Masai Mara National Park
You have questions about going on a safari in the Masai Mara National Reserve or its conservancy areas? Next, we will cover all the common question we get about Masai Mara safaris. But first, here is how to reach us to start booking your Masai Mara Trip.
How To Book Masai Mara Packages from India with Us
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Getting to Masai Mara & Conservancies
Getting to the Masai Mara National Reserve is easy by flights or driving. Most tourists begin their trip from Nairobi, with flights taking about an hour to 2.5 hours to nearby airstrips. Driving options include transfers, self-drives, or guided safaris through entry gates like Sekenani and Oloololo. The reserve’s easy access makes it a top place to see Kenya’s wildlife and amazing landscapes.
WHAT WILDLIFE CAN I EXPECT TO SEE IN THE MASAI MARA?
The Masai Mara is renowned for its incredible wildlife diversity, making it a photographer’s paradise. As you explore the reserve, you can expect to see an array of iconic species, including the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinoceros. The Mara is also home to an abundance of antelopes, gazelles, and wildebeests, which migrate in large herds across the reserve. The Mara River, which runs through the reserve, is a haven for hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
During the Great Migration, which typically takes place between July and August, the reserve is filled with an estimated 1.5 million wildebeests, 200,000 zebras, and 300,000 Thomson’s gazelles. This spectacle is a lifetime experience, offering unparalleled opportunities for wildlife photography. The reserve’s diverse landscapes, from grasslands to woodlands, provide a unique backdrop for capturing the intricate patterns and behaviors of the wildlife.
ARE THERE PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS AVAILABLE?
Yes, there are numerous photography tours available in the Masai Mara, catering to both amateur and professional photographers. These tours are led by experienced guides and photographers who possess in-depth knowledge of the reserve’s wildlife and habitats. They will help you create stunning images, providing expert advice on composition, lighting, and technique.
Some popular photography tour options include:
Guided game drives: Explore the reserve in a specially designed vehicle, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will help you track and photograph the wildlife.
Balloon safaris: Experience the reserve from a unique perspective, floating above the treetops in a hot air balloon and capturing breathtaking aerial shots.
Walking safaris: Embark on a guided walking tour, getting up close and personal with the wildlife and capturing intimate moments.
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, the Masai Mara offers a wealth of opportunities to capture stunning images and create lifelong memories.
HOW DO I GET TO THE MASAI MARA?
The simplest way to reach the Masai Mara National Reserve is by flying to one of the nearby airstrips. You can also drive there by car: either by transfer, self-drive, or as part of a guided safari. Most trips start from Nairobi, Kenya’s busy capital city. Read more on our guide on ‘getting to Masai Mara‘.
WHAT ARE THE OPENING TIMES OF MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE?
The Masai Mara access gates (Sekenani, Talek, Oloolaimutiek, Musiara, Oloololo) open at 6:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM. We suggest arriving before 3:00 PM to reach your Masai Mara camp or lodge in time.
WHAT ARE THE ENTRANCE FEES OR PARK FEES FOR THE MASAI MARA?
The entry fees used to be $80 per adult per day, but these fees are subject to change without prior notice. If you stay at a safari camp or lodge within the national reserve, it used to be $70 per person per day. Fees for the Masai Mara conservancies range between $80 and $120 per person per day. We include entry and conservation fees in our bookings. Children get reduced rates.
Starting January 1, 2024, the Narok County Council has updated the entry fees for the Masai Mara National Reserve.
From January 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024, adults pay $100 per day, and children aged 9 to 17 years pay $50 per day. From July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, adults pay $200 per day, with the child rate staying at $50 per day. According to the 12-hour rule, guests leaving the reserve after 10:00 AM or doing a morning activity on their departure day will pay an extra day’s entry fee.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FLY TO THE MASAI MARA?
Most Masai Mara safaris commence from Wilson Airport (WIL) in Nairobi. Travelers can envision themselves gliding over the mesmerizing landscapes during a flight to one of the Masai Mara airstrips, with flight durations ranging from an hour to 2.5 hours, contingent upon the selected airstrip. It’s important to note that these flights may include up to three landings, as they frequently make multiple stops. Departure schedules and routes are adaptable, aligning with the traveler’s preferences and local weather conditions. For further information, explore the detailed guide on flights to Masai Mara.
I WOULD LIKE TO DRIVE. WHERE SHOULD I ACCESS THE MASAI MARA?
