Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/03/17/wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara/ # The Wildlife of the Maasai Mara — A Photographer’s Guide Published on March 17, 2023 [![A Lion Silhouetted By The Rising Sun Behind Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-lion-silhouetted-by-the-rising-sun-behind-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara-1024x683.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-lion-silhouetted-by-the-rising-sun-behind-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) Written by [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/david/) with images contributed by [Pui Hang Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/pui-hang/). The **Maasai Mara** is among the most productive areas in East Africa for wildlife photographers. The reserve supports large populations of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, & buffalo — all in open savannah grassland where sightlines are long & vehicle access is good. This article covers the **key species**, the best time of year to visit, & what our photography holidays in the Mara involve. The Mara also supports over 450 bird species, from raptors soaring above the plains to colourful bee-eaters & rollers in the riverside woodland. ![One Of The Mara Cheetahs Resting On A Vantage Point Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-the-mara-cheetahs-resting-on-a-vantage-point-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) The Mara ecosystem covers roughly 1,510 square kilometres of savannah grassland, acacia woodland, & riverine forest. The open terrain means subjects are visible at distance — you spend less time searching & more time working. From photographing [African elephants](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/african-elephant/) up close to spotting **lions, cheetahs, & gazelles**, the Mara keeps you busy throughout. ## What Is The wildlife you can typically see in Maasai Mara, Kenya? The Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is one of the most established **safari reserves** in East Africa. It’s home to a notable diversity of wildlife, including lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, baboons, & many other species. One of the most popular attractions in the Mara is the annual [wildebeest migration](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/africa/kenya/), which sees hundreds of thousands of wildebeest & zebra traverse the reserve to search for food & new grazing grounds. ![A Topi Pride Lioness With Her Cubs Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-topi-pride-lioness-with-her-cubs-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) The Mara’s plains are home to one of the densest populations of large predators in the world, & visitors will have the chance to spot lions & cheetahs as they roam through the grasslands. The area also hosts a variety of antelope species, such as Grant’s gazelle & Thomson’s gazelle, which are both common sightings. Herds of elephants can also be seen, particularly during the wet season when the vegetation is more abundant. ![A Pair Of Mara Elephants Striding Across The Grasslands Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-pair-of-mara-elephants-striding-across-the-grasslands-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) ![A Pair Of Lions Sleeping During The Heat Of The Day In The Mara Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-pair-of-lions-sleeping-during-the-heat-of-the-day-in-the-mara-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) ![A Leopard Climbs A Tree Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-leopard-climbs-a-tree-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) Birdlife is abundant in the Mara, with a wide range of species from raptors to smaller passerines. Vultures, eagles & hawks often soar above the plains, while [pink-backed pelicans](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/pink-backed-pelican/) are usually spotted along the Talek River. The Mara is also home to more unusual species, such as the [Lesser Kestrel](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/lesser-kestrel/), the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill & the White-belied Bustard. ![A Lioness From The Topi Pride Keeps A Watchful Eye Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-lioness-from-the-topi-pride-keeps-a-watchful-eye-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) Other animals found in the Mara include hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, jackals, warthogs, ostriches, baboons, monkeys & genet cats. Nocturnal species are harder to spot; however, if you venture out on a late afternoon or early evening game drive, you may be lucky & see servals, [African civets](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/african-civet/), mongooses & aardvarks. The Mara is truly a notable destination for witnessing the notable diversity of [African wildlife](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/african-wildlife/). ![A Female Warthog With Her Family Of Young Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-female-warthog-with-her-family-of-young-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) ![A Serval In Long Grass Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-serval-in-long-grass-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) ## Which is the best month to