Self Drive in Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve – Self Drive East Africa.
If you’re a beginner dreaming of a budget self-drive safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve, you’re in for a wild ride. In this guide, we’ll provide you with the essential tips and information to help you plan an unforgettable and affordable safari experience. So, buckle up and get ready for an incredible journey through the heart of African wilderness! This covers the car type, accommodation, gates, tips for a good self drive in the Masai, best time to visit.
The national park is divided into three large sections and each of these can be accessed from the different gates.
Masai Mara National Reserve. It is managed by Narok County, a gateway town to the Mara Reserve. Its main gate is Sekenani gate in the east. Other gates are Oloolaimutia Gate and Talek Gate in the east, Musiara Gate in the North and Purungat Mara River Gate in the south.
Mara North Conservancy. This conservancy borders the northern side of the Masai Mara National Reserve. It can be visited any time of the year but July – October during the dry season are the best. During this time of the year, you find lots of wildlife gathering around the permanent water sources.
Wildlife to be found here includes lions, cheetahs, leopards, buffaloes, hyenas, elephants, crocodiles, wild dogs, giraffes, hippopotamus, and over 450 bird species.
Among the 12 accommodation options are pleasant boutiques and tented camps like kicheche Mara camp, saruni wild. You can also choose to go for off-road driving, walking safaris, bush meals and after-dark jeep safaris.
Mara Triangle The Triangle is part of the Northern Mara and is managed by a private conservation trust. The main gate to Mara Triangle is the Oloololo Gate. When you’re coming from Nairobi, the Sekenani route is fastest. The road from Narok to Sekenani gate is newly tarmacked and smooth. If you’re staying in the Mara Triangle and are driving through Sekenani Gate from the Narok side, do not pay park fees until you enter the Reserve at Purungat Bridge. Also note you have to request a transit permit at the Sekenani gate.
Best time to Self Drive in Masai Mara Game Reserve – Self Drive East Africa
Self Drive East Africa offers road trips to Kenya throughout the year and we are available as your car rental company for your self drive in Kenya and Tanzania. Dont miss to road trip in Kenya with us as we offer reliable car rental fleets.
You can choose to visit the Masai Mara Game reserve during any of the following seasons:
Travel during shoulder seasons: during March to May which is also a rainy season, the prices drop up to 50%. and there are also few people, lower crowds giving you a better sight of animals
Peak season from mid-June – October. When millions of wildebeests are in the Mara, it attracts many tourists as well.
High season from November – February. Plenty of wildlife and people.
Masai Mara Reserve Entrance Gates
Measuring 1510 square kilometers, Masai Mara National Reserve is a spread over a large area and therefore has several entry gates to access the reserve. Using the correct gate during your trip to Masai Mara can save you hours of additional driving.
The Masai Mara gates are well distributed at most convenient and popular places that lead to Masai Mara National Reserve.
Sekenani Gate is located on the outskirts of Sekenani town, on the eastern border of Masai Mara national reserve. It is the main gate and most preferred because it is on the main road from Narok Town.
The best lodging options near Sekenani gates includes Mara Sarova Game Camp, Keekorok Lodge, Mara Sweet Acacia Lodge, Mara Springs Safari Camp, Enkolong Tented Camp, Kimana Mara Tented Camp, oldarpoi Mara Camp, Sekenani Camp and AA Lodge Masai Mara.
Talek Gate is one of the most developed gates in Masai Mara located on the North western side of Masai Mara National Reserve, right next to the famous Talek River which acts like a natural border between the Eastern and Western region of Masai Mara.
The best lodging options near Talek gates includes Mara Intrepids Tented Camp, Julia’S River Camp, Aruba Mara Camp, Tipilikwani Mara Camp, Mara Leisure Camp, Fig Tree Camp, Azure Mara Haven, Mara Simba Lodge and Mara Serena Safari Lodge.
Musiara Gate is located on the north eastern end of Masai Mara National Reserve, a short distance east of Oloololo gate, on the opposite side of the Mara river. The best lodging options near Musiara gates includes Little Governors Camp, Governors Camp, Governors’ IL Moran Camp, Kandili Camps, Angama Mara, Karen Blixen Camp, Kilima Camp and Nyota Mara Camp.
