Join us as we unveil the best Maasai Mara lodges and safari camps that promise an unforgettable safari and taste of opulence amid nature's grandeur. Whether you seek close encounters with the Big 5 or a tranquil retreat, these establishments offer exceptional experiences in one of Africa's most iconic wildlife destinations.
The Maasai Mara is undoubtedly Kenya's most remarkable reserve
Mara's National Reserve vs. Private Conservancies
But first, let's unravel the wild beauty that defines the Mara ecosystem. While the Maasai Mara National Reserve stands as Kenya's foremost wildlife haven, it's crucial to acknowledge the adjoining private Mara conservancies.
Kenya is home to the Great Wildebeest Migration, among many other incredible experiences
The Maasai Mara National Reserve
Situated at the very core of the Mara ecosystem, the Maasai Mara National Reserve essentially facilitates the primary routes of the annual Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya. Its marvellous landscapes, including the Mara, Talek, and Sand Rivers, play a pivotal role in this process.
Staying at Maasai Mara lodges and safari camps within the reserve bestows a substantial advantage upon visitors, especially those seeking to fully immerse themselves in the epicentre of the Great Migration's thrilling spectacle.
The Mara, Talek, and Sand Rivers have become famous for their Great Migration river crossings
The Mara's Private Conservancies
However, the private conservancies boast their own unique set of advantages. They strictly limit guest numbers based on tent-to-acre ratios and don't permit day visitors, creating a very exclusive atmosphere.
Furthermore, the lodges and camps offer a more flexible approach to safari activities – this often allows for closer wildlife encounters and a greater variety of experiences. Staying in a conservancy also allows you the flexibility of making daily visits to the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
A more exclusive safari with unique experiences, Image Credit: Elewana Collection
1. Bateleur Camp – Maasai Mara National Reserve
Looking for Maasai Mara lodges and safari camps that harken back to the explorers of the 1920s and 1930s? Well, look no further than &Beyond Bateleur Camp. With hardwood floors, leather-buttoned Chesterfield sofas, and polished silver and copper bathtubs, this extraordinary camp offers the perfect blend of luxury and nostalgia.
Opulent interiors exude an old-world ambience, Image Credit: &Beyond Bateleur Camp
Why we love it
As drivers of Sustainable Tourism, the camp is deeply committed to its neighbouring communities, actively employing locals and supporting the Africa Foundation in education and healthcare initiatives. They also source the freshest vegetables from their garden and honey from a Maasai women's group.
Activities
Game drives, bush dining, walking safaris and activities for children. A hot air balloon safari in the Maasai Mara and community excursions can be arranged in advance at an additional cost.
Perfect for
A romantic getaway or families with children (all ages welcome with their WILDchild Programme).
Bateleur Camp uplifts communities by employing locally, Image Credit: Bateleur Camp
2. Rekero Camp – Maasai Mara National Reserve
If you want to see the world-famous Great Migration in action, we can only rave about the prime position of Rekero Camp! Situated along the Talek River within the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Rekero offers an exclusive vantage point at a key river-crossing point used by wildebeest during their annual migration.
With only a few luxury tents spaced along the river, Rekero Camp ensures an intimate safari experience. The camp's décor is reminiscent of traditional bush camps, while luxury additions, like a personal butler, elevate your stay.
Overlooking the Talek River migration crossing point, Image Credit: Rekero Camp
Why we love it
Rekero Camp is doing good by investing in vulnerable areas, transforming them into sustainable conservation economies that benefit local communities and the environment. They partner with many non-profit organisations such as The Maa Trust and Kenya Wildlife Trust.
Activities
Game drives, Maasai Mara photo safari (with specially modified photographic vehicles). A hot air balloon safari in the Maasai Mara as well as conservation and community excursions can be pre-arranged at an additional cost.
Perfect for
Couples, photographers, enthusiasts of multifaceted-safaris, families with children (five years and older).
