Masai Mara Entrance Fee 2024 and How to Get There

Masai Mara National Reserve is a remarkable destination for wild adventures. Located in South-Western Kenya, it offers superb landscape scenery, diverse wildlife, and unmatched safari activities. The climate is equally favorable for year-round game viewing.

The famous Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the major attractions in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Understandably, Masai Mara is home to the Big Five and other species of wild animals. Lush plains, meandering rivers, and incredible flora blend well with the animals.

This guide explains the best time to visit Masai Mara, what to expect, and how to prepare for this amazing Kenyan safari.

Masai Mara National Reserve entrance fee

The entry fee for the Masai Mara National Reserve is as follows:

Category	Kenyan Citizen	Non-Resident	East African Resident
Adult	Ksh 3,000	US$ 200	Ksh 4,500
Child (3-11 year old)	Ksh 1,000	US$ 50	Ksh 2,000
Student	Ksh 1,000	US$ 50	Ksh 2,000

Note: Guests are required to prove their residence status at the park gate by presenting a National identity card, Passport, work permit, or appropriate visa. Visitors without a valid passport are required to pay the non-resident rates. No charges apply to children under 3.

Masai Mara also charges daily vehicles based on their capacity.

Vehicle capacity	Fees (Ksh)
Less than 6 seats	5,000
6-12 Seats	1,000
13-24 Seats	3,000
24-44 Seats	4,000
45 Seats and above	5,000

Rangers fee in Masai Mara is charged as follows:

Activity	Fee (Ksh)
Game Drive ( more than 6 hours)	3,000
Game Drive (less than 6 hours)	1,500
Full Night Camp Security	4,000

For more details, it’s important to contact Masai Mara National Reserve.

When is the best time to visit Masai Mara?

Masai Mara has pleasantly warm climates year round, albeit cooler in the evenings. Located just south of the Equator, the area lies between 4,875 and 7,052 ft. above sea level. Masai Mara receives both long and short rains in a year, which affects tourism behavior in the reserve.

The best time to visit Masai Mara is during the cool dry season from July to October. During this time of the year, vegetation cover is less for better viewing of the wildlife. Additionally, tracks are dry for better game drives and nature treks.

This long dry season also corresponds with the Great Migration, where about 2 million wildebeest, zebra, and other herbivores trek from the southern Serengeti in Tanzania to Maasi Mara in Kenya. The herds dramatically cross the crocodile-infested Mara River in quest for greener pasture.

With the high number of predators scattered across the reserve, you will witness lions, hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, and wild dogs staging attacks against the wildebeests, gazelle, and impala as their next meal. 

Visiting Masai Mara during this long dry season does have disadvantages. Tourists are extremely high in number during this time of the year. Crowds and numerous safari vehicles will be all over the reserve putting pressure on rates.

Masai Mara weather and climate

The weather in Masai Mara is generally mild. Days and nights are equal, each 12 hours. Daytime temperatures are slightly higher from October to March, reaching an average of 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit). Nights can get cooler, around 10°C (50 °F).

The Masai Mara reserve experiences both dry and wet seasons. The wet rainy season begins in November and goes on until May. However, the months of January and February have less rainfall. Days in this wet season are often overcast, with showers in the afternoon and chilly mornings.

November through December is a short rainy season. Average afternoon temperatures are 27°C (81°F). March, April and May are the wettest months in the region, with regular showers and chilly mornings at 13°C (55°F). During this period, tracks become muddy and slippery thus not easy to navigate.

The wet season brings lush landscapes and is a good time for birdwatching. The wildebeest migration is not as prominent during this time, but it’s a less crowded period. You can still see a variety of wildlife.

June to October is the dry season in Masai Mara National Reserve. Most days in this season remain sunny and dry with afternoon temperatures reaching 25°C (77°F). However, evenings and mornings get colder, with temperatures of around 12°C (54°F).

How to prepare for a Masai Mara Safari

Masai Mara National Reserve is a bustling place, especially during the Great Migration. Like any other safari, preparing well to enjoy your stay and wildlife watching is best. Beforehand, check the visa requirements for Kenya and obtain the necessary documents before your arrival.

Unlike the Nairobi National Park which is close to the city, Masi Mara is located in a remote area and there is a need to book your accommodation in advance. Most facilities are fully occupied during the peak season. It’s advisable to have cash in local currency (Ksh) on hand for remote areas.

While at the reserve, listen to and follow the instructions of your safari guide. Keep a safe distance from wildlife and avoid disturbing their natural behavior. Any incident must be reported immediately to the relevant authorities for appropriate action.

Masai Mara packing list

If you already know what to pack for a safari in Kenya, then you are already sorted for your trip to the Maasai Mara. Among the important things you need include the following:

• Lightweight and warm clothing. Mix long sleeves and pants to protect against insects.
• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals for relaxation.
• Binoculars for better wildlife viewing and a camera with extra batteries.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for protection against the sun.
• Chargers and power banks for your electronic devices.
• First aid kit that includes essentials like bandages, antiseptic ointment, pain relievers, insect repellent, and any personal prescription medications.

How to get to the Masai Mara Nation Reserve

Getting to Masai Mara usually involves traveling to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the major entry point. From there you can head to the reserve by road or by air. You can leave from the same terminus to one of the airstrips serving Maasai Mara.

Domestic airlines to this destination include SafariLink, AirKenya, and others. The flight duration is about 1 hour. You will land at one of the common airstrips serving Maasai Mara. It could be Keekorok, Musiara, Olkiombo, or any other depending on the airline you choose.

Traveling to Masai Mara by road from Nairobi is also an adventurous journey. You cut through jaw-dropping landscapes including the Great Rift Valley. You can hire a private vehicle or use a tour operator’s transportation. After visiting Mara, you can also connect to Lake Nakuru National Park for more wild experiences in the magical Kenya.

Many visitors to Maasai Mara opt for guided safari tours. The tour operators often arrange both air and road transfers. Self-drive is also an adoption but it’s best to have a local guide for easier navigation.

Where to stay in Masai Mara

 Although located in the wilderness, Masai Mara National Reserve has some of the best accommodation facilities in Africa. Tented camps and safari lodges are designed to blend into the surroundings but with a touch of luxury and comfort. Some of them are international award winners.

Some of the popular Lodges and Camps located inside the Masai Mara National Reserve include Sarova Mara Camp, Governors Camp, Mara Explorer Camp, Keekorok Lodge, Ol Moran Camp, Mara Intrepids Camp, Mara Leisure Camp, Mara Simba Lodge, Fig Tree Camp, and Sand River Masai Mara Camp.

Final Thought

Tourism conditions in the Masai Mara Reserve are generally mild year-round. So, the best time to visit depends on your preferences. If you want to witness the Great Migration, July to October is ideal. If you prefer a quieter experience, lush landscapes, and birdwatching, the wet season might be more suitable.