DISCOVER MASAI MARA
Masai Mara Safari Cost
The savanna plains come alive with a variety of wildlife. These range from big and small mammals to the various bird species. Embark on game viewing on your African safari
Masai Mara Safari Cost: Masai Mara is Kenya’s most visited game reserve, located in Narok County, about 280 kilometers southwest of Nairobi. The Masai people who live within the park’s boundaries gave the park its name and in the local Maa language, the word Mara means “spotted,” and it was ostensibly named after the many trees that dot the area.
Among many things, Masai Mara is famous for hosting the annual Great Wildebeest migration: every year between July and October, millions of wildebeest migrate from Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in search of water and pasture. This is Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacle. Aside from the wildebeest migration, the Masai Mara is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the African Big Five (lions, buffaloes, leopards, elephants, and rhinos).
The reserve is home to over 69 mammal species, including giraffes, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, antelopes, and many others. The Mara also boasts a plethora of birdlife of over 400 recorded bird species. The Masai Mara is made up of the main park and several private conservancies on its outskirts. These preserves also provide excellent game viewing opportunities and 5-star accommodations. Among the most popular Masai Mara conservancies are, Enonkishu Conservancy, Mara North Conservancy, OlareMotorogi Conservancy, Mara Naboisho Conservancy, and several others.
Masai Mara Safari Cost
Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the best Kenya safari destinations to visit, and several travelers who intend to visit the reserve want to know the Masai Mara Safari Cost. Well, the total Masai Mara safari cost is determined by several factors including transportation, the Masai Mara safari lodge you select, the number of people in your travel group, the number of days included in your Masai Mara package, the time of the year, extra activities included in your Masai Mara safari, etc. The full package pricing for a comparable Masai Mara safari range from USD 350 per person for a budget 3-day trip (with a party of 6 people in a vehicle) sleeping in a budget camp to USD 1500 per person for luxury accommodation. Let’s look at the breakdown for the Masai Mara Safari Cost
Transport
By Air:
If you choose to fly to Masai Mara, your Masai Mara safari guide will be waiting for you at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Kenya’s major international airport). From there, it is a 30-minute drive to Wilson Airport – from where most domestic flights to Kenya’s national parks operate. SafariLink is one of the companies that offer domestic flights to Masai Mara. A flight to the Mara takes 45 minutes and costs up to $400 per person.
The domestic flight from Wilson Airport to Masai Mara will save you time but significantly increase the Masai Mara Safari Cost. Furthermore, nothing beats the adventure of a road trip to the Mara. The road journey may appear grueling due to the rough roads, but everything on the road is part of the true African adventure.
By Road:
Traveling to Mara by car is also another option. A cheap Masai Mara safari using a safari land cruiser will cost around $250 per day. The price is based on the land cruiser carrying full capacity (7 people). If your group is only two people, expect to pay up to $70 per person per day for transportation. However, safaris in Masai Mara are best done using the 4×4 Safari land cruisers; especially during the rainy season and for optimal game viewing opportunities.
Tour vans, on the other hand, are only appropriate when money is a major constraint. The tour van can accommodate up to eight people, each with a window view. The lower the cost per person sharing, the larger the group. If money is not an issue, we recommend a 4×4 safari Land cruiser with a raised rooftop for optimal game viewing. For transport, expect to pay at least $100 per person per day if you are two travelers and choose a safari Land cruiser. Again, the more people sharing the safari Land cruiser, the lower the cost.
The drive from Nairobi to the Mara takes about 5-6 hours, but it is less expensive than flying and it is more fun. The road trip usually stops at Narok for gas, food, a bathroom break, and snacks. It takes about 2-3 hours to drive from Narok to Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Accommodation cost
The type of accommodation you choose also influences the Masai Mara Safari Cost. Kenya’s Maasai Mara is a world-class park with some of the world’s most luxurious safari lodges.
Opulent lodges like the Mahali Mzuri, Sir Richard Branson’s super-luxury lodge, will easily set you back $1000 per person per day. Mid-luxury Masai Mara safari lodges are roughly half the price, and a tented budget camp can be found for up to $100 or less. Five-star hotels in the Mara, such as the Mara Fairmont Lodge, Mara Serena Safari Lodge, and Sarova Mara Game Lodge, will cost around $350 per person per day.
