General Information on Maasai Mara

Size: 1,510 Km sq. made up of three group ranches, The Mara Triangle, Musiara and Sekenani. Surrounding the reserve are a few private conservancies that are full of wildlife, Olare Orok Conservancy, Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Olderikesi Conservancy and Siana Conservancy.

Park Fees: for 2008, rates are per person per day
                         Adults (12 yrs and above)      US$ 40, 
                         Children ( 11 and below)        US$ 20,
                         Residents                                  Ksh. 1,000/=, 
                         Vehicles 6+ seats                   Ksh. 800/=,
                         5 seats or less                         Ksh. 300/=. 

We will get an update on the fees for next year as soon as possible as they may go up! Fees are payable at any of the reserves gates, but normally these fees will be included in the safari package, best to check before hand.

Accommodation in the Maasai Mara: Accommodation in the Maasai Mara has been sectioned these into price categories for easy reference, Delux ($500+pp), Top End ($350 - $499pp) , Mid Range ($200 - $349), Budget ($50 - $199) , Campsites ($5 - $49pp), and Mobile Camps ($350+pp) for ultimate luxury camping. ECO accommodation has a GREEN title are ECO RATED by ESOK (Ecotourism Society of Kenya).

Some Recommendations: If you have seen a place you would like to stay at in the Maasai Mara, it would be best you contact one of the SAFARI OPERATORS to help you book your safari. This recommendation is to make sure all goes well with your travels in Kenya. Some operators are not memebers of KATO (Kenya Association of Tour Operators) and therefore may not have the backback and professionalism you would expect on safari. GO PREPARED and book inadvance with a reputable safari operator.

The Wildebeest Migration: This happens through out the year, but it only happens in the Maasai Mara from approximately mid June to the end of October. The Great Migration is one of the most impressive natural events worldwide, involving an immensity of hervibores: some 1,300,000 Wildebeest, 360,000 Thomson`s Gazelle, and 191,000 Zebra. These numerous migrants are followed along their annual, circular route by a block of hungry predators, most notably lions and hyena. 

The migration is NOT one huge herd as many would believe, but many large herds joining up and seperating as they move to greener pastures. The time of the crossings at the Mara River are a photographers paradise, again these crossings happen in several areas along the river and there maybe more than one happening at the same time. Crossings can not be guaranteed, so your best bet is book for three nights and you will have a good chance at seeing a crossing. Best time of the year - July -September.