Picnic in the bush after a game drive? Yes, please!, Image Credit: Asilia Africa
3. Naboisho – Mara Naboisho Conservancy
Based in the private Mara Naboisho Conservancy adjacent to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Naboisho Camp is a dream for wildlife enthusiasts yearning for a safari experience that goes beyond game drives. Explore the Mara on foot, test your camera skills on a specialised photographic safari, or even opt for a "fly camping" experience.
With an open-plan design, Naboisho Camp seamlessly integrates with the pristine Mara landscape. Whether you're in the communal area or relaxing by the pool, you'll spot abundant wildlife all around.
Designed to be as open as possible, Naboisho Camp takes full advantage of the Mara surroundings, Image Credit: Asilia Africa
Why we love it
Naboisho Camp is an Asilia-owned property and a founding member of the non-profit Mara Naboisho Conservancy. As such, Asilia funds the conservancy's management and Maasai landowners' leases, supporting the surrounding ecosystems and communities.
Activities
Game drives, guided walks and activities for children. Maasai Mara photo safari (with modified vehicles), hot air balloon safaris, community excursions, and fly camping can be pre-arranged at an additional cost.
Perfect for
Couples, photographers, enthusiasts of multifaceted-safaris, families with children (five years and older).
Naboisho gives you access to Asilia's specially modified photographic vehicles, Image Credit: Asilia Africa
4. Elephant Pepper Camp – Mara North Conservancy
Set in a forest of elephant pepper trees in the Mara North Conservancy, Elephant Pepper Camp boasts stunning views over the Mara plains where large herds of plains game, big cats, and elephants roam. It's perfectly located for those wanting to witness the Great Migration river crossings, as the camp's guides know all the best viewing spots.
As one of the original safari lodges in the protected Mara North Conservancy, Elephant Pepper Camp retains a classic safari feel. Did we mention that it's far away from other lodges? So, you can enjoy the ultimate setting of solitude.
The private conservancies are an excellent choice for a secluded safari, Image Credit: Elewana Collection
Why we love it
Elephant Pepper Camp holds a prestigious "Gold Level" Eco Rating from Eco Tourism Kenya. It combines traditional safari expertise with cutting-edge tech for minimal environmental impact. Moreover, its removable tents run solely on solar power and LED lighting. Certainly an inspiration for other Maasai Mara lodges!
Activities
Game drives, guided walks, bush dining. Community excursions can be pre-arranged and at an additional cost.
Perfect for
Honeymooners, couples, and families with children (all ages welcome).
Eco-camps still exude an air of luxury while leaving a minimal footprint, Image Credit: Elewana Collection
5. Sala’s Camp – Maasai Mara National Reserve
Sala's Camp boasts one of the Maasai Mara National Reserve's prime locations, nestled along the tree-lined banks of the Sand River at the southern tip of the reserve. Less than two kilometres from the border of Tanzania, it offers splendid wilderness vistas and distant views of the Serengeti National Park.
The camp harmoniously merges the timeless allure of a classic "under canvas" safari with contemporary luxuries, offering private plunge pools and elegantly designed glass-fronted tents.
Sala’s Camp offers an unforgettable and magical Mara retreat, Image Credit: The Safari Collection
Why we love it
Sala's Camp, under The Safari Collection's stewardship, actively champions many initiatives in Kenya, spanning conservation, healthcare, and education. These endeavours directly protect animals in the Maasai Mara, preserve the wilderness, and empower local communities.
Activities
Game drives, guided walks, bush dining, activities for children, and riverbed games (dry season only). A hot air balloon safari in the Maasai Mara can be pre-arranged at an additional cost.
Perfect for
Honeymooners, couples, groups of friends, and families with children (all ages welcome).
