Masai Mara Trip Cost-How much does it cost to visit Maasai Mara
Masai Mara Trip Cost: How much does it cost to visit Maasai Mara
One of the most frequently asked
question by safari clients when they want to visit Maasai Mara is “How Much
does will it cost to visit Maasai Mara”.
However, the most sincere answer
to this question is that there is no fixed cost for a Maasai Mara safari. While
it’s the same destination, the prices differ depending on the means of
transportation, choice of accommodation traveling season, duration of the
safari and the experience.
Understanding the safari pricing
for Maasai Mara is one of the best tips to help you plan your budget and
balance your expectations.
What factors determine the price for a Maasai Mara
Safari?
Maasai Mara safari prices are
mainly influenced by travel seasons. The prices are more expensive during the
great Wildebeest Migration season mostly between July and October. Around this time
the prices for non-residents are fixed at 200 USD and 3000 Ksh for Kenyan
citizens and East African residents.
The place of your stay is another major
factor. Maasai mara has a wide variety of accommodation options from simple
tented camps to exclusive and world class luxury hotels. You can opt for a
simple, clean safari camp with full-board meals, bonfires at a small percentage
of the premium properties cost who offer the same inclusions.
Your choice of transport also
matters. You can choose the fly-in safari as a luxury option, a jeep as a
mid-range option or a 4*4 van as a budget option. Similarly the number of
people on board can help on cost sharing.
What are the most Affordable Rates for Maasai Mara
tour?
Joining a group is the most
affordable way to travel. A group can cost share on transport and accommodation
which helps to reduce the cost per person. However, the entrance fees to Maasai
Mara is fixed per individual and payable directly to the county government of
Narok.
When looking for the most
affordable prices, you need to be very careful on the advertised prices as some
prices may appear cheaper yet they have not included the entrance fees or meals.
What does a Maasai Mara Safari package include?
Generally, a standard maasai mara
package will include the following
·
Accommodation
for the selected number of nights
·
Transport
from Nairobi and back, or domestic flights for fly-in packages
·
Services
of a professional safari driver-guide
·
Scheduled
game drives
·
Meals,
often on a full-board basis
·
Drinking
water during game drives
·
Airport
or hotel transfers where specified
·
Park or conservancy fees if clearly stated as
included
However some of the
premium hotels/camps may include luxury offers such as airstrip transfers,
drinks, laundry and guided walks.
What is Usually Excluded?
It is very
important for you as a visitor to note other additional costs that do not apply
in the package such as:
·
International
flights
·
Kenya
travel authorization or visa requirements, where applicable
·
Hot-air
balloon safaris
·
Maasai
village visits
·
Alcoholic
and premium drinks
·
Tips and
gratuities
·
Travel
insurance
· Personal
expenses and souvenirs
How to get value for your
money.
The best way to get
value for your money is understanding the package inclusions and exclusions.
Travel agencies
such as Olanka Safaris offer clients safari package options to Masai Mara
depending on the budget and preferences. For instance, a budget client may
prefer a group sharing package while a family may prefer a private package. All
these types of safaris can be planned by prior contacting Olanka Safaris travel
advisor.
