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How to do a Budget Safari in Masai Mara, Kenya?

by | May 8, 2021 | Africa, Kenya, Masai Mara, Travel

Masai Mara (Maasai Mara), and locally known as The Mara, is a large national game reserve in Narok, Kenya, contiguous with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. This 1510 Square Kilometer park is one of the most popular parks and an important wildlife conservations in the Africa. Here in this article we will tell you how to do a budget Safari in Masai Mara, Kenya?

Masai Mara (Maasai Mara), and locally known as The Mara, is a large national game reserve in Narok, Kenya, contiguous with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. This 1510 Square Kilometer park is one of the most popular parks and an important wildlife conservations in the Africa. Here in this article we will tell you how to do a budget Safari in Masai Mara, Kenya?

Masai Mara (Maasai Mara), and locally known as The Mara, is a large national game reserve in Narok, Kenya, contiguous with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. This 1510 Square Kilometer park is one of the most popular parks and an important wildlife conservations in the Africa. Here in this article we will tell you how you can plan a budget safari in Masai Mara, Kenya.

Quick Facts to Know About Masai Mara


Masai Mara is divided into two parts; The Greater Mara reserve and the Mara Triangle. Most of the travelers visit The Greater Mara reserve. If you are planning a trip, best time to visit is between June to October. Well, be aware of the fact that during this season, the reserve is flooded with tourists. Masai Mara is famous for many reason, one of which is availability of all big five (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Rhino). Besides, wildebeest, zebra, topi, gazelles, antelope, hyena, impala, hippopotami, crocodile, etc including hundreds of types of birds are seen in the parl.

Masai Mara (Maasai Mara), and locally known as The Mara, is a large national game reserve in Narok, Kenya, contiguous with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. This 1510 Square Kilometer park is one of the most popular parks and an important wildlife conservations in the Africa. Here in this article we will tell you how you can plan a budget safari in Masai Mara, Kenya.

Price Range for a Safari in Masai Mara


Over the years a fantastic support system has evolved to satisfy tourists’ demand. From budget to luxury high end, all types of tours are available. From recent record, it is learned that depending on duration of the tour price per person may vary from 500$ to 4000$ and more. We are considering a tour of 3/4 days at least. However, as our target is to guide you for a budget tour we will focus on saving money. A 3 days safari usually is designed as follows:

  • Day 1 : Nairobi to Masai Mara Journey and game ride
  • Day 2 : Full day game ride
  • Day 3 : Return to Nairobi. However, you may enter the park in the morning.


Choosing Your Operator

Every year more than 300,000 tourists visit Masai Mara through hundreds of tour operator. Many of us book tours over online platforms being manipulated by artificial intelligence and aggressive advertisement. The moment you have started searching something on Google or wherever, you start being manipulated. We are offering you a way out. Do not book tours online. Get reviews of as many operators as you can, and once you are in Nairobi, go to offices of affordable operators and bargain a price or ask for commission. You can also contact them through email, whatsApp, etc.

We booked our tour from Big Time Safari. You can check their website here.

Safari Details

Usually safari packages includes following items:

  • Pickup from the bus stop/Airport
  • Mineral Water
  • Accommodation as per itinerary
  • 3 meals a day while on safari( Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
  • Services of our Professional English Speaking Guide/Driver
  • All park entrance fees
  • Free coffee and Tea
  • All game drives

Following items are not included in the packages:

  • Personal Insurance
  • Optional Visit to Masai Village ( at extra cost)
  • Items of personal use
  • Alcoholic & Soft drinks
  • Tips
  • Visas
Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most populous continent, after Asia in both cases. We were fortunate to travel and explore few of the countries of this continent. Moreover, by staying a little more than a year we have tasted and learned the culture a little bit. Africa is a hidden wonder, but unfortunately its wealth has become its curse.
Masai Mara (Maasai Mara), and locally known as The Mara, is a large national game reserve in Narok, Kenya, contiguous with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. This 1510 Square Kilometer park is one of the most popular parks and an important wildlife conservations in the Africa. Here in this article we will tell you how you can plan a budget safari in Masai Mara, Kenya.
Masai Mara (Maasai Mara), and locally known as The Mara, is a large national game reserve in Narok, Kenya, contiguous with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. This 1510 Square Kilometer park is one of the most popular parks and an important wildlife conservations in the Africa. Here in this article we will tell you how you can plan a budget safari in Masai Mara, Kenya.