Play volleyball with friends and family in the dry riverbed, Image Credit: The Safari Collection
6. Mahali Mzuri – Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Are you interested in Maasai Mara lodges with a view? Well, Mahali Mzuri, Swahili for "beautiful place", perfectly encapsulates what Sir Richard Branson has crafted in his luxurious tented safari camp. Elegantly arched canvas canopies adorn the border of a lush valley cascading onto rolling plains, blending with the Olare Motorogi Conservancy.
The region is famous for its rich wildlife and diverse bird species. Moreover, the annual Great Migration ushers in up to two million wildebeest, along with gazelles and zebras, into the conservancy anywhere between July and October.
Mahali Mzuri is your window to some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, Image Credit: Mahali Mzuri
Why we love it
Mahali Mzuri proudly partners with Pack for a Purpose to support the Enkenju - Enkoirien Primary School, located 4km away, housing 120 students. Donations have provided essentials like solar lights, computers, and printers, while local communities and guests have contributed stationery, books and dictionaries.
Activities
Game drives, bush dining and activities for children. Community excursions can be pre-arranged and at an additional cost.
Perfect for
Romantic getaways, groups of friends, and families with children (two years and older).
Safaris in Kenya offer up plenty of exciting wildlife sightings, Image Credit: Mahali Mzuri
7. Angama Mara – Maasai Mara National Reserve
Angama Mara is built on the same site where many of the iconic "Out of Africa" scenes were filmed. Inspired by the Swahili word for "suspended in mid-air", it stands high above Africa's Great Rift Valley floor and offers panoramic views that extend as far as the eye can see over the Maasai Mara, 300 metres below.
Designed to celebrate the golden age of safaris, each of Angama's spacious tented suites has floor-to-ceiling glass spanning all along the front so you get the full effect of the dramatic views.
Relax and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul while on safari, Image Credit: Angama Mara
Why we love it
Angama Mara is built upon a core principle of running a successful enterprise to create a profound and enduring positive impact on the neighbouring communities, the surrounding wildlife and land. Therefore, when you choose Angama, you actively contribute to the region's education, healthcare, and conservation efforts.
Activities
Game drives, Maasai guided walks, photographic studio, beading studio, Shamba (vegetable garden) visits, and activities for children. A hot air balloon safari in the Maasai Mara and the "run with a Kenyan experience" can be arranged in advance at an additional cost.
Perfect for
Romantic getaways, photographers, enthusiasts of multifaceted safaris, fitness fanatics, and families with children (six years and older).
Discover the wonders of Kenya's wilderness on foot with traditional Maasai naturalists, Image Credit: Angama Mara
8. Mara Plains Camp – Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Mara Plains Camp, one of Kenya's rare Relais & Châteaux establishments, is ensconced within a verdant forest along the meandering Ntiakitiak River. It flawlessly blends with the natural beauty of the ecosystem, offering expansive views of the plains and a thoughtful placement within the riverine forest.
Every guest suite comes with a complimentary set of professional cameras and lenses, plus a high-quality pair of binoculars. This ensures that you'll have the perfect tools to witness and capture the region's remarkable wildlife.
One-of-a-kind luxury Kenya safari camp, Image Credit: Mara Plains Camp
Why we love it
The camp's conservation education initiatives actively involve local youth, introducing them to the wonders of their natural surroundings. This fosters a deep appreciation for their unique ecosystems, nurturing generations of passionate conservation advocates.
Activities
Game drives and activities for children. Cultural experiences and hot air balloon safaris can be pre-arranged at an additional cost.
Perfect for
Romantic getaways, those eager to get into photography, families with children (eight years and older).
Each guest suite has a set of professional cameras and lenses, Image Credit: Mara Plains Camp
Your Maasai Mara Adventure Awaits!
Whether you seek a front-row seat to the Great Migration or a relaxing retreat in the heart of the wilderness, our selection of the best Maasai Mara lodges and safari camps promises exciting wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and warm Maasai hospitality.
So, start planning today and immerse yourself in the wonders of the Mara.
Featured Image Credit: Elewana Collection
