Masai Mara

The Masai Mara, or simply the Mara as locals call it, is Kenya’s best-known safari destination. Bordering Tanzania’s Serengeti, it offers vast savannahs, excellent wildlife viewing and a real sense of wilderness.

The greater Masai Mara consists of the Masai Mara National Reserve, the Mara Triangle, Mara North Conservancy and several private conservancies. For the best wildlife viewing, we recommend focusing on the Masai Mara National Reserve and the Mara Triangle, where animals can be seen year-round.

Self-driving in the Masai Mara

Unsupervised self-driving is no longer permitted inside the Masai Mara. All self-driving visitors must be accompanied by a park ranger while in the reserve. Rangers can be arranged at the gate upon arrival and cost USD 40 per day.

If you would like, we can also help arrange a ranger in advance. Just let us know. A ranger is not required if you have hired a Roadtrip Africa vehicle with a driver-guide.

Safari tips
Keeping a wildlife journal is a fun way to record everything you spot during your safari. We also recommend taking time for a bush breakfast or picnic. Switch off the engine, sit back and enjoy the sounds of the savannah.

Fuel stations

Narok Town
The nearest Total and Shell fuel stations are located in Narok.
Talek and Sekenani Gate
Smaller fuel stations are available here, although prices are generally higher than in Narok.
Inside the Masai Mara
Fuel is sometimes available at Sarova Mara Lodge and Serena Safari Lodge within the reserve.

Our Land Cruisers have a range of approximately 1,100–1,300 km, so a full tank in Narok is usually enough for several days of game drives.

Durées de conduite

Nairobi to Narok
Allow approximately 4 hours on a good tarmac road.
Narok to Sekenani Gate
Allow around 2 hours. This is the main entrance to the Masai Mara National Reserve and where you can arrange or meet your ranger. We recommend taking the C12, which is fully tarmacked. Avoid the C11, even if Google Maps suggests it. The road is rough, can damage your vehicle and usually takes longer. If you are staying at Maji Moto Eco Camp, follow the C12 and turn left at the Maji Moto signpost.
C13 route
This road leads to Oloololo Gate in the Mara Triangle and to Musiara and Talek Gates in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Although Google Maps may suggest this route, we strongly recommend avoiding it due to poor road conditions.