The Maasai Mara Guide

Maasai Mara Park and Conservancy Fees

NOTE: THESE FESS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN ACCOMMODATION RATES SHOWN ON THIS WEBSITE.

There are two main types of visitor fees in the Maasai Mara:

1. Reserve fees for visiting the Maasai Mara National Reserve or Mara Triangle.
2. Conservancy fees for staying in one of the private conservancies surrounding the Reserve.

The fee you pay depends on where you stay and where you go on game drives.

Maasai Mara National Reserve and Mara Triangle Fees

The following fees apply to non-resident visitors entering the Maasai Mara National Reserve or Mara Triangle:

Season: January to June

Adult - USD 100

Child aged 9–17 - USD 50

Child aged 8 or younger - Free

Season: July to December

Adult - USD 200

Child aged 9–17 - USD 50

Child aged 8 or younger - Free

The Reserve generally operates a 12-hour ticket, valid from approximately 6:00am to 6:00pm.

If your accommodation is outside the Reserve and you enter for game drives, you will normally need to pay the Reserve fee for each day you enter.

Private Conservancy Fees

The Maasai Mara is surrounded by private conservancies, including Mara North, Naboisho, Olare Motorogi, Lemek, Siana, Ol Kinyei and Olderkesi.

Conservancy fees are normally charged per person, per night:

Adult - Approx. USD 100–120 per person, per night

Child - Usually around 50% of the adult fee

These fees are often included in the accommodation rate, although some camps and lodges charge them separately.

Which Fees Will You Pay?

• If you stay inside the National Reserve or Mara Triangle, you will pay the applicable Reserve fee.
• If you stay in a private conservancy, you will normally pay a conservancy fee.
• If you stay in a conservancy and take a game drive into the National Reserve, you may need to pay both the conservancy fee and the Reserve entry fee.

Our Advice

Always check which fees are included when comparing safari prices. Park and conservancy fees can change, and camps may include them in their rates or charge them separately.

Your safari specialist or accommodation provider should confirm the latest fees before you book.

Should You Fly or Drive to the Maasai Mara?

One of the first questions many visitors ask is whether they should fly or drive to the Maasai Mara. The honest answer is that both options work well, but they suit different travellers.

For most visitors, we recommend flying if the budget allows. It is quicker, more comfortable and gives you more time actually enjoying the Mara.

Flights usually depart from Wilson Airport in Nairobi and take about 45–60 minutes, depending on the airstrip and routing. Driving from Nairobi normally takes around 5.5–7 hours, depending on road conditions, traffic, your lodge location, and which part of the Mara you are visiting.

Flights from the coast are also possible.

Why Fly to the Maasai Mara?

Flying is the easiest and most comfortable way to reach the Mara. It is especially useful if you are staying for only a few nights, arriving after an international flight, travelling with children or older guests, or staying in one of the more remote conservancies or the Mara Triangle.

You arrive fresh, avoid a long road journey, and can often be on a game drive the same afternoon.

We recommend flying if:

• You are staying 2–4 nights in the Mara.
• You want to maximise your time on safari.
• You are travelling with children or older guests.
• You are staying in the Mara Triangle or one of the private conservancies.
• You are connecting from or to an international flight.
• You prefer comfort and convenience over saving money.

Why Drive to the Maasai Mara?

Driving is usually more affordable and gives you a chance to see more of rural Kenya along the way. The route often includes views of the Great Rift Valley, small towns, farms and changing landscapes before you reach the open plains of the Mara.

That said, the drive is long and can be tiring. The final sections can be rough, especially after rain or when travelling to certain conservancies or more remote camps.

We recommend driving if:

• You are working with a tighter budget.
• You have more time.
• You enjoy overland travel.
• You are combining the Mara with places like Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru or other parts of Kenya.
• You want your guide and vehicle with you from Nairobi.
• You do not mind a long travel day.

A Good Compromise

A very good option is to drive one way and fly one way.

For example, you can drive into the Mara to enjoy the scenery and understand the landscape, then fly back to Nairobi at the end of your safari. This avoids finishing your trip with a long and tiring road journey.

Our simple advice is:

If your budget allows, fly. If you have more time than budget, drive.

Flying gets you into the Mara fresh and ready for safari. Driving is cheaper and scenic, but it takes most of the day and the final sections can be rough.

Recommended Airlines and Charter Companies

Most flights to the Maasai Mara operate from Wilson Airport in Nairobi, not Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The Mara has several airstrips, so it is important to check which airstrip is closest to your camp before booking.

Scheduled Safari Airlines

For most travellers, scheduled safari flights are the easiest option. These operate between Nairobi Wilson and the main Maasai Mara airstrips.

