A Cheap Masai Mara Safari is now more important than ever following the recent increase in park entry fees. Starting July 2024, the cost surged from $80 per 24-hour period to $200 per 12-hour entry during peak season, making it essential for travelers to find affordable yet high-quality safari options.
This 3-day budget Masai Mara safari by road is designed for those who want to experience the breathtaking wildlife of Masai Mara without overspending. Traveling by road from Nairobi to Masai Mara, you get to enjoy the scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley while keeping costs low. This package includes budget accommodation at Kambu Mara Camp, a highly-rated yet affordable camp near Sekenani Gate, comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles for game drives, and a knowledgeable driver-guide to ensure an enriching and unforgettable safari experience.
Safari Overview
- Tour Type: Budget fly-in safari
- Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
- Departure Point: Wilson Airport, Nairobi
- Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve
- Accommodation: Budget tented camp (Kambu Mara Camp or similar)
- Transport: Flights + 4×4 safari vehicle
- Best For: Budget travelers, solo travelers, small groups, and families
Safari Highlights
✔ Scenic flight from Nairobi to Masai Mara, saving 5-7 hours of road travel
✔ Stay at Kambu Mara Camp, a budget-friendly camp with hot showers, WiFi, and campfires
✔ Enjoy 4 thrilling game drives in a custom 4×4 Land Cruiser with an open roof for the best views
✔ Witness the Big Five and the Great Migration (seasonal)
✔ Optional hot air balloon safari available at a discounted rate
Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Masai Mara & First Game Drive
Your adventure begins with a morning flight from Wilson Airport in Nairobi, taking just 45–60 minutes to reach Masai Mara. Upon arrival at your designated airstrip, your safari guide will be waiting with a 4×4 Land Cruiser to transfer you to your camp.
After lunch and some rest, you’ll embark on your first game drive in Masai Mara. Expect to see elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, and cheetahs, as well as numerous antelopes and bird species. Return to Kambu Mara Camp for a delicious dinner and overnight stay.
- Flight: Wilson Airport to Masai Mara (45-60 min)
- Accommodation: Kambu Mara Camp
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Masai Mara
After an early breakfast, head out for a full-day game drive, giving you the best chance to explore the park’s vast landscapes and rich wildlife. If visiting during the Great Migration season (July–October), you might witness the dramatic river crossings at the Mara River.
Lunch will be served picnic-style in the bush, allowing you to soak in the incredible scenery. By late afternoon, return to camp for a relaxing evening around the campfire.
- Accommodation: Kambu Mara Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Flight Back to Nairobi
Start your day with a sunrise game drive, which offers the best lighting for photography and a chance to spot predators on the hunt. After the game drive, return to camp for breakfast before transferring to the airstrip for your mid-morning flight back to Nairobi.
- Flight: Masai Mara to Wilson Airport, Nairobi
- Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included in the Package:
✅ Return flights from Nairobi to Masai Mara
✅ Airport transfers in Masai Mara
✅ 2 nights’ accommodation at Kambu Mara Camp (or similar budget tented camp)
✅ All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
✅ 4 game drives in a 4×4 Land Cruiser with an open roof
✅ Services of a professional safari guide
✅ Park fees for 12-hour entry per day
✅ Drinking water throughout the safari
Not Included:
❌ Extra park entry beyond the 12-hour limit per day
❌ Hot air balloon safari (available as an optional extra)
❌ Alcoholic and soft drinks
❌ Tips for guides and camp staff
❌ Personal expenses and travel insurance
Optional Add-Ons
- Hot air balloon safari: $450 per person (including bush breakfast)
- Night game drive: $120 per person (available in private conservancies)
- Maasai cultural visit: $30 per person (learn about the Maasai way of life)
Pricing & Booking Information
💰 Price Per Person (based on sharing in a budget tented camp)
- 2 people: $890 per person
- 4 people: $820 per person
- 6 people: $780 per person
📌 How to Book:
To reserve your budget-friendly 3-day Masai Mara fly-in safari, contact Masai Mara Park via WhatsApp, email, or phone. A 30% deposit secures your spot, with the balance due before departure.
