrate from Masai Mara to the Serengeti in July and August and migrate back in October.

In Masai Mara, however, you’ll also find smaller predators, such as jackals and hyenas. Cheetahs, leopards, and especially lions are ampler in the Serengeti, so it’s the place to be if you’re a fan of big cats.

Compared to safaris in other locations where self-driving tours are available, most safaris in both Masai Mara and the Serengeti are led by guides because there’s little signposting, and many of the roads are untarred.

If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, you’ll want to opt for a tour in the Serengeti. Private tours are more abundant at the Serengeti park, while most of the tours in Masai Mara are group tours.

Duration of Your Trip

If you’re hoping to pack in as much safari exploration as possible during your trip, Masai Mara is the better option. Because it is much smaller than the Serengeti, you’re able to traverse much more of it in the span of 2 or 3 days. Because of its smaller area, you’re able to see more wildlife in a shorter span of time due to the concentration of wildlife.

In contrast, the Serengeti is perfect for travelers who are looking for a more extended trip. Even with a 4-5 day trip, you likely won’t see everything the Serengeti has to offer.

Proximity to Other Experiences

When comparing Masai Mara vs. the Serengeti, you might be wondering which is closer to other attractions if a safari isn’t the only facet of your African trip.

Both are extraordinarily close to other parks and conservancies. Masai Mara is only a stone’s throw away from Olare Orok Conservancy and Naboisho Conservancy. The Serengeti is near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, as well as the Maswa Game Reserve.

If you’re a hiker, you might prefer a trip to the Serengeti as you can also include a stop at Mt. Kilimanjaro. If you decide to visit this momentous natural wonder, Tarangire National Park is a great place to stop between the mountain and the Serengeti.

The Beauty of Africa

There are plenty of things to take into consideration when you’re weighing a trip between Masai Mara vs. the Serengeti. Both boast beautiful landscapes and wildlife, and it often comes down to how much money and time you’re interested in spending on your excursions.

To learn more about these beautiful places check out the rest of our website and contact us when you’re ready to book your adventure!