Region in Narok County, Kenya
Maasai Mara
Kenya's best-known safari reserve, with lions, big herds and the Great Migration river crossings from July to October. Stays are camps and lodges, not rentals; park fees and camp prices are high.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$3,470–6,950Comfortable, one person · KSh450,000–900,000Details
- Value for money1/100Better value than 0% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJan–Feb, Jul–OctWarmest: Feb, 29°CDetails
- Internet23 MbpsFixed broadband, Kenya medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledCamps provide filtered or bottled water; ask for refills to avoid plastic.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Getting aroundCamp or operator game driveYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCamps take cards and sometimes USD.Details
Where to stay in Maasai Mara
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Talek and Sekenani gate area | Budget camps, village shops and easy gate access |
| Mara North, Olare Motorogi and Naboisho conservancies | Fewer vehicles, night drives, walking safaris; premium prices |
| Mara Triangle (west) and Musiara (north) | Mara River crossings and big-cat sightings |
Apps that work in Maasai Mara
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- M-PESA: Paying for almost everything
- Madaraka Express: Nairobi–Mombasa train tickets
- Taxis: No ride apps in the Mara. Camps and operators arrange all transfers; agree prices and pickups in advance.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Kenya.
- Mostly cash Camps take cards and sometimes USD. Carry KES cash and M-Pesa for Talek shops, tips and curios; ATMs are in Narok, not the reserve.
- Currency: Shilling (KES). US$1 ≈ KSh129.56 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Plentiful in towns; use machines inside banks or malls. Few or none in national parks.
- Tipping: About 10% in restaurants unless service is included; safari guides and camp staff expect tips, and operators suggest daily amounts.
- Paying by phone: Register M-Pesa with your passport on a Safaricom SIM and top up at agents; Apple Pay works at some terminals.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Everyone except East African and most other African nationals needs an eTA from etakenya.go.ke before flying: US$30, about 3 working days.
- The eTA asks for flight details and an accommodation booking; apply at least 2 weeks ahead and only on the official site.
- Passport must be valid 6 months with 2 blank pages. Single-use plastic bags are banned and confiscated on arrival.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 999
Plugs
Type G · 240 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Safaricom has a shop at Nairobi airport arrivals; bring your passport for registration and ask them to activate M-Pesa. Data bundles are cheap. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Kenya
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.