Which Is Cheaper, Serengeti or Masai Mara? Full Cost Comparison 2026

If you’re comparing East Africa’s premier safari destinations and wondering which is cheaper, Serengeti or Masai Mara, the answer leans toward the Masai Mara being slightly more affordable for most travelers, especially for shorter trips.

This is largely due to easier road access from Nairobi (reducing transport costs), a wider range of mid-range and budget accommodations, and more competitive pricing from operators.

However, the Serengeti often edges out in value for longer stays or those seeking vast wilderness with fewer crowds, despite higher overall expenses from remote locations and internal flights.

Costs vary significantly by season, lodge category, trip length, and travel style—high season (July–October for the Great Migration) inflates prices in both.

In this detailed 2026 guide, we break down every major expense category, including park fees, accommodation, transportation, and full safari packages, to help you decide based on your budget and priorities.

Park Entry Fees

Park fees form a core part of safari costs and are charged per person per day (typically 24 hours).

Masai Mara (Kenya): Fees are seasonal and high for non-residents. From January to June 2026, expect around $100 per adult per day; from July to December, it rises to $200 per adult per day (with children 9–17 at $50). These apply whether staying inside or outside the reserve, and fees are set by Narok County. Additional conservancy fees may apply in private areas.

Serengeti (Tanzania): More consistent, with non-resident adults paying approximately $70–$83 per day (including VAT; often around $83 in peak season from mid-May to mid-March, slightly lower in low season).

Children (5–15) pay about $20–$24, with under-5s free. Additional concession fees apply for lodges inside the park (around $60+ per person in some cases), and vehicle fees add extra.

Comparison: Serengeti has lower daily entry fees, but Masai Mara’s shorter typical stays (3–4 days) often make the total park cost comparable or lower than Serengeti’s longer itineraries.

Accommodation Costs

Lodging is the biggest variable, with options from budget camps to ultra-luxury.

Budget (tented camps or basic lodges):

Masai Mara: $150–$250 per night (per person sharing).
Serengeti: $200–$350 per night (fewer true budget options due to remoteness).

Mid-Range (comfortable lodges/tented camps):

Masai Mara: $250–$450 per night.
Serengeti: $350–$600 per night (higher due to fly-in logistics and limited supply).

Luxury (high-end camps with premium amenities):

Both: $800–$2,000+ per night, though Serengeti often skews higher for exclusive mobile camps or northern sector stays.

Why Serengeti tends to be pricier: The park’s massive size (over 14,000 km²) means remote lodges require fly-ins or long drives, with fewer mid-range choices. Masai Mara offers more clustered options near easier access points, driving competition and variety.

Transportation Costs

This is a major differentiator.

Masai Mara: Accessible by road (5–6 hours from Nairobi, $100–$200 round-trip shared transfer) or short flights ($400 round-trip). Road options keep costs down for budget travelers.

Serengeti: Often requires internal flights from Arusha (~$300–$600 round-trip) due to long drives (7+ hours). Road safaris add fuel and time, making fly-ins common for efficiency.

Comparison: Masai Mara wins for affordability—many visitors drive in, saving hundreds compared to Serengeti’s frequent air transfers.

Safari Package Costs (Realistic Averages for 2026)

Packages typically include accommodation, meals, game drives, park fees, and transport.

3-Day Safari (popular for first-timers):

Masai Mara:
- Budget: $700–$1,200 per person.
- Mid-range: $1,200–$2,000.
- Luxury: $2,500+.
Serengeti:
- Budget: $900–$1,500.
- Mid-range: $1,800–$3,000.
- Luxury: $3,500+.

Longer Trips (5–7 Days): Serengeti packages often cost more overall due to extended travel and higher daily rates, but per-day value can be better in vast areas.

Cost Comparison Table

Factor	Masai Mara	Serengeti	Winner for Budget
Park Fees (per adult/day)	$100–$200 (seasonal)	$70–$83 (more consistent)	Serengeti
Transport	Cheaper (road from Nairobi)	More expensive (flights common)	Masai Mara
Accommodation Options	Wider range, more budget/mid-range	More remote, higher-end skew	Masai Mara
Typical Trip Length	Shorter (3–5 days)	Longer (4–7+ days)	Masai Mara
Overall Cost (3 days)	Slightly cheaper	Slightly higher	Masai Mara

Seasonal Price Differences

High Season (July–October): Great Migration peaks—prices surge 30–50% in both (river crossings draw crowds).

Low/Shoulder Season (e.g., April–May rainy, or January–March): Rates drop significantly (up to 40% off), with greener landscapes and fewer visitors. Masai Mara sees bigger discounts due to more competition.

Cheapest times: April–May or November for both, though weather can be wet.

Great Migration Timing

The annual Wildebeest Migration influences costs and crowds.

Serengeti: Year-round action—calving in south (Jan–March), western corridor (April–June), northern river crossings (July–Oct), return south (Nov–Dec).
Masai Mara: Peak July–October (herds cross from Serengeti, dramatic Mara River crossings in Aug–Sept).

Serengeti offers longer viewing windows; Masai Mara delivers intense drama in a compact area.

Is the Serengeti Worth the Extra Cost?

Yes, if you prioritize:

Vast, uncrowded wilderness (fewer vehicles).
Diverse ecosystems and longer migration presence.
Iconic, remote experiences.

Is Masai Mara Better for Budget Travelers?

Absolutely—easier access, shorter safaris, more options, and competitive pricing make it ideal for first-timers or cost-conscious groups.

FAQs

Is Kenya safari cheaper than Tanzania?

Often yes for shorter trips, thanks to lower transport and more budget lodges, though park fees can balance it out.

Why is Serengeti more expensive?

Remote access, larger park requiring flights, and premium lodges drive costs up.

Can you combine Serengeti and Masai Mara?

Yes—many do a cross-border trip during migration (July–Oct), but add visa and flight costs.

Which has better wildlife viewing?

Both offer Big Five and Migration; Serengeti for volume/diversity, Masai Mara for density and crossings.

Is Masai Mara overcrowded?

Peak season yes, especially eastern side; opt for western Mara for quieter experiences.

How many days do you need in Serengeti?

At least 4–5 to cover regions; Masai Mara works well in 3.

Is Tanzania visa more expensive than Kenya?

Similar (~$50–$100 e-visa); check current requirements.

Cheapest time to visit Serengeti/Masai Mara?

April–May (rainy, but great deals and birding).

So, which is cheaper, Serengeti or Masai Mara? Overall, Masai Mara is slightly more budget-friendly for shorter safaris and easier logistics, while Serengeti may justify higher costs with its epic scale and exclusivity. Both deliver unforgettable wildlife—your choice depends on priorities.

Contact us for a customized Kenya or Tanzania safari quote tailored to your 2026 dates and budget. Let’s plan your adventure!