UPDATED FOR 2026

Maasai Mara Park Fees & Rules

Your essential guide to entry costs, vehicle regulations, and conservation rules. Plan your safari budget with confidence.

Strict Timings

Gates open 06:00 - 18:00. The 12-hour ticket validity rule applies strictly within these operational hours.

Payment Options

Online booking is recommended. Gate policies vary by sector (Cash/Card vs. Cashless).

ID Mandatory

You must present a valid Passport (Non-Residents) or National ID (Residents) to verify category.

Conservation

100% of fees contribute directly to anti-poaching units, road maintenance, and community projects.

Which Gate Do You Need?

The ecosystem is managed by two separate entities. Payment rules differ by location.

Mara Triangle

Managed by Mara Conservancy
CASHLESS ONLY (Card/M-Pesa)
Oloololo Gate
Angama Gate
Purungat Bridge Gate
Serena Airstrip

Greater Maasai Mara

Managed by Narok County
CASH (USD/KES) & CARD Accepted
Sekenani Gate
Talek Gate
Oloolaimutia Gate
Musiara Gate
Sandriver Gate
Mara Simba Gate
Fig Tree Gate
Olkiombo / Keekorok

Ready to Pay Online?

Skip the queues. Use the official KAPS / Narok County booking portal to secure tickets in advance.

Make Online Payment
Secure External Portal

Understanding Ticket Validity

Unlike many other parks, the Maasai Mara strictly enforces a 12-Hour Validity Rule. Tickets expire at 6:00 PM regardless of entry time.

06:00 Gates Open
10:00 Checkout Time
18:00 Ticket Expires

Day Visitors

  • Ticket expires automatically at 6:00 PM regardless of purchase time.
  • If you enter at 2 PM, you only have 4 hours valid.
  • Late Exit Penalty: Exiting past 6:00 PM will result in immediate extra charges.
  • Always carry your entry slip; rangers may request it at any time.

Overnight Guests

  • Must check out of the park by 10:00 AM on departure day.
  • No Morning Game Drives: Departure day tickets cover transit only. Game drives require a new ticket.
  • If you wish to do a game drive on checkout day, you must pay for a new full-day ticket (expires 6 PM).
  • Resting hours at your lodge/camp are not charged.

Tips for Navigating the 12-Hour Rule

Enter Early

For day trips, arrive as close to 6:00 AM as possible to maximize your viewing time.

Stay Inside

Book accommodation inside the park to avoid the hassle of exiting and re-entering daily.

Plan Checkout

If you want a morning game drive on your last day, budget for an extra day's ticket.

Stick to Limits

Leave plenty of time to reach the gate by 6 PM (or 10 AM checkout) to avoid penalties.

Park Entry Fees 2026/2027

Select your visitor category below. Seasonal rates apply to ALL categories. Fees are valid for 12 hours.

Low Season

1st JAN - 30th JUN
Adult 18+ Years
USD 100
Per person / 12 Hours
Child 9 - 17 Years
USD 50
Per child / 12 Hours
Student 18 - 23 Years
USD 50
Valid Student ID Required
Infant 0 - 8 Years
FREE
Unlimited Entry

High Season

1st JUL - 31st DEC
Adult 18+ Years
USD 200
Per person / 12 Hours
Child 9 - 17 Years
USD 50
Per child / 12 Hours
Student 18 - 23 Years
USD 50
Valid Student ID Required
Infant 0 - 8 Years
FREE
Unlimited Entry
Requirement: Valid International Passport is mandatory. Student rates apply only to individuals aged 18-23 sponsored by a recognized learning institution with valid ID.

Low Season

1st JAN - 30th JUN
Adult 18+ Years
KSH 2,500
Per person / 12 Hours
Child 9 - 17 Years
KSH 1,000
Per child / 12 Hours
Student 18 - 23 Years
KSH 1,000
Valid Student ID
Infant 0 - 8 Years
FREE
Unlimited Entry

High Season

1st JUL - 31st DEC
Adult 18+ Years
KSH 4,500
Per person / 12 Hours
Child 9 - 17 Years
KSH 2,000
Per child / 12 Hours
Student 18 - 23 Years
KSH 2,000
Valid Student ID
Infant 0 - 8 Years
FREE
Unlimited Entry
Verification: Must present valid Work Permit or Residence Visa. Copies of passport are required.

