Important Update on Maasai Mara National Reserve guidelines – Effective July 1st, 2025
12-hour ticket validity policy is effective from January to December.
Key changes include:
• Guests Outside the Reserve: If you’re staying outside, a daily entry fee applies. Your ticket will be valid from 6 AM to 6 PM.
• Road Departures: Guests leaving by road must exit by 10 AM. Late departures will incur additional fees.
• New Park fees from July 1ST 2025 will be $200 for non-resident adult and ksh 3000 for resident.
• Transit Tickets: Guests from outside the reserve will receive a 2-hour transit ticket at the gate to reach the airstrips.
Best Times to Visit Maasai Mara National Reserve
Wildlife can be seen year-round in Masai Mara, but the best time to visit depends on your goal. To witness the spectacular “Great Migration,” come between mid-July and early September. Over a million wildebeests cross from the Serengeti into Mara, navigating the crocodile-infested Mara River—an unforgettable scene. Be aware, though, this is peak tourist season, with high costs and heavy crowds.
For a quieter experience, visit between mid-December and late April. Though the migration isn’t occurring, this period offers fewer tourists, making it ideal for photographers. You’ll enjoy more intimate wildlife encounters without vehicle interference. As a wildlife photographer myself, this is my favorite time to visit—peaceful, productive, and rich with photographic opportunities