Entry Gates To Masai Mara : Spreading approximately 1,510 square kilometers, Masai Mara National Reserve is spread over a large area and therefore has several entry gates to access the reserve. During your Kenya trip to Masai Mara using the correct gate can save you hours of additional driving.
Below is the 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 6 pm, 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 breakfast or may adverse weather causing road closures.
The Masai Mara Gates (entry gates to Masai Mara) are well distributed at most convenient and popular places that lead to Masai Mara National Reserve. If one chooses to go to Masai Mara by road, they can access the reserve on its 6 gates which are distributed to favor all guests entering the reserve at any point.
Sekenani Gate
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 preferred by guests because it is on the main road from Nairok Town. The best lodging options near Sekenani Gates include 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.
Talek Gate
The Talek Gate is one of the most developed gates in Masai Mara. It is located on the North Western side of Masai 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 Masai 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.
Musiara Gate
The Musiara Gate is located on the north eastern end of Maasai Mara National Reserve, a short distance east of Oloololo Gate through on the opposite side of the Mara River. The best lodging options near Musiara Gates include Little Governors Camp, Governors Camp, Governors’ IL Moran Camp, Kandili Camps, Angama Mara, Karen Blixen Camp, Kilima Camp and Nyota Mara Camp.
Oloololo Gate (Mara Conservancy)
The Oloololo Gate is located on the north eastern region of Masai 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 Gate include Mara Big Five Lodge, Fairmont Mara Safari Club, Entim Mara Camp and Oltome Mara Magic Resort among others.
Oloolaimutia Gate
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.
Sand River Gate (Closed)
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 meters 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.