Low Season

1st JAN - 30th JUN
Adult 18+ Years
KSH 1,500
Per person / 12 Hours
Child 9 - 17 Years
KSH 500
Per child / 12 Hours
Student 18 - 23 Years
KSH 500
Valid Student ID
Infant 0 - 8 Years
FREE
Unlimited Entry

High Season

1st JUL - 31st DEC
Adult 18+ Years
KSH 3,000
Per person / 12 Hours
Child 9 - 17 Years
KSH 1,000
Per child / 12 Hours
Student 18 - 23 Years
KSH 1,000
Valid Student ID
Infant 0 - 8 Years
FREE
Unlimited Entry
ID Required: Valid Kenyan National ID or Passport. Digital IDs (eCitizen) are accepted.

Low Season

1st JAN - 30th JUN
Adult 18+ Years
KSH 2,000
Per person / 12 Hours
Child 9 - 17 Years
KSH 500
Per child / 12 Hours
Student 18 - 23 Years
KSH 500
Valid Student ID
Infant 0 - 8 Years
FREE
Unlimited Entry

High Season

1st JUL - 31st DEC
Adult 18+ Years
KSH 4,500
Per person / 12 Hours
Child 9 - 17 Years
KSH 2,000
Per child / 12 Hours
Student 18 - 23 Years
KSH 2,000
Valid Student ID
Infant 0 - 8 Years
FREE
Unlimited Entry
Eligibility: Citizens of Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC, Somalia with valid Passport.

Low Season

1st JAN - 30th JUN
Adult 18+ Years
KSH 1,000
Per person / 12 Hours
Child 9 - 17 Years
KSH 500
Per child / 12 Hours
Student 18 - 23 Years
KSH 500
Per student / 12 Hours
Infant 0 - 8 Years
FREE
Unlimited Entry

High Season

1st JUL - 31st DEC
Adult 18+ Years
KSH 1,000
Per person / 12 Hours
Child 9 - 17 Years
KSH 500
Per child / 12 Hours
Student 18 - 23 Years
KSH 500
Per student / 12 Hours
Infant 0 - 8 Years
FREE
Unlimited Entry
Proof: National ID showing Narok as place of issue/residence or letter from Area Chief.

Smart Safari Calculator

Plan your budget with precision. Our smart calculator handles split-season trips, mixed groups, and vehicle fees automatically.

Estimate Fees

POWERED BY MAASAIMARA.KE
Estimated Total Breakdown
Non-Residents Total
$0
USD
Residents / Citizens
0
KES
Vehicle Fees
0
KES

Safari Entry Fees Estimate

MAASAIMARA.KE
Generated: Jan 01, 2026
Currency: USD & KES
Trip Details
Arrival DateDeparture DateDuration
---
Vehicle Details
Vehicle TypeQuantityTotal Fee (KES)
---
Traveler Breakdown
CategoryAdultsChildrenStudents
Non-Residents Total
$0
Residents / Citizens Total
KES 0
Vehicle Fees Total
KES 0

Additional Conservancy Fees

Comprehensive rates for vehicles, camping, aircraft landing, and ranger services.

Vehicle Category (Tare Weight)Seats / CapacityFee (KES)
Sedan / Station WagonUp to 5 Seats400
Safari Van / Land Cruiser6 - 12 Seats1,000
Minibus / Truck13 - 24 Seats3,000
Bus / Overland Truck25 - 44 Seats4,000
Large Bus45+ Seats5,000
Valid for 12 hours based on vehicle tare weight and seating capacity.
Campsite TypeTraveler CategoryAdult FeeStudent / Child
Public Campsite
Eluai, Iseiya, Oloololo
CitizenKES 1,000KES 200
ResidentKES 1,200KES 500
Non-Resident$ 30$ 20
Private Campsite
Dirisha, Kijito, Ndovu
CitizenKES 1,500KES 500
ResidentKES 1,500KES 1,000
Non-Resident$ 40$ 20
Booking fee of KES 10,000 applies for Private Campsites (non-refundable).
Service DescriptionDurationFee (KES)
Game Drive Guide6 Hours (Half Day)3,000
Night Game DrivePer Person / Trip3,000
Walking SafariPer Person / Walk1,500
Camp Security (2 Rangers)Per Night4,000
Transportation/Accommodation for rangers is not included.
Aircraft CapacityLanding Fee (KES)
3 to 6 Seats300
7 to 14 Seats1,000
15 to 20 Seats2,000
21 Seats and Above3,000
Fees are per single landing.
Activity / PermitRate
Balloon OperationKES 50,000 / flight
Commercial PhotographyKES 5,000 / day
Horse RidingKES 1,500 / person
Annual Research PermitKES 50,000

Park Rules & Etiquette

To protect the fragile ecosystem and ensure wildlife safety, the following Code of Conduct is strictly enforced by rangers. On-the-spot fines apply for violations.

