What is the cheapest way to do Masai Mara?

November 13, 2024
Kenya, Masai Mara

What is the cheapest way to do Masai Mara? – Visiting the Masai Mara on a budget is possible if you’re strategic about your choices. The Masai Mara National Reserve, located in southwestern Kenya, is famous for its wildlife, especially during the Great Migration, but it can be expensive due to the cost of park entry fees, accommodation, and safaris. However, with careful planning, you can minimize costs. Here’s a breakdown of the cheapest ways to experience the Masai Mara:

1. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons

High Season: June to October, during the Great Migration.
Low Season: November to March. During the rainy season (April to May), some areas may be harder to access, but prices are typically lower, and the wildlife experience can be just as rewarding.
Cheapest Time to Go: Late November to early March, avoiding peak travel periods and the rains.

2. Book Budget Accommodation

Accommodation in or near the Mara can be expensive, but there are budget options available. If you are wondering what is the cheapest way to do Masai Mara? Then look for:

Campsites: Many campsites around the park are much cheaper than lodges and offer basic facilities.
- The Kenyan Wildlife Service (KWS) is in charge of managing the reserve’s public campsites. You’ll need to bring your own camping gear or rent it from nearby providers. Expect to pay about $20–$30 per person per night for camping.
Budget Lodges & Guesthouses: Some basic lodges or guesthouses just outside the park offer cheaper alternatives than staying within the reserve itself. They might charge around $40–$80 per night for basic accommodations.
Self-Catering Options: If you’re traveling with a group, a self-catering lodge can save you money on food.

Tip: Stay just outside the reserve in places like Sekenani Gate or the nearby Talek area to cut costs.

3. Public Transport or Self-Drive

Getting to the Masai Mara can be one of the largest costs of your trip, but there are affordable ways to get there:

Public Bus: Use public buses or shuttles that operate between Nairobi and the Mara. These typically cost around $25–$50 each way. You can catch a bus from Nairobi’s Avenue Park, Easy Coach, or other companies offering budget services to the Mara’s closest towns like Narok or Sekenani Gate.
Self-Drive Car Hire: Renting a car, especially if shared with others, can be cheaper than booking a safari with an operator. Rent a 4×4 vehicle from Nairobi (about $50–$100/day depending on the season and vehicle type) and drive yourself to the Mara (about 5-6 hours from Nairobi). Make sure the car is equipped for rough roads, and consider renting a car with a rooftop tent to save on accommodation.
- Tip: If you opt for a self-drive, plan your route ahead of time and ensure you have a map or GPS to navigate the park. You’ll need to pay for park entry fees and fuel.

4. Join Group Safaris

Group Safaris: If you’re not keen on self-driving, joining a budget group safari is a good way to save money. Group safaris can be found through many budget tour operators in Nairobi, and prices typically range from $100–$200 per day per person, depending on the package.
These tours generally include transportation (usually in a shared vehicle), park fees, a guide, and sometimes meals and accommodations, which makes them more cost-effective than private safaris.

Tip: Look for affordable safari companies that offer group tours. If you’re traveling solo, it’s a great way to meet others and share the cost of the trip.

5. Park Entry Fees

Masai Mara Reserve Fees: The entry fees are the same whether you are a Kenyan resident or a foreigner, but they can be high, ranging from $80 to $120 per person per day for foreign visitors. The fees are typically lower for the surrounding conservancies.
Conservancies: Staying outside the Masai Mara National Reserve but within a conservancy (such as Olare Motorogi Conservancy or Naboisho Conservancy) can reduce your costs. Conservancy fees tend to be cheaper and offer a more exclusive experience with fewer tourists. The fees can range from $50–$80 per day, but often include game drives and other activities.

Tip: Be mindful of the conservancy fees and ensure that the overall cost is still within your budget. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s best to stay outside the national reserve where park fees are generally lower.

6. Self-Guided Safaris

If you’re staying in or near the Masai Mara, you can do self-guided game drives within the reserve. Some visitors opt for this to cut the cost of guided tours. However, you must be aware that you cannot leave the main roads in a self-drive, and it may not offer the best wildlife experiences compared to guided safaris.

If you hire a 4×4 vehicle for a self-drive, expect to pay $150–$200 per day for a car rental, plus fuel and park fees.
Consider hiring a local guide for part of your trip. A half-day safari with a local guide may cost around $50–$100 per day, which can help you find animals and enhance your experience.

7. Group Tours for Meals and Activities

Shared Meals: If you’re traveling in a group, you can reduce your food expenses by purchasing meals in bulk, sharing, or cooking together (especially if you’re camping).
Budget Activities: Many low-cost activities like visiting local Masai villages or community tours can be arranged at affordable rates. Ask your accommodation or safari operator about these opportunities. Community visits may cost $10–$20.

8. Use Local Agencies

You can often get cheaper rates by booking through local tour operators in Nairobi or even directly in towns near the park (such as Narok). They typically offer deals that aren’t available online, and you can negotiate for lower prices. Be sure to read reviews or get recommendations from other travelers.

9. Work or Volunteer in the Region

If you’re looking to experience the Mara over a longer period, consider volunteering with local conservation projects. Organizations like Big Life Foundation or Masai Mara Wildlife Conservancies often have volunteer programs that include room, board, and an opportunity to experience the wildlife at a lower cost.

Final Tips:

Travel with a Group: If you’re not traveling solo, sharing costs for transportation, accommodation, and guides will help lower the overall cost.
Be Flexible: Prices fluctuate depending on demand, so being flexible with your dates can help you score cheaper rates.
Negotiate: Always ask for discounts, especially if you’re booking in person.

What is the cheapest way to do Masai Mara? You can take advantage of the Masai Mara’s wonders without going over budget if you plan ahead and select less expensive lodging, transportation, and tour options.

For cheap Masai Mara safaris in Kenya, simply contact Adventure in the Wild Safaris through our website, email (info@adventureinthewildsafaris.com) or whatsapp (+256775218880).