Entry Gates to Masai Mara
Covering an expansive area of 1,510 square kilometers, the Masai Mara National Reserve is vast and features several entry gates to provide access. Choosing the right gate when visiting the Masai Mara can save you significant travel time. Below, we highlight the main Masai Mara entry gates, along with information about nearby lodges and camps. The gates open for entry at 6:00 am and close at 6:00 pm. However, in exceptional situations like a vehicle breakdown or severe weather, you might be allowed to enter or exit outside these hours with the reserve Warden’s permission.
The Masai Mara entry gates are strategically placed in convenient and popular locations, providing easy access to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. If you’re planning a road trip to the Masai Mara, you’ll find six entry gates that are thoughtfully distributed, ensuring all visitors can enter the reserve from any direction. These gates not only serve as entry points but also enhance your overall experience by reducing travel time and offering a seamless journey into the breathtaking wilderness of the Masai Mara.
Talek Gate
Talek Gate is a standout among the entry gates to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Nestled on the northwestern side, it sits amidst the sweeping savannah grasslands, right beside the famous Talek River. This river serves as a natural border, beautifully dividing the eastern and western regions of the reserve. If you’re planning to stay nearby, there are some amazing lodges and camps to choose from. These include the 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 the Mara Serena Safari Lodge. For more details, you can explore Talek Gate here.
Oloololo Gate ( Mara Conservancy )
Oloololo Gate is nestled in the northwestern part of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, just a short distance south of one of the Mara River’s tributaries. To reach this gate, you can travel via the C13 (Aitong Road) and C14 (Singor – Kaboson Road). It’s a convenient entry point if you want to explore the western side of the Mara River, as it’s only a few minutes’ drive away. The gate is also not far from the majestic Oloololo Escarpment, part of the Rift Valley. If you’re looking for a place to stay nearby, consider the Mara Big Five Lodge, Fairmont Mara Safari Club, Entim Mara Camp, or the Oltome Mara Magic Resort. For more information, check out Oloololo Gate here.
Sekenani Gate
Sekenani Gate is situated on the outskirts of Sekenani town, nestled amidst the vast savannah plains along the eastern border of the Masai Mara National Reserve. As the main and most popular entry point, it’s favored for its convenient location on the main road from Narok Town. If you’re looking for a place to stay nearby, you’ll find a range of fantastic options. These include the 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 Maasai Mara. For more detailed information, check out Sekenani Gate here.
Musiara Gate
Musiara Gate is positioned on the northeastern edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, not too far from the Oloololo Gate, although it’s on the opposite side of the Mara River. This location offers a unique perspective of the reserve’s diverse landscapes. If you’re planning to stay nearby, you’ll find some fantastic options for lodging. Consider staying at the Little Governors Camp, Governors Camp, Governors’ IL Moran Camp, or the luxurious Angama Mara. Other great choices include Kandili Camps, the charming Karen Blixen Camp, Kilima Camp, and the inviting Nyota Mara Camp. To learn more about Musiara Gate and its surroundings, visit Musiara Gate here.
Oloolaimutia Gate
Oloolaimutia Gate can be found on the outskirts of Oloolaimutia town, nestled amidst the hilly landscapes at the eastern end of the Masai Mara National Reserve. This gate offers a picturesque entry into the reserve, surrounded by nature’s beauty. If you’re planning to stay nearby, you have some great options like the Ol Moran Tented Camp, Mara Sidai Camp, and Acacia Camp Mara, among others. These lodges provide a comfortable and convenient base for your safari adventure. Discover more about the Oloolaimutia Gate by visiting this link.
Sand River Gate
The Sand River Gate is located on the northern banks of the Sand River, which is one of the tributaries feeding into the Mara River and serves as a crossing point for the famous wildebeest migration. This gate is positioned at the southern border of the Masai Mara National Reserve, just a stone’s throw away from the border between Kenya and Tanzania, as well as the Bologonja Gate leading into Serengeti National Park. However, due to the border between Kenya and Tanzania being closed to tourists, this gate is rarely used. Most travelers opt for the Isebania border crossing instead. For more details, you can read about the Sand River Gate here.
Masai Mara Fly~In Safaris
Flying Safari packages to the Masai Mara are a fantastic choice for those looking to save time and enjoy comfort. Instead of a long 5 to 6 hour drive from Nairobi, you can take a quick one-hour flight. With flights to the Masai Mara widely available, booking a flying safari package is easy for most camps and lodges. This option is perfect for anyone who wants to dive straight into thrilling game drives in open-sided safari vehicles, making the most of their adventure in the Masai Mara National Reserve.