For tourists from India seeking an unforgettable wildlife trip, the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya gives them a wonderful trip into the heart of nature’s wonder. This article is your guide to understanding Masai Mara trip costs from India tailored for Indian travelers venturing into this amazing safari destination.
But planning such an expedition, especially from India, requires careful consideration of tour packages, Kenya visa requirements, Kenya vaccination needed and essential tips to ensure a seamless and memorable adventure for you and your family.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first safari to Kenya, I prepared this guide will navigate you through the intricacies of finding out about Masai Mara safari trip costs and tour packages, helping you turn your dream safari into a reality.
Factors Affecting Your Masai Mara Safari Cost
There are various factors that come into play that will determine how much you will pay for your Kenya safari trip. Let me break them down for you.
- Transportation Costs: The expense of traveling from India to Kenya significantly impacts the overall safari cost. We recommend you book your flight from India through various websites that allow you to find the best Flights. Regarding transfers from Nairobi airport and ground transportation within Masai Mara, we as Mara Gate Safaris will give you the best offer that suits your budget.
- Accommodation Options: The choice between luxury lodges, tented camps, or budget-friendly accommodations will definitely affect the overall cost. Prices vary based on the level of comfort, amenities, and location within the reserve and the season you are traveling in.
- Safari Package Inclusions: Different Kenya safari packages offer varying levels of services and activities. You will need to consider how many game drives you want, cultural visits and any other places of interest you want to visit.
- Additional Expenses: Costs such as park entry fees, conservation fees, tips, and personal expenses for souvenirs or optional activities should be considered when budgeting for the safari.
- Currency Exchange Rates and Budgeting Tips: Fluctuations in currency exchange rates can impact the overall cost for Indian travelers. Planning ahead and budgeting for expenses in both Indian Rupees and Kenyan Shillings can help manage costs effectively. The good thing is that the Indian and Kenyan currency are at almost the same level with Indian currency having the upper hand. Just note that costs are normally done in USD.
- Mode of Transportation: For vehicle transport you have the option of traveling using a safari jeep or a tour van. Safari jeeps are more expensive but their advantage over vans is that they are more comfy and luxurious. Flying by air to Masai Mara is faster but obviously more expensive than vehicle transfer.
- The Tour Operator You Are Working With: Do you know even if you opt to buy your package from a tour company based in India, the Indian company has to work with a company like ours that is based in Kenya to handle your trip. Plus they will add their mark up to the package price we give them. If you want to save, why not contact us directly?
Masai Mara Tour Packages From India
There are different Kenya Mara packages we can offer you to suit different budget preferences
- Luxury Safari Packages:
- Luxury safari packages offer unparalleled comfort and exclusivity, often featuring luxurious lodges or tented camps with spacious accommodations, gourmet dining, and a hot air balloon safari over Mara.
- These packages may include spa treatments, and other premium amenities.
- Ideal for travelers seeking a high-end safari experience with exceptional service and comfort. Ideal for those wishing to travel by flight from Nairobi to Masai Mara. For the more adventurous ones you can also opt for a ski diving adventure in Kenya
- Mid-range Safari Packages:
- Mid-range Kenya tour packages strike a balance between comfort and affordability, typically featuring comfortable lodges or tented camps with standard amenities.
- These offers will give you guided game drives, meals plus some additional activities, providing a well-rounded safari experience without the luxury price tag.
- Best for Indians looking for a comfortable safari experience without splurging on luxury accommodations.
- Budget-Friendly Safari Packages:
- Budget-friendly safari packages cater to cost-conscious travelers, offering basic accommodations such as camping or simple lodges with essential amenities.
- These packages often include shared/group game drives, meals, and basic services, allowing travelers to experience the essence of a safari at a lower cost.
- Ideal for backpackers, students, or anyone traveling on a tight budget who still wants to experience the thrill of a Masai Mara safari.
- Group Tours vs. Private Tours:
- Joining Tours: Kenya joining tours typically involve joining a pre-arranged itinerary with a group of fellow travelers. They often offer cost savings, shared experiences, and the opportunity to meet new people.
- Private Tours: Private tours provide flexibility and personalized experiences tailored to individual preferences. They allow for customization of the itinerary, choice of accommodations, and exclusive use of safari vehicles and guides. These are more expensive than group tours.
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Sample 3 Day Masai Mara Safari Itinerary From Nairobi For Indians
One of the most requested trips in our company from Indians is a 3 days Masai Mara safari.
A 3 days Masai Mara safari in Kenya will cost about $400 per person (adults).
Day 1: Arrival in Masai Mara from India
- Morning: Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya.
- Meet and greet with your tour guide/driver who will accompany you throughout the safari.
- Depart Nairobi and embark on a scenic drive to Masai Mara National Reserve, with en-route game viewing opportunities.
- Arrive at your chosen accommodation within the reserve and check-in.
- Enjoy a delicious lunch at the lodge or camp.
- Afternoon: Set out for your first game drive in Masai Mara, exploring the vast savannah plains and searching for wildlife.
- Keep an eye out for the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos), as well as other wildlife species such as giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.
- Return to the lodge or camp as the sun sets over the Mara for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Full Day Game Drive in Masai Mara
- Early morning: Wake up before dawn for a sunrise game drive, witnessing the savannah come alive with the sounds and sights of wildlife awakening.
