The best time to visit the Masai Mara on a budget is during the long rainy season from March to May. This period offers the most significant discounts, with some lodges and camps offering up to 50% off, making it the cheapest time of year to visit.
The second best time to visit Masai Mara National Reserve for a budget-friendly safari is November. November is a month of short rains, where accommodation prices are reduced, and the park remains relatively quiet.
The occasional rains on November do not disrupt game drives as much, and the lush surrounding that form are perfect for both wildlife viewing and birdwatching. The months of March, April, May, and November offer an affordable and less congested safari experience while still providing excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife.
Costs During the Budget Season at Masai Mara National Reserve
Visiting the Masai Mara National Reserve during the rainy seasons does not just save you money on accommodation. It also brings significant savings in other areas. Here’s a breakdown of the costs you can expect during the budget season at :
- Entrance fees: For foreign visitors, the entrance fee to the Masai Mara is $100 per person per day, while East African citizens pay much less. If you are staying outside the reserve, remember that this fee applies for every 24-hour period. For budget travelers, this cost is unavoidable, but planning your itinerary carefully to maximize your time in the park can help you get the most value from this fee.
- Accommodation: Lodging costs are one of the biggest expenses, but during the off-peak rainy seasons, budget camps offer rooms from as low as $15 to $50 per night. Some popular budget-friendly options include Greenwood Safari Camp, Aruba Mara Camp, and Crocodile Camp. All of these budget-friendly camps provide basic but comfortable amenities at a fraction of the price charged in the high season.
- Camping: Camping can be a fantastic way to save money if you are willing to go camping. Many camps offer camping spots for around $15 per night if you bring your own tent. We have found that this reduces accommodation costs significantly while adding an adventurous touch to your safari experience.
- Transport: Try to avoid private transfers or guided safaris when traveling on budget to Masai Mara. Budget travelers can use local transport or group joining safaris to Masai Mara. Taking a matatu (local bus) from Nairobi to Narok costs around $10–15, followed by a shared ride to the Masai Mara for approximately $5–7. Though less convenient than direct transfers, this option can save a considerable amount of money.
Tips for Maximizing Your Budget During Low Season
Visiting the Masai Mara on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on the quality of your safari experience.
You can have some bit of planning which should significantly reduce costs while still enjoying all that the Mara has to offer.
We have handpicked some practical tips to help you stretch your budget further.
Travel in a group or Joining Safari
One of the best ways to save money on a safari is to share costs. Game drives, for example, typically cost around $150 to $200 per vehicle. A group joining safari can help you split these costs among several travelers. This will make it far more affordable per person. Shared expenses for guides and transport can quickly add up to big savings.
Self-drive Safaris
If you have the confidence to drive yourself, a self-drive safari is a great option. Renting a 4x4 vehicle can save you money on guided tour operators, allowing you more freedom to explore the Mara at your own pace.
However, it’s essential to be familiar with the terrain and have proper navigation tools, as the Mara’s roads can be challenging, particularly in the rainy season.
Maximize Park Fees
Since the park entrance fee is valid for 24 hours, you can plan your game drives strategically to get the most value out of your pass.
For instance, entering the reserve early in the morning when it opens, spending the entire day exploring, and leaving just before your pass expires the following day allows you to experience two full days of game viewing on one fee.
Self-catering Experience
Another way to cut costs is to bring your own food or stay at accommodations that offer self-catering facilities. Many budget camps have communal kitchens or cooking areas where you can prepare your meals, saving you from the often pricey lodge dining options.
Alternatively, buying groceries in nearby towns like Narok is relatively inexpensive, and you can stock up before heading into the reserve.
Contact Kenya Peaks Adventures for a customized trip to Masai Mara and save while enjoying the best that the reserve has to offer.
