How To Get To Maasai Mara National Reserve?
How To Get To Maasai Mara National Reserve? Maasai Mara National Park is one of the places you should visit when on safari in Kenya. It is located in the southwestern part of the country and is ranked among the top national parks in the country. It is 22 kilometers from the capital of Kenya, in the city of Nairobi, established in 1961.
Here are some answers as to why this place is visited by many tourists, not only for the animals that it is famous for—packs of hyenas, leopards, buffalo, reedbuck, lions, elephants, hartebeests, oribis, hippos, waterbucks, gazelles, duiker and many primates, including monkeys—but also for some 500 bird species in the region.
There is road transport, air transport, and several gates that one has to go through in order to access the park.
Road Transport
By Road: This is an equally popular means of transport. Here, you get to ride past the beautiful landscapes in Kenya. For this journey, it is advised that you use 4×4 vehicles. They are raised and may have an open roof, offering you immense visibility and scenic views. The total distance of the road journey between Nairobi and Maasai Mara is around 255-275 kilometers, depending on the entrance point that you use. It takes about 5-6 hours to finally arrive at Maasai Mara.
Approximate travel time from Nairobi to Maasai Mara via the different gates:
– Oloolo Gate: around 6.5 hours
– Talek Gate: around 5-6 hours
Sekenani Gate: approximately 5.5-6
– Musiara Gate: about 6.5 hours
– Ololaimutia Gate: 6 hours
By air transport
Majority of visitors connect to Maasai Mara from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), located in the capital city of Nairobi. It is the country’s largest airport and has many flights to connect to Maasai Mara. In addition to NBO, other international airports in the country are connected to flights by such airlines as KLM, Air France, British Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Kenya Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, and Swiss, among many others, and you can connect to Maasai Mara within an hour of flying.
There are also other small airstrips around the park that can be used for landing and access to the Mara within a short drive. Some of them include Keekorok, Serena, Musiara, Kichwa Tembo, Ol Seki, Ngerende, Angama, Olare Oko, and Siana airstrips.
In the case of those traveling within the borders of Kenya, some of the airlines offering direct flights to Maasai Mara include Governor Aviation, Air Kenya, Safari Link, Fly540, and Silverstone. Some of the flight schedules include morning flights between 10:00 and 11:00, afternoon flights between 11:00 and 12:00, and evening flights between 4:00 and 5:00. Additionally, the flying time for such flights takes approximately an hour.
Frequently asked questions about a safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya:
- When is the best time to visit Maasai Mara?
Whether it is better to go to Mara when it is hot or during the cooler season depends on what you are looking for. In Mara, the peak season for going on a Kenya wildlife safari is between July and October. This coincides with the wildebeest migration and the dry season, and it is when wildlife spotting is at its highest. It is when the grass is short and animals are easier to see, and it is also when the Mara River crossings are at their very best. Mara is accessible every month of the year. Although it is less busy during the rainy seasons (March to June and November to December), it is green
- In what ways can one move around in Maasai Mara?
In the reserve, game drives are the dominant means for exploring. Game drives are normally conducted in 4×4 safari vehicles that have open rooftops, offering excellent opportunities for observing wildlife. Many of the circuits include morning and afternoon game drives, and night game drives are possible at some of the camps and lodges. Helicopter or hot air balloon safari holidays are popular for gaining another perspective on the scenery and wildlife.
- How much does it cost to go on safari in Maasai Mara?
Price ranges depend on lodge or camping facility type, the length of stay, and activities of choice. Camps and budget lodges or camping safaris cost between $200 and $300 per night per person. Mid-range lodges cost between $400 and $800 for each night, and for luxury lodges and tented camps, it is potentially above $1,000 for each night. Entry fees for national parks are about $70 for citizens and $80 for foreigners.
- Common animals that can be seen at Maasai Mara includes:
Maasai Mara is well known for its wildlife diversity. Here, you can easily spot large cats such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Other animals include elephants, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, wildebeests, crocodiles, hippos, and antelopes of different species. Nature lovers can get to enjoy more than 500 species of birds like Stork, Marabou Stork, African Open-billed Stork, Cardinal Woodpecker, Bearded Woodpecker, Square-tailed Nightjar, Dusky Nightjar, Schawlow’s Turaco, Rufous-bellied Heron White-headed Vulture, Ruppell’s Vulture, Secretary bird, Black Coucal, Kori Bustard, Bush Pipit Among the many species are the White-tailed Lark, Flappet Lark, Athi Short-toed Lark, Rufous-tailed Weaver and trilling Cisticola among others
- Are safaris suitable for children?
Yes, many of the lodges and camps are family-friendly. However, age may be a factor for some of the activities, such as game drives and hot air balloon safaris. Children under the age of 12 may need to be accompanied by an adult, and some activities may be restricted for the very young ones.
- 6. How can I prepare for my Maasai Mara safari?
Pack light cotton clothing for the daytime, neutral shades for game drives, a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sun protection lotion, insect repellent, a camera and extra batteries or memory cards, binoculars, and a personal medical kit. Have warm clothing for morning and evening game drives, especially in cooler seasons.
- Is it safe to travel to Maasai Mara?
Still, it remains relatively safe for visitors in case you listen to the guide and stick to the organized safari and lodging. Just be mindful of local traditions and do not venture into dangerous areas. Organized safaris include experienced guides who are focused on safety.
- Can I watch the Great Migration?
Yes! Wildebeest migration is at its height between July and October when millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles migrate and cross the Mara River into Maasai Mara. It is one of the greatest wonders of nature and many people travel during this period to witness the spectacle.
- There are different types of accommodation in Maasai Mara.
There are luxurious lodges and tented camps, mid-budget choices, as well as camping sites. Some of the luxurious choices include Mara Serena Safari Lodge and Angama Mara. Mid-budget lodges are comfortable, and for budget travelers, basic camping sites or mobile camping are an option.
- What currency is used locally, and would cash be needed?
The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). Though credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and lodges, cash remains convenient for small buying and tipping and markets. ATMs are located in large towns and near some of the lodges. It remains advisable to carry some cash when traveling to remote areas.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information and inquiries about how one can get to Maasai Mara national park and Book with our tours and travel companies, such as Elephant Whispers Safaris, who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Kenya.
