Can anyone provide a link or documentation clarifying whether the $80 fee purchases access for a single calendar day or for a 24-hour period beginning at time of entry and ending 24 hours later?
Thank you,
Treybien
1
kriedel
It is for 24 hours. This is documentation for the Mara Triangle, but it is the same for the Mara Reserve (you can enter both on the same ticket).
2
treybien
It is for 24 hours. This is documentation for the Mara Triangle, but it is the same for the Mara Reserve (you can enter both on the same ticket).
Thanks!
That was my belief. For context, a tour operator we used (or its opportunistic driver, perhaps more accurately), collected $160/pp (for 4 pax so $320 extra total) in fees for what was <24 hours across two calendar days. I am crying foul, but they insist that the Narok County Government amended its rules and has simply failed to update them online. Have you heard of anything like this or have any advice on how I can strengthen my position for a partial refund? Thanks!
3
ldmm
We are based in Maasai Mara and have big problems with Narok CC and the KAPS team who collect revenue at the gate. Mara Triangle are much more transparent with their fees. NCC took down their only page from their website last year which stated 24hrs and all the rates.
In August last year KAPS had a few weeks where they changed the rules and wouldn't let anybody in for just one day, only two or more, they also said entry was only for 12hrs and no one could find any proof either way. It lead to huge arguments at the Sekenani gate however other gates were not all affected. They tried this again a couple of weeks ago but it lead to protests from the Maasai and tour operators. It seems they didn't continue to push it and it is now 24hrs again as normal.
It's probable, especially if you did a trip with a budget safari company from Nairobi that you are correct, it's a common trick they use. Along with not even paying any park fees by entering the reserve through an area of bush rather than an official gate and then dodging rangers all day. However not all are guilty of this but the company should get receipts for what ever they did pay and keep them for accounting purposes so they can prove it to you.
4
treybien
We are based in Maasai Mara and have big problems with Narok CC and the KAPS team who collect revenue at the gate. Mara Triangle are much more transparent with their fees. NCC took down their only page from their website last year which stated 24hrs and all the rates.
In August last year KAPS had a few weeks where they changed the rules and wouldn't let anybody in for just one day, only two or more, they also said entry was only for 12hrs and no one could find any proof either way. It lead to huge arguments at the Sekenani gate however other gates were not all affected. They tried this again a couple of weeks ago but it lead to protests from the Maasai and tour operators. It seems they didn't continue to push it and it is now 24hrs again as normal.
It's probable, especially if you did a trip with a budget safari company from Nairobi that you are correct, it's a common trick they use. Along with not even paying any park fees by entering the reserve through an area of bush rather than an official gate and then dodging rangers all day. However not all are guilty of this but the company should get receipts for what ever they did pay and keep them for accounting purposes so they can prove it to you.
This is helpful, thank you.
I confronted the driver when he dropped us off at the end of the weekend and he provided receipts for the four of us that were time-stamped on the first day (friday) and seemed to indicate a 24 hour window. The second day we went through the same gate but just drove past the rangers. He later said he had paid in advance for day two and asked for the cash. Unfortunately we were exhausted at the time and not really being vigilant so we handed it over.
5
missymadam
i also had same problems like 2weeks back with the Narok County officials.. very difficult people to work with, prefer the Mara triangle side very organized and effective.
thank God my driver is firm and also demanded to have a written notice of the same park fees being valid for 12hrs and not 24hrs as is usual... he was not charged extra , so maybe your driver played tricks on you.. most budget tour operators do that because they know thats where they make their cut!
6
Thorn Tree
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