Safarilink

Safarilink is one of Kenya’s main safari airlines and operates scheduled flights from Wilson Airport to the Maasai Mara and other safari destinations across Kenya and the region.

AirKenya Express

AirKenya is another long-established safari airline operating scheduled services from Wilson Airport to the Maasai Mara and other key safari areas in Kenya and East Africa.

Private Charter Flight Companies

Private charters are more expensive, but they can be ideal for families, photographers, groups, high-end safaris, or guests with tight timings. A private charter allows you to choose your departure time, fly more directly, avoid unnecessary stops, and land at the most convenient airstrip for your camp.

Recommended private charter companies include:

Scenic Air Safaris

Scenic Air Safaris offers unforgettable light-aircraft and private charter flights across Kenya, giving travellers a spectacular bird’s-eye view of safari landscapes, remote wilderness areas and iconic destinations.

Yellow Wings

A well-known Wilson Airport–based charter company operating safari and private charter flights across Kenya and the region.

Z. Boskovic Air Charters / FlyBoskies

A long-established private charter company based at Wilson Airport, often used for safari, corporate and remote-area flying.

Our Recommendation

For most visitors, we recommend Safarilink or AirKenya for scheduled flights. They are well established, reliable and serve many of the main Mara airstrips.

For a more private, flexible or luxury safari, we recommend looking at Yellow Wings, Boskovic, Tropic Air or Private Sky Charters, especially if you are travelling as a family or group, carrying lots of camera equipment, connecting between remote camps, or wanting to avoid fixed flight schedules and multiple stops.

The most important thing is to book the right airstrip. The Maasai Mara is a large area, and choosing the wrong airstrip can add a long transfer at the other end.

The best time to visit the Maasai Mara is from July to October if you want the classic safari experience: dry weather, excellent wildlife viewing, and the best chance of seeing the Great Migration.

The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Mara from late July or early August, with dramatic Mara River crossings often happening between August and October, although exact timing changes each year with rainfall.

For general wildlife viewing, June to October is usually the best period. The grass is shorter, animals gather around water, roads are easier, and game drives are more productive.

That said, the Maasai Mara is a year-round safari destination.

July to October: Best for migration, big herds, river crossings, and dramatic predator action. This is also peak season, so prices are higher and popular areas can be busy.

January to March: A very good time for resident wildlife, predators, photography, and fewer crowds. It is often better value than migration season.

April to May: Long rains. The Mara is green and beautiful, birding is excellent, and rates can be lower, but some roads can be muddy and certain camps may close.

November to December: Short rains. A lovely shoulder season with fresh grass, fewer vehicles, and good wildlife, though rain showers are possible.

Our honest recommendation: visit in September and October if you want the best balance of migration, wildlife, weather, and slightly less pressure than August.

For better value and fewer crowds, choose February or early March.

Recommended Number of Days

Due to the amount to be seen in the reserve we feel a THREE to FOUR day safari is suitable for just the Maasai Mara. If you are interested in photography the longer you stay the more chance of getting the ultimate photo.

We also recommend that you add on a few more days to see more of Kenya. (Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East National Park, Tsavo West National Park, Northern Kenya. Why not add some beach to… we like Watamu Beach & Diani Beach).

Vaccination Requirements for Kenya

Most international travellers do not need any compulsory vaccinations to enter Kenya unless they are arriving from, or have transited through, a Yellow Fever risk country.

In that case, a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required. Kenya no longer requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a pre-departure COVID-19 test for routine entry.

For safari travel, guests should still consult a doctor or travel clinic well before departure for personal advice on recommended vaccinations, malaria prevention and general travel health.

The Maasai Mara has a mild, pleasant safari climate for most of the year because it sits at a relatively high altitude. It rarely gets extremely hot, and evenings and early mornings can be quite cool.

General weather summary - The Mara has two main rainy seasons:

Long rains: March to May

This is the wettest period of the year. The landscape becomes beautifully green, with dramatic skies and excellent photography, but some roads can become muddy and more difficult.

Short rains: November to early December

These rains are usually lighter and less disruptive than the long rains. It is a lovely time for green scenery, fewer visitors and good wildlife viewing.

Dry seasons: June to October and January to February

These are generally the best months for classic safari conditions. Days are mostly dry and comfortable, grass is shorter, and wildlife is often easier to see. June to October is also the main migration season in the Greater Mara ecosystem.

Temperatures

Daytime temperatures are usually warm but not too hot, often around 23–28°C. Nights and early mornings can be cool, sometimes dropping to around 10–14°C, so guests should pack a fleece or light jacket for morning game drives.

