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Mara Major Camp
Masai - Mara - Kenya
Frequently Asked Questions.
1. When is the best time to visit the camp.
2. What else is there to do at the camp.
3. Currency and payments.
4. What is actually included in the price.
5. What is not included in the price.
6. What should I pack.
7. Should I be worried about wild animals.
8. Do I need to pay Park Fees.
9. Electricity and charging.
10. Do I need vaccinations.
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1. When is the best time to visit the camp.
JANUARY.
January is a magical time for photographers and nature lovers. You will witness large herds of elephants, giraffes, and the iconic big cats—lions, cheetahs, and leopards. It is a vibrant month following the birthing season that starts in December, meaning the plains are full of young animals. Birdwatching is also exceptional during this period.
FEBRUARY.
While February sees slightly more rainfall, it offers perfect opportunities for wildlife viewing. Like January, it’s a prime time to see newborn mammals. It is often the warmest month in Kenya, so don't forget your sunscreen!
MARCH.
March offers a more intimate experience with fewer crowds and lower rates. While afternoon showers can make roads muddy, they won't interfere with your Mara Major Camp experience. The rain (avg. 145mm) brings the grasslands into full bloom, creating exquisite backdrops for sunrise and sunset photography. Expect to see elephants grazing in open plains and large troops of baboons, along with impalas, gazelles, and hyenas.
APRIL
The wettest month of the year provides unique "low cloud" lighting, perfect for dramatic wildlife photography. Between showers, the sun reveals a lush, vibrant landscape. While navigation requires expert driving, the views of buffalo and elephant herds are spectacular. The roaring Mara River is particularly exciting, as hippos and their calves frequent the shallows. Kenya hosts over 1,100 bird species, and April is prime time to spot them in the green meadows.
MAY.
Rainfall begins to decrease as the reserve prepares for the Great Migration. Wildlife remains abundant, and you can expect to encounter elephants, waterbucks, lions, gazelles, and leopards. The birdlife continues to be a major highlight for visitors.
JUNE.
The "Green Season" concludes in June with cooler weather and lower rainfall. This is the start of the busier season. You will see hippos, giraffes, zebras, and waterbucks across the vast grasslands. As the Great Migration approaches in the final weeks of June, predator action intensifies, and the park begins to buzz with excitement.
JULY-SEPTEMBER.
July marks the start of the world-famous Great Migration. The weather is cool and dry (20°C day / 10°C night). This is the ultimate time to witness the thrill of thousands of wildebeests and zebras crossing the Mara River. Predator-prey interaction is at its peak as lions, leopards, and cheetahs take advantage of the thinned vegetation. Note that this is high season: the park is busier, and rates are at their peak.
OCTOBER.
The first weeks are dry and windy, offering captivating sunrises. While the Migration begins to wind down, the park is less crowded and more affordable. By mid-October, short afternoon rains (100mm) refresh the land. This is arguably the best time to spot predators in action, as leopards and lions stalk their prey through the short grass.
NOVEMBER.
With the wildebeest returning to the Serengeti, November offers a final glimpse of the migration's tail end. The park remains full of life, especially lions waiting near the riverbanks. It is an excellent month for visitors seeking a comprehensive and quieter wildlife experience.
DECEMBER.
The festive season is a wonderful time for families to celebrate together at Mara Major Camp. While it is warm with scattered showers, the "birthing season" begins again, offering photographers the chance to capture the first steps of the Mara's newest inhabitants. We offer special holiday packages to make your Christmas in the bush truly unforgettable.
Summary: The Magic of the Mara Year-Round
While rainy months can make the main roads more challenging to navigate, they also bring the flora and fauna back to life in an "ecstatic" display of nature. During these quieter months, you will enjoy fewer crowds and significantly lower rates.
Regardless of when you choose to visit, Mara Major Camp ensures you experience the raw magic and breathtaking landscapes of Kenya's most popular reserve.
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2. What else is there to do at the camp.
Beyond your stay in our luxury suites, we offer a variety of immersive experiences to make your safari unforgettable. Here is a selection of activities available during your visit:
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Customized Game Drives: Expert-led safaris in our specially modified 4x4 vehicles.
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Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Soar above the breathtaking Mara landscapes at sunrise for a bird's-eye view of the wild.
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Guided Walking Safaris: Explore the surrounding areas on foot with Maasai warriors for an intimate connection with nature.
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Maasai Village Visits: Discover the rich culture and traditions of our neighboring communities.
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Conservancy Explorations: Safaris tailored to explore the diverse regions of the Maasai Mara Game Conservancy.
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The Great Migration: Witness one of nature's greatest spectacles as wildebeests traverse the plains (seasonal).
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Relaxation at the Camp: Enjoy a cold drink on our terrace, overlooking the lush gardens and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of the bush.
"Most of these activities can be booked directly at the camp upon arrival."
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3. Money and Payments.
Local Currency: The official currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). However, US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted throughout the country and at the camp.
Using US Dollars: If you bring USD, please prefer small denominations ($1, $2, $5, $10, and $20 bills) for tips and small purchases.
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Important: Avoid $50 and $100 bills if possible.
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Crucial: Notes printed before 2006 (and especially those before 1989) will be refused by local banks and businesses. Ensure your bills are crisp, clean, and recent.
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Credit Cards & ATMs: Your Visa, Mastercard, or Amex will work perfectly for most transactions. There is an ATM located just 7km from the camp where you can withdraw local currency if needed.
How much cash to bring? It is not necessary to travel with large amounts of cash. We recommend carrying between $250 and $400 USD in small bills for emergencies, tips, or local crafts.
