Maasai Mara National Reserve

All About Maasai Mara National Reserve

Discover Maasai Mara National Reserve

This National Park is Located in 
A world wonder destination in Kenya, Africa, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to quite famous and phenomenal wildlife and activities. Hosting some of the famous big cats, the lion prides as Scar, Notch Pride, Marsh Prides, Lolparpit, and Cheetah families such as Malaika, the Tano Bora Coalition, and many others. Masai Mara National Reserve is situated in the southwestern region of Kenya and is an expansive landscape of gently rolling African savannah covering an area of 1510 square kilometers, adjacent to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to the south. This reserve is a distinctive wildlife conservation area renowned for its stunning natural diversity and is regarded as the top safari destination in Kenya, providing visitors with countless reasons to explore this animal haven. The park is home to large populations of Lions, Cheetahs, Elephants, Rhinos, African Buffalo, Wildebeests, Giraffes, Zebras, and many other species, living freely in their natural environment amidst the vast Kenyan wilderness stretching out for miles. It is no wonder that travelers from around the globe flock to this destination to embark on a Masai Mara Safari, especially since the reserve has been recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. In terms of the name’s origin, ‘Masai’ is derived from the Maasai tribe, the area’s nomadic residents, while ‘Mara’ translates to ‘spotted’ in their language, referring to the many flat-topped acacia trees, shrubs, and bushes that populate the landscape throughout much of the reserve.

What is Maasai Mara National Reserve Entry Fees?

Entry Fee for Maasai Mara National Reserve

New Masai Mara Park Entry Fee Structure:

Effective from January 1st, 2024, the updated entry fee structure is designed to accommodate two distinct travel seasons: January 1st to June 30th and July 1st to December 31st. For non-residents, the revised fees are delineated as follows:

Masai Mara Non-Residents Park Fees

(Accommodated inside or outside the Park) – Per Day

Adults (July – December) Per Person USD 200
Adults (January – June) Per Person USD 100
Children (9-17 Years) Per Person USD 50
Students Per Person USD 50

Maasai Mara Citizens Park Fees

(Accommodated inside or outside the Park) – Per Day

Adults Per Person Kes 3000
Children (9-17 Years) Per Person Kes 1000
Students Per Person Kes 1000

Maasai Mara East African Residents Park Fees

(Accommodated inside or outside the Park) – Per Day

Adults Per Person Kes 4500
Children (9-17 Years) Per Person Kes 2000
Students Per Person Kes 2000

Camping Fee (Per Person / Per Day)

Camping Fee Kenyan Citizen East African Citizens / Residents Non-Residents
Adults KSH 1,000 KSH 2,000 USD 40
Child (9-17 Yrs) KSH 200 KSH 1,000 USD 20
Students KSH 200 KSH 1,000 USD 20

Vehicle Entry Fees

Below is a table showing Vehicle Entry Fees to enter MMNR and Mara Triangle.

ITEM DESCRIPTION UNIT MEASURE RATE
Vehicle Entry Charges – Per Day
Less than 6 Seats Per Vehicle KSH 1,000
6 – 12 Seats Per Vehicle KSH 1,500
13 – 24 Seats Per Vehicle KSH 3,500
25 – 44 Seats Per Vehicle KSH 4,500
45 – Above Seats Per Vehicle KSH 5,000
Truck Entry Charges – Per Day
1-3 Tonnes Per Vehicle KSH 1,500
4-7 Tonnes Per Vehicle KSH 3,000
8 Tonnes & Above Per Vehicle KSH 4,000
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What is the Best Time to Visit Maasai Mara National Reserve?

the Best Time to Visit Maasai Mara National Reserve

Generally, Kenya’s Masai Mara is best to visit in the dry-season months of July – October when the parks are dry, and wildlife viewing is dramatic, easy, and action-packed.

The best time to visit the Masai Mara is between July and August. Although it’s still okay to visit other months, the best prime season is between July and August during the great wildebeest migration.

  • The best time to visit the Maasai Mara for general wildlife viewing is from January to March.
  • The high season is highly visited during Christmas and school holidays.
LOW SEASON: HIGH SEASON: PEAK SEASON:
1st April to June 15th and 15th Nov to 15th Dec

If you are looking for an intimate, exclusive safari but affordable Kenya Safari, this is the best time to visit.

The best places to visit include the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire National Parks.

Jan 10th to 1st April and 1st Nov to 15th Dec

One of the most considered seasons to travel and visit East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Easy to spot the big five and the big cats of the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu other major parks.

15th June to 30th Oct, 15th Dec to 10th Jan

An action-filled season to witness the great wildebeest migration and crossings in Kenya is during this season.

In case you are looking for the best adventures, then this is the best fit for you

Low Season

1st April to June 15th and 15th Nov to 15th Dec

If you are looking for an intimate, exclusive safari but an affordable Kenya Safari, this is the best time to visit.

The best places to visit include the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire National Parks.

High Season

Jan 10th to 1st April and 1st Nov to 15th Dec

One of the most considered seasons to travel and visit East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Easy to spot the big five and the big cats of the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu, other major parks.

Peak Season

15th June to 30th Oct, 15th Dec to 10th Jan

An action-filled season to witness the great wildebeest migration and crossings in Kenya is during this season.

