Should I Visit Masai Mara or Luxor for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Masai Mara or Luxor?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Masai Mara and Luxor. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Masai Mara or Luxor?

Masai Mara

Masai Mara National Reserve is a beautiful, scenic, nature reserve in southwest Kenya, just west of the capital city, Nairobi. The reserve belongs to the Masai people and was created in order to protect the land and the people and animals living on it. Masai Mara is considered to be one of the best reserves in all of Africa, offering the quintessential African safari experience.

Luxor

Egypt is surely on the top of every history lover's bucket list. Nowhere is the history more engrossing than in Luxor. From amazing monuments dating back to ancient Thebes to rows of temples up the Nile, this remarkable city is full the stories of past greatness.

The East Bank – or the central part of Luxor Township – is the hotbed for tourism. This is where most of the hotels and resorts are, while the West Bank is home to the ancient ruins and archaeological wonders you'll want to explore.

Before traveling to Egypt, be sure to check on the current affairs and political climate. It could have a major effect on the amount of tourists visiting, and, if conditions are too dangerous, you may want to reschedule. Also note, ladies, to avoid any issues, dress modestly. This is a very conservative region of the world. The less skin showing, the better.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya, The Best Luxury Tours to Kenya, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, and The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt.

Which place is cheaper, Luxor or Masai Mara?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Masai Mara Prices
Kenya Prices

Luxor Prices
Egypt Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Masai Mara $133

Luxor $20

The average daily cost (per person) in Masai Mara is $133, while the average daily cost in Luxor is $20. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Masai Mara and Luxor in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Masai Mara $37

Luxor $7.16
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Masai Mara $74

Luxor $14

Compare Hotels in Masai Mara and Luxor

Looking for a hotel in Masai Mara or Luxor? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.

Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Masai Mara Hotel Prices and Luxor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Masai Mara $48

Luxor $3.67

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Masai Mara

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Masai Mara:

Airport Transfers: $40
Nairobi Airport (NBO) Private Transfer to Nairobi City/Hotels: $17

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Luxor:

Taxi Ride

$0.40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:

Cheap trip : Private transfer from luxor railway station to your hotel: $5.13
Transfer from Luxor airport to East Bank Hotels : $7.00
Luxor Airport to Aswan, Hurghada Transfer pickup/drop off 1 Way: $7.00
Private Transfer From A Hotel in Luxor To Luxor Airport: $7.32
Pick up Transfers From Luxor Airport To Luxor Hotels: $7.50
"Pet-Friendly Private Transfer: Luxor Station to Hotel": $7.50
Luxor Private Transfer East Bank hotels to Airport : $8.00
Private Arrival Transfer from Luxor Airport to Luxor Hotels: $8.00
Luxor Airport Private transfer to Nile Cruises: $8.00
Luxor Airport Private Transfer to Hotel / Nile cruise (VIP): $9.00
A Private Transfer Between Luxor Airport & Your Hotel: $9.50
Private Luxor Airport Pickup Transfer: $9.50

Is it cheaper to fly into Masai Mara or Luxor?

Prices for flights to both Luxor and Masai Mara change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.

Food

Food Meals for one day

Masai Mara $57

Luxor $9.48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Masai Mara

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Masai Mara.

Nairobi Private Carnivore Dinner Experience: $125

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Luxor.

Luxor West Bank By Night and Alabaster Museum Tour with Dinner : $19
Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing: $31
Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing: $35
Riding a felucca at Sunset and Dinner an Egyptian House in Luxor: $40
Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Nile in Luxor: $50
Saray El Nile restaurant Dinner : $60
private day in east bank & dendera with dinner on boat: $86
Luxor Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show with Dinner and Transfers: $95
Desert Tour, Dinner and Camping of Luxor: $180

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Masai Mara $61

Luxor $6.33

Tours and Activities in Masai Mara

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Masai Mara are as follows:

Half Day Giraffe Center,Baby Elephant&Karen Blixxen Guided Tour: $38
Safari Walk Tour with Animal Orphanage in Nairobi: $40
Nairobi National Park Half-Day Tour; Free Wi-Fi connection: $46
Safari Tour; Nairobi National Park: $48
Nairobi National Park and Giraffe Center Half Day Tour: $50
1Day Tour Nairobi Park ,Giraffe Center,karen Blixxen Guided tour: $50
Cultural Day Tour to Bomas of Kenya Nairobi: $51
Nairobi African Shopping Tour: $55
Giraffe Centre and Animal Orphanage Guided Tour In Nairobi. : $60
Half-Day Private Cultural Tour to Bomas of Kenya: $65
Half Day Guided Tour in Nairobi National Park: $65
Nairobi City Tour: $68

Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor

Here are a few typical costs in Luxor for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:

Boat Ride (for 2)

$0.53
Temple Karnak for Two

$2.57
Camel Ride for Two

$1.19

Tours and Activities in Luxor

Here are a few actual costs in Luxor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

Temple of Khnum Entry Ticket: $3.80
Valley Of The Queens Entry Ticket: $4.60
Entry Ticket To Valley of the Queens: $4.60
"Karnak's Secrets Unveiled: Exclusive Private Guide Experience": $5.00
Private Tour Shopping in Luxor City : $6.00
private Full Day Tour of Luxor West Bank Temples and Tombs: $7.56
Historical Day Tour To Luxor And Mummification Museums: $8.00
Guided Day Tour Visit Habu Temple Valley Of Workers and Queens: $8.00
Luxor Museum Entry Ticket: $8.48
Private 5-Hours Historical and Cultural Tour in Luxor: $8.92
Explore Luxor in amazing City Tour, Horse carriage : $9.00
Private Karnak Sound and Light Display Tour in Luxor: $9.00

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Masai Mara $26

Luxor $2.12

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Masai Mara and Luxor, we can see that Masai Mara is more expensive. And not only is Luxor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Luxor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luxor and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Masai Mara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Masai Mara than you might in Luxor.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Masai Mara Expensive? and Is Luxor Expensive?.

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Masai Mara vs. Luxor for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Masai Mara or Luxor?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Masai Mara or Luxor?

Masai Mara

Luxor

Which place is cheaper, Luxor or Masai Mara?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Masai Mara and Luxor

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Masai Mara

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor

Is it cheaper to fly into Masai Mara or Luxor?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Masai Mara

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Masai Mara

Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor

Tours and Activities in Luxor

Alcohol

Related Articles for Masai Mara

Related Articles for Luxor

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Masai Mara vs. Luxor for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Masai Mara or Luxor?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Masai Mara or Luxor?

Masai Mara

Luxor

Which place is cheaper, Luxor or Masai Mara?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Masai Mara and Luxor

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Masai Mara

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor

Is it cheaper to fly into Masai Mara or Luxor?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Masai Mara

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Masai Mara

Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor

Tours and Activities in Luxor

Alcohol

Related Articles for Masai Mara

Related Articles for Luxor

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