Masai Mara National Reserve Safari
The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the top Kenya national parks celebrated for its wildlife safari encounters. Home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and black rhino), this park offers outstanding wildlife viewing throughout the year, particularly when it comes to big cats.Planning your trip to Masai Mara National park requires a good understanding of the park entry process, park fees, and payment methods. The park entry fees to Masai Mara was last revised late 2023 in line with the Maasai Mara Management Plan, Greater Masai Mara Ecosystem Management Plan and the County Government of Narok Physical & Land Use Development Plan. Masai Mara park entrance fees is no longer based on location of the Camp or Lodge at which one is staying at in the Reserve. Below is everything you need to know about Masai Mara park entry fees, how to pay, and related answers to visiting the reserve.
The Masai Mara Park Entry Fees
The current applicable Masai Mara National Park entry costs depends on the visitor category, age, and safari season. Narok County Government confirmed the Masai Mara park fees starting 2026 will be as follows:
Masai Mara Entry Fees for Kenyan Citizens 2026
As a resident/Kenyan visiting Masai Mara, you are required to pay KSH 1,500 per resident adult per day from 1st January 2026 to 30th June 2026 and KSH 3,000 per non resident adult per day from 1st July 2026 to 31st December 2026 onwards.
As for resident children, CHILDREN FEES from 01st JANUARY 2026 to 30th JUNE is KSH 300 per day per child (09 to 17 years of age inclusive at time of entry) and KSH 500 per day per child from 1st July 2026 to 31st December 2026 onwards.
Elsewhere, resident children 0 to 8 years of age will be allowed FREE entry into the park.
Masai Mara Entry Fees for Non-Residents 2026
As a non-resident/foreigner visiting Masai Mara, you are required to pay USD 100 per non resident adult per day from 1st January 2026 to 30th June 2026 and USD 200 per non resident adult per day from 1st July 2026 to 31st December 2026 onwards.
As for non-resident children, CHILDREN FEES from 01st JANUARY 2026 to 30th JUNE is USD 50 per day per child (09 to 17 years of age inclusive at time of entry) and USD 100 per day per child from 1st July 2026 to 31st December 2026 onwards.
Masai Mara Entry Fees for East African Residents 2026
East African residents pay in Kenya shillings, but at higher rates than Kenyan citizens. The resident adult rate is KSH 2,500 from January to June and KSH 5,000 from July to December. Children aged 9–17 years pay KSH 1,000 in low season and KSH 2,000 in high season.
Elsewhere, non-resident children 0 to 8 years of age will be allowed FREE entry into the park.
How To Pay Masai Mara Park Fees
You can pay the Masai Mara park entry fees in several ways: At the Masai Mara gate, payments in Cash US Dollars is accepted at the entry gates except if you are paying for entry to the western side of the reserve, namely Mara Triangle – Mara Conservancy area, where only cashless payment is accepted ( either Visa / Mastercard or Mpesa Mobile Money).
Cashless modes are also accepted as an option for all the other gates – however, it’s advisable to bring cash to avoid any entry delays caused by card payment systems.
Citizens and Residents of Kenya are required to carry identification (ID) and proof of residence to avail the lower Resident rates. Pre-Payment is also possible through your safari operator with whom you have booked your safari with.
TIP
In case you are wondering, if you’re traveling with a tour operator like us, we will usually include the entry fees in the overall price of the tour. Many tour operators in Kenya handle entry fee payments as part of their Masai Mara safari packages. Note all information and fees listed here is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed for accuracy with confirm with your tour operator.
Note: In Masai Mara Park, all children aged 0–8 years enter free across all categories.
Tips For A Smooth Park Entry Experience In Masai Mara
1. Book with an operator: Some tour operators offer all-inclusive packages that can be more cost-effective.
2. Keep Time: Gates typically open at 6:00 AM, and arriving early helps you make the most of your time in the park.
3. Always Bring Cash: The Kenyan Shilling is the national currency but US Dollars are widely accepted. Your Safari Expert prefers to create an all-inclusive itinerary for you, meaning that extras like ballooning are included and you need only take cash (in US dollars, preferably) for snack and souvenir
4. Always ask permission before photographing local people.
5. Early Booking: Secure deals by booking flights and accommodations well in advance.
Masai Mara Park Hours
Opening Time: Masai Mara gates generally open at 6:00 AM in the morning.
Closing time for entry: Gates generally close for entry at 6:00 PM in the evening.
Evening Cut-Off Time: All visitors should plan to finish game drives and reach their lodge, camp, or exit gate BEFORE the evening cut-off time.
Night Game Drives: Night game drives are not allowed inside Masai Mara National Reserve or Mara Triangle.
Conservancy Exception: Night drives may be available only in selected few private conservancies or lodge-managed areas where they are specifically permitted under separate rules.
Applicable Masai Mara Park Rules
1. Always keep to the speed limits: 50 km/h on graded roads and 30 km/h on all others.
2. Always slow down for animals.
3. DO NOT go off-road in High Use Zones and River Zones.
4. Off-roading in Low Use Zones is allowed only to view big cats.
5. Always stay more than 25 metres away from animals.
6. DO NOT shout, clap, or cheer.
7. DO NOT sit or stand on a vehicle’s roof at any time.
8. No more than 5 vehicles at wildlife sightings.
9. DO NOT alight from vehicles at river crossing points.
10. DO NOT cross the Tanzanian border.
11. DO NOT chase, follow, or harass animals.
12. NO littering.
Masai Mara Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there additional fees beyond the park entry fees?
