Masai Mara Safari Packages: 3, 4, 5 and 7-Day Options Compared
By the Africa Safaris team, Nairobi · · 3 min read
Compare Masai Mara safari packages from 3 to 7 days: road vs fly-in, reserve vs conservancy, lodges, migration timing, park fees and real prices per person.
The Masai Mara is the reason most people go on safari in Kenya. It's home to some of the highest densities of lions, leopards and cheetahs in Africa, and the stage for the Great Migration's river crossings. This guide compares Masai Mara safari packages by length, style and budget so you can choose the right one.
How many days do you need in the Masai Mara?
| Package | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days / 2 nights | Travellers short on time | One full day in the reserve if you drive from Nairobi |
| 4 days / 3 nights | Most first-timers | Two full days. The best balance of time and cost |
| 5 days / 4 nights | Photographers, migration season | Time to wait at the river for crossings |
| 7 days (Mara + another park) | A full Kenya safari | Combine with Nakuru, Naivasha or Amboseli |
Our 3-Day Masai Mara Safari starts from about $1,070 per person sharing, and the 5-Day Luxury Masai Mara Fly-In from about $1,890.
Road or fly-in?
- By road: about 5–6 hours from Nairobi, passing the Great Rift Valley viewpoint. It's cheaper, and the game drive often starts on the way in.
- Fly-in: about 45–60 minutes from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to a Mara airstrip. Your guide meets you at the plane. It's ideal for shorter trips and luxury camps. See luxury and fly-in safaris.
National Reserve or private conservancy?
The Masai Mara National Reserve is the main protected area, and it's where most migration river crossings happen. Around it lie private conservancies such as Mara North, Olare Motorogi and Naboisho. These limit vehicle numbers and allow activities the reserve doesn't, including night drives, walking safaris and off-road driving. Many travellers split their nights between the two.
When to visit
The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Mara in July and stays until October. Crossings are most frequent in August and September. The rest of the year, resident wildlife is still superb, with fewer vehicles and lower prices. See our month-by-month guide.
Park fees
Non-resident adults pay around USD 200 per day in peak season to enter the National Reserve, with lower rates in the low season. Conservancy fees are usually included in camp rates. All our Masai Mara safari packages include park fees.
Experiences to add
- Hot-air balloon safari at sunrise with a champagne breakfast: around $495 per adult
- Guided walking safari with Maasai rangers in a conservancy: around $75
- Maasai village visit: around $40
- Private bush dinner under the stars: around $180
Special occasions in the Mara
The Mara is Kenya's favourite backdrop for proposals and weddings. See our 5-Day Proposal Safari, or read about safari proposals and destination weddings.
Browse all our Masai Mara safaris or build your own Masai Mara package.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Masai Mara safari cost?+
A 3-day private road safari starts around USD 1,000–1,200 per person sharing. Luxury fly-in packages in private conservancies can cost USD 1,000+ per person per night. Park fees are about USD 200 per adult per day in peak season.
Is 3 days enough for the Masai Mara?+
Three days gives you one full day plus two half days. If you can, take 4 days for two full days in the reserve. It makes a big difference during migration season.
What's the difference between the Masai Mara reserve and the conservancies?+
The National Reserve is larger and hosts most river crossings. The private conservancies limit vehicles and allow walking safaris, night drives and off-road driving.
Tags
Safaris mentioned in this guide
3-DayKenya3-Day Masai Mara Safari
You visit: Masai Mara National Reserve
5-DayKenya5-Day Luxury Masai Mara Fly-In Safari
You visit: Masai Mara National Reserve
5-DayKenya5-Day Proposal Safari: Lake Naivasha & Masai Mara
You visit: Lake Naivasha → Masai Mara National Reserve
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