The short answer
- Nights
- 2 to 4
- From Nairobi
- 5 to 6 hours by road, about 45 to 60 min by air
- Fee
- US$100 (Jan to Jun), US$200 (Jul to Dec)
- Best for
- Big cats and the Great Migration
The Masai Mara is the northern end of the Serengeti ecosystem: rolling grassland dotted with acacias, home to some of Africa's densest populations of lions, cheetahs and leopards. The national reserve is ringed by private conservancies on Maasai land, which offer a different, quieter kind of safari.
Reserve or conservancy?
Which suits you?
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- Lowest cost: The national reserve
- Budget and mid range camps near the gates, on most group safaris from Nairobi.
- Seeing river crossings: The reserve or the Mara Triangle
- Stay near the Mara River in August and September for the best chance.
- Quiet and exclusive: A private conservancy
- Few vehicles, walking safaris and night drives, with crossings a short drive away.
- First safari with children: A conservancy or a lodge near the gate
- Shorter drives, walks with a guide and more flexible game drive times.
| National reserve | Private conservancies | |
|---|---|---|
| Crowds | Busy at big sightings, especially July to October | Few vehicles, often a limit of five per sighting |
| Night drives and walks | Not allowed | Usually offered |
| Off road driving | Not allowed | Allowed with care to reach sightings |
| River crossings | On the doorstep | A drive of about 30 to 60 minutes |
| Price | Lowest, with many budget camps | Higher, mostly small mid range to luxury camps |
| Who benefits | Fees go to the county | Lease fees go to Maasai landowners |
Getting there
- By road: About 5 to 6 hours from Nairobi, with a stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint. The last stretch is bumpy. Most group safaris drive.
- By air: Light aircraft fly from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to airstrips across the Mara in about 45 to 60 minutes. Luggage is usually limited to about 15 kg in soft bags.
How many nights?
- 2 nights: The minimum, giving one full day of game drives. This is the classic 3 day Masai Mara safari.
- 3 nights: More relaxed, with time for a full day near the river or a balloon flight.
- 4 nights or more: Best in migration season, or to split your stay between the reserve and a conservancy.
Things to do
- Game drives: Early morning and late afternoon drives are best for cats; full day drives with a picnic lunch reach the river.
- Hot air balloon: About an hour floating over the plains at dawn, followed by a bush breakfast. About US$500 per person.
- Maasai village visit: Learn about Maasai life and culture. Ask your camp which visits are run with the community.
- Walking safari: Offered in the conservancies with a Maasai guide and an armed ranger.
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Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in the Masai Mara?
Two nights is the minimum for one full day of game drives. Three or four nights is better, especially from July to October.
Is it better to fly or drive to the Masai Mara?
Flying saves about 10 to 12 hours of driving there and back and gives more time on safari, but costs more. Driving is cheaper and most group safaris go by road.
How much is the Masai Mara entry fee?
For non resident adults, US$100 a day from January to June and US$200 a day from July to December. Children aged 9 to 17 pay less.
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