visit the Maasai Mara? The best time to visit Maasai Mara & other parks in Kenya for optimal wildlife viewing is during the dry season from **July to October**. During this period, the Mara is quite dry, & the concentration of animals is higher as they are restricted to waterholes & areas near rivers & lakes. This makes spotting wildlife easier & more rewarding as the game is concentrated in fewer areas. ![A Trio Of Topi Silhouetted At Sunrise Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-trio-of-topi-silhouetted-at-sunrise-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) The months of **July & August** are particularly great for wildlife viewing in the Maasai Mara. Wildebeests & antelopes can be found grazing in the plains, & predators, including lions, cheetahs, leopards & hyenas, are out hunting. It is also a great time to witness the **Great Migration**, with millions of creatures going through the **Mara Triangle** in search of greener pastures. ![A Silhouetted Elephant Walking Past A Boundary Fence Silhouetted At Sunrise Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-silhouetted-elephant-walking-past-a-boundary-fence-silhouetted-at-sunrise-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) November to June is generally the **wet season** in the Maasai Mara, & while wildlife is still easy to spot, it is not as rich or easy as during the dry season. However, if visiting during the wet season, there are many advantages. The green vegetation makes for better backgrounds, & newborn calves, foals, & cubs provide strong subject matter. Migratory birds also arrive during this period, adding variety for bird photographers. ![A Giraffe Silhouetted By The Rising Sun Behind Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-giraffe-silhouetted-by-the-rising-sun-behind-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) Wildlife is present year-round, but **July to October** offers the highest concentrations & the best conditions for photography. ## What Is The Maasai Mara great migration? The Maasai Mara animal migration, also known as the **Great Migration**, is one of the most impressive natural phenomena in the world. Every year, millions of wildebeest, zebra, & other herbivores make the perilous journey across the **Serengeti plains of Tanzania to the grassy savannas of the Maasai Mara** National Reserve in Kenya in search of food & water. This is an ambitious struggle of life & death as predators lurk, waiting to pick off stragglers. ![A Topi Pride Lioness In Long Grass Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-topi-pride-lioness-in-long-grass-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) The Migration begins in the late-summer months of July & August when the wildebeest & zebra start to gather & migrate northward out of the southern Serengeti plains in search of greener pastures. They eventually reach the Maasai Mara by October, where they stay until July, when the short rains arrive & the herd moves south again, following the rain cycle. ![A Pair Of Very Young Hyena Pups With A Eatchful Adult Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-pair-of-very-young-hyena-pups-with-a-eatchful-adult-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) The migration columns can stretch for kilometres across the plains. River crossings are the most dramatic phase — the herds pile into the water while crocodiles & lions wait at either bank. ![A Topi Pride Lioness Snarls Backwards At Her Cubs Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-topi-pride-lioness-snarls-backwards-at-her-cubs-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) Beyond the migration herds, the Mara supports resident populations of elephants, giraffes, hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, & hippos year-round. The concentration of predators & prey in one accessible area is what makes it so productive for photography. ## Where is the the Maasai Mara? The Maasai Mara is a beautiful landscape along the Tanzanian border in southwest Kenya. It houses one of the largest & most diverse wildlife populations, making it one of the premier safari destinations in the world. Spanning over 1,510 square kilometres, the Mara comprises rolling plains, open woodland, lush grasslands, & seasonal swamplands. In this area, visitors can find many animals that depend on the changing environment, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, gazelles, & more. ![An African Lion The King Of The Mara Plains Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/an-african-lion-the-king-of-the-mara-plains-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) ![One Of The Youngest Members Of The Topi Pride Yawns After Waking Up Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-the-youngest-members-of-the-topi-pride-yawns-after-waking-up-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) The **Mara River** runs through the park’s centre, providing an important water source for wildlife. From June to October, the Mara is filled with abundant wildebeests, zebras, & other grazing animals during their annual Migration from the Serengeti. The park is divided into blocks managed by local Maasai people, who also use the land for livestock grazing. ![One Of The Mara Leopards Striding Through The Grasslands Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-the-mara-leopards-striding-through-the-grasslands-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) ![One