Maasai Mara National Reserve in Narok, Narok: Tickets, Hours and Family Guide
Animals and wildlife in Narok, Narok
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The Maasai Mara National Reserve is run by Narok County. From July to December 2026 the entry fee is USD 200 for a non-resident adult, USD 50 for children aged 9 to 17, and KSh 3,000 for a Kenyan citizen adult. Children under 9 are free according to most sources.
What is Maasai Mara National Reserve?
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is run by Narok County Government and is known for dense wildlife, big cats and the migration of wildebeest and zebra, with river crossings usually between July and October. The main reserve is entered through gates such as Sekenani, Talek, Musiara and Oloolaimutia, while the Mara Triangle, managed by the Mara Conservancy, is entered through Purungat Bridge or Oloololo gates. Private conservancies around the reserve charge separate fees.
Entry fees are set by the county and change on 1 January and 1 July, with the higher rate applying from July to December. Camps and lodges inside the reserve include entry in some packages, so check what is included before you budget.
Maasai Mara National Reserve ticket prices 2026
| Visitor type | Adult | Child (9 to 17) |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya / East African resident | KES 30,002,026 | KES 5,009,172,026 |
| Non-resident | KES 20,020,261,002,026 | KES 50,917 |
Narok County 2026 rates: non-resident adults USD 100 per day from 1 January to 30 June and USD 200 from 1 July to 31 December; non-resident children 9 to 17 USD 50; Kenyan citizen adults KSh 1,500 (January to June) and KSh 3,000 (July to December); Kenyan citizen children 9 to 17 KSh 300 (January to June) and KSh 500 (July to December). Most sources say children 8 and under are free, though one says under 3. Mara Triangle and private conservancies charge separate fees, and rates change from 1 January.
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💡 Money-saving tips for families
- Check what your lodge includes Entry is sometimes part of a package | Compare Jan–Jun and Jul–Dec
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | Okay | Long game drives; check lodge rules | 3–5 years |
Key details
- Address
- Maasai Mara National Reserve, Narok County (Sekenani, Talek, Musiara and Oloolaimutia gates; Mara Triangle via Purungat and Oloololo gates), Narok
- Opening hours
- Daily 6am to 6pm (ticket reported valid 6am to 6pm)
- Suitable ages
- All ages (check lodge age policies)
- Setting
- Outdoor
What to expect when you visit
Pay your entry fee at a gate or through your lodge, then take game drives in a safari vehicle. The best-known wildlife includes big cats and, from about July to October, the migration river crossings.
Ask your lodge whether entry is included, and check any age limits for game drives and activities.
Family essentials
- Safety notes
Stay in your vehicle except in designated areas and follow your guide's instructions.
Tickets and costs
- Free entry rules
- No
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Vehicle fee, camping, guided drives, balloon safaris, conservancy fees
Plan your visit
- Best time to visit
- July to October for the migration river crossings
- Busiest times
- July to October (migration season)
- What to bring
Binoculars, camera, hat and sunscreen, jacket for early mornings, water
What to pack
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Family day bag checklist
What visitors say
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Maasai Mara National Reserve?
- Kenya and East African resident adults pay KES 30,002,026 and resident children (ages 9 to 17) pay KES 5,009,172,026. Non-resident adults pay KES 20,020,261,002,026 and non-resident children pay KES 50,917. Narok County 2026 rates: non-resident adults USD 100 per day from 1 January to 30 June and USD 200 from 1 July to 31 December; non-resident children 9 to 17 USD 50; Kenyan citizen adults KSh 1,500 (January to June) and KSh 3,000 (July to December); Kenyan citizen children 9 to 17 KSh 300 (January to June) and KSh 500 (July to December). Most sources say children 8 and under are free, though one says under 3. Mara Triangle and private conservancies charge separate fees, and rates change from 1 January.
- What are the Maasai Mara National Reserve opening hours?
- Daily 6am to 6pm (ticket reported valid 6am to 6pm). Busiest: July to October (migration season).
- What is the best time to visit Maasai Mara National Reserve?
- July to October for the migration river crossings. It is busiest July to October (migration season).
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