Plan for your Kenya Masai Mara safari tours the right way. Our safaris to Masai Mara are well crafted and organized in a way that it simply gives you the best of the reserve. The heavenly Masai Mara National Reserve is located in Africa, specifically in Kenya; and is a common destination for Kenya safaris.
It showcases iridescent blues on the wings of various birds, such as Schalow’s turaco, African emerald cuckoo, as well as other birds like shoebill, African cuckoo, Ross’s turaco, herons, egrets, and more. The park is home to various wildlife species, including carnivores, herbivores, and reptiles. See our top Masai Mara safaris and tours below.
Masai Mara National Park originally covered only 520 square kilometers in 1961, which included the Mara Triangle.
In the same year, it rapidly expanded to encompass the eastern part, totaling 1821 square kilometers.
This expansion led to its official recognition as a National Reserve in 1974.
However, to establish peace with the local Masai people, the Reserve later returned part of the land it had acquired, reducing its size to 1510 square kilometers by 1984.
The name 'Masai Mara' pays homage to the local Masai people, who are the indigenous inhabitants of the land.
Unlike other African tribes, the Masai maintain strong cultural ties, which are often referred to as primitive, including distinctive attire and body adornments with beads.
Masai Mara Entry Fees
Zebras & Wildebeests in Masai Mara
Access to the park requires an entry fee, which varies depending on visitor status, with the following rates: Non-resident adults: US$100-200, children: US$45-75, Kenyan Shillings: KSh1000-2000 (Valid from 6 am to 6 pm).
Visitors staying outside the park pay US$200 per adult for 12 hours and US$100 per child under the age of 12.
The payment process is straightforward, as Masai Mara National Reserve accepts cash in both US dollars and Kenyan shillings.
At the Mara Triangle's western side, Visa/MasterCard or M-Pesa Mobile Money are also accepted.
Additional fees, such as vehicle fees, camping fees, and ranger fees, may apply.
Vehicle Entry Fees:
Safari vehicles with less than 6 seats: Ksh 400
Safari vehicles with 6-12 seats: Ksh 1000
Safari vehicles with 13-24 seats: Ksh 3000
Safari vehicles with 24-44 seats: Ksh 4000
Safari vehicles with 45 seats and above: Ksh 5000
Trucks with 1-3 tons: Ksh 700
Trucks with 4-7 tons: Ksh 2500
Trucks with 8 tons and above: Ksh 3500
There are numerous activities to explore once you enter the park, including:
Game Drive Fees:
Guided by game rangers, these drives are organized in different time slots and have associated fees.
Game drive +6 hours: Ksh 3000
Game drive -6 hours: Ksh 1500
Full night camp security: Ksh 4000 It's mandatory to have at least two game rangers for security purposes.
Camping Fees:
Camping in Masai Mara includes campfires.
Guidelines are typically provided at the campsite, such as not approaching animals without the guidance of the provided game ranger, avoiding the feeding of animals, and prohibiting unnecessary noise, which may disrupt wildlife and their routines.
It's recommended to pack drinking water, as rainwater in the reserve is not always safe to consume, as well as insect repellent due to the presence of potentially dangerous African insects and a jacket, among other items.
Fees vary, including:
Non-resident public campsite: Adults - US$30, Children - US$20, Students - US$20
Non-resident private campsite: Adults - US$40, Children - US$20, Students - US$20
East African residents public campsite: Adults - Ksh 1000, Children - Ksh 200, Students - Ksh 200
East African residents private campsite: Adults - Ksh 1500, Children - Ksh 500, Students - Ksh 500
Transportation in and out of the park is primarily facilitated through road and air options, both of which have their advantages.
Road transport allows for enjoyable stopovers at different markets, where tourists can interact with local communities.
Air transport offers stunning views of the region and is considered the fastest way to reach the park.
The nearest airports to Masai Mara National Park are Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport in Nairobi.