Plan for a Shared Tour


We assume you would have stopover at Nairobi at some backpackers, or some affordable hotels. There are tons of good backpackers at Nairobi. Whether you are alone, or with your friends, families, you can always look for other fellow travelers from you backpackers, or from any bars, restaurants. Well, be cautious about not falling in any trap.


What to Eat


Most of the tours includes all major meals e.g. breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, if you are making the trip at your own with your friends/ families, you should plan for cooking by yourself. There are nearby markets, from where you can purchase your daily needs. We have enjoyed the foods served by the operator.

Masai Mara (Maasai Mara), and locally known as The Mara, is a large national game reserve in Narok, Kenya, contiguous with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. This 1510 Square Kilometer park is one of the most popular parks and an important wildlife conservations in the Africa. Here in this article we will tell you how you can plan a budget safari in Masai Mara, Kenya.


Accommodation

Masai Mara (Maasai Mara), and locally known as The Mara, is a large national game reserve in Narok, Kenya, contiguous with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. This 1510 Square Kilometer park is one of the most popular parks and an important wildlife conservations in the Africa. Here in this article we will tell you how you can plan a budget safari in Masai Mara, Kenya.

Accommodation is arranged by the tour operators depending on what you spend. Here, at the park almost all the camps provide tents with almost all the services one needs. However, many camps has camping sites, where you may erect your own tents. If you are planning like this, you may save some money. But be sure to sort this out with your tour operator before starting your trip. Well, hostelworld is a trusted place to book any place.


Getting the Best of a Safari

No matter how little we spend for the tour, we always want the best as a natural instinct. As we have suggested already a 3/4 days tour is a good option. If you start early morning from Nairobi by road (we are excluding flights), you will need 6 to 8 hours depending on how many stops you make. Here is a list to-do for getting the best of your safari:

  • We suggest you to start your safari from the day you would arrive.
  • Next day start the safari as early as possible. Sunrise over the Masai Mara is amazing.
  • Usually park authority do not allow anyone to stay inside the park as the gate closes at 6 PM. So, if you want to watch sunset over Masai Mara, you have opt for special requisition, or you have to stay inside the game at hotels like Keekorok Lodge, which is very expensive.
  • Always maintain the time as there are other members with you.
  • At night there are events performed by Masais. Do not miss those.
  • Do not forget to taste Masai life. You should plan for an hour or two at least to walk around Masai communities.
  • Success of your trip mostly depends on your Guide, who is mostly the driver. So, try to get an experienced guide from the operator.
  • Be nice to everyone including nature.
  • Always comply with the rules of the park as well as instructions/ cautions given by the Guide.
Masai Mara (Maasai Mara), and locally known as The Mara, is a large national game reserve in Narok, Kenya, contiguous with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. This 1510 Square Kilometer park is one of the most popular parks and an important wildlife conservations in the Africa. Here in this article we will tell you how to do a budget Safari in Masai Mara, Kenya?

Final Words

  • Do not blind yourself only at the price. If you fail to check reviews, you may repent once you are at the park.
  • While sharing tour with others, be sure about their identity, and be convinced that we walk on the same road.
  • Be a responsible traveler please. Do not litter the area.
  • Always take permission before photographing people from local tribes or anyone else.
  • Never ever step out of the vehicle except the designated area.
  • Do not take your hand or camera out of the vehicle while you are around Big Fives.
  • Always keep yourself hydrated. Carry water during the safari.
  • Be very cautious about purchasing fake souvenirs. Do not waste your valuable money by purchasing too many souvenirs even.

We tried to give you some useful information to do a Budget Safari in Masai Mara, Kenya. Internet is a good source of information. You may explore thousands of sources to plan your trip. But, we will be grateful if you let us know if this article has helped you in any way. We would also appreciate, if you share this article with your friends and families, whoever wants to know, how to do a budget safari in Masai Mara, Kenya.

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