Planning a Masai Mara safari requires understanding the costs involved, from transportation and park fees to accommodation and activities. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly adventure, a mid-range experience, or a luxury safari, this guide breaks down Masai Mara safari costs and helps you plan your budget wisely.
1. Masai Mara All-Inclusive Safaris: What’s Included in Premium Packages?
All-inclusive safari packages simplify the planning process by covering most expenses upfront. These packages typically include:
✔ Accommodation (luxury lodge, tented camp, or budget camp).
✔ Park entrance fees ($100 per person/day in low season, $200 in high season).
✔ Meals (full-board: breakfast, lunch, dinner).
✔ Daily game drives in a 4×4 Land Cruiser (shared or private).
✔ Professional safari guide (KPSGA-certified for expert wildlife tracking).
✔ Transportation (round-trip from Nairobi via road or flight).
✔ Bottled drinking water during game drives.
❌ Not included: Flights from your home country, personal expenses, tips, travel insurance, optional activities (hot air balloon safaris, Maasai village visits).
💰 Cost Range:
- Budget all-inclusive safari: $350 – $600 per person (3 days).
- Mid-range all-inclusive safari: $1,000 – $2,000 per person (4-5 days).
- Luxury all-inclusive safari: $2,500+ per person (4-5 days).
2. Masai Mara 3-Day Safari Package (Sample Itinerary & Pricing)
A 3-day safari is the most popular choice for visitors who want a short but action-packed adventure.
Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & First Game Drive
- Depart Nairobi (drive or fly to Masai Mara).
- Arrive at lodge/camp and have lunch.
- Afternoon game drive (4:00 PM – 6:30 PM) – Spot lions, elephants, buffaloes.
- Sundowner at Lookout Hill & dinner at the lodge.
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive
- Sunrise game drive (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM) – Best time to see predators hunting.
- Breakfast in the bush.
- Mid-morning game drive (track leopards and rhinos at Rhino Ridge).
- Picnic lunch in the savanna.
- Afternoon game drive near the Mara River (seasonal wildebeest crossings).
- Evening at the lodge with fireside Maasai storytelling.
Day 3: Final Game Drive & Departure
- Early morning game drive for any missed Big Five sightings.
- Breakfast at camp/lodge & checkout.
- Return to Nairobi by flight or road.
Cost Breakdown for a 3-Day Safari (Per Person)
- Budget Safari: $350 – $600 (staying outside the reserve in budget camps like Kambu Mara Camp).
- Mid-Range Safari: $1,000 – $1,500 (lodges inside or near the park).
- Luxury Safari: $2,500+ (high-end lodges like Angama Mara, Mahali Mzuri).
3. Masai Mara 5-Day Safari Options (Extended Wildlife Viewing & Luxury Add-Ons)
A 5-day safari allows for a deeper exploration of Masai Mara, giving you time for special experiences like a hot air balloon safari, cultural visits, or photography sessions.
What Makes a 5-Day Safari Better?
✔ More time in different regions of the reserve and private conservancies.
✔ Less rush, better wildlife tracking, and higher chances of spotting elusive leopards and rhinos.
✔ Optional activities like night game drives (only in conservancies) and bush walks.
✔ Flexible pacing for families, honeymooners, and photographers.
Cost Breakdown for a 5-Day Safari (Per Person)
- Budget Safari: $800 – $1,200 (basic lodges or tented camps).
- Mid-Range Safari: $1,500 – $3,000 (luxury tented camps with private guides).
- Luxury Safari: $4,000+ (high-end experiences, private conservancy stays).
4. Masai Mara Safari Cost Breakdown (Transport, Park Fees, Accommodation & Extras)
A. Transportation Costs
🚗 Road Safari (5-6 hours from Nairobi)
- Shared group transport in a safari van: $50 – $100 per person.
- Private 4×4 Land Cruiser rental: $250 – $300 per day.
✈ Fly-In Safari (1-hour flight from Nairobi)
- Round-trip flights: $350 – $450 per person.
- Airport transfers included in most packages.
Pro Tip: A fly-in safari saves travel time, while a road safari is more budget-friendly.
B. Masai Mara Park Entrance Fees (Per Person Per Day)
- High Season (July – December): $200 for non-residents.
- Low Season (January – June): $100 for non-residents.