Of The Mara Leopards Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-the-mara-leopards-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) ![One Of The Mara Leopards Snarling Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-the-mara-leopards-snarling-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) This area is considered a biodiversity hotspot, & is home to various wildlife species, rare plants & trees. The Mara is also an important habitat for over 550 bird species. The area is also famous for its large prides of lions & its impressive landscapes, which have been featured in documentaries & films like the BBC’s “Big Cat Diary” & Disney’s “The Lion King.” ## An Introduction to the Wildlife of the Maasai Mara The Mara supports one of the highest densities of large mammals anywhere in Africa. Elephants, lions, cheetahs, wildebeest, & buffalo are all present in numbers that make regular close-range photography realistic rather than a matter of luck. ![A Silhouetted Pride Of Lions At Sunrise Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-silhouetted-pride-of-lions-at-sunrise-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) ![A Group Of Six Topi Silhouetted At Sunrise Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-group-of-six-topi-silhouetted-at-sunrise-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) ![A Lone Silhouetted Topi As The Sun Rises Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-lone-silhouetted-topi-as-the-sun-rises-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) The Mara’s landscape comprises savanna grassland & **acacia trees**, which provide the perfect habitat for many wildlife species. [Elephants](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/african-elephant/) are some of the most iconic animals in the Mara, & there’s a chance to spot them in large herds as they travel across the plains in search of food & water. There’s also a variety of antelope, such as impalas, gazelles, & Grant’s gazelles, that can be seen grazing on the grasslands. ![A Lone Topi Silhouetted At Sunrise Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-lone-topi-silhouetted-at-sunrise-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) The Mara is also home to the Big Five – a term used to refer to [Africa](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/africa/)’s five most dangerous animals: **lions, leopards, rhinos, & elephants**, & **cape buffalo**. Spotting these animals in their natural habitat is a notable experience, & you’re likely to see plenty of imposing lion prides roaming around the region. **Cheetahs** & **wildebeest** are also familiar sights in the area, & it’s not unusual to catch a glimpse of hippos wallowing in the waterholes. ![One Of The Mara Cheetahs Resting On A Mound Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-the-mara-cheetahs-resting-on-a-mound-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) ![One Of The Mara Elephants Striding Across The Grasslands Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-the-mara-elephants-striding-across-the-grasslands-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) ![One Of The Mara Cheetahs On A Raised Vantage Point Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-the-mara-cheetahs-on-a-raised-vantage-point-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) ![An Impala Found In The Grasslands Of The Mara Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/an-impala-found-in-the-grasslands-of-the-mara-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) Birdlife is also abundant in the Mara, with yellow-billed storks, hamerkops, & **secretary birds** often seen. Many of the Mara’s rivers are also home to various fish & reptiles. You may even spot the elusive **Nile crocodile** basking in the waning sun if you’re lucky. ![A Jackal Pup Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-jackal-pup-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) Between the large [mammals](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/mammal/), the varied birdlife, & the reptiles along the Mara River, there is enough variety here to fill a portfolio across several visits. ## Bird photography in the Mara The Mara’s mix of grassland, riverine forest, & wetland supports over 450 bird species. For photographers, the variety of habitats means you can work raptors on the open plains in the morning & switch to [kingfishers](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/common-kingfisher/) & bee-eaters along the Talek River in the afternoon. Bird photographers can hope to capture images of the near-endemic Jackson’s Francolin & the strong Abyssinian Ground-Hornbill in the grasslands. At the same time, the open bush & riverine forests of the Mara are excellent places to spot birds like Augur Buzzard & Carruthers Cisticola. Other popular species include the Grey-headed [Kingfisher](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/common-kingfisher/), Grey-capped Warbler, African Harrier-Hawk, & the elusive Bustard. ![A Perched Lilac Breasted Roller Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-perched-lilac-breasted-roller-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) The Mara also offers many opportunities for bird photographers to photograph birds in their natural environment. The vast wetlands are an oasis for many waterbirds, such as the Gray Crowned Crane & the White Stork. The dense