What to Expect on This Safari
This safari is designed for budget-conscious travelers who want an authentic Masai Mara experience without unnecessary luxury expenses. By staying at Kambu Mara Camp, you enjoy the best combination of affordability, comfort, and proximity to wildlife. Expect comfortable safari tents with hot showers, WiFi, and a friendly campfire setting, providing a cozy atmosphere after game drives.
Your Game Viewing Vehicle: A True Safari Experience
During game drives, you will ride in a custom 4×4 Land Cruiser with an open roof, offering unobstructed views for wildlife photography and better comfort on rugged terrain. Unlike safari vans, Land Cruisers have high ground clearance and can navigate deeper into the reserve, ensuring you get closer to wildlife.
Your Driver-Guide Will Enhance This Safari
Your professional safari guide is highly experienced and well-versed in tracking animals, explaining behavior, and ensuring you see as much wildlife as possible. With deep knowledge of Masai Mara’s ecosystem, your guide will maximize your safari experience, whether it’s spotting elusive leopards or finding the best locations for photography.
Budget Accommodation Options: Kambu Mara Camp Preferred
For this budget Masai Mara fly-in safari, Kambu Mara Camp is the preferred accommodation option. Highly rated for affordability, cleanliness, and excellent service, this camp offers:
🏕 Comfortable budget safari tents with beds and bedding
🚿 Hot showers after a long game drive
📶 WiFi connectivity to stay in touch with family
🔥 Evening campfires under the stars
🍽 Self-catering options available, reducing costs further
Other budget-friendly alternatives include Greenwood Safari Camp and Miti Mingi Eco-Camp, but Kambu Mara Camp remains the best value for money.
Final Thoughts: Why This is the Cheapest Masai Mara Safari
This 3-day cheap Masai Mara fly-in safari allows you to maximize your time in the park while keeping costs low. By flying instead of driving, you avoid long hours on the road, giving you more time to enjoy incredible wildlife encounters. Staying at Kambu Mara Camp provides an affordable yet comfortable safari experience, making this package perfect for budget travelers who still want a high-quality safari adventure.
For affordable safaris that don’t compromise on experience, this is the best deal for a Masai Mara fly-in safari today. Book now and explore Kenya’s top safari destination at the best price possible!
FAQs
1. What is the absolute cheapest way to visit Masai Mara?
The absolute cheapest way to visit Masai Mara is by joining a group safari and using a budget tented camp or camping option. A 3-day budget road safari costs around $280–$400 per person, while a 3-day budget fly-in safari starts at $780 per person. The most affordable way is to:
- Join a group safari to share transport and reduce costs.
- Stay in budget accommodation such as Kambu Mara Camp, where you can self-cater to save on food expenses.
- Choose a road safari over flying, as flights add to the cost.
2. Is it cheaper to visit Masai Mara by road or by air?
A Masai Mara road safari is much cheaper than a flying safari.
- By road: A 3-day budget safari by road costs $280–$400 per person.
- By air: A 3-day budget fly-in safari starts at $780 per person, mainly due to the cost of flights.
If you want the absolute lowest cost, driving to Masai Mara is the best option. However, if time and comfort matter, then a fly-in safari is worth the extra expense.
3. Can I visit Masai Mara on a budget if I travel solo?
Yes, but traveling solo is more expensive unless you join a group safari. To save money:
- Join a budget group safari to share transport and accommodation costs.
- Stay at a budget camp like Kambu Mara Camp, which offers affordable rates for solo travelers.
- Choose a camping safari, where you bring your own tent and pay for park fees only.
4. What is the cheapest Masai Mara accommodation?
The cheapest accommodation options in Masai Mara are:
- Camping inside or near the park, where you bring your own tent.
- Budget tented camps, such as Kambu Mara Camp, Greenwood Safari Camp, and Miti Mingi Eco-Camp, where rates start at $30–$50 per night.
- Hostels or guesthouses in towns like Sekenani, just outside the park.