- Kenyan Citizens: KES 1,500
- Children (3-17 years): 500
Since Masai Mara park entry fees more than doubled from July to December 2024—rising from $80 per 24 hours to $200 for a 12-hour daytime permit—we at MasaiMara.ke advise budget-conscious travelers to opt for a single, full-day game drive instead of multiple shorter game drives over two days.
This approach allows you to maximize your wildlife viewing while minimizing costs, as you only pay for one day of entry instead of two separate days. By choosing a full-day game drive, you’ll have the opportunity to explore prime wildlife areas, including the Mara River, Big Cat territories, and predator hotspots, without needing to exit and re-enter the reserve. Additionally, you can pair your second day with alternative activities like a conservancy game drive, cultural visits, or a walking safari—all while avoiding a second steep park fee.
🏕️ Staying inside the reserve? You save $80 per night on fees if you stay at a lodge inside Masai Mara instead of outside the gates.
C. Accommodation Costs (Per Person Per Night)
🏕️ Budget Camps ($80 – $250)
- Basic tents or cottages with shared facilities.
- Located outside the main reserve (Kambu Mara Camp, Miti Mingi Eco Camp).
🏡 Mid-Range Lodges & Camps ($250 – $800)
- More comfort, en-suite tents, and better food options.
- Inside or near Masai Mara (Mara Serena Lodge, Ashnil Mara Camp).
🏡 Luxury Lodges & Camps ($800 – $2,500+)
- Premium game locations, private game drives, infinity pools, and spa.
- High-end camps like Angama Mara, Mahali Mzuri.
Pro Tip: Budget travelers should stay outside the reserve to avoid higher lodge rates.
D. Extra Safari Activities & Costs
- 🎈 Hot Air Balloon Safari: $450 per person.
- 🎭 Maasai Village Visit: $30 – $50 per person.
- 🌙 Night Game Drive (Conservancies Only): $100 – $150 per person.
- 🚶 Walking Safari (Conservancies Only): $50 – $100 per person.
- 📷 Photography Safari Guide: $100 – $200 per day.
Pro Tip: Save money by pre-booking package deals that include extra activities.
Final Budget Planning Tips for Masai Mara Safari
✔ Choose your safari season wisely – Low season is 30-40% cheaper than peak migration season.
✔ Book early – Prices rise fast, especially for luxury lodges.
✔ Travel in a group – Sharing transport and guides reduces costs.
✔ Consider staying outside the reserve – Saves on accommodation but requires daily park entry fees.
✔ Look for deals on all-inclusive packages – They often provide better value than booking separately.
FAQs on Masai Mara Safari Cost & Budget Planning
Here are some of the most common questions about Masai Mara safari costs, covering topics not already discussed.
1. Is it cheaper to book a Masai Mara safari in advance or last-minute?
Answer:
✔ Booking in advance (3-6 months) is usually cheaper because lodges and tour operators offer early-bird discounts.
✔ Last-minute bookings can be cheaper during low season (March – May) but are risky during peak season (July – October) as lodges and vehicles get fully booked.
Pro Tip: If you have specific accommodation preferences, book early to avoid missing out on the best lodges.
2. How can I save money on Masai Mara accommodation?
Answer:
✔ Stay outside the reserve (at camps near Sekenani, Talek, or Oloolaimutia Gates) to avoid premium lodge rates.
✔ Choose full-board stays (accommodation + meals included) to cut costs on food.
✔ Book budget-friendly lodges like Kambu Mara Camp, Miti Mingi Eco Camp, or Rhino Tourist Camp.
✔ Join a group safari to share vehicle and guide costs.
Pro Tip: Self-catering options (like at Kambu Mara Camp) let you save on meals by bringing groceries from Nairobi.
3. What’s the cheapest way to get to Masai Mara?
Answer:
🚗 Public Transport: Take a matatu or shuttle to Narok ($10-$15), then hire a shared 4×4 vehicle to Masai Mara ($25-$40).
🚙 Shared Safari Van: Some budget tours include round-trip transport from Nairobi for $50-$100 per person.
✈ Flying ($350-$450 round-trip) is faster but more expensive.
Pro Tip: Public transport is cheapest but requires extra planning. The best budget option is joining a shared road safari.
4. Are there any hidden costs in a Masai Mara safari package?
Answer:
✔ Some budget safari packages exclude park fees ($100-$200 per day), so check before booking.
✔ Drinks, tips, and personal expenses are not included in most packages.
✔ Balloon safaris, night drives, and Maasai village visits cost extra ($30-$450).
✔ Travel insurance is highly recommended but not always included.