woodlands of the area provide an ideal home to the African Pitta & the African Open-billed Stork. Meanwhile, the rocky hills of the Mara harbour species like Hartlaub’s Turaco & White-headed Barbet. ## The Big Cats of the Mara The Mara’s three big cat species — [lion](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/lions/), cheetah, & [African leopard](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/african-leopard/) — are what most photographers come for. Each behaves differently & rewards a different approach. ![A Lioness From The Topi Pride Stretches As She Descends From A Raised Vantage Point Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-lioness-from-the-topi-pride-stretches-as-she-descends-from-a-raised-vantage-point-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) ![A Pair Of Lionesses From The Topi Pride In Long Grass Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-pair-of-lionesses-from-the-topi-pride-in-long-grass-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) ![A Pair Of Playing Lion Cubs From The Topi Pride Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-pair-of-playing-lion-cubs-from-the-topi-pride-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) [Lions are the most popular & recognizable of the big cats](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/african-lion/) in the Mara. They hunt, sleep, & raise their cubs in the region, & they can often be spotted in **groups anywhere from two to thirty-five**. While they may appear lazy since they spend a good part of their day lounging, they are quite fierce hunters, & they can bring down prey such as [zebra](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/africa/), buffalo, [warthog](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/africa/kenya/), & wildebeest. ![A Topi Pride Lioness Sat In The Long Grass Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-topi-pride-lioness-sat-in-the-long-grass-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) **Cheetahs** are unique among the [big cats](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/big-cat/) in the Mara, as they are the fastest land animal alive. They use their immense speed for hunting by outrunning their prey. [Cheetahs](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/cheetah/) are solitary creatures & hunt mainly during the day. They have an impressive repertoire of tricks for taking down their prey, including stalking, chasing, & tripping. ![One Of The Mara Cheetahs On An Escarpment Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-the-mara-cheetahs-on-an-escarpment-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) ![One Of The Mara Cheetahs Striding Across Grasslands Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-the-mara-cheetahs-striding-across-grasslands-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) **African leopards** are another beautiful creature that inhabits the Mara. They differ from [lions](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/lions/) & [cheetahs](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/cheetah/) in that they are primarily nocturnal & much more solitary, preferring to scavenge on carcasses or hunt small prey such as gazelle, dik-diks, & [vervet monkeys](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/vervet-monkey/). [Leopards](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/leopard/) also possess distinctive agility & can climb trees to avoid predators or store their kills. ![One Of The Mara Leopards In A Tree Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-the-mara-leopards-in-a-tree-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) With three [big cat](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/big-cat/) species active across the reserve, there are opportunities for behaviour, portrait, & environmental work in a single trip. ## What are the rarest animals in Maasai Mara? The notable wildlife of [Kenya](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/africa/kenya/)’s [Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/africa/kenya/) is both diverse & abundant. Animals from some of the rarest species in the world can be found here, along with other common animals like zebras & giraffes. One of the rarest animals in this area is the [black rhinoceros](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/black-rhinoceros/). The number of these animals has declined dramatically in recent years due to poaching, making them very difficult to spot in the wild. Other rare animals in the Maasai Mara include the [African wild dog](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/african-wild-dog/) & the Grevy’s zebra. The [African](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/africa/) wild dog is a highly endangered species that can live up to 15 years in the wild. They are known for their unique spotted coats & can reach speeds of up to 44 mph while running. Unfortunately, their numbers have declined significantly due to the degradation of their habitats & the rise in human-wildlife conflict. The Grevy’s zebra is another rare species found in Maasai Mara, & it is distinguishable from a regular zebra due to its larger size & narrow stripes. It is also listed as an endangered species as its population has declined significantly due to hunting & habitat loss. Other rare animals in the Maasai Mara include the cheetah, serval, gazelle, & antelope. The area is also