Masai Mara Park Fees 2025 - Updated Rates for Citizens, Residents & Tourists
- BeyondForest
- Mar 1
- 11 min read
Updated: May 30
By the end of this section you will have learnt
0.)History of Masai Mara
1.)Masai Mara Entrance Fees
3.)Masai Mara main Gates
5.)Best Time to Visit Masai Mara
6.)Cheapest Way to Visit Masai Mara
7.)List of animals in Masai mara
10.)Challenges facing Masai mara
Musiara Marsh – Home to big lion prides & elephants.
Great Migration Wonder: Over 1.5 million wildebeest, plus zebras and gazelles, migrate from Serengeti to Mara each year — one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most famous wildlife conservation areas in Africa, located in southwestern Kenya. It was established in 1961 as a wildlife sanctuary before being expanded into a national reserve in 1974.
Big Five Territory: Maasai Mara is home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos, making it a top Big Five destination in the world.
Named after the Maasai people, the indigenous inhabitants of the region, and the Mara River that runs through it, the reserve spans approximately 1,510 square kilometers, 373129.13 acres
The Maasai people, who have lived in the region for centuries, continue to play a significant role in the conservation of the park. They have a rich history of coexisting with wildlife, and their traditional semi-nomadic lifestyle has allowed them to preserve the ecosystem.
Early morning and late afternoon safaris provide the best photography opportunities at Maasai Mara
Masai Mara is world-renowned for its Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles move between Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and the Mara in search of fresh grazing land. This spectacular event is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
Home of the Maasai: The reserve is named after the Maasai people, indigenous semi-nomadic warriors known for their red clothing, beadwork, and livestock culture.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Tourists can float over the savannah at sunrise in hot air balloons, offering breathtaking views of wildlife and landscapes.
Over the years, conservation efforts have helped protect endangered species such as the black rhino and support community-based tourism initiatives
East African Residents (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan)
Kenyan Citizen | 500Ksh |
East African Resident | 1200Ksh |
Non-Residents | $100 |
Birthplace of the Lion King: The movie “The Lion King” was inspired by the scenery and wildlife of the Maasai Mara and Serengeti.
Children
200Ksh | |
East African Resident Children | 300Ksh |
$45 |
Over 450 Bird Species: It’s a paradise for birdwatchers — including secretary birds, lilac-breasted rollers, vultures, and more.
Is it safe to drive from Nairobi to Masai Mara?
Yes, it is safe to drive from Nairobi to Maasai Mara, especially during daylight hours. The roads are mostly accessible, with scenic views and stops along the way. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for rougher sections. Many tourists self-drive safely with basic travel precautions.
Which county is maasai mara located?
The Maasai Mara is located in Narok County, in southwestern Kenya. It borders Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and is part of the greater Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. Known for the Great Wildebeest Migration, rich wildlife, and Maasai culture, it’s one of Africa’s most famous safari destinations.
What is the best time to visit Masai Mara?
The best time to visit Masai Mara is from July to October, during the Great Wildebeest Migration. This period offers ideal wildlife viewing, including predators in action. The weather is dry, making game drives smoother.
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There are several ways to travel from Nairobi to Maasai Mara The cheapest is By Road which takes approximately 5 - 6 Hours2. while the other alternative is by Air which is a 1 Hour Flight Flights depart from Wilson Airport, Nairobi to airstrips in Masai Mara. Cost ranges from $200 - $400 per person (one-way). Available Airlines that provide the service include Safarilink, AirKenya, Governors’ Aviation.
Private Safari Vehicle: Costs $250 - $400 per vehicle. Self-Drive: Rent an SUV for $100 - $150 per day. Public Matatu & Taxi: Travel to Narok by Matatu (KES 500), then take a local taxi (KES 3,000 - 5,000) to the park.
How Much is a Game Drive in Masai Mara?