Best overall safari weather

For dry, comfortable safari weather, July to October is the most popular period. For lush scenery, fewer crowds and beautiful photography, January–February and November–early December can be excellent.

In simple terms: the Maasai Mara is a year-round safari destination, but the experience changes with the seasons — dry and open in peak safari months, green and dramatic during the rains.

Kenya no longer issues traditional tourist visas for most international visitors. Instead, travellers are required to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travelling to Kenya.

The eTA should be completed before departure and applies to most visitors, including children and infants. Travellers will usually need a passport valid for at least six months, with at least one blank page, as well as travel dates, accommodation details, a passport-style photo or selfie, contact details and a payment method.

We recommend applying well in advance of your safari and checking the official Kenya eTA website before you travel, as entry requirements can change.

Is Kenya Good for Family Safaris?

Kenya is one of Africa’s best destinations for a family safari, especially for children who love animals, nature and adventure. Wildlife is often easy to see, travelling between destinations can be straightforward, and there is a wide choice of family-friendly lodges, private houses and tented camps.

A family safari is not quite the same as a beach holiday or resort-style break. It works best for families who are comfortable with early mornings, game drives, open spaces and some travelling between destinations. With the right itinerary, however, the pace can be kept relaxed and the safari can be designed around the children’s ages and interests.

For younger children, we normally recommend properties with flexible mealtimes, shorter game drives, family rooms, a swimming pool and guides who enjoy working with children. A private safari vehicle is particularly valuable because your family can choose when to leave, how long to stay at a sighting and when to return to camp.

For older children and teenagers, Kenya can be unforgettable. Seeing lions, elephants, giraffes and cheetahs in the wild is only part of the experience. Walking, tracking, meeting local communities, sleeping in a tented camp and spending evenings around the fire can make the safari both exciting and educational.

Family Safari Activities in Kenya

Activities vary between national parks, private conservancies and individual properties, but may include:

• Daytime game drives in search of elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, rhinos and other wildlife.
• The Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, including the possibility of seeing dramatic river crossings during the season.
• Guided nature walks and tracking experiences, depending on the children’s ages and the property’s safety policies.
• Junior ranger programmes, animal-spoor identification and other nature-based activities.
• Night drives in private conservancies, offering the chance to see nocturnal animals.
• Visits to Maasai, Samburu and other local communities, arranged respectfully through your camp or guide.
• Hot-air balloon safaris in selected destinations, usually followed by breakfast in the bush.
• Bush breakfasts, picnic lunches and family sundowners in scenic locations.
• Birdwatching, photography and learning about Kenya’s different habitats.
• Camel rides, horse riding, cycling or fishing at selected lodges and conservancies.
• Visits to wildlife conservation projects, where available.

Where to Go on a Family Safari

The Maasai Mara is an excellent choice for a first family safari because of its abundant wildlife and open landscapes. Private conservancies around the Reserve can be particularly suitable for families, offering fewer vehicles and a wider range of activities.

Amboseli is famous for its elephants and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Its open terrain can make wildlife easier for children to see, and it combines well with Nairobi and the Kenyan coast.

Laikipia and Northern Kenya offer a more varied and adventurous experience. Depending on where you stay, families may enjoy game drives, guided walks, camel rides, conservation activities and time with local communities.

Kenya’s coast is an excellent way to finish a family safari. After several days of early mornings and game drives, families can relax on the beach and enjoy swimming, snorkelling, dhow trips, fishing and other water-based activities.

Things to Consider When Planning

Age of the children: Some smaller camps have minimum-age restrictions, particularly for walking safaris, night drives and shared game vehicles.

Where to stay: Look for family rooms, private houses, flexible mealtimes, swimming pools and guides experienced with children.

Private vehicle: This is one of the best investments for a family safari because it allows you to travel entirely at your own pace.

Length of stay: Three nights in each safari area is usually a good minimum. Changing camps too frequently can make the holiday feel rushed and tiring.

Flying or driving: Flying is normally easier for families with younger children. Driving can offer more flexibility and scenery, but some journeys are long and roads can be rough.

Safari and beach balance: A good family itinerary might include three or four nights on safari, followed by several nights on the Kenyan coast. Longer holidays can combine two contrasting safari areas before finishing at the beach.

In simple terms, Kenya is an outstanding family safari destination—as long as the itinerary matches the children’s ages, the accommodation is carefully selected and the pace is kept comfortable. For many families, it becomes much more than a holiday: it is an adventure they remember for the rest of their lives.

The Reserve and the conservancies are both part of the greater Maasai Mara ecosystem, but they offer quite different safari experiences.

The Maasai Mara National Reserve

The Reserve is the main, government-managed protected area. It includes the famous open plains, river crossing areas, and many of the classic Mara landscapes people know from documentaries.

