The cost of a safari in Masai Mara can vary widely depending on several factors, including the length of the trip, the type of accommodation and transportation, and the specific destinations and activities included. A budget safari in Masai Mara might cost between $200 to $300 per person per day, while a luxury safari may cost over a hundred dollars or more per person per day. It is also worth noting that some safari companies may offer discounts for larger groups or children.
It is always a good idea to compare prices from different safari companies and to carefully review the inclusions and exclusions of each package before making a decision. It is also important to consider the level of comfort and amenities that you are looking for, as well as any specific interests or activities that you want to include in your safari.
1. Vaccinations & Visas
Travelers who wish to visit Kenya’s Masai Mara must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before arrival. This eTA entitles you to enter the country once for a tourist or business stay of up to 90 days, or transit for up to 72 hours. The average time to obtain an eTA is three days, and a single entry visa for both business and tourism costs approximately $ 32.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that travelers to Kenya are up to date on routine vaccines, such as measles, mumps, rubella, and flu. In addition, the CDC recommends that travelers to Kenya be vaccinated against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid. Yellow fever vaccination may also be required for travelers coming from certain countries, and it is important to check the vaccination requirements before you travel.
2. Flights
International airlines typically offer three travel classes: First Class, Business Class, and Economy Class, and the cost of your flight to Kenya may vary depending on the class you intend to reserve. We advise you to compare airfares by visiting an airfare comparison website that displays prices for all airlines as well as prices for nonstop and connecting flights before making an informed decision.
Choosing to travel via domestic flights while in the country, can also be much more expensive especially if you intend to fly to several regions and stay only two nights in each, as opposed to visiting fewer places and staying three nights in each.
3. Accommodation
Safari lodges and tented camps provide some of the best accommodations in Masai Mara, but like luxury hotels, this option can be costly. To give you an idea, a high-end lodge could cost between $ 500 and $ 1000 per person per night, while a deluxe accommodation could cost between $200 and $400 per person/night. Your low-cost accommodation will range between $90 and $140 per person per night.
4. The Season
Travel season in Masai Mara varies according to where you want to go and what you intend to do. For instance, if you prioritize the wildebeest migration, mid-July to October is not only the best time of the year but also the most expensive season as it is peak season. Shoulder season tends to run from January to March and you can enjoy nice weather with very few crowds. The low season, which is accompanied by heavy rains takes place between mid-April and May and to a lesser extent during the short rains of November as well.
5. Mode of Safari
In Kenya, there are three main types of safari options: Fly-in safaris, private driving safaris with some flying, and drive-in safaris. Fly-in safaris are the most expensive because they involve flying from one destination to another. Private driving safaris with some flying focus on driving between closer camps and destinations as well as flying to some further-flung destinations, and finally the drive-in safari, which is the least expensive focus strictly on road transport.
So, how can I save money on a safari in Masai Mara?
- If possible, try to travel outside of peak season.
- If you have a group of four or five people, it will be wise to choose a driver-guide over a fly-in safari
- Scheduled group safaris are an option if you are on a tight budget or traveling alone. However, you’ll travel at a faster pace and stay in larger safari “hotels.”
- Work with a travel expert who understands your budget.
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