The Masai Mara National Reserve is a large game reserve in Narok County, Kenya.
It is contiguous with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
Spanning an area of 1,510 square kilometres (583 sq mi), it forms the northernmost section of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.
This ecosystem is globally recognised for hosting the annual Great Migration. Over two million wildebeest, zebra, and other herbivores traverse its plains here.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is administered by the Narok County Government.
It is not part of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) portfolio of national parks.
Consequently, all fees, regulations, and management policies are determined and enforced by the county authority.
This distinction is critical for visitors to understand. Fee structures and operational protocols differ from those in KWS-managed parks.
Located in the Great Rift Valley, the reserve's landscape is primarily open grassland.
It is intersected by seasonal rivulets and the permanent Mara and Talek rivers.
These riverine forests, acacia woodlands, and escarpments provide diverse habitats for a high concentration of wildlife.
The concentration includes the "Big Five": lion, leopard, African buffalo, rhinoceros, and elephant.
The following tables detail the official Narok County Government entrance fees for the Masai Mara National Reserve.
These fees are effective from 1st January 2026.
All fees are levied per person, per 24-hour period.
They are subject to change by the county administration.
| Category | Non-Residents (USD) | East African Residents (KES) | Kenyan Citizens (KES) | Narok Residents (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (High Season: Jul - Dec) | US$ 200 | KSh 4,500 | KSh 3,000 | KSh 2,000 |
| Adult (Low Season: Jan - Jun) | US$ 100 | |||
| Child | US$ 50 | KSh 2,000 | KSh 1,000 | KSh 500 (Above 10 years) Free (Under 10 years) |
| Student | Not Applicable | KSh 2,000 | KSh 1,000 | Not Applicable |
A fee is charged for each vehicle entering the reserve.
This fee is valid for a 24-hour period.
The rate is determined by the vehicle's seating capacity or weight classification.
| Vehicle Type & Capacity/Weight | Fee (KSh) |
|---|---|
| Safari Vehicle (Less than 6 seats) | 500 |
| Safari Vehicle (6 - 12 seats) | 1,000 |
| Safari Vehicle (13 - 24 seats) | 3,000 |
| Safari Vehicle (25 - 44 seats) | 4,000 |
| Safari Vehicle (45 seats and above) | 5,000 |
| Truck (1 - 3 Tons) | 700 |
| Truck (4 - 7 Tons) | 2,500 |
| Truck (8 Tons and above) | 3,500 |
Fees for camping are charged per person, per night.
Private campsite bookings require prior arrangement.
These may incur additional booking fees.
| Campsite Type | Category | Non-Resident (USD) | East African Resident/Citizen (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Campsite | Adult | US$ 30 | KSh 1,000 |
| Child | US$ 20 | KSh 200 | |
| Student | US$ 20 | KSh 200 | |
| Private Campsite | Adult | US$ 40 | KSh 1,500 (Resident) / KSh 1,000 (Citizen) |
| Child | US$ 20 | KSh 500 (Resident) / KSh 200 (Citizen) | |
| Student | US$ 20 | KSh 500 (Resident) / KSh 200 (Citizen) |
Hiring a Narok County ranger for security or guidance is a mandatory requirement for certain activities.
These activities include walking safaris.
Ranger services are highly recommended for game drives.
Fees are based on the duration of service.
| Service | Duration | Fee (KSh) |
|---|---|---|
| Game Drive Ranger | Under 6 hours | 1,500 |
| Game Drive Ranger | Over 6 hours (Full Day) | 3,000 |
| Camp Security | Per Night | 4,000 |
Aircraft landing at any of the reserve's airstrips are subject to a landing fee.
This fee is based on seating capacity.
The charter company or lodge typically handles this fee.
| Aircraft Seating Capacity | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-3 seats | US$ 20 |
| 4-12 seats | US$ 50 |
| 13-20 seats | US$ 100 |
| 21 seats and above | US$ 150 |
A standard entrance ticket for the Masai Mara National Reserve is valid for a period of 24 hours from the time of entry.
Visitors staying at lodges or camps inside the reserve must possess a valid ticket for their entire stay.
It is the visitor's responsibility to ensure park fees are paid and current at all times.
Entry to the Masai Mara National Reserve is a cashless transaction.
Acceptable payment methods at all official entry gates include major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard).
The M-Pesa mobile money service is also accepted.
Cash is not accepted for payment of park fees.
To qualify for the student rate, an individual must be 23 years of age or younger.
They must present a valid, current student identification card from a recognised educational institution.
The student body must also provide a letter in advance confirming their educational trip.
Failure to produce valid identification will result in the application of adult rates.
The "Child" rate applies to individuals aged 3 to 17 years.
Proof of age, such as a passport, may be requested.
Children under the age of 3 are granted entry free of charge.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is surrounded by a number of private wildlife conservancies.
These include Mara North, Olare Motorogi, and Naboisho.
These are separate entities from the main reserve and have their own distinct fee structures.
Their entrance and conservation fees are typically higher.
Fees paid for the National Reserve are not valid in the conservancies.
Conversely, conservancy fees are not valid in the National Reserve.
Hot air balloon safaris are a popular activity.
They are managed by third-party private operators.
The fee paid to the operator (ranging from US$400-US$550 per person) covers the flight experience.
In addition, the reserve administration levies a mandatory landing fee.
| Activity | Adult Fee | Child Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Air Balloon Landing | US$ 50 | US$ 20 |
| Horse Riding (per day) | KSh 1,500 | |
| Annual Research Permit (Non-Resident) | US$ 400 | |
International visitors travelling to Kenya must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) prior to departure.
This digital platform has replaced the traditional visa system.
Applicants must submit their details online.
It is recommended to apply at least 72 hours before travel to allow for processing.
A valid eTA is a mandatory requirement for boarding flights to Kenya.
The entrance fees collected are a direct contribution to the conservation of the Masai Mara ecosystem.
These funds support the vital work of the Narok County Government.
They are utilised for anti-poaching patrols, wildlife monitoring, and habitat management.
Funding also supports veterinary services and community development projects in areas surrounding the reserve.
The primary entry points into the Masai Mara National Reserve are the Sekenani, Talek, Oloolaimutia, Musiara, and Sand River Gates.
The choice of gate depends on the location of your accommodation within the Mara ecosystem.
Access to the reserve has significantly improved.
The main road from Narok town to the Sekenani Gate is now fully tarmacked.
This reduces travel time and provides a comfortable journey.
This upgrade makes road travel to the Mara a more reliable and accessible option than in previous years.
Rangers can be booked through your safari operator or lodge.
Bookings are also possible directly at the main entry gates or warden's offices within the reserve.
For specialised activities or full-night camp security, it is highly advisable to book ranger services well in advance.
This is particularly important during the peak season from July to October.