It is usually best for:

Migration river crossings

The main crossing points on the Mara River are inside the Reserve and the Mara Triangle.

First-time visitors who want the “classic Mara”

Big open plains, high predator densities, large herds, and iconic scenery.

A wider choice of accommodation and access

There are many camps and lodges inside or near the Reserve.

The downside is that the Reserve can get busy, especially in peak migration season. There are also stricter rules: generally no night drives, limited off-road driving, and no walking safaris inside the main Reserve. Night drives are usually only available in private conservancies outside the Reserve.

The Conservancies

The conservancies are privately or community-managed wildlife areas around the Reserve. They are usually Maasai-owned land leased for conservation and tourism, so local landowners benefit directly from safari tourism. The Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association says the conservancies help protect the wider Mara ecosystem through community protected areas, and KWCA describes the Mara conservancies as covering about 142,000 hectares across the Greater Mara ecosystem.

They are usually best for:

A quieter, more exclusive safari

Conservancies normally limit the number of beds and vehicles, so sightings often feel less crowded.

Better guiding flexibility

Many conservancies allow off-road driving, night drives, bush walks, sundowners, and more varied activities than the Reserve.

Supporting community conservation

Because lease fees go to local Maasai landowners, staying in a conservancy can directly support people living with wildlife. Conservation International describes this model as landowners earning income by leasing land for safaris, lodges, and tourism activities.

The downside is that conservancies are often more expensive, and if you want to spend time inside the Reserve, you may need to pay Reserve entry fees as well.

Simple way to choose

For most travellers, the best answer is not “Reserve or conservancy?” but a combination of both.

Stay in the Reserve or Mara Triangle if your main goal is the migration crossings.

Stay in a conservancy if you want fewer vehicles, excellent guiding, night drives, walks, and a more private safari.

For a high-quality Mara safari, I would usually suggest: 2 or 3 nights in a conservancy, plus access to the Reserve for a full-day game drive, especially during migration season.

Photographers should think carefully about where they stay, when they travel, and how much flexibility they have each day.

The Maasai Mara is one of the best wildlife photography destinations in Africa, but the experience can be very different depending on whether you are in the Reserve or a private conservancy.

Best time for photography

The Mara is excellent for photography almost all year, but different seasons offer different opportunities.

July to October is the migration season, with the chance of river crossings, large herds, predator action and dramatic scenes. It is also the busiest time, especially in the National Reserve.

January to March can be excellent for big cats, clear light, fewer vehicles and beautiful golden grass.

April to June is quieter and greener, with dramatic skies, fewer tourists and great value. Some roads can be more difficult after rain, but the photography can be very rewarding.

Reserve vs conservancies for photographers

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is best if you want access to famous migration areas and the Mara River. It is the place to be if river crossings are your main focus, but it can get busy, especially during peak migration months.

The private conservancies are often better for serious photographers who want a quieter, more flexible safari.

Many conservancies allow off-road driving, night drives and more controlled sightings, which can make a big difference for photography. Vehicle numbers are also usually limited, so sightings feel less crowded.

What to look for in a camp

Photographers should choose a camp that understands photography. This means early departures, patient guides, flexible meal times and vehicles that are not overcrowded.

Ideally, ask for:

• A private vehicle or shared vehicle with other photographers
• A guide who understands light, positioning and animal behaviour
• Low vehicle density in the area
• Easy access to the type of wildlife you most want to photograph
• Beanbags or camera supports in the vehicle
• Charging points for batteries and laptops
• Enough luggage allowance if flying in with camera gear

Activities photographers should consider

In the Reserve, the main activity is daytime game drives. This is excellent for classic wildlife photography, especially during migration season.

In the conservancies, photographers may also have access to:

• Off-road driving for better positioning
• Night drives for nocturnal species
• Walking safaris for a different perspective
• Sundowners and scenic landscape photography
• Cultural photography, when done respectfully
• Fewer vehicles at sightings
• Longer, quieter time with animals

Camera gear considerations

A long lens is very useful, especially for birds and predators. Many photographers travel with something in the 400mm to 600mm range, plus a shorter zoom for animals close to the vehicle, landscapes and camp scenes.

Bring more memory cards and batteries than you think you need. Dust is also a reality in the Mara, so keep your equipment protected and avoid changing lenses too often in the vehicle.

For most photographers, we recommend combining the two areas: spend time in the National Reserve if the migration or Mara River is important to you, then add a few nights in a private conservancy for quieter sightings, better flexibility and a more photographic safari experience.

The best photographic safaris are not rushed. Give yourself enough nights, choose the right location, and make sure your guide understands that sometimes the best image comes from waiting.