How much does Masai Mara safari cost

There’s plenty that goes into answering this question. Factors such as the month(s) you want to travel, the number of travellers, length of your stay, accommodation type, and extra activities. (Pexels Photo)

Meta: Planning a Masai Mara safari but aren’t sure how much it will cost? Here are the seven main factors that should go into your calculation.

Trips to the Mara promise an authentic and unforgettable experience. Home to the ferocious big cats, large mammals, the wildebeest and their fellow grazers, scavengers, and raptors, you’ll no doubt encounter wildlife up close.

With a range of activities to thrill you throughout your safari, you’ll want to come back again and again.

But how much will this safari cost you?

There’s plenty that goes into answering this question. Factors such as the month(s) you want to travel, the number of travellers, length of your stay, accommodation type, and extra activities. 

Let’s look at the seven factors that may push your safari cost up or down.

1. Time of Year

Kenya experiences heavy rainfall between March to May so you may find some camps/lodges closing their doors because of potential flooding. Others use this time to carry out general repairs and maintenance and give their staff a well-earned break.

Tourists who are keen on catching the wildebeest migration action will need to plan their safari between July and October. This migration spectacle attracts tourists the world over and it’s easy to miss a spot if you don’t book early.  

Price-wise, July to October is the most expensive, so you may want to avoid this time if you’re working with a limited budget. November to Mid-December along with January to March are still busy but demand isn’t too high and you may secure slightly lower prices. 

As rainfall increases from April through June, most tourists stay away, which in turn makes this the lowest and cheapest season.

This low season has its perks—lions prefer walking on the path to avoid long wet grass, increasing your likelihood of seeing them up close. Further, much rain brings with it lush scenery that’s perfect for photography.

1. Duration of Your Stay

How many days do you want to stay? The longer your safari, the more you’ll pay. At a minimum, we recommended the 3-day package that packs a punch.

You’ll enjoy two nights in the wild along with three game drives, bush meals, and sundowners. We also have packages for those who wish to stay longer, indulge in luxurious living, and explore the park leisurely.

As mentioned earlier, the low season months of April to June are significantly cheaper allowing you to stretch your safari without forking out too much money.

1. Accommodation

You’ll find extensive accommodation options from basic camping facilities to mid-range and sheer luxury. 

There are several family-friendly accommodations to ensure you stay close to your loved ones and enjoy fun activities together. If you’re looking for something more intimate, there are several camps/lodges specifically designed for an adult crowd. 

A Google search can give you a good idea of the rates depending on the season, visitors, and length of stay. However, we recommend booking your accommodation through reputable tour operators since the latter leverages their business relationship with the lodges to negotiate lower rates.

Again, visiting the Mara during the slow months just might see you enjoy better comforts at a more affordable price than you would during busier times.

The park charges entrance fees which your tour operator will work out.

1. Number of Travellers

How many people will be accompanying you? Will you have kids? What are their ages?

The more people that come on safari, the cheaper it works out since you’ll be sharing costs. That’s only true if they aren’t your dependents and you’re footing the entire bill (haha!).

See if you can round up a couple of friends or loved ones to reduce the overall cost of your trip. But if you prefer travelling solo or making it an intimate occasion, that’s perfectly fine too.

1. Transportation

You can reach Mara by flight or ground transport. Flying is convenient and faster. It’s also expensive and you’ll miss fantastic views of the capital city, its environs and all the towns along the way.

When you travel by air, you’ll find your tour operator waiting for you at the airstrip to transfer you to your camp/lodge.  

Using road transport is cheaper and more popular among visitors. You can use an 8-seater safari tour van or a land cruiser. 

The tour vans are more common but you’re likely to share the vehicle with other tourists unless your band of travellers can fill up all the seats. Or, you’re willing to pay for all seven seats.

Land Cruisers are more comfortable and cushion you against bumpy gravel roads. Our Land Cruisers, in particular, stock water and cool beverages to keep our clients refreshed throughout their safari.

The journey from Nairobi  to the entry gate of the Mara takes around six hours. Along the way, you may have brief stops to enjoy the scenery or a bathroom break, but the main stopover is at Narok town. Here the vehicle refuels as visitors stretch their legs and stock up on snacks. 

Depending on where your camp/lodge is located, it may take another two to three hours once you cross the gate to reach it.

1. Additional Activities

A typical safari package will cater for full board accommodation, park entry fees, safari game excursions as well as pickup/drop-off. 

Once you’re at the Mara you can enhance your experience by indulging in additional activities like balloon safaris, horse riding, and bush dining.

These experiences are an absolute delight but carry extra costs which your tour operator can advise.

1. Other Factors

The factors we’ve listed above only consider the expenses you may incur the moment you step outside the airport. 

You’ll also need to think about international flight tickets, organising your travel documents, vaccinations, travel insurance, buying souvenirs, laundry services, tips, and extra beverages and snacks.

Book Your Trip Through Us

You probably have a working figure of how much you would like to spend on your safari. We can help clear up any questions and share tour packages that best fit your budget. Talk to us today via +254719222430 or james@ajkenyasafaris.com ltd.