How Much Does a Safari in Masai Mara Cost? — Simple, Honest Breakdown (2025)

How Much Does a Safari in Masai Mara Cost?

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing lions, elephants, or the Great Migration, the Masai Mara is the place to be. But how much does a safari really cost?

The truth is ,it depends. Prices vary based on your travel style, season, how long you stay, and whether you fly or drive. Below is a clear breakdown with real examples and smart ways to save.

Quick Facts You Should Know

• Park size: The Masai Mara National Reserve covers about 1,500–1,700 sq km.
• Best time for the Great Migration: July to October — the famous river crossings happen around this time.
• Park entry fees (2025): For non-residents, adult rates are around USD 100/day (Jan–Jun) and USD 200/day (Jul–Dec) for those staying inside the reserve. Always confirm the latest fees before travel.

(Note: These rates may change yearly. Nadjam Travel always updates guests with the current official fees.)

What Makes a Safari Expensive (or Cheap)?

Here’s what mainly affects the price of your safari:

Transport

• Road safari (budget-friendly): 5–6 hours from Nairobi to Masai Mara by 4x4. Cheaper but takes more time.
• Flying safari (premium): A short flight from Wilson Airport to the Mara airstrip — faster, more comfortable, but more expensive. (Nadjamtravel can book and schedule for you all this, visit https://www.nadjamtravel.com/packages)

Accommodation

• Budget camps: Basic tents with shared bathrooms and simple meals.
• Mid-range lodges: Comfortable rooms, private bathrooms, and better meals - the best balance for value.
• Luxury camps: Private decks, fine dining, and top-class service ,but at a much higher cost.

Park Fees & Taxes

These are fixed by park authorities and charged per person per day.

Number of Days

Longer stays cost more overall but often reduce the cost per day.

Inclusions

All-inclusive packages (with meals, drives, and park fees) often save you more than paying for everything separately.

Real Budgets — Example Safari Costs (Per Person)

1) Budget Safari — Best for Small Pockets (By Road)

• Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
• Transport: Shared 4x4 safari van
• Accommodation: Basic camp (full board)
• Game drives: Shared group drives

Estimated cost: KES 45,000 – 70,000 (~USD 300–600)
(Includes transport, meals, and park fees)

2) Mid-range Safari — Comfortable and Popular

• Duration: 3–4 days / 2–3 nights
• Transport: 4x4 or short flight + transfer
• Accommodation: Comfortable lodge or luxury tent
• Inclusions: Full board, game drives, park fees

Estimated cost: KES 90,000 – 150,000 (~USD 600–1,000)

👉 A great example is our Kilima Camp Resident 3 Days Package — a perfect mid-range safari that includes breathtaking views, delicious meals, and guided game drives in the heart of the Mara.
It’s ideal for couples, families, and local residents who want a comfortable experience without overspending.

3) Luxury Flying Safari — Fast and Pampered

• Duration: 4–7 days
• Transport: Return flights from Nairobi + private transfers
• Accommodation: Premium camps like Mara Intrepids or Mara Explorer
• Extras: Private guide, balloon safari, village visits

Estimated cost: KES 450,000 – 700,000+ (~USD 3,000–5,000+)

For an authentic luxury experience, explore our Mara Intrepids 2 Nights Package — a 5-star tented camp right next to the Talek River, known for amazing wildlife sightings and daily fly-in access from Nairobi.

What’s Usually Included

• Park fees (if stated)
• Accommodation and meals (mostly full board)
• Shared or private game drives
• Transfers from airstrip or pickup point

What’s Usually Not Included

• International flights
• Tips & personal items
• Optional activities (e.g. balloon rides, Maasai village visits)
• Travel insurance & visas

Smart Ways to Save Money (and Still Enjoy)

1. Travel during shoulder season (Nov–Mar) , fewer tourists and lower prices.
2. Choose road transfer instead of a flight if you don’t mind the drive.
3. Book as a group to get better discounts.
4. Skip extras like balloons if the budget is tight (you can add them later).
5. Compare all-inclusive vs pay-as-you-go — sometimes full packages are cheaper.
6. Ask Nadjam Travel for local deals — we have special rates with camps like
   Kilima Camp and
   Mara Intrepids that can save you thousands.

Sample Itinerary — 4 Days Mid-range Safari

Day 1: Depart Nairobi by road or flight, check-in at lodge, evening game drive.
Day 2: Full-day game drive, sundowner in the evening.
Day 3: Optional hot air balloon ride at sunrise, then a full-day drive.
Day 4: Morning drive, then return to Nairobi.

4 days gives you time to relax, explore, and experience the Mara properly — without feeling rushed.

Balloon Safari — Worth It?

It’s breathtaking but pricey. Expect around KES 55,000–65,000 per person.
If this is your once-in-a-lifetime trip, it’s absolutely worth it — but optional.

Booking Tips

• Always ask for a full cost breakdown (transport, park fees, lodge, extras).(consult https://www.nadjamtravel.com/)
• Confirm park fees before booking — they change occasionally.
• Add a 10–15% buffer for tips and small costs.
• Get travel insurance that covers safari activities.

Packing Checklist

• Light long-sleeve shirts & trousers
• Warm jacket for mornings
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Good shoes or boots
• Camera and binoculars
• Refillable water bottle
• Personal medication

Final Thoughts

A Masai Mara safari can fit any budget , from basic adventure to luxury retreat.
The main factors that decide cost are season, accommodation type, and travel mode.
At Nadjam Travel, we help you find the best package for your budget — with no hidden costs.

Related Masai Mara Safari Packages

Looking for ready-made trips? Explore these handpicked packages:

• Kilima Camp Resident 3 Days Package — affordable mid-range adventure with incredible views.
• Mara Intrepids 2 Nights Package — luxury fly-in safari for couples and honeymooners.

See all packages: https://www.nadjamtravel.com/packages

Contact Nadjam Travel

📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 WhatsApp / Call: +254 725996394
🔗 Request a Quotehttps://www.nadjamtravel.com/contact#contact