Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $60–100 | $200–400 |
| Food | Included | Included |
| Transport | $40–60 | $60–100 |
| Activities | $0 | $50–100 |
| Park Entry | $80 | $80 |
| Daily Total | $180–240 | $390–680 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Getting There
- Fly Nairobi Wilson Airport to Mara airstrips (45 min, $150–300 one-way)
- Drive from Nairobi via Narok: 5–6 hours (last 80km unpaved)
- Main gates: Sekenani, Oloololo, Talek, Musiara
Entry & Permits
- Reserve entry: $80/adult/day (non-resident), payable via card only
- Conservancy fees: $80–120/person/day (usually included in camp rates)
- Vehicle fees: KES 300/day for registered safari vehicles
Health & Safety
- Malaria prophylaxis essential — the Mara is in a high-risk zone
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for Kenya entry
- Carry a first aid kit — nearest hospital is in Narok (3+ hours away)
What to Pack
- Binoculars, camera with 200mm+ zoom lens, extra memory cards
- Layers for cold mornings (5–10°C) and warm afternoons (25–30°C)
- Dust-proof bag for camera gear — Mara roads are extremely dusty
Connectivity
- Safaricom has best coverage — patchy signal in the reserve
- Most camps have limited Wi-Fi in communal areas
- Download offline maps and wildlife guides before arriving
Money & Payments
- Park fees are card-only — no cash accepted at gates
- Camps accept USD and credit cards
- Carry KES cash for village visits, tips, and roadside purchases
Cultural tips
Vehicle rules in the reserve
Stay in your vehicle at all times except at designated picnic sites. Do not stand on vehicle roofs. Keep a minimum 25-metre distance from predators. Off-road driving is strictly prohibited and carries fines of $10,000 or more.
Photography etiquette
Never use flash near wildlife. Drones are illegal in the Mara. At river crossings, stay calm and quiet — excessive noise and engine revving disturbs the herds and can prevent crossings from happening. Patience yields the best photos.
Maasai cultural respect
Always ask permission before photographing Maasai people. Negotiate and agree on fees before visiting a village. Dress modestly when visiting communities. The Maasai are proud people with rich traditions — engage with genuine curiosity and respect.
Conservation awareness
The Mara ecosystem faces pressure from tourism overcrowding, agricultural encroachment, and human-wildlife conflict. Support conservancies that pay Maasai landowners to keep land wild. Choose operators that follow ethical wildlife viewing practices.
Leave no trace
Carry all rubbish out of the reserve. Kenya banned single-use plastic bags in 2017 — do not bring them into the country. Do not throw food from vehicles — this teaches animals to approach cars, leading to dangerous encounters.
Tipping guidelines
Safari guide: $15–20/person/day. Camp staff: $10/person/day. Transfer drivers: $5–10/trip. Tips are a significant portion of staff income and are greatly appreciated. Tip in USD cash or KES.
