November 5, 2026
Kenya’s tourism sector just posted some of its strongest numbers in years. According to data reported by the African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA), the country recorded 2.79 million international arrivals by June 2026, an 88% increase from the 1.48 million arrivals recorded in 2022, while tourism earnings rose 110% over the same period. A large share of that growth is driven by one destination: the Masai Mara, Kenya’s best-known reserve and the anchor of almost every Kenya safari package sold to Canadian travellers.
Masai Mara packages vary widely in what they cover, which makes comparing quotes confusing. At minimum, a well-run package should include a private safari vehicle (usually a 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof), a dedicated driver-guide, all Masai Mara park entrance fees, and accommodation inside or near the reserve. Mid-range and higher-end packages add daily game drives, some or all meals, and transfers from Nairobi. Watch for packages that quote a low headline price but charge park fees, conservancy fees, or game drives separately, since those add-ons can push the real cost up by several hundred dollars per person.
The Masai Mara is a year-round safari destination, home to resident lions, elephants, and giraffes regardless of season. But demand, and prices, spike hardest during the Great Migration’s river crossings, which typically run from around July through October as wildebeest and zebra move between the Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti. Lodges and camps inside the reserve sell out months ahead for that window, so travellers planning a migration-season trip should book six to nine months out. Outside those months, the Mara is quieter, less expensive, and still consistently productive for wildlife viewing.
Private, small-group Masai Mara packages for Canadian travellers commonly run from roughly $2,000 to $3,500 USD per person for a week-long trip, with the per-person price dropping as group size grows. Beyond the package price, budget separately for international flights to Nairobi, a Kenya e-visa, travel insurance, and gratuities for guides and camp staff, which are customary and usually not included in quoted prices.
Van Sun Travel is a Canada-based travel company licensed by Consumer Protection BC. We build private and small-group travel experiences with carefully vetted local guides and partners, transparent pricing with no hidden add-ons, and personal support before and during your trip, so the package you book is the package you get.
Our Kenya Wildlife & Culture Safari is a 7-day private safari built around the Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, and Hell’s Gate National Park, with all park entrance fees included. Browse all of our current tours or contact us to start planning your own Masai Mara trip.
