Maasai Mara Kenya Tour Packages

Maasai Mara Kenya Overview

Maasai Mara safari packages take you on an adventure of a lifetime in the heart of Kenya’s wild beauty.  

Maasai Mara, or “the Mara” as the locals call it, is one of the largest game reserves in the world. This natural paradise is home to rolling savannas, free-roaming wildlife, and Africa’s ancestral tribe. Here, you can experience the thrill of the Great Migration, see the Big Five up close, and explore the Maasai's unique nomadic culture.

"Mara" means "spotted" in the Maa language of the Maasai people. When you approach the Masai Mara National Reserve, you can see hundreds of acacia trees, craters, and indentations that create a dotted appearance, giving Maasai Mara its name.

A Kenya Masai Mara tour has all the elements for a perfect vacation!

Maasai Mara Location

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is located in Narok in southwest Kenya. It lies within Africa’s iconic Great Rift Valley. To the south, Masai Mara borders Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. 

Covering 580 square miles(1,510 sq km), it forms a crucial part of the renowned Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. Choosing the right Maasai Mara safari package gives you a chance to experience the best of wildlife and beautiful landscapes of this vast ecosystem.

Visa Requirements for Traveling to Maasai Mara Kenya

To visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, you'll need a visa before you arrive. 

If you're a U.S. citizen, you can apply for an eVisa online through the Kenya eVisa portal. You will need your passport, a recent photo, and proof of your travel plans including tickets and accommodation. You may also need some mandatory vaccinations depending on the areas you plan to visit.

Currency Required to Travel Around the Maasai Mara Kenya

The official currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). 

Most lodges, hotels, and larger businesses in Kenya accept major credit cards. However, it's always advisable to carry some cash when visiting Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Top Attractions of Maasai Mara Kenya

The Great Migration

Every year, from late July to September, the Maasai Mara National Reserve becomes the stage for the Great Migration. Over a million wildebeest, along with gazelles, topi, elands, and zebras, migrate from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara in search of fresh pastures. After grazing, they return in November,  turning the golden savannah into a sea of black dots. This fascinating event is counted as one of the world's natural wonders. Opt for a Masai Mara tour package that’s scheduled around this incredible event!

Ol Kinyei Conservancy

Spanning over 18,700 acres (4,046 sq m), this wildlife conservancy is abundant in springs, streams, rivers, and rich wildlife like lions, elephants, and cheetahs. A highlight of Kenya safari tours in the Maasai Mara, enjoy game drives and guided walks at Ol Kinyei Conservancy. 

Mara River

The Mara River is a must-see on your Kenya safari tour in Maasai Mara. During the Great Migration, you can witness herds of wildebeest and zebras crossing the river—creating a breathtaking sight. The river, along with its tributaries, the Talek and Sand Rivers forms the drainage ecosystem of the Masai Mara.

Mara Triangle

This is the quieter area in the southwest of Maasai Mara National Reserve and is separated from the rest by the Mara River. With fewer crowds, Mara Triangle offers a  serene landscape and rich wildlife. Here, you can easily spot the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. 

Musiara Swamp

Nestled near the Mara River within the northern edge of Maasai Mara, Musiara Swamp is a hidden gem of a Kenya Masai Mara safari. This lush ecosystem has a high denisty of animals including hippos and crocodiles, and plenty of birdlife.

How to Get to Masai Mara Kenya

Most Kenya Masai Mara tours usually begin with a flight to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, the capital city and main transport hub of Kenya. From there, you can take a domestic flight or make a road trip to reach Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Travel by Air

The fastest way to reach Maasai Mara from Nairobi is by taking a direct flight from Wilson Airport to one of the airstrips within or near the reserve. Popular airstrips include Keekorok, Musiara, Mara Serena, Mara North, and Ol Kiombo. 

Domestic flights operated by airlines like SafariLink and AirKenya take about 45 minutes to an hour.

Once you arrive at the airstrip closest to your accommodation, you will be transferred to a safari vehicle.

Travel by Road

Guided Drive-in Safari: A guided drive-in safari from Nairobi to Maasai Mara is the ideal way to explore the reserve. The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours, depending on the route and road conditions. You can even include other popular attractions in Kenya in your Maasai Mara safari packages. Self-Drive: Although generally not recommended, renting a car and driving from Nairobi to Maasai Mara is possible. You will need a sturdy 4x4 vehicle due to road conditions, especially during the rainy season.

Best Time for Maasai Mara Kenya Safari Tour

Masai Mara offers game-watching opportunities throughout the year. However, if you want to witness the Great Migration, the best time to visit is from July to October when there is mild, dry weather.

If you want to enjoy a Masai Mara safari with fewer crowds and at lower rates, visit from November to April. It's also a great season for birdwatching. However, be prepared for occasional rain showers during November-December and March-April.

