Travel Budget for Masai Mara Visit Masai Mara on a Budget or Travel in Style

Masai Mara, Rift Valley Province, Kenya
Africa / Kenya /
Jump to  down-arrow

Masai Mara is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Masai Mara?

You should plan to spend around $133 (KES17,207) per day on your vacation in Masai Mara. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $57 (KES7,390) on meals
  • $48 (KES6,143) on local transportation
  • $74 (KES9,585) on hotels

A one week trip to Masai Mara for two people costs, on average, $1,864 (KES240,898). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $133
    KES17,207
  • One Week Per person
    $932
    KES120,449
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,864
    KES240,898
  • One Month Per person
    $3,995
    KES516,210
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,864
    KES240,898
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $3,729
    KES481,796
  • One Month For a couple
    $7,990
    KES1,032,420
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Masai Mara cost?

A one week trip to Masai Mara usually costs around $932 (KES120,449) for one person and $1,864 (KES240,898) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Masai Mara on average costs around $1,864 (KES240,898) for one person and $3,729 (KES481,796) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Masai Mara will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Masai Mara on average costs around $3,995 (KES516,210) for one person and $7,990 (KES1,032,420) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Masai Mara expensive to visit?

Masai Mara is a smaller destination that draws visitors with a range of travel styles, spending habits, and budget preferences. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

Although Masai Mara can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $58 (KES7,528) per day, mid-range travelers spend $134 (KES17,207) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $255 (KES32,881) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Masai Mara.

Within Africa, Masai Mara is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Entebbe or Cape Town.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Masai Mara Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Masai Mara?

The average Masai Mara trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Masai Mara travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Masai Mara cost?

Masai Mara on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$16
(KES2,097) 		$37
(KES4,792) 		$71
(KES9,157)
Local Transportation 1 $21
(KES2,688) 		$48
(KES6,143) 		$91
(KES11,739)
Food 2 $25
(KES3,233) 		$57
(KES7,390) 		$109
(KES14,121)
Entertainment 1 $26
(KES3,419) 		$60
(KES7,814) 		$116
(KES14,933)
Alcohol 2 $6-17
(KES747-2,241) 		$13-40
(KES1,707-5,122) 		$25-76
(KES3,262-9,787)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. While some think they can visit Masai Mara with minimal expenses, most people don't enjoy traveling that frugally. Consider what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer luxury hotels or budget stays? Hostels or hotels or vacation rentals? Are fun activities and dining out important to you? Your overall budget will depend on all of these questions.

What is a budget traveler, anyway?

Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $58 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.

For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.

Are You Considered an Average Traveler?

Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Most visitors to Masai Mara will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $134 per person, per day.

What Luxury Travel Looks Like

If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $255 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the destination with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as 5 Hour Private Tour Nairobi National Park Or Evening Game Drive - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Masai Mara

The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Masai Mara can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Masai Mara in the off-season is $535, but in the peak travel season it will average around $998. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Masai Mara to range from $212 to $2,025. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Masai Mara for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $74 (KES9,585). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $37 (KES4,792) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $37
    KES4,792
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $74
    KES9,585

Hotels in Masai Mara

Looking for a hotel in Masai Mara? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Masai Mara

The average hotel room price in Masai Mara based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $535 in the low season and $998 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Masai Mara include:

  • Ashnil Mara Camp starting at $278
  • Siana Springs starting at $173
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Masai Mara

Traveling in the low or shoulder season (and not in ) means you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists around.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Masai Mara

Masai Mara does not has a good public transit system.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $48 (KES6,143) per person, per day, on local transportation in Masai Mara. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Masai Mara is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $48
    KES6,143

Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:

  • Airport Transfers for $40 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Masai Mara
How much does it cost to go to Masai Mara? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Masai Mara
The price of renting a car in Masai Mara will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Masai Mara

Food is a major attraction for travelers, so make sure you don't miss out on the local culinary delights.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Masai Mara can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Masai Mara is $57 (KES7,390) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $57
    KES7,390

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Masai Mara is around $57 (KES7390) per person, with previous travelers spending from $25 to $110. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Masai Mara are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $6 to $17
  • Lunch: $9 to $23
  • Dinner: $17 to $40
  • Coffee: $5
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $9

There is one restaurant in the reserve, called Isokon Restaurant, which is known for their plentiful options that are usually western inspired. Other food options are based on your accommodation; most camps and lodges offer a wide range of food options from western inspired to local flavors.

Food & Dining Tips

Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.

Opt for a reusable water bottle to avoid buying drinks everywhere. It's beneficial for the earth as well.