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4. What is actually included in the price.
Our rates include your luxury accommodation per night and all meals, whether enjoyed at the camp’s dining area, in the privacy of your suite, or as a "bush meal" during a game drive.
To offer you the best value and flexibility, we are happy to provide all-inclusive packages that feature our specialized photographic safaris and other activities upon request.
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5. What is not included in the price.
To help you plan your budget, please note that the following are not included in the standard nightly rate:
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International Flights: Your round-trip airfare from your home country to Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport).
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Nairobi Accommodation: Your hotel stay in Nairobi on the night of your arrival.
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Domestic Flights: Round-trip flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport to the Maasai Mara.
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Park Entrance Fees: Daily fees for the reserve ($100 per person/day from January to June; $200 per person/day from July to December).
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Alcoholic Beverages: All spirits, wine, and beer.
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Bottled Water (Camp Meals): Glass-bottled water served during lunch and dinner at the camp ($3.00 each).
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Private Vehicle & Guide: The dedicated photographic vehicle and expert guide for your game drives ($200.00 per day, regardless of whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, or as a family).
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Gratuities: Tips for the camp staff and guides are at your discretion.
"Please note that the vehicle rate is per day, not per person ($200 for the entire group). This ensures a completely private and tailored experience for families or photography couples at a very competitive rate."
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6. What should I pack.
While we provide high-end, comfortable accommodation, we recommend bringing the following essentials to ensure the best experience:
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Layered Clothing: A warm jacket for cold nights and a lightweight raincoat for cool, misty mornings.
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Footwear: A sturdy pair of hiking boots or walking shoes, essential for our guided walking safaris.
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Sun Protection: Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, or a cap, along with high-factor sunscreen.
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Safari Attire: Quick-drying, long-sleeved tops and trousers in neutral colors (khaki, beige, olive) for protection against the sun and insects.
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Photography Gear: A camera to capture your memories—or your full professional kit if you're a pro! Don't forget extra memory cards.
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Optics: A good pair of binoculars to spot wildlife from a distance.
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Power: Spare camera batteries and a portable power bank for your phone during long game drives.
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Day Bag: A sturdy backpack to keep your essentials (water, extra lenses, jacket) organized during your daily safaris.
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7. Should I be worried about wild animals.
At our eco-camp, wildlife has the right of way, which is part of the magic of staying in the heart of the Mara. However, your safety is our absolute priority.
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Expert Security: Our dedicated Maasai warrior guards (Askaris) are on duty 24/7 to ensure the safety of all our guests.
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Escorts: For your peace of mind, our guards will always accompany you to and from your suite after dark.
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Briefing: You will receive a full safety briefing upon check-in so you can feel comfortable and confident in your surroundings.
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A Unique Privilege: Sharing this space with wildlife offers the incredible opportunity to observe animals directly from your private terrace or the comfort of your suite, knowing you are in safe hands.
"For added peace of mind, every suite is equipped with a safety whistle (or a radio) to contact our team or guards at any time should you need assistance. This ensures you can fully relax and enjoy the sounds of the bush with total confidence."
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8. Do I need to pay Park Fee.
Yes, all visitors are required to pay a daily entrance fee to access the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
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Direct Payment: These fees are paid directly to the park authorities (Narok County Government) and are not included in our camp rates.
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Current Rates: As of 2024/2025, fees have increased (currently $100 USD per adult/day in low season and $200 USD in high season).
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Payment Method: Payments are now largely centralized through the "eCitizen" government portal or via credit card at the gates. We strongly recommend checking the latest official updates before your arrival.
You can find more detailed information on the official reserve portal or by asking our team during your booking process.
Activities
Beyond the Game Drive
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9. Electricity and Charging.
Voltage and Compatibility: Kenya operates on a 240V supply voltage and 50Hz. Most modern electronic devices (smartphones, cameras, laptops, and tablets) are dual-voltage and compatible globally.
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Tip: Check your charger for the "INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz" label; if you see this, your device is safe to use in Kenya.
Power Outlets & Adapters: Kenya uses the Type G electrical plug (the same three-rectangular-prong plug used in the UK).
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Recommendation: You will need a power adapter. We suggest purchasing a Universal Travel Adapter, which will serve you well on all your international travels.
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[Click here for an example of a compatible model on Amazon]
At the Camp: Mara Major Camp provides charging facilities in each suite, allowing you to keep your gear ready for the next day's safari.
"Photography & Tech Ready: We understand that our guests often travel with multiple devices. To make things easier, each suite is equipped with power strips (multi-socket extensions). This allows you to charge your camera batteries, laptop, and phone simultaneously without needing multiple travel adapters."
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10. Do I need vaccinations.
Technically, no vaccinations are mandatory to enter Kenya for travelers arriving directly from Europe or North America. This differs from Tanzania, where specific requirements may apply. However, we recommend considering the following:
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Yellow Fever: While not mandatory for most, a slight risk may exist depending on the season and your specific travel history. If you prefer to be vaccinated for peace of mind, we encourage you to do so.
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Proof of Vaccination: Note that if you are traveling to Kenya from a country with a high risk of Yellow Fever (including layovers in certain African or South American countries), you may be required to show an international certificate of vaccination.
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Malaria: The Maasai Mara is a malarial area. We strongly suggest consulting your doctor or a travel clinic regarding malaria prophylaxis and ensuring your routine vaccinations (such as Typhoid and Hepatitis A) are up to date.
Important: Please consult a medical professional or a travel clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before your departure for personalized advice based on your health history.
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