The Masai Mara is one of the key safari destinations within Kenya, especially during the great migration the plains of the Masai Mara are teaming with wildlife. Millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara river to roam the plains after making their way up North from the Serengeti in Tanzania. And we came to see this 8th wonder of the world in August.

When we started to plan our trip to the famous Savannah, we didn’t know much and google wasn’t of great support either. Despite receiving insights from our corporation partners and colleagues on the different conservancies, national parks, rules and camp sites, we still didn’t really know what will await us. After spending a few weeks in the Masai Mara national park and surroundings in August we decided to pass over our knowledge. Here’s what you need to know for your trip to the Masai Mara:

The listed rates of the camp exclude game drives and safari activists
The pricing policy is different than in many other safari destination. When looking for a camp in safari destinations like South Africa, the stated prices a full board as well as activities such as game drives, bush walks and bush dinners. Solely extras like alcoholic drinks and spa treatments are excluded. In Kenia the pricing policy is very different. The stated prices include a full board meaning meals are included, however any safari activities are excluded and must be paid for extra. The rates for safari activities vary from 100$ e.g. for a half day game drive to 300$ e.g. for a full day game drive or up to 500$ for a hot balloon safari. In order to prevent a piggy bank slaughter, we recommend you to prioritize your safari activities and communicate to the lodge or safari operator ahead of your trip.

The Masai Mara National Reserve vs. the Masai area conservancies
The Masai Mara National Reserve covers an area of 1,510 square km. Add the conservancies and the area is at least twice the size. Many famous lodges are situated within the Reserve, including Africa’s first permanent tented Governor’s Camp. The Reserve also offers the best position to see the great migration in August, when millions of gnus and zebras are crossing the Mara river coming from Tanzania. Given it’s excellent location the prices are high: the conservancy fee is 80$, the prices for camps are also comparatively exorbitant. For a standard tented camp without any special amenities you might need to pay up to 250$ per person per night. A luxury tented camp can easily reach the 1.200$ per person per night rate. 

In order to avoid paying excessively high prices and enjoying some tranquility in the Savannah, many people opt to stay in one of ten conservancies that border the park. The borders of the park are not fenced meaning whatever game you can see in the park itself, can be found in the conservancies as well. The prices for accommodation are considerable lower, while the conservancy fees can be as high as. So you can do your game in the conservancies and access the Masai Mara National Reserve for a conservancy fee of 80$ (adults) for one or two days. Careful though, the camps charge you extra for a full day game drive (see point above). Our favourite conservancies include the Mara North conservancy as well as the Lemek conservancy. While the former is famous for big cat sightings and located right next to one of the entrance gates of the park, making it a perfect entry point into the main park, the latter is with only 4 camps very exclusive and offers great sightings.

There are many ways to reach your camp
The Masai Mara National Reserve is approximately 6 hours drive away from Nairobi. Many camps offer a pick up service for a fee of around 200-350$ per vehicle. If you’re looking for a quicker and more authentic way to land in the park you might want to opt for flying in. Two airlines, Safarlink and Mombasa Air, offer daily flights from Nairobi to the different airstrips in the Masai Mara. We’d consult you to talk to your camp to find the nearest strip. 

Stay between 4 and 6 days
The Masai Mara offers a lot: the great migration in August, horse back safaris, balloon safaris, game drives and much more. So depending on how adventurous you are we recommend to stay a maximum of 6 days. It is a good amount to see one of the conservancies and spend 2-3 days in the Masai Mara National Reserve itself. For those who really just wanna come to see the great migration in August, a four day trip to a camp within the park or on the border is ideal. 

The effects of COVID-19 on the Masai Mara
During the high season the Masai Mara can become quite busy. It’s not uncommon to be surrounded by dozens of other vehicles at a sighting. But of course now things are a bit differently because of COVID-19. The 2021 great migration was one of the least visited migrations since decades. And the low season is even emptier than ever. However, the crowds are predicted to come back.