In case you are looking for the best adventures, then this is the best fit for you

How do you Get to Maasai Mara National Reserve?

Best way to go to Maasai Mara National Reserve

How to Get to the Masai Mara

As a prime destination in Kenya, the Masai Mara can be accessed in various ways. Its 5 Hours drives from Nairobi if you drive in our 4×4 Land Cruiser Jeeps. And its 45 min to 1-hour flight transfer from Nairobi to the Masai Mara. The Reserve has numerous airstrips and serves many flights from either Nairobi (Flying Safaris from Nairobi) or Mombasa (Flying Safaris from Mombasa) for guests visiting. The main gates used to access the reserve are Sekenani Gate, Ololoo Gate, Musiara Gate, Talek Gate, and Ololaimutia Gate.

The Masai Mara Reserve offers Authentic safari experiences such as the rough terrains, river crossings, and vast plains sightings. This gives you a reason to admire more of the African Safari experiences and calls for another visit. Our Safari Guides are experts in traversing this rough terrain and professionals in handling your journeys across our major parks in East Africa.

Which are the Best Places to Stay Maasai Mara National Reserve?

Safari Camps and Lodges in Maasai Mara National Reserve

Emboo River Camp

Nestled on the riverbanks of the Maasai Mara, Emboo River Lodge welcomes guests to embody its namesake, “pride of lion,”

Tipilikwani Mara Camp

Tipilikwani Mara Camp is a luxury tented safari camp located along the banks of the Talek River in the world

Alex Walker’s Serian Camp maasai mara

Alex Walker’s Serian Camp This was the first of Alex Walker’s Serian camps, and it perfectly captures the essence of

Rekero Camp

Rekero Camp is a luxurious yet authentic safari camp situated in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, near the Talek

andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

Kichwa Tembo Luxury Tented Camp, is a property under the management of And Beyond Collections. It prides its location, services

Kandili Camp Maasai Mara

A small intimate camp, Kandili Camp offers complete immersion into one of the most incredible ecosystems in the world. We

Which are the available Safari Packages to Maasai Mara National Reserve?

African Safaris and Tour Itineraries to Maasai Mara National Reserve

Cheetah Safaris - Luxury African Safaris - African Safari Holidays

Cost: USD USD 7,130

No. Of Nights: 10

Per Person Sharing

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Maasai Mara National Reserve FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Question

Where is Maasai Mara located?

Answer

Maasai Mara National Reserve is located in Narok County in southwestern Kenya along the border with Tanzania’s Serengeti ecosystem. It is one of Africa’s most famous safari destinations and is known for exceptional wildlife viewing and the Great Migration.

Question

What is the best time to visit Maasai Mara?

Answer

Maasai Mara is a year-round safari destination, but the most popular period is from June to October during the dry season when wildlife viewing is generally easier. River crossing activity during the Great Migration is often associated with July to October.

Question

When is the Great Migration in Maasai Mara?

Answer

The Great Migration typically reaches Maasai Mara between July and October, although exact timing changes each year depending on rainfall and grazing conditions across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.

Question

How many days do you need in Maasai Mara?

Answer

A stay of 3 to 4 days is commonly recommended for first-time visitors because it allows time for multiple game drives and increases wildlife viewing opportunities.

Question

Is Maasai Mara worth visiting outside migration season?

Answer

Yes. Maasai Mara has strong year-round wildlife viewing including lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and resident wildlife even outside migration months.

Question

Can you see the Big Five in Maasai Mara?

Answer

Yes. Maasai Mara is one of Kenya’s best safari destinations for seeing the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Rhino sightings are generally less predictable than some other species.

Question

How do you get to Maasai Mara?

Answer

Visitors usually travel from Nairobi either by scheduled safari flights into local airstrips or by road through organised safari transfers, private vehicles, or self-drive journeys.

Question

Is Maasai Mara safe for tourists?

Answer

Maasai Mara is generally considered safe for safari travel when visitors follow park regulations and guidance from professional guides and lodge teams.

Question

What should I pack for a Maasai Mara safari?

Answer

Pack neutral-coloured clothing, comfortable layers, a hat, sunscreen, binoculars, a camera, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket for early mornings.

Question

Can you do a hot air balloon safari in Maasai Mara?

Answer

Yes. Hot air balloon safaris are one of the most popular optional experiences and usually take place at sunrise followed by a bush breakfast.

Question

Is Maasai Mara good for first-time safari travellers?

Answer

Yes. Maasai Mara is often considered one of the best first safari destinations because of its wildlife density, accessibility from Nairobi, and wide range of accommodation options.

Question

What is the difference between Maasai Mara and Serengeti?

Answer

Maasai Mara is located in Kenya while Serengeti is in Tanzania. Together they form one connected ecosystem, but travel style, accommodation distribution, and seasonal wildlife positioning can differ throughout the year.

Pack For a Purpose

Cheetah Safaris is a serious advocate of sustainable safari practices in Africa. As part of our efforts and initiative, we engage and support schools and children who need knowledge to better their lives. The best gift a child can be given is education, skills, and creativity. 

In this case, we request our guests booking with us, to bring an extra back of supplies. This can be in terms of books, sports materials, and any other items that would change the lives of these kids. 

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