Straight answers on park fees, costs, visas, the best time to go and how to plan, updated for 2026–2027.
Masai Mara park entry fees for non-resident adults are USD 100 per day from 1 January to 30 June, and USD 200 per day from 1 July to 31 December. Children pay about half. Kenyan citizens and East African residents pay much lower shilling rates, which also double in the July–December high season. A ticket is valid for 12 hours.
A 3-day Masai Mara safari from Nairobi costs from about USD 308 per person on a shared group joining budget tour, plus park fees of USD 100–200 per day. Industry ranges for 2026 are about USD 250–350 per person per day for budget, USD 350–600 for mid-range and USD 700–1,500+ for luxury camps.
The best time to see the Great Migration in Kenya's Masai Mara is from July to October. River crossings at the Mara River usually peak in August and September. The herds arrive from Tanzania's Serengeti in July and head back south in late October and November, but exact timing changes each year with the rains.
For a Kenya safari, pack neutral-coloured light layers (khaki, olive, beige), a warm fleece for cold early mornings, a wide-brim hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens. Use a soft duffel bag. Fly-in safaris usually limit luggage to about 15 kg including hand luggage.
Since KWS's fee review took effect in October 2025, Amboseli and Lake Nakuru charge USD 90 per non-resident adult, KES 2,025 for Kenya residents and KES 1,500 for East African citizens. Nairobi National Park and Tsavo charge USD 80, KES 1,350 and KES 1,000. The Masai Mara is run by Narok County and charges USD 100–200 per day.
Kenya replaced visas with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) in January 2024. Most visitors must apply online before flying, usually for about USD 30, at least 3 days ahead. East African Community citizens are exempt, and since 2025 most African nationals (except Libya and Somalia) are exempt too. Entry rules change often, so check the official eTA site before you travel.
A Kenya safari costs about USD 100–150 per person per day on a shared budget tour, USD 230–400 per day mid-range with a private vehicle, and USD 700–1,500+ per day at luxury camps, plus park fees of USD 80–200 per day for non-residents. With Seemore Tours, a 3-day Masai Mara safari starts at USD 308 and a 7-day safari at USD 788.
The best time to visit Kenya for a safari is the long dry season, from late June to October, when wildlife gathers at water and the Great Migration is in the Masai Mara. January to February is a second dry season with good viewing and lower Mara fees. March to May (long rains) and November (short rains) are the green season, with the lowest prices.
The Masai Mara (Kenya) and the Serengeti (Tanzania) are one ecosystem. The Mara is smaller, closer to Nairobi, cheaper for short trips and best from July to October. The Serengeti is about 10 times larger, has the migration all year somewhere in the park, including calving in January–March, and suits longer trips. A 10-day combined safari visits both.
A Masai Mara hot air balloon safari costs about USD 450–600 per person in 2026–2027 for a 1-hour sunrise flight with a champagne bush breakfast. Ours is USD 470 per person, including the flight, breakfast, transfers from your camp and park fees for that day. Book early for July–October.
Plan 3 days for a Masai Mara safari from Nairobi, 4–5 days to add Lake Nakuru or Amboseli, and 7 days for Kenya's classic circuit (Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha and Amboseli). Allow 10–14 days to add Tanzania or a beach stay. With only one day, visit Nairobi National Park or Lake Nakuru.
Kenya's main safari areas, including the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Naivasha, Samburu and Tsavo, receive large numbers of international visitors every year, and organised safaris with a licensed operator are a well-established way to visit. Follow your guide's wildlife rules, take normal city precautions in Nairobi and Mombasa, and check your government's current travel advice before booking.
Diani has Kenya's best-known long white-sand beach and the widest choice of resorts and activities. Watamu is quieter, with a marine national park for snorkelling and turtles. Mombasa's north coast (Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu) is the most convenient for city sights and nightlife. All three can be combined with a Tsavo safari.
A group joining safari shares a vehicle and fixed itinerary with other travellers, so it costs less and suits solo travellers and budget couples. A private safari gives your group its own vehicle and guide, flexible dates and pace, and suits families, photographers and honeymooners. For groups of 3–4 the price difference becomes small.
The Masai Mara is about 270 km from Nairobi. By road it takes about 5–6 hours via the Rift Valley and Narok, including a viewpoint stop. By air, scheduled light aircraft from Nairobi's Wilson Airport reach the Mara airstrips in about 45–60 minutes. Road safaris cost much less, while flying saves almost a full day.
Choose Amboseli for big elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro, about 4 hours from Nairobi, with a park fee of USD 90. Choose the Masai Mara for big cats and the Great Migration, about 5–6 hours from Nairobi, with fees of USD 100–200 per day. With 5 or more days, visit both.
Both safari vans and 4x4 Land Cruisers in Kenya have pop-up roofs for game viewing. Vans are cheaper and fine in the dry season on main tracks. Land Cruisers are four-wheel drive, ride better on rough roads and reach more areas in the rainy season, especially in the Masai Mara. Choose a Land Cruiser for April–May, November and for photography.