While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Masai Mara

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Masai Mara typically cost an average of $60 (KES7,814) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $60
    KES7,814

As a natural reserve, Masai Mara's number one sight is wildlife viewing, also commonly referred to as "going on safari". Masai Mara is home to a wide variety of animals, including hippos, crocodiles, zebras, lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, and many more. To get the best chance at seeing all of these animals, plan multiple trips over a few days that go out in the morning, afternoon, and night.

There are three parks in total, each one with their own entrance fee which lasts for just 24 hours at a time. It is well worth looking for a lodge or camp site within in the reserve boundary as they will often include the daily park fee a daily tour fees in the accommodation price. Some tour companies also offer the park fee included in the price, but be sure to confirm this before heading out for the day. Otherwise, it is common to be provided accommodations in a "luxury camp" near one of the entrance gates for a very affordable price.

Conservancies
The Masai Mara Reserve is divided into multiple different conservancies, with accommodation options located in each one. Landscapes differ across the conservancies, allowing you to see a wide variety of animals throughout the reserve. The primary conservancies are:

The Mara Triangle makes up the north west part of the reserve, and while it is a little more off the beaten path, it offers incredible game viewing. That's because Mara limits the number of vehicles allowed in the area, meaning you get a more authentic experience on your game drive.

The North Conservancy is on the western part of the reserve and best known for offering some of the best night tours and occasional walking tours.

Lemek Conservancy is a more private conservancy settled in a scenic valley full of wildlife.

Olderikesi Wildlife Conservancy is in an interesting area as it borders the Serengeti, which results in incredible views and a wider range of ecosystems to explore.

Naboisho Conservancy which is a beautiful area on the eastern part of the reserve known for their lovely Acacia trees.



Although the main activity is game viewing, it doesn't mean you have to do it from the ground. Instead, take a hot air balloon ride at dawn to watch the stunning sun rise and see the animals from above.

While at the reserve, you can visit a Masai village near the Oloolaimutiek gate. The Masai people are very welcoming and happy to greet visitors. A visit to this village, or one of the other similar villages, is usually included in package Safari tours. The Masai people are known for their great hunting skills, their distinctive red Scottish plaid cloth, and their ability to jump quite high in the air.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Masai Mara. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Half Day Guided Tour in Nairobi National Park for $55 details
  • Nairobi African Shopping Tour for $55 details
  • Giraffe Centre and Bomas of Kenya Full-Day Tour from Nairobi for $84 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Masai Mara

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $26 (KES3,414) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Masai Mara per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $26
    KES3,414
Nightlife Tips

Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.



Budgeting and Travel Tips for Masai Mara

  • During peak season, prices are generally much higher and the destination is more crowded. You can save money and avoid the crowds by visiting during the shoulder seasons or low season instead.
  • Enjoying a more leisurely travel pace can not only enhance your experience but also save you money as you soak in the area's beauty. If you rush through every day packed with activities, your spending will add up. On the flip side, a slower pace often means a lighter budget.

Budgeting Challenges

  • There aren't many public transportation options in Masai Mara. Organizing another form of transport, like a tour or private driver, might be necessary. Just know that this could stretch your budget in other places.
  • Hostels are scarce in Masai Mara, so if you're expecting a low-cost dorm stay, you might need to change your approach. Seeking out a cheap hotel or an apartment rental could be a smart move.
Related Articles
Affordable Hostels/Camps in Masai Mara, KenyaLake NakuruNairobiMombasaTsavo National ParkDiani
Traveling in Masai Mara
Masai Mara A Cheetah in Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Masai Mara National Reserve is a beautiful, scenic, nature reserve in southwest Kenya, just west of the capital city, Nairobi. The reserve belongs to the Masai people and was created in order to protect the land and the people and animals living on it. Masai Mara is considered to be one of the best reserves in all of Africa, offering the quintessential African safari experience.

Masai Mara experiences the warmest weather in December and January, with temperatures averaging 85° Fahrenheit. June and July tend to be the coolest time of year, with temperatures in the 60's. The best times to visit are between July and October, when temperatures are fairly mild and it stays fairly dry.



Related
Looking for a hostel in Marrakesh, Cape Town, Nairobi, or Zanzibar?
More Related Articles
Best Hostels in Nairobi, Kenya for Solo Travellers, Couples, and GroupsHostels in Nairobi, Kenya, for Backpackers and Budget TravellersHostels in Mombasa, KenyaAffordable Beach Hostels in Diani, Kenya

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
About BudgetYourTrip.com

Search for Travel Costs


All Countries
Tour Search

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.