How much does a Maasai Mara safari cost in 2026?

A private 3-day Maasai Mara safari from Nairobi with Oloishuro Tours starts from about USD 520 per person (mid-range camp, min. 2 pax), a 4-day safari from USD 780 pp, and a 5-day Mara–Nakuru–Naivasha circuit from USD 1,150 pp. A full-day game drive or 4x4 vehicle hire in the Mara is from USD 170 per vehicle per day. Prices exclude Maasai Mara National Reserve park fees (~USD 100 per adult per 24 hours) and optional extras like the hot air balloon safari (USD 450 pp).

How do I get from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara?

Two options. By road, it's about a 5–6 hour drive via the A104 through the Great Rift Valley, Narok town and Sekenani or Talek Gate — we handle this in our private Land Cruiser and stop for photos at the Rift escarpment. By air, daily 45-minute scheduled flights leave Wilson Airport for Keekorok, Ol Kiombo or Musiara airstrips; we can meet you there.

When is the best time to visit the Maasai Mara?

The Mara is a year-round destination for lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant and plains game. The Great Migration river crossings usually happen July to October. The green season (November to March) brings newborn animals, dramatic skies and far fewer visitors. April and May are the quietest, greenest and cheapest months — perfect if you don't mind the odd afternoon shower.

What animals can I see on a Maasai Mara safari?

All of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and black rhino), plus cheetah, hippo, crocodile, Maasai giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, topi, impala, warthog, hyena, jackal and more than 450 bird species. From July to October you can also witness the wildebeest and zebra of the Great Migration crossing the Mara River.

Do you work for a specific hotel or lodge?

No. Oloishuro Tours is fully independent. Jackson Karia is a Maasai driver-guide and the owner — he's not employed by any single hotel or agency, so your day is built entirely around what you want to see. We can pick you up from any camp, lodge, airstrip, or from Nairobi.

What kind of safari vehicle do you use?

A 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser with an open pop-up roof — ideal for photography and 360-degree game viewing. Individual padded seats for up to 6 guests, window seat guaranteed for every guest, charging points and cool box for water. It handles the Mara's murram tracks, river country and rainy-season mud in every season.

How many people fit in the safari Land Cruiser?

Up to 6 guests comfortably, each with a window and a roof-hatch view. Families and couples booking privately have the whole vehicle to themselves at the same per-person rate as long as the group meets the minimum booking size.

Are Maasai Mara park entry fees included in the safari price?

No. Maasai Mara National Reserve charges a separate park entry fee per adult per 24 hours (set by Narok County). We quote this separately so pricing is transparent. As of 2026 the peak-season fee is around USD 100 per adult, and children/residents pay less. We'll confirm the current rate before you book.

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10 February 2026 · 4 min read · by Jackson Karia

What to Pack for a Maasai Mara Safari (2026 Checklist)

You don't need much for a great day in the Mara, but a few smart choices make the drive far more comfortable. Here's what Jackson recommends to guests.

Clothing

Neutral colours — khaki, olive, brown and beige (avoid bright white, tsetse-attracting dark blue and black)
A warm fleece or light down for the cool 6am departure
A wide-brim hat and a light scarf/buff for dust
Comfortable closed shoes (running shoes are fine)
Sunglasses (polarised is a bonus for glare)
Swimwear if your camp has a pool

Camera & viewing gear

Camera with a zoom lens (200–400mm is ideal for wildlife)
Plenty of spare batteries and memory cards
Binoculars — even a small pair transforms distant sightings
A beanbag or bean-cushion for steady shots on the open roof
Phone with a decent camera plus a mini tripod

Sun, health & comfort

High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
Insect repellent with DEET
Malaria prophylaxis (consult your doctor before travel)
Any personal medication (bring the prescription)
Refillable water bottle (we provide bottled water too)
Small day pack for camera + water

Documents & money

Passport valid 6+ months, Kenya eTA printout, yellow-fever cert if arriving from an at-risk country
USD cash (crisp, post-2013 notes) for park fees and tips
M-PESA-enabled Kenyan SIM if staying longer
Travel insurance including medical evacuation

That's really all it takes. The Land Cruiser has a pop-up roof and space for your gear, and on full-day drives lunch and water are included — so you can focus entirely on the wildlife.

Planning a trip to the Maasai Mara?

Jackson runs private, flexible game drives with a local Maasai guide. Send your dates and he'll design a safari around them.

Send an enquiry