Yes, there may be additional costs such as:
Vehicle Entry Fees – Vehicle entry fees are also tiered based on the size of the vehicle. Private safari vehicles with less than 6 seats are charged KES 1,000 per day, while larger vehicles with 6-12 seats pay KES 1,500. Vehicles with 13-24 seats are charged KES 3,000, those with 25-44 seats pay KES 4,000, and the largest vehicles with 45+ seats are charged KES 5,000 per day.
Conservation Fees – It is worth noting that Mara Triangle conservancy fees are higher than entry fees for other conservancies. For example, Nashulai Maasai Conservancy charges USD 60 per person from January to June and USD 80 from July to December for non-residents, compared to the Mara Triangle’s USD 200 in the high season and USD 100 in the green season. For Kenyan residents, Nashulai’s fees are KES 1,500 and KES 3,000 depending on the season, significantly lower than the Mara Triangle’s KES 2,000–3,000. This price difference makes Nashulai a more budget-friendly option, while still offering rich wildlife experiences and community-led conservation efforts​.
Do I need a guide to enter the Masai Mara?
A guide is highly recommended for a more enriching experience. A qualified guide will enhance your safari by offering authentic insights into the wildlife and geography of the Mara.
Are Masai Mara entry fees included in safari packages?
Masai Mara entry fees may be included in safari packages, but visitors should confirm this before booking. Some operators include Reserve entry fees in the package price, while others list them separately as park fees excluded. If you receive a safari package from tour operator with a price tag make sure you confirm the following:
Masai Mara National Reserve or Mara Triangle entry fees
Vehicle entry fees
Conservancy fees, if staying outside the reserve
Driver-guide and vehicle
Accommodation and meals
Airstrip transfers for fly-in safaris
Optional activities such as balloon safari or village visits
What does a Masai Mara safari package usually include?
A Masai Mara tour package usually includes the safari vehicle, professional driver-guide, transport to and from the reserve, accommodation, meals, drinking water, and game drives. Some trip packages also include reserve entry fees, while others exclude them and require visitors to pay park fees separately. Other packages example lists a professional English-speaking safari driver-guide, 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser, round-trip transport, drinking water, extensive game drives, and a pre-tour itinerary document as inclusions.
How long is my Masai Mara ticket valid?
Masai Mara tickets are time-sensitive. Since July 2023, a 12-hour ticket validity rule applies, especially for guests staying outside the reserve. The daily ticket is valid from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Can I get a Masai Mara ticket refund?
Refunds, transfers, and rescheduling should not be assumed. The provided fee guidance does not give a clear general refund or rescheduling policy, so visitors should confirm changes directly with their relevant tour operator before payment.
What if I’m staying in a lodge or camp within the Masai Mara?
Yes, even if you’re staying in a lodge or camp located inside the park, you are still required to pay the park entry fees. Some accommodations may include these fees as part of their package, so always confirm beforehand.
Can one ticket cover the reserve and nearby conservancies?
No. A standard Masai Mara National Reserve or Mara Triangle entry ticket should not be assumed to include access to nearby private conservancies. The National Reserve, the Mara Triangle, and surrounding conservancies operate as separate ticketing and management areas, each with its own fees, rules, and access arrangements.
Are there any age restrictions for visitors?
No, there are no age restrictions for entering the park. However, children’s rates apply, and it’s essential to ensure that young children are well-prepared for the safari experience.
How do i get around in the Masai Mara National Reserve?
The Masai Mara is accessible on a surfaced road, but internal tracks are unsurfaced and often in poor condition, particularly during the rains. This means that the only realistic way to get around is in a high-clearance 4×4 safari vehicle. The only other guided activity is hot-air balloon trips, although night drives and walking safaris are available in some nearby conservancies.
How many days should i stay in Masai Mara park?
The ideal duration for a Masai Mara safari falls between three(3) and five(5) days. A one(1)- or two(2)-day safari to Masai Mara will be dominated by travel time, whether you’re catching costly flights in both directions or doing the five-hour drive to and from Nairobi. On a three-day safari, you get to spend one full day in the reserve and should see most of the large carnivores and other large mammals associated with it. A four- or five-day safari really allows you to get into the safari mode. But while serious wildlife enthusiasts might want to spend longer than five days in the Masai Mara, most visitors would prefer to mix things up by dedicating extra time to another park or reserve.
Is Masai Mara Park safe to visit with children?
The Masai Mara National Reserve is as a very safe safari destination. Most people visit on an organized safari and will be looked after by an experienced driver and/or guide throughout. The wildlife pose very little risk on game drives, as long as guests stay inside the vehicle. In the unlikely event of a potentially dangerous situation developing, follow your guide’s instructions.
What are the costs for visiting the Masai Mara Park?
The cost of a Masai Mara safari depends on a number of factors, these include safari duration, group size, quality of accommodations, time of year, whether you stay inside or outside the reserve, and whether you fly or drive down from Nairobi. The cheapest Masai Mara safari starts at around US$400 per person, and is a two-day road safari sleeping at a simple tented camp outside the park.
A more budget Masai Mara safari option is a four(4) – or five(5)-day safari. The price starts at around US$200 to US$300 per person per day while luxury safaris might cost anything upward of US$1000 per person per day.
Ready To Book A Masai Mara Holiday?
Masai Mara is also often added into longer Kenya tours and safaris, but daily rates generally remain comparable to four- or five-day itineraries, at least for those nights spent in reserves and parks. Visiting the Masai Mara is an unforgettable experience, and understanding the entry process and fees will help make your safari much smoother. Whether you’re paying at the gate or through a tour operator like AllKenyaSafaris, it’s essential to plan early.