home to rare bird species, such as the white-headed vulture & Verreaux’s eagle owl. These animals make Maasai Mara one of the best places to view many of the world’s rare creatures in the wild. ## Which photography safaris do NaturesLens schedule for photographing the wildlife of the Mara? NaturesLens runs [wildlife photography holidays](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/africa/) in the Mara, typically in September when predator activity is high & the migration herds are still in the area. Our photography holidays allow photographers to capture strong images of the [wildlife of the Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/africa/kenya/); during our trips, photographers will also have the opportunity to photograph an array of African wildlife. Our trips are led by experienced wildlife photographers who know the Mara well — where the prides are denning, which river crossings are active, & how to position vehicles for clean backgrounds & good light. ![Detail Of An Elephant Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/detail-of-an-elephant-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) - NaturesLens wildlife photography holidays are structured around photographic opportunity — every schedule decision is made around light, behaviour, & access. - Small groups of 4–8 photographers ensure unhurried positions & individual guidance. - Single occupancy accommodation is included as standard across the majority of our trips. ## Share this post - - - - [![A Walking Red Eyed Tree Frog Photographed In Costa Rica In November 2025](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/A-walking-Red-eyed-Tree-Frog-photographed-in-Costa-Rica-in-November-2025-300x225.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/01/20/costa-rica-photography-tours/) ### [Costa Rica Photography Tours – Small Group Wildlife Focused Travel](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/01/20/costa-rica-photography-tours/) January 20, 2026 Why our Costa Rica photography tours deliver consistent wildlife opportunities across rainforest, wetlands, cloud forest, & coast. Small groups, flexible… In this article 1. [What Is The wildlife you can typically see in Maasai Mara, Kenya?](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/03/17/wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara/#what-is-the-wildlife-you-can-typically-see-in-maasai-mara-kenya) 1. [Which is the best month to visit the Maasai Mara?](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/03/17/wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara/#which-is-the-best-month-to-visit-the-maasai-mara) 1. [What Is The Maasai Mara great migration?](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/03/17/wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara/#what-is-the-maasai-mara-great-migration) 1. [Where is the the Maasai Mara?](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/03/17/wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara/#where-is-the-the-maasai-mara) 1. [An Introduction to the Wildlife of the Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/03/17/wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara/#an-introduction-to-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara) 1. [Bird photography in the Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/03/17/wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara/#bird-photography-in-the-mara) 1. [The Big Cats of the Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/03/17/wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara/#the-big-cats-of-the-mara) 1. [What are the rarest animals in Maasai Mara?](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/03/17/wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara/#what-are-the-rarest-animals-in-maasai-mara) 1. [Which photography safaris do NaturesLens schedule for photographing the wildlife of the Mara?](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/03/17/wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara/#which-photography-safaris-do-natureslens-schedule-for-photographing-the-wildlife-of-the-mara) ### Author DM [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/david/) shares practical field notes, trip updates and wildlife photography advice from the NaturesLens programme. Next step ### Find your next wildlife photography holiday Browse small-group trips by destination, subject, season and photographic goal. [Browse Holidays](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/) ### Related articles [![Macro Photography In Bulgaria](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Apollo-Butterfly-On-Purple-Thistle-Flower-1-one-of-the-subjects-on-our-Bulgarian-Butterfly-Macro-Photography-Tour-150x150.jpg) **Macro Photography in Bulgaria**](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/02/20/macro-photography-in-bulgaria/) [![Dalmatian Pelican Photography – Winter Small Group Photography In Greece](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/a-trio-of-the-dalmatian-pelicans-of-greece-drifting-on-the-waters-of-lake-kerkini-150x150.jpg) **Dalmatian Pelican Photography – Winter Small Group Photography in Greece**](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/01/27/dalmatian-pelican-photography-in-winter/) ### Field notes by email New articles, trip reports and wildlife photography holiday announcements from NaturesLens. [Join The List](https://natureslens.co.uk/newsletter/)