MASAI MARA

SERENGETI

SIZE

Smaller, relatively easier to for a wildlife viewing experience. Less tiring from extended travel. Satisfying for those with lesser days and want more

Better for wildlife views who have many more days to explore the larger Serengeti ecosystem. It is known that game drive experiences are largely dictated by radial distance from appointed accommodation facility

ENVIRONS

Complemented by the Mara Triangle and adjoining conservancies with the major ones being Mara North, Olare Motorogi, Ol Kinyei, and Mara Naboisho. This helps supersede Serengeti in terms of more exclusive and intimate safari experience well subdivided.

Whereas the closest parks of at Nakuru & Naivasha to Masai Mara are 6 hours away, Serengeti is complemented by the rich biodiverse Ngorongoro Conservation area at only 3 hours from the Moru Kopjes.

THE MIGRATION

The smaller park typically makes the migration concentration more spectacular and the river crossings more exciting.

Serengeti is the home to the wildlife migration, lasting longer at 9 months of the year. Their traverse from Sand River

COST - ACCOMMODATION

Mara is relatively less expensive than Serengeti in terms of accommodation options. It is even possible to stay outside the park and visit the park for a day, an option not possible in Serengeti.

Serengeti’s entry route is through Ngorongoro Conservation Area from the heart town of Arusha in the northern tourism circuit which is the most visited. Except for fly-camping in budget tents in public campsites, the rest of the tented camps and lodges are more expensive

COST – PARK FEES

Lower at $200 per person from July 1, 2024. Masai Mara children policy is kinder with age range at $50 for 9-17 years and free for 8 years and below.

Higher. Firstly, to get into Serengeti, the pass is through NCA which charges a Transit fee valid 24 hours at $72, Serengeti Park fee is $70 and there is an additional hotel concession fee of $70 per person. A future increase of either or all of them could spare high park fee rate curve for Serengeti than Masai Mara. In addition, as noted, the transit fee is valid for 24 hours spelling higher rates from more than prescribed stay.

SUPPLEMENTARY INDUSTRIES

Kenya is Mara is more equipped in terms of transport options with more airports and lodges in prime parks and major rest stop towns. This gives Masai Mara the same advantage. The country is also East Africa’s leading economy

Tanzania has made significant strides in improving its transport systems with its electric SGR and excellent 4x4 tour vehicles industries thriving.

CROWDING & SAFARI INTIMACY / EXCLUSIVITY

Smaller, hence more crowded during peak seasons. However, guests desiring to escape that bustle, can choose to reside at the adjoining conservancies.

Less crowding, larger expansive areas. Lower impact tourism.

LANDSCAPES

Mara is greatly advantaged by the winding Mara River that snakes from Mara North and cuts the reserve into two. The River Talek, a tributary of Mara helps to create a perfect triangle, an array of riverine habitats.

Tanzania has more iconic landscapes complemented by Mt. Kilimanjaro (Africa’s highest, Ngorongoro and the Great Rift Valley. This gives Serengeti a similar advantage.

CULTURE

Mara is home to legendary Maasai culture and is a Maasai country.

Whereas these red-clad folks can be spotted elsewhere, at the shores of Lake Eyasi, the hunter and gatherer tribe of the Hadzabe thrives, but not anywhere near Serengeti

BIRDING EXPERIENCE

Kenya has the 2^nd largest population of bird species in Africa at 1,103 including migratory ones at 10% of the population. Both comparative parks could be said to offer a near similar birding experience. However, Mara has 500 species concentrated in a smaller space than Serengeti with 523 (Schmidl).

Tanzania’s bird list is 1075 with Serengeti commanding a share of 523. Birding at Serengeti is said to be satisfactory and there is no reason except for distribution to argue it as lesser.