Game drive costs vary depending on the type of safari you choose .A Shared Safari landcruiser cost $50 - $80 per person for a half-day drive. Private Safari landcruiser cost $250 - $400 per vehicle (ideal for families or small groups). Luxury Game Drive cost $500 - $1,000 per vehicle. Night Game Drives (only in private conservancies) cost $80 - $150 per person.
The closest major city to Masai Mara is Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, located about 225 km away. Other nearby towns include Narok 110 km away The gateway town to Masai Mara. Bomet 130 km away Located to the west of the reserve. Kisii (170 km away) . A smaller town, ideal for travelers coming from western Kenya.
Masai Mara is divided into different regions, each offering a unique experience
1. Main Reserve
Best for first-time visitors and those who want to see the Great Migration. Has abundant wildlife and several luxury lodges and tented camps. Can be crowded during peak seasons.
2. Mara Triangle
A more exclusive and less crowded section of the park. Ideal for photographers due to breathtaking landscapes and open plains. Fewer tourists, making it perfect for private safaris.
3. Private Conservancies ( Olare Motorogi, Naboisho, Ol Kinyei)
Best for luxury and intimate safaris. Allow activities like night game drives, walking safaris, and off-road driving, which are not allowed in the main reserve. Fewer vehicles, ensuring a more immersive experience.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve has six entry gates that provide access to different parts of the park
Main entrance, closest to Nairobi via Narok. Best for central Maasai Mara.
Near Talek River, best for access to Talek River camps & central Mara.
Eastern side, best for accessing budget lodges.
Oloololo Gate
Located in the west, ideal for the Mara Triangle.
Musiara Gate
Near Musiara Marsh, great for lion sightings.
Sand River Gate
Southern border, used for crossing to Serengeti in Tanzania.
How to Pay Masai Mara Park Fees Online
Visitors can pay the park fees online via the eCitizen platform or directly through the Narok County Government portal.
Payment options include
Mpesa Paybill
Official Paybill number for Narok County.
:
Credit/Debit Card
Accepted at park gates and online.
Bank Deposit
Some safari operators pay on behalf of clients via bank transfer.
The best time to visit Masai Mara depends on what you want to experience:
The peak season is between July and October, when the Great Migration occurs. This is the most dramatic time to visit, as over 1.5 million wildebeests and zebras cross the Mara River, facing crocodile attacks and lion ambushes. Bird watching is best between November and April, when migratory birds arrive.
2. For General Wildlife Viewing (January - March, June - October)
January - March is a great time for predator sightings, as animals gather around water sources. June - October offers excellent visibility due to dry conditions, making it easier to spot the Big Five (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo).
1.)Mara Triangle
he Mara Triangle is the westernmost section of the Masai Mara National Reserve, covering 510 square kilometers. It is bordered by the Mara River to the east, the Oloololo Escarpment to the west, and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to the south. The Triangle is managed by the Mara Conservancy, making it one of the best-preserved parts of the Masai Mara.
This region is famous for hosting the Great Migration, where wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the crocodile-infested Mara River between July and October. It has one of the highest concentrations of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. Large elephant and buffalo herds also roam freely in this area.
Unlike the central Maasai Mara, the Mara Triangle has fewer tourists, providing a more exclusive safari experience. The landscape features vast grasslands, acacia woodlands, and riverine forests, creating a stunning backdrop for wildlife photography. .
Visitors can enter through the Oloololo Gate and stay in luxury lodges, tented camps, or community-run conservancies nearby. Activities include game drives, balloon safaris, and guided nature walks. The Mara Triangle is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic, less crowded safari experience in Kenya
Olare Motorogi Conservancy is a private wildlife conservancy bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Covering 35,000 acres, it is known for its high density of big cats, particularly lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The conservancy is home to some of the largest lion prides in the Maasai Mara ecosystem, making it a prime destination for predator sightings.
Unlike the main reserve, Olare Motorogi limits visitor numbers, ensuring an exclusive and eco-friendly safari experience. Only guests staying at the conservancy’s luxury camps can explore the area, which means fewer safari vehicles and more intimate wildlife encounters. The landscape features rolling grasslands, acacia woodlands, and seasonal streams, creating an ideal habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.