Pro Tip: Always ask for a full breakdown of costs before booking to avoid surprises.
5. Is a 3-day safari enough to see the Big Five?
Answer:
✔ Yes, but it’s a bit rushed—you’ll likely see lions, elephants, and buffaloes, but leopards and rhinos are more elusive.
✔ A 4-5 day safari increases your chances of seeing all Big Five and allows time to explore more areas.
Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, choose a private safari so your guide can focus on Big Five sightings.
6. How much should I budget for tips on a Masai Mara safari?
Answer:
💰 Safari Guide: $10-$20 per person per day.
💰 Camp Staff (Waiters, Housekeeping): $5-$10 per stay.
💰 Driver/Tracker: $5-$15 per day.
Pro Tip: Tipping isn’t mandatory but is highly appreciated—it helps support local tourism staff.
7. How much does food cost in Masai Mara if I’m not on a full-board package?
Answer:
✔ Meals at budget lodges/camps: $10-$20 per meal.
✔ Meals at mid-range lodges: $25-$50 per meal.
✔ Luxury lodge dining: $50+ per meal.
Pro Tip: Bringing snacks and groceries from Nairobi can help cut down food costs.
8. Are park fees included in safari packages?
Answer:
✔ Sometimes—some mid-range and luxury packages include park fees, while budget tours often exclude them to make prices look cheaper.
✔ Always confirm whether the $100-$200 per day park fee is included in your package price.
Pro Tip: If booking a budget safari, expect to pay park fees separately at the gate.
9. What’s the best way to pay for expenses inside Masai Mara?
Answer:
✔ Most lodges accept credit cards, but some remote camps prefer cash (USD/KES).
✔ Park entry fees must be paid via Visa/MasterCard or mobile payment (M-Pesa)—cash is not accepted at the gate.
✔ Tips and market purchases are usually paid in cash (USD or KES).
Pro Tip: Bring some small cash for tips and souvenirs, but use cards for big expenses.
10. How much does a hot air balloon safari cost?
Answer:
🎈 $450 per person for a 1-hour flight over the Masai Mara, including a champagne breakfast.
✔ It’s expensive but a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially during the Great Migration.
Pro Tip: Some lodges offer discounted balloon safaris if you book in advance.
11. Is it cheaper to visit Masai Mara in low season?
Answer:
✔ Yes! Lodges and tour operators discount prices by 30-50% from March to May.
✔ Park fees are also lower in low season ($100 per day instead of $200).
✔ Fewer crowds mean a more exclusive wildlife experience.
Pro Tip: Low season safaris are cheaper and great for photographers because the landscape is lush and green.
12. What’s the cost difference between staying inside the reserve vs. outside?
Answer:
🏡 Inside the reserve – More expensive but saves $80 per night on extra park fees.
🏕️ Outside the reserve – Cheaper accommodation, but you must pay daily park fees ($100-$200 per entry).
Pro Tip: If staying outside, plan a single full-day game drive to avoid multiple park fees.
13. Can I do a Masai Mara safari for under $500?
Answer:
✔ Yes, but only a budget group safari (3-day shared safari costs $350-$500).
✔ Includes transport, accommodation, and meals but excludes park fees.
Pro Tip: Join a group safari and stay outside the park to keep costs under $500.
14. Is it cheaper to do a self-drive safari in Masai Mara?
Answer:
✔ Self-drive safaris can be cheaper if you already have a 4×4.
❌ Renting a safari-ready 4×4 costs $200-$300 per day, plus park fees, fuel, and accommodation.
✔ Guided safaris offer better wildlife sightings because guides communicate using UHF radios.
Pro Tip: Unless you’re experienced in off-road driving, a guided safari is better value for money.
15. How much do budget, mid-range, and luxury safaris cost per day?
Answer:
🏕️ Budget Safari: $120 – $250 per person per day (basic camps, shared vehicle).
🏡 Mid-Range Safari: $300 – $800 per person per day (better lodges, small group or private vehicle).
💎 Luxury Safari: $1,000+ per person per day (high-end lodges, private vehicle, fly-in option).
Pro Tip: Mid-range safaris offer the best balance of cost and comfort.
Final Thoughts
Masai Mara safaris can range from budget-friendly group tours to ultra-luxury experiences, depending on accommodation, transport, and activity choices. To save money:
✔ Book early for discounts.
✔ Travel in low season for cheaper park fees.
✔ Stay outside the reserve and plan full-day game drives.
✔ Join a group safari to split transport costs.