Staying in budget camps with self-catering options can save even more money.
5. Can I visit Masai Mara for 1 day to reduce costs?
Yes, you can visit Masai Mara for a 1-day budget safari, but it requires very early departure from Nairobi. However, due to the high park fees ($200 for a 12-hour entry), a 1-day safari does not provide great value. A 2-day or 3-day budget safari is more cost-effective because you get more time in the park for the same park fee.
6. Are there cheap park entry options for Masai Mara?
No, park fees are fixed at $200 per 12-hour entry for international visitors. The cheapest way to reduce park entry fees is to:
- Stay at a budget camp inside a private conservancy where fees are lower than the main reserve.
- Choose a budget 2-day or 3-day safari, since you pay the same park fee but get more game viewing.
7. What is the cheapest time to visit Masai Mara?
The cheapest time to visit Masai Mara is during the low season (April to June). During this period:
- Budget camps offer discounts of up to 30%.
- Flights and road safaris are cheaper due to fewer tourists.
- Game drives are less crowded, making it an even better experience.
8. How can I reduce food costs on a budget safari?
To save money on food, choose a budget camp that offers:
- Self-catering options, such as Kambu Mara Camp, where you can bring groceries and cook.
- Basic meal plans instead of full board (some camps allow you to buy meals separately).
- Street food or supermarkets in Narok town before entering the reserve.
9. Do budget safaris use safari vans or Land Cruisers?
Most budget safaris use safari vans because they are cheaper. However, for better game viewing, some budget packages, like those offered by Kambu Campers Masai Mara, use custom 4×4 Land Cruisers. While Land Cruisers are more expensive, they offer:
- Better comfort on rough terrain.
- Higher ground clearance for better wildlife viewing.
- More reliability during rainy seasons.
If budget allows, choosing a 4×4 Land Cruiser is a better option.
10. Are budget safaris safe?
Yes, budget safaris in Masai Mara are safe, as long as you book with a reputable tour operator. Safety concerns include:
- Wild animals near budget camps: Stay within the camp perimeter and follow camp rules.
- Group vs. private safaris: Joining a group safari is safer for solo travelers.
- Reliable vehicles: Ensure your tour operator provides well-maintained safari vehicles to avoid breakdowns.
11. Do budget safaris offer night game drives?
Night game drives are not included in most budget safaris, as they require special permits and extra fees. However, if you stay in a private conservancy, you can book a night game drive for about $120 per person.
12. Can I bring my own drinks on a budget safari?
Yes, most budget camps allow you to bring your own drinks, including water, soft drinks, and alcohol. This can save money compared to buying drinks at the camp bar. However, some camps charge a corkage fee for alcohol.
13. How do I find the cheapest Masai Mara safari deals?
To find the cheapest safari deals, follow these tips:
- Travel during the low season (April–June) for discounts.
- Book in advance to get the best group safari rates.
- Compare multiple tour operators to find budget-friendly packages.
- Look for special offers from Kambu Mara Camp and other budget accommodations.
14. Is tipping expected on a budget safari?
Yes, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. If you’re on a budget, tip what you can afford:
- Safari guide: $5–$10 per person per day.
- Camp staff: $3–$5 per stay.
15. Can I do a self-drive budget safari in Masai Mara?
Yes, you can self-drive to Masai Mara to save money on transport. However, you must:
- Have a 4×4 vehicle as roads inside the reserve are rough.
- Pay the park entry fee ($200 per person per 12-hour entry).
- Hire a local guide for better game viewing (recommended for first-time visitors).
For most budget travelers, joining a group safari is easier and cheaper than self-driving.
Final Thoughts: How to Plan the Cheapest Masai Mara Safari
To enjoy an affordable safari to Masai Mara, the best approach is to:
- Join a budget group safari to reduce transport and park fees.
- Stay at a budget-friendly camp like Kambu Mara Camp, which offers self-catering and low rates.
- Visit during the low season for cheaper accommodation and safari rates.
- Choose a 2-day or 3-day safari instead of a 1-day trip, as it provides better value for money.