No Off-Roading

Driving off designated tracks is strictly prohibited in the National Reserve to protect fragile habitats. Off-roading is only permitted in specific Conservancies.

Fine: KES 10,000+

Speed Limit 50km/h

The maximum speed limit is 50km/h. Animals always have the right of way. Speeding endangers wildlife and causes roadkill.

Strictly Enforced

Keep Your Distance

Maintain a distance of at least 25 meters from wildlife. Do not crowd the animals. No more than 5 vehicles allowed at a single sighting.

Respect Wildlife

No Night Driving

Game drives are only allowed between 06:00 and 18:00 in the National Reserve. Night drives are exclusive to private conservancies.

Gate Closes 18:00

No Drones

The operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) is strictly banned without prior special authorization from KCAA and Park Authorities.

Confiscation Risk

Stay in Vehicle

Do not get out of your vehicle except at designated picnic sites or lodges. Predators are camouflaged and dangerous.

Safety First

Silence is Golden

Keep noise to a minimum. Do not shout, clap, or hoot to attract animals' attention. It stresses them and ruins the experience for others.

Be Considerate

Litter Free Zone

"Pack it in, pack it out." Never throw trash, cigarette butts, or food scraps. Feeding animals is strictly forbidden as it alters their behavior.

Zero Tolerance

Ask Before Photos

When meeting the Maasai community, always ask for permission before taking photographs. Respect their culture and privacy.

Cultural Etiquette

Interactive Gate Map

Navigating the Mara can be complex. Use this map to find the correct entry point based on your lodge location and ticket type.

Mara Triangle Greater Mara Oloololo Angama Serena Air Purungat Musiara Musiara Air Talek Olkiombo Sekenani Oloolaimutia Keekorok Sandriver Mara Simba
Interactive Guide

Select a Gate

Location & Access

Hover over any gate or airstrip on the map to see specific details, road conditions, and nearby lodges.

Best For

Finding the most convenient entry point for your safari itinerary.

Quick Gate Finder:

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about payments, rules, and logistics to help you plan a seamless safari.

It depends on the sector. In the Mara Triangle, cash is strictly prohibited (Card/M-Pesa only). In the Greater Maasai Mara (Narok County gates), cash (USD/KES) and cards are accepted, though online booking is highly recommended to save time.

No. Tickets adhere to a strictly enforced 12-Hour Validity Rule (06:00 to 18:00). Your ticket expires at 6:00 PM on the day of entry, regardless of what time you arrived.

Yes. All Non-Resident visitors must present a valid physical Passport at the gate. Residents and Citizens must produce a valid National ID or Work Permit to qualify for discounted rates.

Generally, No. They are managed by separate entities (Mara Conservancy vs. Narok County). If you transit from one to the other for a game drive, you typically need to pay the respective entry fee for that jurisdiction.

The Child Rate applies to those aged 9 to 17 years. Children aged 8 years and below enter free of charge. Students (18-23) require a valid Student ID from a recognized institution.

No. The recreational use of drones is strictly prohibited. Commercial filming requires special prior permits from the KCAA and Park Authorities, which must be arranged weeks in advance.

Yes. Self-drive safaris are permitted. However, you must stick to designated tracks, observe the 50km/h speed limit, and exit by 18:00. 4x4 vehicles are highly recommended due to rough terrain.

No printing services are available at the gates. You must print your ticket beforehand or have a digital PDF copy readily available on your phone for scanning by rangers.

Strictly prohibited. Kenya has a nationwide ban on single-use plastic bags. Additionally, plastic water bottles are discouraged in the park. Please bring reusable water bottles.

Do not alight from your vehicle. Call the emergency park ranger number immediately (numbers are usually posted at gates). Rangers will come to assist or tow you to safety.

Front Row Seats to History

Witnessing the greatest show on earth shouldn’t be left to chance. Our curated itineraries place you in the heart of the action.

Find Your Perfect Safari

From 3-day adventures to immersive photographic expeditions, explore our complete range of Safari Itineraries.

View All Packages