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.
Maasai Mara National Reserve Entry Fees
What is the 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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Which is 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 to 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.
Best Places to Stay at Maasai Mara National Reserve
Safari Camps and Lodges in Maasai Mara National Reserve
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.
Like all of our holidays on this site, this is just an idea. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we’ll always adapt them to suit you.
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