How much does it cost to go on a Masai Mara safari?
I’ve worked in and around the Maasai Mara for years - guiding, managing camps, and helping guests plan their safaris - and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that cost doesn’t always equal quality. There are a lot of options out there, from simple bush camps to five-star hotels, but the best safari experiences aren’t about marble bathrooms or infinity pools. They’re about comfort, connection, and authenticity.
So, let’s break down what a Maasai Mara safari really costs — and how to make sure you’re getting the experience you came for.
Park Fees: The Cost of Keeping the Mara Wild
Every trip to the Maasai Mara starts with park fees. These are paid to Narok County and go directly toward conservation, anti-poaching patrols, and supporting Maasai communities.
Low season (Jan–Jun): $100 USD per person per day
High season (Jul–Dec): $200 USD per person per day
Children 9–17: $50 USD per day
Children under 9: Free
It’s a fair price when you consider what it protects — the big cats, elephants, and open landscapes that make the Mara so special.
Budget Breakdown
The Mara has options for all kinds of travelers. Here’s what you can expect (These don’t include park entrance fees so remember to add those to the list, also these are per person per night):
Budget Safaris ($100–$400/day)
If you’re really on a budget, you can absolutely still experience the magic of the Mara — the wildlife doesn’t change no matter where you stay. You’ll likely be in more basic accommodation, often outside the Reserve, and share vehicles and guides with other guests. It’s a great way to see the same incredible animals and landscapes, just with simpler food, longer drives to reach the main park, and a little less flexibility.
Mid-Range Safaris ($400–$800/day)
This is where you start getting the proper experience — comfortable tented camps, private game drives, good food, and a bit of peace and quiet.
Tor’s Camp fits perfectly into this category. At around $400 USD per person per day, you get:
Full-board accommodation (all meals included). Including hearty picnic breakfasts, healthy lunches and 3 course dinners.
A private vehicle and guide for your group
Prime location inside the reserve — no queues at the gates, just wildlife from the moment you step out of your tent
It’s that sweet spot: comfortable and well-run, but still feels wild and adventurous.
Our Mtoni tents give you that luxury feel but keep you connected to the African bush.
Luxury Safaris ($800–$2,000+/day)
If you’re after butler service, wine cellars, and beautifully polished decks, the Mara certainly has its share of world-class lodges that deliver an exceptional level of comfort and style. They’re perfect for those wanting every modern luxury while still surrounded by Africa’s beauty.
But in my experience, sometimes less can be more. The larger, hotel-style lodges can feel a little removed from what a safari truly is — that raw, sensory connection with the wild. If you want to feel part of the bush rather than just observing it from behind glass, a tented camp offers something much more authentic.
Inside the Reserve vs. Outside
This is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make — and it makes all the difference.
Stay Inside the Reserve
If you want a true safari, this is the only place to be. You wake up surrounded by wildlife, not villages or towns. No waiting in line at gates, no crowds at sunrise. You’re already where the action is. And at night, the sounds of the wild — lions roaring, hyenas calling, hippos splashing — remind you exactly where you are.Stay Outside the Reserve
It’s usually cheaper, but you’ll often find yourself near busy settlements, driving in and out of gates every day, and missing those golden morning hours. It’s less immersive, and you’ll feel that difference.
In short — if you want the real Mara, stay inside it.
Why a private vehicle makes all the difference
Whether you’re a photographer, a couple, or a family, a private vehicle changes everything. You can move at your own pace, follow your interests, and stay at sightings as long as you want. You’re not just along for the ride — it’s your safari.
At Tor’s Camp, all guests get their own 4x4 Land Cruiser and professional guide. It’s the kind of flexibility that turns a good safari into a great one.
Why Tor’s Camp?
Alright, I’ll admit I’m shamelessly promoting my own camp here — but only because I genuinely believe in what we’ve built. We designed Tor’s Camp to capture everything that makes a safari truly special, and nothing that doesn’t. It’s simple where it should be simple, and comfortable where it really matters.
Inside the Reserve: Set along the Olare Orok River, right in the heart of big cat country — the Topi Pride’s territory.
Mid-Range Pricing, Luxury Feel: Spacious tents with proper beds, hot showers, and private verandas overlooking the river.
Genuine Experience: A small, family-run camp that keeps the adventurous, wild-camping spirit alive — without skimping on great food or a good night’s sleep.
Sustainability: Fully solar-powered and run with an eco-friendly ethos, ensuring our footprint stays light.
Sounds of the Wild: Drift off to lions roaring and hippos grunting — it’s the real safari experience, the way it’s meant to be.
Tor’s Camp mess tent is intimate and open to the Mara. Think rustic safari meets gentleman’s club.
The Bottom Line
The Maasai Mara isn’t just a holiday — it’s an experience. Whether you spend $100 or $2,000 a night, the magic lies in where you stay and how you connect with the wild.
If you want a safari that feels real, where you’re part of the landscape and not sealed off from it, Tor’s Camp is the place. It’s mid-range in price but rich in experience — and that’s what makes it truly special.
