Maasai Mara (Masai Mara) is located in southwest Kenya and is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves. Together with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, it forms Africa’s most diverse, incredible, and spectacular ecosystems and possibly the world’s top safari big game viewing ecosystem. It is named after the Maasai people, the traditional inhabitants of the region, and the Mara River, which flows through the reserve.
Maasai Mara is famous for its exceptional wildlife diversity and is home to a wide range of animal species. It is particularly known for its large populations of lions, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and wildebeests. The reserve is also a vital habitat for numerous bird species. One of the most remarkable natural spectacles that occurs in the Maasai Mara is the Great Migration. Each year, around July to October, millions of wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, migrate from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara in search of fresh grazing lands. This event attracts a significant number of tourists from all over the world.
Maasai Mara National Reserve offers a diverse landscape, ranging from open grasslands and acacia woodlands to riverine forests and picturesque rolling hills. The Mara River, with its crocodile-infested waters, is a critical feature of the ecosystem and provides a vital water source for wildlife during the dry season. The park is a protected area, managed by the Narok County Council and the local Maasai community. Conservation efforts aim to preserve the unique biodiversity and delicate balance of the ecosystem. Poaching, illegal hunting, and habitat destruction are ongoing challenges that conservationists strive to combat.
Maasai Mara is a significant tourist destination, offering exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can embark on guided safaris, both in vehicles and on foot, to observe the animals in their natural habitat. Balloon safaris, where tourists can float above the reserve, are also a popular activity, providing breathtaking views of the landscape and wildlife. The Maasai people have a deep cultural connection to the land and wildlife in the area. They have traditionally coexisted with the wildlife and continue to inhabit the region, maintaining their distinctive customs, dress, and lifestyle. Many lodges and camps in the Maasai Mara offer cultural experiences where visitors can learn about Maasai traditions and interact with the local community.
Masai Mara National Reserve 2024 Entrance Fees
Citizens
| Category | Charges |
| Adults | Ksh 3,000 |
| Children | Ksh 1,000 |
| Students | Ksh 1,000 |
Narok Residents
| Category | Charges |
| Adults | Ksh 2,000 |
| Children (under 10 years of Age) | FREE |
| Children (Above 10 years of Age) | Ksh 500 |
East African Residents
| Category | Charges |
| Adults | Ksh 4,500 |
| Children | Ksh 2,000 |
| Students | Ksh 2,000 |
Non-Residents (Accommodation inside the Park)
| Category | Charges | 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)
| Category | Charges | Season |
| Adults | USD 200 | July–December |
| Adults | USD 100 | January–June |
| Children | USD 50 | All year–round |
| Students | USD 50 | All year-round |
Vehicle Entry Fees
| Vehicle Capacity | Charges |
| 5 seats or less | Ksh 500 |
| 6 seats but less than 12 | Ksh 1,000 |
| 34 seats but less than 24 | Ksh 3,000 |
| 25 seats but less than 44 | Ksh 4,000 |
| 45 seats and above | Ksh 5,000 |
| Trucks | |
| 1 – 3 Tons | Ksh 700 |
| 4 – 7 Tons | Ksh 2,500 |
| 8 Tons and above | Ksh 3,500 |
Ranger Fees
| Activity | Charges |
| Game Drive (+6hrs) | Ksh 3,000 |
| Game Drive (-6hrs) | Ksh 1,500 |
| Full Night Camp Security | Ksh 4,000 |
Aircraft Single Landing Fees
| Aircraft Capacity | Landing Charges |
| Up To 3 Seats | Ksh 300 |
| 3 – 6 Seats | Ksh 500 |
| 7 – 14 Seats | Ksh 1,000 |
| 15 – 20 Seats | Ksh 2,000 |
| 21 Seats and above | Ksh 3,000 |
Other Activities Fees
| Category | Adult | Child |
| Ballooning Landing Fee | USD 50 | USD 20 |
| Horse Riding Fee | Ksh 1,500 | |
NOTE:
- Students must produce a valid student ID.
Carry your national ID, Passport or work permit. - Children rates apply to people above 3 years but below 18 years.
- Please note that the resident fees apply to residents of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi.
Daily Entry Fees in Maasai Mara National Reserve are valid from 6 am to 6 pm (12 hours basis) - Campers at private campsites must hire two rangers for night–time security. Rangers are transported to/from your campsite and food and accommodation for the rangers is not required.
- Landing Fees can be paid at the KAPS Office in Nairobi with cheques made payable to Mara Conservancy
Other conservancies and Game Ranches bordering Maasai Mara National Reserve such as Mara North Conservancy, Mara Naboisho, Olare Motorogi, Ol Kinyei & Enonkishu Conservancies.
| Kenyan Citizens | Charges |
| Adult | Ksh 1,000-2,000 |
| Child/Student | Ksh 300-1,000 |
| E.A Residents | Charges |
| Adult | Ksh 1,000-2,000 |
| Child | Ksh 500-1,500 |
| Non-Residents | |
| Adult | USD 80-120 |
| Child | USD 45-75 |
Maasai Mara National Reserve Contacts
Phone Number: +254 780 997742
Email: bookings@masaimaranationalreserve.co.ke or masaimaranationalreserve.co.ke