One of the key benefits of visiting Olare Motorogi is the ability to do night game drives, which are not allowed in the main Masai Mara. Visitors can also enjoy walking safaris, cultural visits to Maasai villages, and hot air balloon safaris. With its commitment to sustainable tourism and community involvement, Olare Motorogi offers a pristine, crowd-free safari experience while supporting local Maasai landowners.
Naboisho Conservancy is a private wildlife conservancy covering 50,000 acres in the greater Maasai Mara ecosystem. It was established to promote sustainable tourism and conservation while benefiting local Maasai communities. The name "Naboisho" means "coming together" in Maa, reflecting the partnership between Maasai landowners and conservationists.
The conservancy is home to a high density of predators, including one of the largest lion populations in the Mara. Leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and African wild dogs are also frequently seen. In addition, large herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes roam the open plains.
Unlike the main Maasai Mara National Reserve, Naboisho limits visitor numbers, ensuring an exclusive safari experience. Only guests staying in the conservancy’s luxury tented camps can explore its vast landscapes. Off-road game drives, night safaris, and walking safaris are allowed, offering unique wildlife encounters that are not possible in the main reserve.
Naboisho Conservancy is an excellent example of community-based conservation, where tourism revenue directly benefits the Maasai people.
Mara River – Great Migration crossings & large crocodiles.
Cheapest Way to Visit Masai Mara?
1. Join a Group Safari
Shared safaris cost $200 - $300 per person for a 3-day package (including transport, accommodation, and meals).
2. Travel by Public Transport
Use a Matatu (KES 500) to Narok, then a shared taxi to the park.
3. Stay in Budget Camps or Hostels
Budget camps cost $10 - $30 per night.Examples include Miti Mingi Eco Camp, Enchoro Wildlife Camp.
4. Bring Your Own Food & Drinks
Buying food in advance saves money since park lodges are expensive.
5. Visit During the Low Season
Park entry fees and accommodation rates are cheaper between April - June and November - December
The Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the famous Big Five and numerous other mammals, birds, and reptiles.
1. The Big Five
Lion
Maasai Mara has one of Africa's highest lion densities. Most ions can be spotted at Central Maasai Mara (Musiara, Olare Motorogi, Mara Triangle) in the early morning (6-9 AM) & evening (4-7 PM)
Leopard
Solitary and elusive, often seen resting in trees. and thick riverine forests such as Mara Riverand Talek River can be seen at dawn & dusk
Photo by @Hisham_Abz at Olare Motorogi Conservancy in the Maasai Mara.
Elephant
Large herds roam freely throughout the park, especially near the Mara River & Musiara Swamp can be seen all day, best in early morning
Buffalo
Can be seen in large groups around rivers and marshy areas. Morning & late afternoon
Rhinoceros
Rare, mainly found in the Mara Triangle & private conservancies such as Ol Kinyei and Naboisho).
Other Large Carnivores
Cheetah
Known for their speed, they prefer open grasslands. Can be spotted on open grasslands (Paradise Plains, Olare Orok Conservancy)during daytime, best at sunrise & late afternoon
Spotted Hyena
Efficient hunters and scavengers, often seen in clans seen across the Mara, especially near predator kills often seen in the early morning & evening
Black-backed Jackal
Frequently seen scavenging or hunting small prey. On open plains near migration route during dawn & dusk
Side-striped Jackal
More elusive than the black-backed jackal.
Serval Cat
A small, spotted wildcat known for its long legs.
Herbivores & Grazers
Giraffe (Masai giraffe)
The tallest land animal. Can be seen throughout the park, especially near acacia trees and can be spotted in the Morning & evening
Zebra (Plains zebra)
A staple of the Great Migration. Can be seen in Migration routes (Sand River, Mara River crossings) all day
Wildebeest
Over 1.5 million take part in the Great Migration.