Oloololo gate is located on the north eastern region of Masai Mara National Reserve, a short distance south of one of the tributaries for the Mara river. The gate is accessed through C13(Aitong road) and C14 (Singor – Kaboson road). You can also use this gate to drive to west of the Mara river and a similar distance north of the walls of the rift valley known as the Oloololo escarpment.
The best lodging options near Oloololo gates includes Mara Big Five Lodge, Fairmont Mara Safari Club, Entim Mara Camp and Oltome Mara Magic Resort among others.
Oloolaimutia Gate is located on the outskirts of Oloolaimutia town, a midst the hilly eastern end of Masai Mara national reserve. The best lodging options near Oloolaimutia gates includes Ol Moran Tented Camp, Mara Sidai Camp, Acacia Camp Mara among others.
Camping Grounds in Masai Mara Game reserve
If you plan on using camping as accommodation, here are some of the low cost camping sites you can consider. No prior booking is required for public campsites.
Olololo camp site: Oloololo Campsite is a public campsite located at the southern edge of Mara Triangle. It can accommodate up to 30 campers and is surrounded by rolling hills, Savannah and woodlands.
Eluai campsite: Eluai campsite is one of the public campsites in Mara Triangle and it’s located at the eastern edge of Mara Triangle. It can accommodate up to 15 campers and offers a great view of the Triangle
Iseiya campsite: Iseiya Campsite is the smallest of all the campsites in Mara Triangle, but it still offers plenty of peace and serenity. It can accommodate up to 10 campers and is ideal for those looking for a more remote camping experience
The Mara Reserve does not have any public campsites so you would have to find campsites outside the park close to either Sekenani Gate, Talek and Oloololo Gates. Conservancies have private campsites, but they have be booked prior to arrival.
Other campsites include
Kijito campsite: Located in the western part of the Mara Triangle with a beautiful view of the Siria escapement.The camp is well know for its high concentration of elephant and Buffalo.
Kishanga campsite: With a capacity of 30 campers is great destination for a group camping safari out in the jungle. It is a private campsite that offers stunning views of the Triangle and the near attractions from the tent. It has plenty of space for camping and its perfect for those looking to explore the Triangle and its wildlife.
Olarro campsite:Olarro Campsite is a private campsite with stunning views of the Triangle. It can accommodate up to 12 campers and has plenty of shade for relaxing. This is the perfect spot if you are looking for a more friendly camping experience in Mara Triangle with your friends.
Kiboko campsite: Kiboko Campsite is a private campsite located near the Olarro Campsite. With a tent capacity of 30 campers, it is great for group camping experiences who want to explore the Mara Triangle and the near attractions. It has a campfire area & spectacular views of the Triangle, perfect for relaxing after a long day of adventures.
Hornbill campsite: If your group is looking for something smaller, you should check-out Hornbill Campsite. This private campsite can accommodate up to 15 campers and offers amazing views of the attractions from the tent. It is surrounded by lush green forests that provides plenty of shade, making it the ideal relaxing area.
Dirisha camp site: Dirisha Campsite is the perfect destination for groups of 15 campers. It’s a private campsite located near Olarro Campsite, making it possible to stay in the two camps if your group is just under 30 campers. It has plenty of space for camping and offers breathtaking views of the attraction from the tent.
If you are to stay in lodges, there is a multiple you can choose from to fit your budget. Some of these include Castel Mara, Mara Serena safari lodge, Mara sopa lodge.
What kind of car should you choose?
Off road capability: choose a car with good off road capability. A 4 wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended. Choosing an incapable car can lead you into more costs in case of breakdown. Do not simp on getting a good car.
Size and space: the car should be have enough space for your property and even enough space for you to sit back and stretch.
The hiring company should also be ready to provide backup services, repairs and replacements in case of any damages or faults.
The nearest Total and Shell fuel station is at Narok Town. There are smaller, yet more expensive refueling stations at Talek and Sekenani gate. Inside the Mara, you can get fuel at Sarova Mara Lodge or Serena Hotel.
For a first-timer on a self-drive safari, it can be quite complicated to understand where to go and where to stay in the Masai Mara as the tracks are not marked. It is recommend to explore the Mara with a driver-guide.
Do not forget to plan for add Miscellaneous fees on your budget.
Purchase Food and Drinks in markets where its cheap and available before you proceed to the remote areas.
Important Notes for Cross border;
The Masai Mara River border was closed and you cant connect to Serengeti any more! If your planning to cross the border to Tanzania consider using Esbania border.
Payment of park entrance is important.
