When planning a safari in Maasai Mara, choosing the right meal plan is crucial to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience. The Mara is a remote wilderness area with limited restaurant options, so most travelers rely on lodges, tented camps, or self-catering setups for their meals. Below is a detailed guide on the different meal plans available in Maasai Mara and what to expect.
1. Half-Board (HB) – Breakfast & Dinner
What’s Included:
✔ Breakfast – Usually a buffet or plated meal with options like eggs, toast, fruit, cereals, tea, and coffee.
✔ Dinner – A multi-course meal with local and international dishes, often including soup, main course (meat, fish, or vegetarian options), and dessert.
What’s Excluded:
❌ Lunch – You’ll need to either buy lunch separately at the lodge/camp or bring a packed lunch if on a full-day game drive.
❌ Drinks (unless specified)
Best For:
✅ Travelers doing morning and evening game drives, who plan to return to camp for breakfast and dinner.
✅ Budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind arranging their own lunch.
✅ Those who want flexibility to try different meal options.
Pros:
✔ More affordable than Full-Board.
✔ Covers the most important meals of the day.
✔ Flexible for travelers who might spend lunchtime outside the camp.
Cons:
❌ Lunch is not included, so guests need to buy food at the lodge or arrange for a packed lunch before going on a long game drive.
❌ Not ideal for full-day safaris, as you may need to return to the lodge for lunch, reducing your game drive time.
2. Full-Board (FB) – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
What’s Included:
✔ Breakfast – As described above.
✔ Lunch – Can be a buffet or plated meal at the lodge or a packed lunch box for guests going on a full-day game drive.
✔ Dinner – A complete meal with different course options.
What’s Excluded:
❌ Drinks (unless stated otherwise)
Best For:
✅ Travelers doing full-day game drives, who need a packed lunch while exploring the park.
✅ Guests staying in remote areas where there are no other food options available.
✅ Safari-goers who prefer the convenience of having all meals pre-arranged.
Pros:
✔ No need to worry about meals, everything is covered.
✔ Packed lunch option allows for longer game drives.
✔ Saves money compared to buying meals separately.
Cons:
❌ Less flexibility – you must eat at the lodge or take their packed meals.
❌ More expensive than Half-Board.
3. Game Drive Meal Options (Packed Meals & Picnic Meals)
For travelers planning to spend the entire day in Maasai Mara, many lodges and camps offer packed or picnic meal options:
- Packed Breakfast – If you’re leaving early for a sunrise game drive, you can request a packed breakfast box instead of eating at the lodge.
- Packed Lunch – For full-day safaris, packed lunch is essential, as there are no restaurants inside Maasai Mara except at designated picnic sites near certain lodges.
- Picnic Bush Meals – Some high-end lodges offer private bush dining experiences, where meals are set up in the wild. This is a premium experience and must be pre-booked.
Packed Meal Prices in Maasai Mara:
- Packed Breakfast: Often included in Full-Board stays or costs $5–$20 per person.
- Packed Lunch: $15–$45 per person, depending on the camp/lodge.
- Picnic Bush Meal: Prices vary widely based on location and service.
4. All-Inclusive (AI) – Meals, Drinks & Extras
Some high-end lodges and luxury camps offer All-Inclusive meal plans, which cover:
✔ Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
✔ Snacks and refreshments throughout the day
✔ Soft drinks, tea, coffee, and in some cases, alcoholic beverages
✔ Special dining experiences like bush breakfasts or sundowners
Best For:
✅ Luxury safari travelers who want a stress-free experience.
✅ Guests who enjoy all meals, drinks, and experiences included in one price.
✅ Honeymooners or families staying at high-end lodges.
Pros:
✔ No extra costs for meals and drinks.
✔ Includes special experiences like bush dining or private meals.
✔ More relaxing and hassle-free.
Cons:
❌ Most expensive meal plan.
❌ Not available at all lodges.
5. Self-Catering (SC) – Cook Your Own Meals
Some campsites and budget-friendly accommodations offer self-catering options, where guests bring and cook their own food. These setups usually provide:
✔ A kitchen or cooking facilities
✔ Basic cooking gas, utensils, and dishes
✔ Access to fire pits or BBQ grills
Best For:
✅ Budget travelers & backpackers looking to save money.
✅ Overlanders & campers with their own supplies.
✅ Long-term stays where eating at a lodge daily is costly.
Pros:
✔ Most affordable meal option.
✔ Full control over what and when to eat.
✔ Perfect for groups who can split cooking duties.
Cons:
❌ Requires bringing food supplies in advance.
❌ No refrigeration at most campsites.
❌ Can be inconvenient after a long day on safari.
How to Choose the Right Meal Plan for Your Safari
- Consider Your Safari Itinerary:
- Full-day game drives? → Full-Board (includes packed meals).
- Morning and evening safaris? → Half-Board (lunch can be flexible).
- Budget camping? → Self-Catering (cook your own food).
- Check Your Lodge/Camp Dining Options:
- Some lodges offer set menus, while others have buffet-style dining.
- If staying at a remote camp, having Full-Board is recommended since dining options outside are unavailable.
- Think About Your Budget:
- Half-Board saves money if you’re open to arranging lunch separately.
- Self-Catering is the cheapest option for budget travelers.
- All-Inclusive is ideal for luxury travelers who want a worry-free experience.
- Look at Meal Quality & Dietary Needs:
- Some lodges offer custom meal options (vegan, gluten-free, etc.).
- Higher-end lodges usually provide better meal variety and fresher ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Meal Plans in Maasai Mara
1. Can I customize my meals if I have dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free)?
Yes, most lodges and camps in Maasai Mara can accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and halal meals. However, it is important to notify your lodge in advance to ensure they have the necessary ingredients.