Masai Mara National Reserve has several entry gates, the main ones being: Sekenani Gate, Talek Gate, Oloolaimutiek Gate, Musiara Gate, and Oloololo Gate. Your entry gate depends on the Masai Mara safari camp where you’ll be staying. Sand River gate is currently closed.
HOW DO I GET FROM THE MASAI MARA TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK?
Going from the Masai Mara to the Serengeti National Park is a bit tricky since the Bologonya border crossing is closed. We suggest flying instead of driving. The airstrips in the Mara don’t have border facilities, so it takes a bit of time.
There are two ways to fly: The first way involves a road trip between Migori in Kenya and Tarime in Tanzania to get through immigration, but this is only available during the busy season and needs at least two people. The second way is easier. You fly from the Mara to Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL), then catch another flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). This option doesn’t need a road trip between airstrips, and you can even spend a night in Nairobi before heading to Tanzania.
About Masai Mara National Reserve & Conservancies
The Masai Mara National Reserve is in Narok County, Kenya, and is famous worldwide for its amazing animals and beautiful views. It’s a photographer’s paradise with big animals like lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos. It also hosts the annual wildebeest migration, where big groups of animals cross the Mara River.
Visitors can go on exciting game drives, take hot air balloon safaris, and meet the Maasai people. The reserve’s wide-open plains and different ecosystems make it a perfect place to see wildlife all year long, offering an amazing experience for tourists looking for adventure and fun.
WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE MASAI MARA?
The Masai Mara National Reserve is 1,510 square kilometers big, which is approximately 583 square miles. It doesn’t have fences and shares an open border with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and several nearby conservancy areas. The whole Mara-Serengeti ecosystem is about 30,000 square kilometers, or 12,000 square miles, which is roughly the size of Belgium.
WHEN WAS THE MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE STATUS ESTABLISHED?
The Masai Mara National Reserve was set up in 1961, but it wasn’t a national reserve at first. It started as a wildlife sanctuary and later became a game reserve. At the beginning, the area covered about 520 square kilometers and was later expanded to 1,821 square kilometers.
Visitors are encouraged to report any incidents where park rules are being broken to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Changes in how the land is used, where people live, and tourism have affected the animals and conservation efforts in the Maasai Mara. It became a National Reserve in 1974, and 159 square kilometers of land was given back to the local Maasai communities. In 1976, another 162 square kilometers was removed, making it the current size of 1,510 square kilometers. The conservancy areas around the Masai Mara were mostly set up in the 2000s. It’s important to have a peaceful co-existence between people and wildlife in the Maasai Mara to solve conflicts and support conservation.
WHAT IS THE MASAI MARA FAMOUS FOR IN TERMS OF WILDLIFE?
The Masai Mara is famous for its incredible wildlife and scenery. You might have seen it in wildlife documentaries or on National Geographic. It’s known for its rolling hills and big cats like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, as well as the Great Wildebeest Migration.
From July to October, large groups of about 1.5 million wildebeest, 300,000 gazelles, and 200,000 zebras move from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara looking for fresh grass. This attracts many big cats, making it a popular spot for wildlife films. You might have seen the famous cats in BBC’s ‘Big Cat Diary’ or ‘Dynasties.’
WHAT DOES MASAI MARA MEAN IN ENGLISH?
The name Masai Mara comes from the Maa language. The word “mara” means “spotted” or “mottled” and describes the Mara’s landscape dotted with trees. These patterns are also seen in the unique spot patterns on cheetahs and the Maasai people’s traditional patterned shukas and beadwork. Maa is the local Maasai language.
Staying in Masai Mara National Reserve & Conservancies
The Masai Mara National Reserve has many lodges and camps where visitors can stay. Places like Mara Serena Safari Lodge and Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp offer cozy spots to rest after exciting safaris. Guests can enjoy watching animals like lions and elephants right from their lodges. Some lodges are near famous places, such as Leopard Gorge and the Oloololo Escarpment. Staying at these lodges is a great way to explore the amazing wildlife and beautiful landscapes of the Masai Mara. Visitors can also learn about the local Maasai people and their culture during their stay.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE MASAI MARA IN AUGUST?
The Masai Mara is great for wildlife viewing all year round. But the best period to visit is from July to October during the Great Migration. It’s a busy time, so accommodation is more expensive. If you’re on a budget, consider visiting during the shoulder or low season, also known as
