The Masai Mara National Reserve, managed by the Narok County Government, is one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries. To preserve its fragile ecosystems and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all visitors, the Reserve operates under a strict code of conduct. These rules and regulations are designed to protect both wildlife and visitors while promoting sustainable tourism practices that align with the Masai Mara Management Plan (2023–2032).
Below is a comprehensive guide to help you understand and follow the Reserve’s key regulations.
🕕 1. Opening and Closing Hours
- The Masai Mara National Reserve is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Visitors are not permitted to enter, drive, or remain inside the Reserve outside these hours.
- Night drives are prohibited within the Reserve (they are only allowed in private conservancies).
🎟️ 2. Entry Tickets and Validity
- All entry tickets are purchased electronically via the Narok County Government eTicketing system or at designated entry gates.
- Tickets are valid for 12 hours from the time of entry. If you exit after this period or re-enter the next day, you must purchase a new ticket.
- Entry fees are charged per person, per day, and per vehicle based on category (resident, non-resident, or citizen).
- Always carry your passport or ID for verification at the gate.
- Keep your receipt — rangers may request to see it during your visit.
💡 Tip: Park entry fees are payable by card, MPesa, or USD cash. However, paying in Kenya Shillings (KES) may incur a loss due to the Reserve’s fixed exchange rate of KES 140 per USD, which is lower than the market rate.
🚗 3. Vehicle and Driving Regulations
- Private vehicles are no longer permitted inside the Reserve (effective under the new 2023–2032 Management Plan). Only licensed tour operator vehicles with certified driver-guides are allowed.
- All vehicles must remain on designated game-viewing tracks — off-road driving is strictly prohibited, as it damages vegetation and disturbs wildlife.
- The speed limit within the Reserve is 40 km/h (25 mph).
- Drivers must maintain at least 20 meters distance from wildlife and never block animals’ paths, especially during river crossings or hunts.
- A maximum of five vehicles is allowed at any wildlife sighting at a time to reduce crowding and stress to animals.
- Hooting, shouting, and revving engines near wildlife is strictly forbidden.
🦁 4. Wildlife Protection Rules
- Feeding, harassing, or chasing wildlife is illegal. It disrupts natural behavior and endangers both humans and animals.
- Littering is strictly prohibited — all trash, including food wrappers and plastic, must be taken out of the Reserve.
- No collection of plants, bones, feathers, or stones is allowed — all natural objects are part of the ecosystem.
- Visitors must remain inside their vehicles at all times, except at designated picnic or viewpoint areas.
- Drone use is prohibited unless authorized in advance by the County Government for research or filming purposes.
🧭 5. Guides, Rangers, and Permits
- Only licensed guides and registered vehicles are allowed to conduct game drives within the Reserve.
- Rangers may conduct spot checks to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Filming, research, or professional photography requires special permits issued by the Narok County Government.
🏕️ 6. Camping and Accommodation Rules
- Visitors may only camp in designated campsites — both public and private — managed by the Narok County Government or the Mara Conservancy (in the Triangle).
- Open fires are allowed only in approved areas, and camp waste must be carried out.
- Noise levels should be kept low to maintain the wilderness atmosphere and avoid disturbing animals.
- Night movements on foot outside designated camps are prohibited for safety reasons.
🧍 7. Visitor Conduct and Safety
- Always follow the guidance of your driver-guide or ranger.
- Do not approach or provoke wildlife — even herbivores like buffalo or elephants can be dangerous.
- Smoking is discouraged in the open plains and strictly prohibited near dry vegetation due to fire risk.
- Swimming, wading, or walking near rivers and water bodies is strictly forbidden due to the presence of crocodiles and hippos.
- Respect other visitors — keep noise low at sightings and do not obstruct others’ views.
🏞️ 8. Conservation and Community Support
- Visitors are encouraged to support eco-friendly lodges, conservancies, and community projects that reinvest in conservation and local livelihoods.
- Avoid purchasing wildlife products, feathers, or ivory, as these contribute to illegal trade and endanger species.
- Report any instances of illegal grazing, poaching, or off-road driving to Reserve rangers or the Narok County office.
📌 9. Penalties for Violations
Violating Reserve regulations may result in:
- Immediate removal from the Reserve
- Revocation of park permits
- Fines or legal prosecution under the Narok County Wildlife Conservation laws
🌍 10. Responsible Tourism in the Mara
The Masai Mara is not only a wildlife paradise but also a shared heritage — a living ecosystem that depends on responsible visitation.
By following these rules, visitors help ensure that the Reserve’s lions, elephants, cheetahs, rhinos, and countless other species continue to roam freely for generations to come.
We Laud Narok County’s Efforts to Boost Conservation
At MasaiMara.ke, we fully support the bold measures taken by the Narok County Government to implement the new Masai Mara Management Plan (2023–2032) — a necessary step to safeguard the future of one of the world’s most iconic wildlife reserves. Actions such as adjusting park entry fees, banning private vehicles, and reducing the number of untrained guides are essential to restoring ecological balance and ensuring that tourism remains sustainable.
The increased recruitment and training of rangers will strengthen law enforcement, enhance visitor safety, and curb illegal activities such as off-road driving and wildlife harassment. We commend the County’s commitment to responsible tourism and conservation, recognizing that these reforms, though challenging in the short term, are vital to protecting the Mara’s extraordinary biodiversity and preserving it for generations to come.
🦒 Travel responsibly. Respect the wildlife. Protect the Mara.