Thomson's Gazelle
Small, fast antelope, common in open plains & riverbanks all day
Grant’s Gazelle
Slightly larger than Thomson’s gazelle.
Eland
The largest antelope species can be seen in Central & eastern Masai Mara in the Morning & late afternoon
Topi
A reddish-brown antelope with dark patches on its legs.
Hartebeest
A fast and durable antelope species.
Waterbuck
Found near water sources.
Impala
Agile and abundant in the Mara.
Bushbuck
A shy, forest-dwelling antelope.
Small Mammals
Warthog
Often seen running with their tails up.
Aardvark
Nocturnal and rarely seen.
Porcupine Nocturnal, covered in sharp quills.
Honey Badger
Small but extremely tough predator seen around riverbeds & campsites seen during Night drives
African Civet
Nocturnal, resembles a raccoon.
Mongoose (Banded & Dwarf species)
Seen in groups, hunting insects.
Reptiles & Amphibians
Nile Crocodile
Found in the Mara River & Sand River preying on wildebeest. During Midday (when sunbathing)
Monitor Lizard
Large, carnivorous lizard often found near Riverbanks & marshy areas during warm afternoons.
Puff Adder
A venomous snake commonly found in the grasslands ,bushy areas & termite mounds seen mostly at night
Black Mamba
One of Africa’s most feared snakes.
African Rock Python
The largest snake in Africa, non-venomous but powerful.
Leopard Tortoise
One of the "Little Five" animals of Africa.
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Birds (Notable Species)
Maasai Mara has over 500 bird species, including
Ostrich
The world’s largest bird.Can be spotted on Open plains near migration routes in the early morning
Secretary Bird
Hunts snakes on the ground. Spotted on Grasslands & open savannas in the morning
African Fish Eagle
Often seen near rivers. Often seen on the Mara River & Talek River in the morning
Marabou Stork
A scavenger, often seen with vultures on Scavenger sites & water bodies during midday
Lilac-breasted Roller
Kenya’s national bird. Can be spotted on Woodland & riverine forests all day
Vultures
Includes the Ruppel's griffon and white-backed vultures often seen near predator kills during midday
Nocturnal & Rarely Seen Animals
Caracal
A medium-sized wildcat with tufted ears. Seen on private conservancies such as Olare Motorogi and Mara Naboisho during Night drives
Aardwolf
A hyena-like insectivore seen on Grasslands & termite mounds. During Night drives
Bat-eared Fox
Small fox with large ears, feeds on insects. Spotted on open plains, especially in dry areas can be seen on early morning & night
Springhare
A rabbit-sized rodent that hops like a kangaroo.
Image of the Mara River
Mara River | The largest river, famous for wildebeest crossings. |
Talek River | A key river in the central Mara, near many campsites. |
Sand River | Southern border river, marking the boundary with Tanzania. |
Olare Orok River | Flows through Olare Motorogi Conservancy. |
Engare Ngobit River | A seasonal river in the eastern part of the reserve. |
List of Swamps & Marshes in Maasai Mara
Musiara Marsh | Known for large lion prides and elephants. |
Olpunyata Swamp | A seasonal swamp attracting hippos & birds. |
Kichwa Tembo Swamp | Near luxury lodges, home to buffalo & hippos. |
Image of Musiara Mash
Sheep killed by a Hyena back in 2017 at masai mara boma
Human-wildlife conflict | Livestock grazing & poaching near park boundaries. |
Climate change | Irregular rainfall affecting migration patterns. |
Deforestation | Loss of riverine forests along the Mara River. |
Over-tourism | Too many safari vehicles disturbing wildlife. |
Unregulated development | Many lodges & camps reducing natural habitat. |
Poaching | Rhino and elephant poaching, though reduced, remains a concern. |
Encroachment by settlements | Expansion of Maasai villages near park boundaries. |
Land-use conflicts | Disputes between local communities & conservation authorities. |
Limited benefit to locals | Many Maasai communities receive minimal revenue from tourism. |