How Much A Masai Mara Safari Costs
How Much A Masai Mara Safari Costs : Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the best wildlife reserves in Kenya and the world as well famously known for the Great Wildebeest Migration and the Big Five.
As travelers planning to visit enquire how much a Masai Mara Safari costs, there are many factors that determine the total cost of your Masai Mara safari. These factors include the type of accommodation, a number of people traveling on the safari, preferred mode of transport (either by road or by air), duration of your Masai Mara Safari, the time of the year and inclusion of additional activities.
For example, Masai Mara Full Package Prices vary considerably from USD 350 per person for a budget 3 days Masai Mara Safari (with a group of 6 persons in a vehicle) staying in a budget camp or safari lodge. Up to USD 1500 per person for luxury accommodation for a similar Masai Mara Safari.
Here are the factors influencing a Masai Mara Safari Cost
- Accommodation
Your choice of accommodation you choose to stay has the biggest influence on your Masai Mara Safari cost, the reserve offers an extensive range of accommodations options that cater for every budget. The different accommodation categories range from budget camping to mid-range tented camps and lodges to luxuries safari lodges and tented camps. Apart from the type of accommodation you choose, your accommodation price is also determined by the number of days you plan on staying and the time of the year you visiting (during the peak season from July to October the prices are higher).
- A luxurious Tented Camp in Masai Mara such as Governors Camp or Mara Explorer will cost roughly US$ 300 per person per night during low season and US$ 600 or more per person per night during the peak season
- A mid-range luxury safari lodge in Masai Mara such as Keekorok lodge will cost roughly US$ 150 per person per night during low season and US$ 250 per person per night during peak season.
- Budget lodges and camps in Masai Mara cost US$ 100 or less per person per night, you may also opt for camping in tents which is way cheaper still but then this is a basic camp site with your own tents and very basic facilities.
- Mode Of Transport
The type of transport you choose to use on a Masai Mara Safari greatly influences the cost of your safari, flying to Masai Mara from Nairobi is more expensive compared to traveling to road. But also more convenient and quicker especially for shorter safaris such as an overnight or two nights trip.
For solo travelers flying to the Masai Mara works out cheaper than driving there unless one manages to join a group on a road safari which lower the pricing.
There are several reliable local airlines that offer daily scheduled flights to Masai Mara National Reserve from Wilson Airport, Nairobi including Air Kenya, Safari Link and Govenor’s Aviation among others.
The flying time from Nairobi to Masai Mara is usually one hour though the actual time depends on how many interim spots or hops the flight will make as they land to drop or pick up passengers from various airstrips.
A one way flight ranges from US$ 200 – 250 per person while a return flight will cost anything from US$ 300 – 450 per person including taxes depending on the season and availability.
For road transport, there are normally two types of vehicles that are used for safaris that is 4×4 Toyota Land cruiser Jeep or Safari Tour vans that carry up to 7 persons per vehicle. Tour Vans are the most common mode of transport for safari tourists as these cost less compared to the other vehicle type.
The 4×4 Toyota Land cruisers are more expensive than the vans understandably so as these are larger, four wheel drive vehicles that make rough road travel slightly more comfortable.
Note: that price is based on the full occupancy of the vehicle, for instance if there are only two people in the vehicle it will cost US$ 80 per person per day for transport in a safari tour van. Therefore, the larger group the lower the cost per person sharing.
A land cruiser safari vehicle costs anything from US$ 250 to 275 per vehicle per day depending on the season and availability.
Note: Transport on your Masai Mara safari is priced per vehicle and not per person, the drive from Nairobi to Masai Mara takes approximately 5-6 hours. The road from Nairobi up to the main gate is now paved/tarred all the way.
- Number Of People Travelling (Group Size)
Traveling in group is cheaper as you get to share the costs compared to when one or two persons are traveling. Also, for family travel, the ages of children affect the cost of your safari as children under the age of 12 years pay a reduced price while children under 3 years of age are allowed for free in almost all lodges and camps in Masai Mara.