2. Are drinks included in meal plans?
In most lodges and camps, drinks are not included in Half-Board and Full-Board plans unless stated otherwise.
- Water, tea, and coffee are often included during meal times.
- Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and bottled water may be charged separately.
- All-Inclusive packages often include a selection of drinks (sometimes alcoholic) at no extra cost.
3. Do lodges provide drinking water, or should I bring my own?
Most lodges provide filtered or bottled drinking water, but it’s always a good idea to carry your own reusable water bottle. Some lodges refill bottles to reduce plastic waste. Bottled water for safaris can be purchased at the lodge or brought from Nairobi.
4. How early is breakfast served before a morning game drive?
Breakfast times vary by lodge, but typically:
- Buffet or plated breakfast is served from 6:30 AM – 9:00 AM.
- For early game drives (before sunrise), many lodges offer a light pre-safari breakfast (tea/coffee, toast, fruit).
- Guests can also request a packed breakfast box if leaving before 6:30 AM.
5. Can I have lunch at the lodge if I choose Half-Board?
Yes, you can order lunch separately if staying on a Half-Board plan, but it will be charged as an à la carte meal, which can be expensive at some lodges. If you plan to eat at the lodge frequently, Full-Board may be more cost-effective.
6. Can I get snacks between meals?
Most lodges do not include snacks in their meal plans, but some offer light bites, fruit, or biscuits with afternoon tea. If you enjoy snacking, bring your own packaged snacks (e.g., nuts, protein bars, dried fruit) since buying snacks in the Mara can be costly.
7. Are bush dinners or private dining experiences available?
Yes, many lodges offer special bush dining experiences, including:
- Bush breakfast: A full breakfast set up in a scenic outdoor location.
- Sundowner drinks: Cocktails or wine served during sunset in the wild.
- Bush dinner: A candlelit dinner under the stars, often with Maasai entertainment.
These experiences must be booked in advance and may cost extra, depending on the lodge.
8. Can I cook my own meals in lodges or tented camps?
Most standard lodges and luxury camps do not allow guests to cook, as they have in-house chefs. However, self-catering campsites and budget lodges provide shared kitchen facilities where guests can prepare their own meals using provided gas cookers and utensils.
9. Do I need to tip the chef or restaurant staff?
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in Maasai Mara. A general guideline:
- Waitstaff: $1–$5 per meal
- Chef (if meals were customized or service was exceptional): $5–$10 per stay
- General lodge staff: A group tip of $5–$10 per day can be shared among staff
Many lodges have a communal tip box, so guests can contribute at the end of their stay instead of tipping individuals.
10. Can I request a packed lunch even if I’m on a Half-Board plan?
Yes, packed lunches can be arranged, but they usually come at an extra cost. If you’re going on a full-day safari, it’s best to book Full-Board so lunch is included. Otherwise, check with your lodge on the pricing for a packed meal.
11. How long does a typical meal service take?
- Buffet meals are quicker, allowing guests to serve themselves.
- À la carte meals (especially dinner) can take 30–45 minutes to be prepared.
- If you’re on a tight schedule (e.g., heading for a safari), it’s best to order in advance to avoid delays.
12. Can I request room service for meals?
Some high-end lodges and luxury camps offer room service, but most standard lodges and budget camps do not. If room service is important to you, confirm with your lodge before booking.
13. Is it safe to eat salads and raw vegetables at lodges?
Most reputable lodges wash and prepare fresh vegetables safely, but if you have a sensitive stomach, it’s best to:
- Eat cooked vegetables instead of raw.
- Avoid tap water (even for brushing teeth).
- Drink bottled or filtered water only.
14. Can I bring my own food and drinks to the lodge?
This depends on the lodge’s policy:
- Self-catering lodges allow guests to bring and prepare their own meals.
- Luxury and mid-range lodges usually don’t allow outside food or drinks, but some may allow guests to bring alcoholic beverages.
- Many lodges charge corkage fees for bringing outside wine or spirits.
15. What types of cuisine are commonly served in Maasai Mara lodges?
Most lodges offer a mix of:
- International dishes (e.g., pasta, grilled meats, curries)
- Local Kenyan cuisine (e.g., nyama choma, ugali, sukuma wiki)
- Vegetarian and vegan options
- Indian, Asian, and Mediterranean influences (depending on the lodge)
The variety depends on whether the lodge offers buffet or à la carte dining.
16. What is the best meal plan for a 3–4 day safari in Maasai Mara?
For most visitors, Full-Board is the best option, as it:
✔ Covers all meals, including packed lunch for full-day safaris.
✔ Saves time and effort trying to arrange meals separately.
✔ Ensures availability of food, especially in remote areas with no nearby restaurants.
If you prefer flexibility, Half-Board is good, but you’ll need to plan for lunch separately.
17. How do meal times work with early morning and late afternoon game drives?
Most lodges adjust meal times to fit safari schedules:
- Breakfast: Served early (6:30 AM), with an option for a packed breakfast if leaving earlier.
- Lunch: Available from 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM, or a packed lunch can be arranged.
- Dinner: Served between 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, allowing time to freshen up after evening game drives.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right meal plan for your Maasai Mara safari depends on your budget, itinerary, and food preferences. Full-Board is the most practical choice for safari-goers spending full days in the park, while Half-Board suits those on a flexible schedule. Self-Catering is best for campers, and All-Inclusive is perfect for luxury travelers looking for an effortless experience.
Whatever your choice, make sure your meals are planned in advance, as food options in Maasai Mara are limited once inside the reserve!