Travelling to Masai Mara by road? Nairobi to Masai Mara with Olanka
Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Masai Mara through Nairobi with Olanka Safaris, your ideal travel partner for experiencing Kenya's iconic wildlife reserve. Starting your journey from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), a 4-night safari in Masai Mara will take you through Kenya’s stunning landscapes, offering up-close encounters with the "Big Five" and an immersive cultural experience with the Maasai people.
Journey from Nairobi to Masai Mara by Road
After landing at JKIA in Nairobi, you will be welcomed by our professional guide from Olanka Safaris, who will brief you on the journey ahead. The road trip from Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve is approximately 225 kilometers and takes about 5 to 6 hours, providing scenic views along the way through the Great Rift Valley.
The journey begins with a drive through Nairobi's streets or sometimes through the Nairobi Express Way before transitioning to the breathtaking views of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, a geological wonder formed millions of years ago. As you descend into the valley, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the escarpments, volcanic mountains, and rolling plains. The road trip offers a great opportunity to see the Kenyan countryside, and you can make a stop at the viewpoint near Mai Mahiu to capture some memorable photos.
Once you arrive at the Masai Mara National Reserve, you’ll be escorted to your accommodation at Rhino Tourist Camp. This camp offers affordable yet comfortable lodging close to the park’s entrance, allowing for easy access to game drives and safari activities. It is important to note that Rhino Tourist Camp is one of the budget camps in Masai Mara. Other places to stay during your trip to Mara include Jambo Mara, Mara Maisha camp and AA Lodge.
Accommodation at Rhino Tourist Camp
Rhino Tourist Camp is budget-friendly camp and is located just on the edge of the Masai Mara. The camp features tented accommodation with modern amenities, ensuring a relaxing stay after a day game drives. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom, comfortable beds, and a private veranda where you can unwind while taking in the sights and sounds of the great African wilderness.
The camp’s location makes it convenient for early morning and late afternoon game drives, where you’ll have the best chances to see wildlife, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, and rhinos. At night, the camp offers a serene atmosphere, with the sounds of the savannah in the background.
Masai Mara Entry Fees and Safari Activities
Masai Mara National Reserve charges an entry fee of $100 USD per adult for non-residents and Ksh 1,000 for Kenyan citizens and East African residents. It is good to note that these are the standard fees which change during high season to $200 USD and Ksh 3000 for Non-residents and residents respectively. These fees are used for the conservation of the park and its wildlife, ensuring that the natural beauty and biodiversity of Masai Mara remain preserved for generations to come.
With Olanka Safaris, your 4-night Masai Mara itinerary includes daily game drives in the park. Each day, you’ll head out in a 4x4 safari vehicle with an experienced guide who will take you to key wildlife hotspots. Witness the thrilling predator-prey interactions, especially if your visit coincides with the annual Great Wildebeest Migration. This natural spectacle, where millions of wildebeest and zebras move between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara, is considered one of the most remarkable wildlife events on Earth.
Visiting the Maasai Village
One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to a traditional Maasai village. The Maasai people, known for their vibrant clothing, unique customs, and deep connection to nature, live in the areas surrounding Masai Mara. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with Maasai villagers, learn about their way of life, and participate in cultural activities.
The village tour often includes a demonstration of the Maasai’s famous jumping dance (adumu), traditional beadwork, and storytelling sessions that reveal the tribe’s history and relationship with wildlife. This cultural experience is not only educational but also a great way to support the Maasai community, as the fees charged for the visit go directly to the villagers.
What’s included in the Package
Olanka Safaris offers an all-inclusive package for your 4-night stay in Masai Mara, covering:
- Accommodation at Rhino Tourist Camp
- Daily game drives in Masai Mara
- Park entry fees
- Maasai village visit
- Transport from Nairobi to Masai Mara and back
- All meals during the safari
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Olanka Safaris ensures a rich and immersive experience in the heart of Masai Mara. From witnessing the incredible wildlife to engaging with the Maasai community, this 4-night tour promises a safari adventure like no other.