The park offers numerous attractions, including the Great Wildebeest Migration, horseback safaris led by park rangers, Mara River, and more.
Whether you're drawn by magnificent wildlife, a diverse array of forms and colors, a rich variety of life including birds, insects, reptiles, and mammals, Masai Mara is indeed the epicenter of adventure.
A Detailed Guide for Booking Masai Mara Safaris
Zebras in Masai Mara National Reserve
Straddling the northeastern border with Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, the 1,510 sq.km Masai Mara is unquestionably Kenya's most popular safari destination.
It is the country's most splendid conservation area, boasting mosaic rolling hills, vast grasslands, and acacia woodlands where a vast concentration of wildlife thrives.
The Masai Mara is sometimes spelled as Maasai Mara or simply The Mara.
It is a magical and expansive national reserve located in the southwest of Kenya along the Great Rift Valley in Narok County.
The Mara reserve takes its name from the Maasai people, the renowned ancestral occupants of the area who migrated from the Nile basin.
The Mara was gazetted in 1961 and initially established as a wildlife sanctuary, covering only 520 sq.kms of land area.
It later became a game reserve in 1974 and, to this day, encompasses an impressive 1,510 sq.kms of land area at an elevation ranging from 1,500 to 2,180 meters.
Location of Masai Mara
Zebra in the Masai Mara Plains
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is an extensive nature reserve, and its total conservation area within the Greater Maasai Mara Eco-system covers 1,510 sq.kms.
The northernmost region of the Mara-Serengeti Eco-system spans about 25,000 sq.kms, encompassing parts of Tanzania and Kenya.
Located in southwestern Kenya, Narok County, the reserve is bordered by the Serengeti to the north, east, and west.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is traversed by three beautiful rivers: Talek, Sand, and Mara Rivers. It is renowned for its distinctive landscape, characterized by open grasslands and seasonal riverlets.
In the southeastern part of the reserve, you'll find distinct acacia trees, while the western border features the Esoit Escarpment of the East African Rift.
This is the area where the rift system stretches for about 5,600 kms from the Red Sea in Ethiopia through Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, and into Mozambique.
It's also the region where many wildlife species thrive.
The easternmost part of Maasai Mara extends 224 kms from Nairobi, making it one of the most explored areas by holidaymakers on Kenya safaris in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Wildlife Safaris in Masai Mara
Wildlife Safaris in Masai Mara
When it comes to magical wildlife safari destinations, there's no place quite like the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
This nature reserve is home to a vast array of savanna wildlife species, including not only the big game but also the unique wildebeest that migrate from the Serengeti plains of Tanzania.
The reserve's most sought-after species include African bush lions, Cape buffaloes, leopards, elephants, and black and white rhinoceros.
In addition to the big game and wildebeests, the Maasai Mara also harbors several other animals, including zebras, hippos, Thomson's gazelles, topis, bat-eared foxes, jackals, Masai giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, servals, and crocodiles. The antelope families include roan antelopes, impalas, grant's gazelles, hartebeests, duikers, and more.
Birding Safaris in Masai Mara
Birding Safaris in Masai Mara
The Maasai Mara Reserve is home to over 500 avifaunal species that inhabit its diverse habitats, making it a good place for birding safaris in Kenya.
Some of the incredible bird species you can expect to spot in the reserve include the Southern ground hornbill, Jackson's bustards, African pygmy falcons, Pel's fishing owls, long-crested eagles, lilac-breasted rollers, secretary birds, marabou storks, ostriches, little bee-eaters, Denham's bustards, super starlings, Ross's turacos, grey kestrels, guinea fowls, and others.
Activities - Top Things to Do in Masai Mara
The Wildebeest Migration
Below are some of the top things to do in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Witnessing the Wildebeest Migration
The Mara Reserve is a favorite destination for holidaymakers, primarily for witnessing the wildebeest migration.
Over 1.5 million wildebeests and other grazers cross from the Serengeti Plains of Tanzania to the Masai Mara, especially around July to August.
