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. Below we have a list of the main gates at the main Masai Mara reserve along with basic information on which lodges and camps are closest to the various access points. As for entry and exit timings, the entry timing is 6.00am and exit timing is 6pm, after which the gates are closed. It may be possible to enter or exit beyond these timings in exceptional cases with the permission of the reserve Warden, for example in case of a vehicle breakdown or maybe adverse weather causing road closures.
The Maasai Mara gates are well distributed at most convenient and popular places that lead to Maasai Mara National Reserve. If one chooses go to Maasai Mara by road, they can access the reserve on its 6 gates which are distributed to favour all guests entering the reserve at any point.
Sekenani Gate is located on the outskirts of Sekenani town, amidst vast Savannah plains on the eastern border of Masai Mara national reserve. It is the main gate and most preffered 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 Maasai Mara. Read more about Sekenani Gate here.
Talek Gate is one of the most developed gates in Maasai Mara. It is located on the North western side of Maasai Mara National Reserve, amidst the large open Savannah grass land right next to the famous Talek River which acts like a natural border between the Eastern and Western region of Maasai 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. Read more about Talek Gate here
Musiara Gate is located on the north eastern end of Maasai Mara National Reserve, a short distance east of Oloololo gate, though 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. Read more about Musiara Gate here.
Oloololo gate is located on the north eastern region of Maasai 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 ( a few minutes drive) 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. Read more about Oloololo Gate here.
Oloolaimutia Gate is located on the outskirts of Oloolaimutia town, amidst the hilly eastern end of Masai Mara national reserve. The best lodging options near Oloolaimuita gates includes Ol Moran Tented Camp, Mara Sidai Camp, Acacia Camp Mara among others. Read more about Oloolaimutia Gate here.
The Sand river gate is located on the northern banks of the Sand river, one of the tributaries for the Mara river as well as a crossing point for the wildebeest migration. It also sits on the southern border of masai mara national reserve, a few metres from the border between Kenya and Tanzania as well as the Bologonja gate into serengeti national park. Due to the nearby border between Kenya and Tanzania being closed to tourists, the gate is seldom used, with most using the Isebania border instead. Read more about Sand River Gate here.
Flying Safari package to Masai Mara are convenient due to the short one hour flight versus the 5 to 6 hour road journey from Nairobi. Flights to Masai Mara being readily available, a flying package safari is possible to book for most Camps and Lodges. Flying to the Mara is also recommended for those who want to enjoy game drives in Open sided safari vehicles.
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