Masai Mara safari from Nairobi
Kenya's most famous reserve: big cats on open plains, and the wildebeest migration from about July to October. From Nairobi it is 5 to 6 hours by road, so plan at least 2 nights.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Distance from Nairobi | About 270 km, 5 to 6 hours by road via Narok. Short flights also run from Wilson Airport |
| Ideal length | 3 days, 2 nights. 4 days in migration season |
| Managed by | Narok County Government (national reserve) |
| Entry fee, non-resident adult | $100 per day January to June, $200 per day July to December (2026) |
| Headline wildlife | Lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, hippo, wildebeest and zebra migration |
| Best months | July to October for the migration. January to March for calving-season predators and lower fees |
| Big Five | All five present. Rhino is the hardest to find |
Why go
The Mara is open grassland where predators are easy to see. Lion prides, cheetahs hunting in daylight and leopards along the Talek and Mara rivers make it the best big-cat reserve in Kenya. From about July to October, more than a million wildebeest and zebra arrive from the Serengeti, with dramatic crossings at the Mara River.
Sample 3-day itinerary
| When | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | 05:00 pickup in Nairobi. Rift Valley viewpoint, lunch at camp, afternoon game drive |
| Day 2 | Full day in the reserve with a picnic lunch. Mara River in migration season |
| Day 3 | Sunrise game drive, breakfast, drive back to Nairobi by late afternoon |
Getting there
By road, the drive leaves Nairobi early, descends the Great Rift Valley escarpment with a viewpoint stop, and passes through Narok town before the reserve gates. A pop-up roof Land Cruiser handles the rough final stretch and doubles as your game-drive vehicle. Flights from Wilson Airport take under an hour if you prefer to fly.
Masai Mara entry fees 2026
| Visitor | Adult, per day | Child, per day |
|---|---|---|
| Kenyan citizen or East African resident | KSh 1,500 (January to June), KSh 3,000 (July to December) | KSh 1,000, ages 9 to 17 |
| Non-resident | $100 (January to June), $200 (July to December) | $50, ages 9 to 17 |
Park fees are charged per person per day, so a 3-day safari pays them three times. We list them separately in every quote, so you can see exactly where the money goes.
How the trip runs
A private safari from Nairobi in a pop-up roof vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide, on the dates you choose. Every quote is built for your group size, dates and lodge budget, and confirmed on WhatsApp before you pay anything.
| Usually included | Paid separately |
|---|---|
| Pickup in Nairobi and return | Park or reserve entry fees, unless your quote includes them |
| Pop-up roof safari vehicle with driver-guide | Drinks, tips and optional activities |
| Game drives on the itinerary | Visa or electronic travel authorisation |
| Lodge or camp at the level you choose, if you want it arranged | Flights, if you choose to fly |
Combine it
Add a Nairobi National Park morning on your arrival or departure day, or continue to Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru. See all Kenya safaris from Nairobi, or the half-day Nairobi National Park safari from $300 per group (your group only, park fees paid separately).
Quick answers
How many days do I need in the Masai Mara?
Three days and two nights is the practical minimum from Nairobi, because the drive takes 5 to 6 hours each way.
When is the best time for the migration?
Usually July to October, with river crossings most likely in August and September. Herd movements vary each year.
How much is the Masai Mara entry fee in 2026?
Non-resident adults pay 100 US dollars a day from January to June and 200 US dollars a day from July to December. Kenyan citizens pay KSh 1,500 or KSh 3,000.
Related pages
Book this safari
Send the date, the group, and the pickup. We confirm availability on WhatsApp or email, with the tour price and the park fees to budget. See our deposit and cancellation policy.