1. Game Drives
Enjoying a game drive in the Masai Mara Reserve is a thrilling experience.
You can opt for a full-day game drive, half-day, or even a night game drive.
During these drives, holidaymakers have the opportunity to encounter a variety of wildlife and bird species.
Some of the fascinating fauna and avifauna species you may encounter in the Mara Reserve include wildebeests, lions, Thompson's gazelles, warthogs, buffaloes, leopards, topis, hyenas, elands, oribis, Masai giraffes, and cheetahs.
Bird enthusiasts will also spot a diverse range of species like lilac-breasted rollers, marabou storks, crowned cranes, hornbills, vultures, African pygmy falcons, and long-crested eagles.
2. Bird Watching
With an estimated population of over 500 avifaunal species, the Mara Reserve is an incredible birding destination.
Birdwatchers will be delighted by the diversity of bird species waiting to be spotted on their Kenyan safari.
These include ostriches, African pygmy falcons, black-bellied Hartlaub's bustards, red-winged Schawlow's turacos, Jackson's bustards, Pel's fishing owls, little bee-eaters, Kori bustards, grey kestrels, Ross's turacos, Southern ground hornbills, and Denham's bustards.
3. Guided Nature Walks
Nature walks provide another fantastic option for holidaymakers in the Masai Mara Reserve to explore and experience the wonders of this protected area.
You can embark on a nature walk after or before a game drive or as an independent activity during your Kenyan safari in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
4. Cultural and Community Walks
The Masai Mara safari offers tourists the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Maasai community's culture and traditions.
Visitors can interact with local Maasai residents, learn about their lifestyles, traditions, enjoy traditional music performances, and more.
5. Hot Air Balloon Tours
The Mara safaris offer holidaymakers the chance to experience the breathtaking landscapes of the reserve from above.
Morning tours often include a picnic breakfast and champagne, while evening tours provide stunning sunset views.
6. Camping
Camping is an excellent way for holidaymakers on Kenyan safaris to connect with nature, relax, and rejuvenate.
There are numerous amazing campsites that offer a memorable camping experience in the Masai Mara.
Camping allows you to immerse yourself in the wilderness, providing an up-close and personal experience with nature.
It's a perfect opportunity to unwind and appreciate the beauty of the Masai Mara.
Enjoy your Masai Mara adventure!
Best Time to Visit Masai Mara
The Mara Plains
The Maasai Mara National Reserve welcomes Kenya holidaymakers year-round due to its favorable weather and climatic conditions.
However, the most ideal time to enjoy a Maasai Mara safari is during the dry months, which occur from June to October and again from late November to February.
These dry months are highly recommended for both game drives and witnessing the wildebeest migration in the Mara.
Accommodation - Where to Stay in Masai Mara
The Governors II Moran Camp in Masai Mara National Reserve
Going further into the details, Masai Mara National Reserve offers the best accommodations that visitors may find hard to leave.
They provide excellent facilities with clean bathrooms, private balconies for stargazing, ample parking, stylish restaurants, and more.
Accommodations range from luxury (suiting guests with a higher budget), midrange (for those with a moderate budget), and more humble options.
These include Mara Olapa Camp, Mara Intrepids Tented Camp, Mara Maisha Camp, Olare Mare Kempinski Masai Mara, Fairmont Mara Safari Club, Base Camp Masai Mara, Spirit of Masai Mara, Sarova Mara Game Camp, Muthu Keekorok Lodge, Enchoro Wildlife Camp, Drunk Elephant Mara, Entumoto Safari Camp, Mara Olapa Camp, Mara Eden Safari Camp, Mara River Camp, Maji Moto Eco Camp, Prideinn Mara Camp, Fig Tree Camp, Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Little Governor's Camp, Olarro Lodge, Jambo Mara Safari Lodge, Lorian Safari Camp, Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, Kandili Camps, and Julia's River Camp, among others.
