Cost of a safari to Maasai Mara national Reserve
Cost of a safari to Maasai Mara National Reserve depends on your travel budget that covers park entrance fees, accommodation, transport, number of days and time of year. Whether you are planning a budget camping adventure, a mid-range safari, or a luxury wildlife experience, the Maasai Mara offers options for different budgets. Visitors can enjoy exciting game drives, see the Big Five, and witness the Great Wildebeest Migration during the appropriate season. Requesting a quotation from your trusted company with a specific budget range enables you to plan your trip effectively.
How much does a safari to Maasai Mara National Reserve cost?
A safari to Maasai mara national Reserve in Kenya is an African dream to many travellers, with a big question of how much does a safari to Maasai mara cost. The park offers a variety of must-see activities such as game viewing, hot-air ballon safari and the most iconic great wildebeest migration. The Maasai mara has 2 seasons, the green season starting from march to June and the peak season from July to February. Each season triggers different maasai mara costs, for example the green season park fees costs $100 per person per day and $200 during the peak season per person per day.
The best way to experience the maasai mara is to book 3 days and 2 nights. Here are estimates for budget, the costs ranges from $380 – $650 per person per day, Mid-range costs from $650 – $900 per person per day and Luxury costs from $1200 – $2500 per person per day. The costs include park entrance fees, safari vehicle, guide and accommodation. For private tours are usually expensive than group tours.
How to plan a budget safari to Maasai Mara National Reserve
If you want to plan a budget safari to Maasai mara, we best guide you on the possible costs with our knowledge and experience. Here are the following plans to follow.
- Join a group tour.
Joining a group tour creates a chance to share a safari vehicle making it easy to share transport and guiding costs. The more you share the vehicle the lower cost per person.
- Travel during the Low season
When travelling in the low season known as the green season, Maasai mara park fees are cut half which is $100 per person compared to $200 per person during the migration season meaning the peak season doubles the park entry fees.
- Book budget tented camps for accommodation
Budget accommodation in tents and during the green season is cheaper than staying in luxury lodges. You spend more than less in tented accommodations
Maasai Mara National Reserve Entrance Fees
Park entrance fees are an important part of your safari budget. As of 2026, published fee schedules indicate that non-resident adults pay $100 per day from January to June and $200 per day from July to December. Children aged 9-17 generally pay $50 per day, while children aged eight and under enter free under the published schedule.
What to expect on a Maasai Mara safari
The Maasai Mara is famous for its open savannahs, large populations of wildlife and excellent opportunities for guided game drives. Visitors may see lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and many other species. The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the reserve’s best-known attractions. Large herds move through the wider Serengeti–Mara ecosystem as they search for grazing, with the timing and location changing according to rainfall and pasture conditions. River crossings are not guaranteed on any particular day.
What is included in a safari to Maasai Mara?
A safari quotation explains which services are included in the price. Depending on the operator and package, inclusions may cover:
- Accommodation for the agreed number of nights.
- Meals, such as breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- A safari vehicle and professional driver-guide.
- Scheduled game drives.
- Park entrance fees.
- Road transfers from Nairobi or domestic flights, if booked as part of the package.
- Drinking water during game drives.
How to reach to Maasai Mara National Reserve
By Road: Travelling by road is often suitable for travellers with enough time to explore the country’s other side on the way to maasai mara from Nairobi city. It usually takes 7-8 hours drive in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
Domestic flights: Scheduled or charter flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to an airstrip serving the Mara can save considerable travel time. However, flights and transfers between the airstrip and mara can increase the total price. Fly-in safaris are popular with travellers staying at higher-end camps or those with limited time.
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