- Duration Of Your Safari
The cost of your Masai Mara Safari is also dependent on the number of days you plan to be on safari, it is advisable for clients on limited budget to spend the minimum recommended time of 3 days in the reserve.
Low season (April to early Hune) will probably allow you to spend less for a longer safari as accommodation prices are significantly lower and the reserve as well is less crowded with tourists as compared to the peak season.
Keep in mind that the wildebeest migration takes place from July to September and this is peak season.
Putting budget in consideration, we recommend 4 days/3 nights in Masai Mara to allow you to fully explore the park, this will include enough safari game drives to see plenty of wildlife at a relaxed pace and give you enough time for leisure time at your camp.
Traveling slow really does have its advantages in the African wilderness.
- Time Of The Year
Your safari cost is also dependent on your travel dates, prices tend to be higher during the peak season which is normally when the Great Wildebeest Migration happens as this attracts large number of visit to Masai Mara making it more expensive to secure rooms due to the high demand.
The peak season runs from July to October, visitors with limited budget are advised to avoid the peak season and plan on visiting during the low or the shoulder season (January to March) when the prices are lower and rooms are readily available.
- Park Entry Fees
To enter Masai Mara National Reserve as a tourist, you are required to pay an Entry Fee at the gates, the park entry fees are valid on 12 hours basis and basing on the category/residence status of the visitors that is Citizen, Resident and Non-resident.
Citizens of Kenya have to show proof of status such as a valid National ID / Passport.
Residents refer to persons residing in Kenya with valid documentation from the Kenyan government while non – residents mainly refers to overseas tourists.
Note: proof identification is required before entering into the reserve.
Non-Residents (Accommodation inside the Park) – Per Day
| Category | Rate (US $) | Season |
| Adults | USD 200 | July – December |
| Adults | USD 100 | January – June |
| Children | USD 50 | All year – round |
| Students | USD 50 | All year-round |
Non – Residents (Accommodation outside the Park) – Per Day
| Category | Rate (US $) | Season |
| Adults | USD 200 | July – December |
| Adults | USD 100 | January – June |
| Children | USD 50 | All year – round |
| Students | USD 50 | All year-round |
Citizens – Per Day
| Category | Rate (KSH) per person |
| Adults | KSH 3,000 |
| Children | KSH 1,000 |
| Students | KSH 1,000 |
Narok Residents – Per Day
| Category | Rate (KSH) per person |
| Adults | KSH 2,000 |
| Children (under 10 years of Age) | FREE |
| Children (Above 10 years of Age) | KSH 500 |
East African Residents Per Day
| Category | Rate (KSH) per person |
| Adults | KSH 4,500 |
| Children | KSH 2,000 |
| Students | KSH 2,000 |
Note: Daily Entry Fees in Maasai Mara National Reserve are valid from 6 am to 6 pm (12 hours’ basis)
- Additional Activities
A part from the standard Masai Mara Safari Package which usually includes transport from and back to Nairobi, safari game activities, accommodation and meals as well as the park entry fees. Some clients opt to include other activities like Maasai Village Visit, Hot Air Balloon Flight, Night Game drive (done outside the reserve), bush breakfasts and dinner, Nature walks and Guided safari walks as well as horse riding. These activities are quite exciting and enhance your tour but comes at an extra cost.
Hot Air Balloon ride price ranges from US$ 450 to US$ 500 per person depending on which camp or lodge you will fly from in Masai Mara.
Masai Village Visit price ranges from US$ 30 to US$ 50 per person and the cost is inclusive of return transfer from your overnight safari lodge or camp, services of an English speaking Driver – guide and village contribution fees.
- Other Factors
In addition to the above listed factors, there are other factors to consider when costing for your Masai Mara Safari such as Travel Visa, Insurance, International Flight Tickets, Tips, Laundry, Souvenirs, drinks and beverages.
In conclusion, with good planning our team can customize your Masai Mara Safari costs to meet your budget while still ensuring you have unforgettable Masai Mara Safari experience.
