How to avoid the crowds in the Masai Mara?
The reality vs. perception
Recent viral videos from the Masai Mara and the Serengeti sometimes show long lines of vehicles around river crossings, making it seem like the reserve is overrun with tourism. But the truth is very different. The Mara is vast, wild, and full of animals. If you come here, you won’t be stuck in traffic, you’ll have plenty of moments where it’s just you, your guide, and the wildlife.
The density of wildlife
The Masai Mara is one of the most wildlife-rich places on Earth. That means even with other visitors in the reserve, the wilderness experience is never lost.
Big cats thrive here, with some of the highest densities of lions, cheetahs, and leopards in Africa.
Hyenas, jackals, and smaller predators roam freely and are often seen without another car nearby.
Plains game like wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, and antelope dot the landscape in every direction.
Birdlife fills the skies and riverbanks, adding constant movement and sound.
Because of this sheer abundance, private encounters are the norm. You may hear lions roaring at night, follow elephants across the plains, or watch giraffes in golden light, often all by yourself.
Why crowds gather
It’s worth acknowledging that some “big ticket” sightings naturally attract attention:
A leopard spotted in the open.
A cheetah with a kill
A river crossing during the Great Migration.
These moments can draw many cars. While it may feel busy, this is also the reality of a thriving safari tourism industry: tourism revenue protects wildlife, sustains local communities, and ensures the Mara remains intact for generations to come.
This isn’t to say there’s no room for improvement, there most certainly is. It’s the responsibility of the authorities, camps, guides, and even guests to ensure that animals and their natural ways of life are protected from human impact. For more information on proper safari etiquette, please follow these guidelines.
How to Avoid the Crowds
Stay inside the reserve. Camps within the reserve allow you to start your game drives at dawn, without queuing at the gates with everyone else. You’re already in prime wildlife territory from the moment you leave camp.
Tell your guide your preferences. Many guides instinctively head toward clusters of vehicles. If you’d rather enjoy a quieter, more personal safari, let them know. They’ll take you along riverbanks, open savannahs, or hidden tracks where you can find your own wildlife moments.
Choose your season wisely. If you want to see the Great Migration and river crossings, you’ll need to accept some crowds in July–September. For a quieter experience, consider May or November. Wildlife is still abundant, but the visitor numbers are lower.
Focus on the whole safari. A safari isn’t just about dramatic moments like river crossings or predator hunts — it’s about immersing yourself in the wild. The word safari means “journey” in Swahili, and the journey itself is full of magic. From birds and antelope to the quiet details of the bush, it’s often the small encounters along the way that make the experience unforgettable.
Tor’s Camp: The Perfect Base
If you’re looking for the best way to combine comfort with a true wilderness feel, Tor’s Camp is an ideal choice. Nestled along the Olare Orok River inside the reserve, it places you right in the heart of the Mara’s action.
Prime Location: Wake to the sounds of hippos, lions, and hyenas, and head straight into the reserve without a gate in sight.
Intimate Experience: With only seven tents, the camp keeps things personal, never crowded.
Authenticity and Comfort: Open-air bathrooms, eco-friendly systems, and thoughtfully designed tents let you feel connected to nature while still enjoying all the comforts that matter.
Exclusive Access: Every group has a private guide and vehicle, so your safari is tailored entirely to you.
At Tor’s Camp, you’ll experience the adventure of the wild without sacrificing the small luxuries that make a safari special. And most importantly, you’ll discover that the Mara still offers something rare — moments of pure wilderness, all to yourself. Inquire with us to learn more about your perfect Masai Mara safari.