Best Things to Do on the Maasai Mara Kenya Tour

Game Drives

Nothing beats the thrill of game drives through the vast valleys of Masai Mara. As you ride through expansive landscapes, you'll encounter the best of wildlife including lions, elephants, zebras, leopards, rhinoceroses, and many more. For an added thrill, do a nighttime safari to see nocturnal wildlife.

Horseback Safari

Don't miss the unique adventure of exploring Masai Mara on horseback. Ride alongside zebras and rhinoceroses and observe wildlife in their natural habitat from a different perspective.

Hot Air Balloon Safari

Soar high above the savannas at sunrise in a hot air balloon and experience a 360-degree view of Masai Mara's breathtaking landscape. This isn't just a ride; it's a captivating adventure of watching the vast golden valleys dotted with hundreds of wild animals.

Masai Mara Safari on Foot 

Guided by locals, walk through the heart of the wilderness in Masai Mara. Walk past grazing animals and get up close to wildlife. 

Village Tours

Authentic Maasai culture is on display at local villages where you can meet their residents.. The tours provide a valuable learning experience and insight into the unique pastoral lifestyle, ancient customs, and local culture of the Maasai people.

Essential Tips for the Maasai Mara Kenya Tour 

• Choose the Right Season: Visit during the dry season (July to October) for the Great Migration or the green season (November to April) for fewer crowds and lush landscapes.

• Book in Advance: Secure your accommodations and safari tours early (at least six months in advance), especially during peak seasons like the Great Migration, to ensure availability and the best experience.

• Spend Time in Nairobi: Consider spending a day or two in Nairobi before or after your safari to explore attractions like the Karen Blixen Museum or the Giraffe Centre.

• Pack Right: Scheduled flights to the Mara have a luggage restriction of 15 kg (33 lbs) per person, so pack light. Bring lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, a hat, sunscreen, sturdy walking shoes, and a camera with extra batteries and memory cards. Remember, Kenya has a ban on the use of plastic bags, so avoid carrying them.

• Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Carry plenty of water and high-energy snacks..

• Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from animals, follow your guide's instructions, and avoid sudden movements or loud noises that may disturb wildlife.

Cost of Maasai Mara Kenya Tour

The cost of Kenya Maasai Mara Safari packages depends on several factors, including:

• tour duration

• your group size 

• time of the year

• accommodation type

On average, the best Masai Mara tour package price varies between $1800 and $2500 per person. AdventureTripr offers a number of Masai Mara safari packages at affordable rates, perfect for those looking for a thrilling adventure in the heart of Kenya’s wilderness.

Maasai Mara Kenya Tour Accommodation

Luxury Lodges: Experience top-tier comfort and amenities in luxurious lodges that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Luxury lodges offer spacious rooms, gourmet dining, and more.

Tented Camps: For a more authentic safari experience, stay at tented camps that provide comfortable accommodations with en-suite facilities. They offer a closer connection to the wilderness with essential comforts.

Mid-Range Camps: These camps offer a balance between comfort and affordability, with cozy rooms or tents, delicious meals, and guided safari activities.

Budget Camps: Ideal for budget-conscious travelers, these camps offer basic accommodations like shared facilities or tents. They provide a genuine safari experience without compromising on the adventure.

Bush Camps: Experience the wilderness of Maasai Mara by staying at bush camps. These tent accommodations are located in remote areas of the reserve and offer a more intimate encounter with nature.

The type of accommodation depends on the Masai Mara tour package chosen. Each package varies depending on your preferences and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

 Question 1: How many days should I plan for my Masai Mara safari? 

Answer 1: The ideal duration for a Masai Mara safari typically ranges from 3 to 7 days, depending on your interests and itinerary. We recommend you book the Masai Mara tour for at least four days to experience the best of the region.

Question 2: How many entrance gates does Masai Mara have?

Answer 2: You can enter Masai Mara through six main  gates leading to different areas of  the reserve:

• Sekenani Gate: Leads to the eastern part of Masai Mara, close to Talek and Sekenani rivers.

• Talek Gate: Provides access to the central region of Masai Mara, near the Talek River.

• Oloololo Gate: Located in the northeastern part of the reserve, leading to the west of Mara River.

• Oloolaimutia Gate: Leads to the northeastern part of Masai Mara, connecting to the eastern conservancies.

• Musiara Gate: Located in the western part of Masai Mara, near the Musiara Marsh and Governors' Camp area.

• Sand River Gate: Provides access to the southern part of Masai Mara, near the Sand River and Mara Triangle.

Question 3. What’s included in the Kenya Masai Mara safari tour packages?

Answer 3. AdventureTripr offers a number of Masai Mara Safari packages at affordable prices. Our packages generally include accommodation, transfers, park entry fees, and guide fees. Flights, visas, and travel insurance are not included.