How To Get To Maasai Mara National Park? Maasai Mara national park is a destination that tourists on their safari in Kenya should never miss out to visit and it is located in the Southwestern region of Kenya. It is considered to be among the best national parks in the country, which was established in 1961, and it is situated in a distance of about 22 kilometers from Nairobi city, which is famously known as the capital city of the country. more so, this national park is ranked among the top birding destinations in the country due to the fact that it harbours around 500 birds and it is a home over large numbers of wildlife species that tourists can see while on their tour such as; hyenas, leopards, buffalos, reedbucks, lions, elephants, hartebeests, oribis, hippos, waterbucks, antelopes, duikers and other primate species such as; monkeys and many others.
And there is a question that is frequently asked by many tourists and this is “how does one to Maasai Mara national park?” and the answer is well explained below ; however individuals can always opt to use ; Road transport means, Air transport means and then go through several gates to access the park.
Road Transport.
For tourists who opt to use the road transport means can always get opportunities to explore well through the beautiful landscapes of the country and the 4 by 4 wheel vehicles are the best to use because they are high and have an open rooftop which enables individuals to capture classic views of so many attractions and the beautiful nature along the way. In addition, this drive always covers a distance of about 255 kilometers to 275 kilometers, which also depending on which entry gate you are planning to use. More so, this journey always goes for about 5 to 6 hours to able to access the park. and below are the approximate hours that the drive from Nairobi city can cover to be able to get to Maasai Mara national park of various entry points and this to help individuals to choose which entrance point they would prefer to use;
- From Nairobi to Maasai Mara national park through using the Oloolo gate takes about 6.5 hours.
- From Nairobi to Maasai Mara national park while using Talek gate goes for about 5 to 6 hours.
- Nairobi to Maasai Mara national park through Sekenani gate takes about 5.5 hours to 6 hours.
- Going through Musiara gate takes about 6.5 hours.
- Choosing to use OLoolaimutia gate takes about 6 hours.
International Air Transport.
The most recommended and seen as the main port of entry to Maasai Mara national park is Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO), which is found in Nairobi. NBO Airport serves as East Africa’s biggest hub and therefore many convenient flights are conducted from this airport. However, there are more international airstrips such as; KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air France, British Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Kenya Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways and Swiss all operate flights from a multitude of major airports around the world and therefore, can lead you to Maasai Mara national park. .and these flights usually go for about one hour to be able to access the park. more so, there are so many airstrips which serve the park and they are situated very close to the park where tourists can always land and then take a short drive to park headquarters and some of these include; Keekorok airstrip, serena airstrip, Musiara airstrip, Kichwa tembo airstrip, Ol seki airstrip, Ngerende airstip, Angama airstrip, Olare orko airstip, Siana airstrip and many others.
Domestic Air Transport.
In Kenya there are several airlines where tourists can book their flights to Maasai Mara national park and this flight always go for about one hour and they are always done in different sessions for example; the morning flight starts at 10:00am to 11:00am, afternoon starts at 11:00am to 12:00am and the evening flight begin at 4:00pm to 5:00pm. In addition, the airlines that offer flights to Maasai Mara National park include; Governor Aviation, Air Kenya airways, Safari link, Fly540, Silverstone air strip and many others.
Entry fees Masai Mara National Reserve
Visitors to the Masai Mara National Reserve are required to pay park fees. All international visitors not staying in the national reserve proper, aged 12 and up, pay US$ 80 dollars per person (per 24 hours). Visitors staying at accommodation within national reserve boundaries pay US$ 70 per person (per 24 hours). Children aged between three and 11 years old are required to pay a cost of about US$ 45 and US$ 40 per child per 24 hours respectively. Children younger than 3 years old are not required to pay park fees. In addition, individuals are always advised to always include in their itinerary while confirming with our tour and travel company about their Kenya safari in Maasai mara national park.
Entry fees Masai Mara conservancies
Entry and conservation fees for staying at one of the Masai Mara conservancies differ from the rates indicated above. Roughly, these fees range between US$ 80 and US$ 120 per person per day. Olare Motorogi Conservancy, for instance, currently charges US$ 100 per person per day. Also when booking at stay at one of the conservancies we will always include these fees. However, tourists should also note that these rates always change depending on the seasons.
Immigration and visa information: Kenya
Most international travelers are required to represent their Visas are soon as they arrive in the country. Therefore, we recommend applying for your visa prior to arriving in Kenya in order to limit time spent waiting in a queue after your arrival. A single-entry e-visa is valid for up to 90 days. The price of the e-visa is US$ 51 per person. For more information regarding visa requirements, we recommend reviewing information by the Kenyan embassy in your country of residence. Applications for an e-visa should be done through The Directorate of Immigration Services website.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information and inquiries about how one can get to Maasai Mara national park and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Achieve Global Safaris who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Kenya.