- Experience the thrill of spotting predators on the hunt or witnessing a herd of elephants bathing at a watering hole.
- Return to the lodge or camp for a hearty breakfast.
- Mid-morning: Embark on a guided nature walk or visit a local Masai village to learn about their culture, traditions, and way of life.
- Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush or back at the lodge.
- Afternoon: Continue your game drive, exploring different areas of Masai Mara and searching for wildlife sightings you may have missed earlier.
- As the day draws to a close, witness a breathtaking sunset over the savannah before returning to your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Departure from Masai Mara
- Early morning: Optional sunrise game drive for one last opportunity to spot wildlife and capture memorable photos.
- Return to the lodge or camp for breakfast and check-out.
- Depart Masai Mara and begin the journey back to Nairobi.
- En-route, stop for lunch at a scenic spot or restaurant.
- Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon. You can rest at a city hotel or you can opt and transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight or extend your stay to explore more of Kenya’s attractions.
- End of the safari adventure.
About Mara Gates Safaris
We are a tour operator based in Nairobi Kenya. We have been serving visitors from India since the year 2010. Interestingly, most of our clients come from India. We have the experience and manpower to book a memorable trip for you and your loved ones.
Your main contact in our company is Agnes who has over 20 years experience in the tourism industry. She will handle all your tour related inquiries. Here is a video of her giving information about our company
We are registered with KATO (Kenya Association of Tour Operators) so you are assured that you are in safe hands. Below are some of the reviews that have been posted on Google Reviews concerning our company
Luis Eduardo Torres R.
12:29 27 Dec 19
Unbelievable experience! From planning and booking with Agnes, up to our last day, everything was great!Our driver, Jackson, was AMAZING! He definitely a big factor in making our experience so unique.
rommel carlos
21:27 17 Oct 19
Agnes of Mara Gates always responds within 24 hours regarding any of my inquiries. She made the process very easy and always accommodated changes to our itinerary. Ken our driver/guide is very knowledgeable about animals and their behavior. Will definitely book another Safari trip with Mara Gates.!!!
Robert Schlag
21:43 14 Oct 19
Mara Gates provided us with an experience of a lifetime. The places that we visited were breathtakingly beautiful, the variety and number of animals and flora were spectacular. And our guide, Ken, was so courteous, knowledgeable, and organized. The depth of his knowledge and explanations of animal behavior and the local environments was like traveling with a patient university professor of zoology, ornithology, and botany. Our lodging, food, and their support service staff were excellent. I give this company and its guide my highest recommendation. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Malou Carlos
20:46 10 Oct 19
We had a wonderful 9-day safari with Mara Gates. My husband found their website and came up with a custom-made itinerary, that Agnes gladly accommodated and made it even better. Communicating with them was so easy because Agnes responds promptly. As soon as their office is open in Nairobi, they respond to our email inquiries quickly. We also met her at our hotel and we discussed the itinerary and she gave us pointers on what to expect during our trip. On the morning of the beginning of our safari, Ken our guide and driver promptly arrived and packed our van. Ken is a very intelligent, knowledgeable, wonderful person who gave us quick lessons on the different types of animals, birds, reptiles and also gave us lessons on their behavior. We would really like to go back and do another safari with Mara Gates, and most especially with Ken. Thank you so much for a wonderful trip!
Rob Lovemore
09:55 07 Oct 19
our family booked a hot air balloon trip with Mara Gates. A very good driver collected us from our camp in a smart closed body Toyota Landcruiser. Our camp was nearly an hours drive from the balloon site so it was a good commitment. Hot air ballooning is a must for visitors to the Mara. It's expensive but well worth it. We had a very competent pilot from Switzerland. The open air breakfast on the plains after we landed was also excellent. Then the same driver took us back home again. A great day out. Thanks Mara Gates.
ABHIJIT MANNA
02:36 03 Sep 19
We booked our African Safari trip with Mara Gates Safaris in May, '19. This was one of the best trips we have made so far and thanks to Mara Gates Safaris, it became the most memorable one. We received all the help we needed starting from the booking until the end of the trip. Special thanks to our guide Ken who enlightened us so much about the nature and behavior of the animals in the wild and took us to some of the best viewing spots over the different parks.
A Google User
14:20 29 Aug 19
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our safari with Mara Gates. They were helpful from initial enquiries, through changes, to the final stop of getting us to the airport. The guide, hotels and meals were all excellent. Our guide took great pains to ensure that we saw 'all' the animals and were able to take wonderful photos. We have great memories of this trip. At 84 and 72, we were comfortable all the way and felt well cared for. We would highly recommend this company and in fact we have to several friends. On another note, we had to cancel an earlier booking with this company because of an unexpected hospitalization. They were most kind and considerate and expeditiously handled refunds of our down-payment. Finally, from what I have seen, their prices are very good and certainly fall into the category of 'good value for the money'.
Maurine Limo
12:12 10 Dec 18
I had a wonderful experience with Mara Gates Safaris. I wanted a 5 day trip to the coastal town and they got me a very good safari. They are highly organized, excellent communicators- never once did I not get my queries answered and very accommodating. Everything went exactly as scheduled and discussed. Ms. Agnes is easy to work with and a professional in her line of duty. First time with Mara Gates and I will definitely be using them.