Four-star hotels will set charge you around $250 per day. Three-star hotels will cost around $150 per day. Camping in tents is the cheapest option, costing around $70 or less per day. Everything, once again, comes down to your budget and preferences. Fortunately, there is plenty of room for every type of budget.
Overall, Masai mara hotel prices vary depending on the tourism season, the type of accommodation chosen, the number of days you intend to stay, and so on. The long rainy season in Kenya is between April and June. During this time, there are fewer visitors in the parks, and this period is generally known as the ‘low tourism season.’
Accommodation prices are generally lower, so this is a good time to go on a budget Masai Mara safari or a budget Kenya safari. It is also the best time if you would rather avoid the crowds.
Park Entry Fees
Masai Mara National Reserve requires an entry fee to be paid at the gate for all travelers. The Park Entry Fees are determined by the location of the lodge or camp where the visitor is staying in the reserve, as well as the visitor’s residence status, i.e., Citizen, Resident, or Non-resident. Kenyan citizens must show proof of citizenship, such as a valid National ID or Passport. Residents are people who live in Kenya and have valid Kenyan government documentation, whereas non-residents are mostly foreign tourists. Please keep in mind that identification is required before entering the Reserve.
The entrance fee for staying in accommodation located within the main National Reserve is USD 70 per adult per 24 hours and USD 40 per child under the age of 12. If you stay outside of the main reserve, the entry fee rises to USD 80 per adult per 24 hours and USD 45 per child per 24 hours. This applies to both the Narok side of the main reserve and the Mara Conservancy in the western corridor of the Maasai Mara. However, it is important to note that persons under the age of 18 are also entitled to the child rate at the Mara Conservancy.
Food on Safari
In general, meals will be included in a safari package. However, if you follow a particular diet or have other dietary restrictions, it is critical to read the “what’s included” section of your chosen tour to avoid any unpleasant surprises along the way. If you anticipate needing extra snacks or water on your safari adventure, make sure to plan ahead of time.
Additional Safari Activities
Aside from the standard Masai Mara Safari package, which typically includes transportation from and back to Nairobi, safari game excursions, accommodation and meals, and park entry fees, some clients choose to include additional activities such as a Maasai Village Visit, Hot Air Balloon Flight, Night Game drives (if staying outside the main reserve), Bush breakfast and dinners, Nature Walks and Guided Safari Walks, and Horse Riding. These activities are exciting and add to your tour, but they are not free.
For instance, the cost of a hot air balloon ride in the Mara ranges from $415 to $500 per person, depending on which camp or lodge you fly from. The cost of a Maasai Village Visit ranges between US$ 30 and US$ 50 per person and includes return transfers from your overnight Safari Lodge or Camp, the services of an English-speaking Driver-guide, and Village Contribution Fees.
Duration of your Masai Mara Safari
The Masai Mara Safari Cost is also determined by the number of days you intend to spend on the safari. Clients on a tight budget should therefore spend the minimum recommended time of three days in the reserve. Low season (April to early June) will most likely allow you to spend less for a longer safari because accommodation prices are significantly lower and the reserve is less crowded with tourists than during peak season. Keep in mind that the peak season for the wildebeest migration is from July to September. We recommend spending at least four days (three nights) in Masai Mara to fully explore the park.
This will include enough safari game drives to see a variety of wildlife at a leisurely pace, as well as time to relax at your safari camp. Traveling “slow” has its benefits in the African wilderness.
Number of travelers or the Group Size
As a general rule, the larger the group traveling, the less expensive it is for everyone because the costs are shared, as opposed to when only one or two people travel. Also, the ages of your children affect the cost of your safari, as children under the age of 12 pay a reduced price, while children under the age of 3 are allowed for free in almost all Masai Mara safari lodges and camps.
Time of the Year or Season of Travel
The Masai Mara Safari Cost is also determined by your travel dates. Prices tend to be higher during the peak season, which is typically when the Great Wildebeest Migration occurs: This draws a large number of visitors to Masai Mara, making it more expensive to secure rooms due to high demand. July to October is the peak season. Clients on a tight budget should avoid the peak season and instead visit during the low season (January to March) when prices are lower and rooms are plentiful.
Tipping
While tipping is not required on safari trips, it is always appreciated and makes a significant difference in the lives of your local guides and trackers. The average tip for guides and drivers is $3-6 USD per day, per staff member. During group tours, there is usually a tip jar where travelers can put their money and the tour leader will distribute it to the rest of the team.
