How Much A Masai Mara Safari Costs
The Masai Mara, Kenya’s leading wildlife sanctuary and Africa’s most renowned safari destination. Â Best Known for the Greet Wildebeest Migration. Whether it’s your first or tenth safari, the magic of the Mara is irresistible. However, one pressing question for any first timer traveler is: “How much does a Masai Mara safari cost?” Â For instance Masai Mara Safari full Packages will cost from 360 USD per person on a 3 days Budget Safari, 1,000 USD Per person on a midrange Safari Package and 1500 USD Per person for a Luxury Safari Package.
This comprehensive guide will deep-dive into the expenses you might incur on your dream safari, ensuring your adventures on the African plains don’t lead to unexpected surprises for your wallet.
Factors Affecting Safari Costs
1. Time of Year
Traveling in peak season, primarily during the wildebeest migration (July-October), can significantly impact your costs due to high demand. Â The cost of Hotels tend to be higher which is obviously cause that the time the migration happens and this tends to attract a lot of visitors from across the continent making it more expensive to secure rooms due to the high demand. However, clients on a limited budget are recommended to shoulder (November-June) or low seasons which offer more attractive rates, and rooms are readily available
2. Accommodation Options
Accommodation Choices range from budget camps to Mid-range hotels and ultra-luxurious lodges. This factor has the greatest effect on the Cost of safari. The good news is that different Hotels and camps categories cater to every safari enthusiast’s budget.Â
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 The cost of the accommodation is also affected by the number of days you plan on staying and the season in time for your safari tour. Peak seasons tend to have higher rates, unlike low seasons. For instance, the cost of luxury camp will cost 600 USD per person during peak season while during low season the same hotel will cost 300 USD per person night.Â
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On the other hand, the cost of a midrange hotel will cost at least 150 USD per person per night while the same hotel during peak season the same room would cost at least 250 USD per person per night.
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 Budget Camps don’t Have price variation, their prices are constant throughout the year you’ll get any budget camp at a cost of 100 USD per night per person or less
3. Duration of Safari
More extended stays increase overall costs but can offer a richer, deeper experience of the Mara ecosystem. It is recommended for travelers with a limited budget to spend the minimum recommend time of at least 3 days.
Alternatively if you are on a low budget and want to stay longer you can opt to visit during the low Season (April- early June) as the accommodation cost are significantly lower compared to the peak season during the Wildebeest migration (July- October).
4. Park Fees and Permits
Among all the other costs, this is only cost that is constant and cannot be changes or reduced. Â Park fees are Mandatory fees that contribute to conservation efforts and community development but will contribute a daily constant rate to your safari costs.
To Enter Masai Mara National Reserve one is required to pay an Entry Fee. The Park entry Fees is paid in categories depending on whether you are a citizen, residents or non-resident. Â The Entry Park for Non- residents is 100 USD per person with tickets having a validity of 12hrs. The Masai Mara is open for visitors from 6am-6pm every day.
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Category | Non-Residents | Residents | Citizens |
Adult | 100 USD | Ksh. 1800 | Ksh. 1500 |
Child | 50 USD | Ksh. 500 | Ksh. 300 |
Student | 50 USD | Ksh. 500 | Ksh. 300 |
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5. Transportation
Transport is another factor that greatly influence the cost of safari. Options include Travelling by Road on a private safari Tour Van or joining a group Safari Vehicle tour van, and fly-in safaris affecting both price and experience.Flying to Mara from Nairobi is more expensive compared to Travelling by Road but its more Faster, within an hour you’ll have arrived in Mara unlike taking a 5-6 hours’ drive by road from Nairobi.
One way flying ticket cost from 200-250 USD per person while a return Flight ticket cost anything from, 300-480 USD per person depending on the season and availability.
There are several reliable local Airlines that offer daily scheduled Masai Mara flights from Wilson Airport these include, Air Kenya, Governor Aviation and Safari Links among others
For Road transport, in Kenya there are two types of Safari vehicles i.e Land cruiser jeep or the safari tour vans that carries upto 7 Passengers. The cost of a safari Jeep land cruiser is more expensive compared to the safari tour vans, more so because these are larger four wheel drive vehicles that make rough road travel more comfortable
The cost of a safari land cruised costs between 200-300 USD per day depending on the season and availability. For instance if you are travelling two people it will cost you at least 100 USD per person per day but in the case you are group of 4 people it will cost you at least 50 USD per person per day. Â
For instance, if you chose to embark on a 3 day safari, the cost of transport for 2 people travelling together will be at least 100x3days= 300 USD Per person, while if there 4 people travelling on the same vehicle, the cost of transport will cost at least 50x3days= 150 USD per person. Therefore the lager the group the lower the cost of transportation.
But if you are a budget traveler you don’t have to be discouraged with the transport cost, you can always opt to joining in for the group safaris where you’ll join other travelers and the cost of transport would cost you at least 150 USD per person for 3 days Masai Mara Safari.
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6. Extra Activities and Excursions
Beyond standard game drives, hot-air balloon rides, cultural visits, and specialized tours add variety and cost. These activities are very exciting and enhance your safari experiences but come at an additional cost.
The Hot Air Ballon ride cost ranges from 420 USD – 500 USD per person depending on which lodge you’ll fly from in the Mara.
The Masai Villlage visit cost ranges from 30 USD per person which includes transfers cost from the hotel and village community contribution fees
7. Additional Expenses
- Tips and Gratuities
Not mandatory but appreciated, tipping for service can add approximately $10-20 per day.
- Souvenirs and Shopping
Local crafts, art, and clothing may tempt you to splurge.
- Travel Insurance
A small, smart investment for unexpected circumstances. The costs vary widely based on coverage.
- Visa Fees
Depending on your country of origin, a Kenyan visa typically costs about $30 for a single entry.
Tips for Saving Money on a Masai Mara Safari
- Travel during the low season
Enjoy better rates and fewer crowds for an intimate safari experience.
- Consider group or package deals
Joining a group tour can slash costs without sacrificing the essence of the Mara.
- Compare prices and negotiate
Shop around, and don’t hesitate to bargain, particularly with packages.
- Plan and book in advance
Early bird rates can be significantly cheaper, and planning ensures you avoid costly last-minute
Conclusion
As we’ve dissected, the cost of a Masai Mara safari can fluctuate widely based on several factors. Whether you’re aligning your budget for a basic camping adventure or splurging on the opulent lodge experience, planning is vital to finding the best deals. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to what a Masai Mara safari costs, but armed with the insights from this guide, you’ll be better prepared to tailor your journey to the financial canvas of your comfort.
Remember, the Mara is not just an expense but an investment in lifelong memories. With careful planning and savvy travel hacks, this iconic African experience can be both breathtaking and budget-friendly. So, get ready to embark on an epic adventure where the beauty of the wild meets the joy of exploration, without breaking the bank.