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Top 10 Best Masai Mara Luxury Safari Lodges & Camps

Roxanne Reid is an award-winning freelance writer and editor. She has published two books about African travel. Her Africa Addict blog focuses on African travel, people, safari, wildlife, culture and villages.

The Masai Mara National Reserve, with its signature tree-dotted plains, is a classic safari destination in southwestern Kenya. It is home to 95 mammal species. So, expect a year-round wealth of wildlife, from big cats to elephant, rhino and buffalo, giraffe, topi and more. The Mara is also famously home to the annual great migration of wildebeest and zebra between July and November. See them kick up dust as they move in search of grazing with predators on their trail. Experience the drama of river crossings that pit them against hungry crocodiles.

With this abundance of wildlife, it’s no surprise that the reserve and its surrounding private conservancies offer many Masai Mara safari lodges. You can stay in one of these lodges to get close to the action. Here are 10 of the best (in alphabetical order).

1. Amani Mara Camp

Amani Mara Camp in Olare Orok just northeast of the reserve has an African feel with stone-and-canvas rooms and earthy hues. Your private deck is the ideal place to soak up the expansive view and keep an eye out for animals on the plains. Cool off in the heat of the day at the camp’s swimming pool or watch hippo and crocodile in the river. Enjoy a bush breakfast or lunch made with fresh produce from the camp’s organic gardens.

Wherever you go in the Mara there’s a profusion of wildlife on the rolling plains. Your game drives will be filled with thrills and action. Go on a night drive to spot nocturnal species such as leopard, lion, spotted hyena, porcupine and civet. Explore on foot, safe in the hands of a Maasai guide who will teach you about the Mara environment. Visit a Maasai manyatta (village) to see how the local community lives in harmony with animals. Treat yourself to an early morning hot-air balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view of the Mara’s savannah and wildlife.

Amani Mara Camp Tours

2. Angama Mara

Surely one of the most beautiful of the Masai Mara safari lodges must be Angama Mara. The name is inspired by the Swahili word for ‘suspended in the air’, given that it hangs high above the plains of the Mara Triangle. The glass-fronted luxury tents look out over landscapes speckled with animals and spiny Balanites aegyptiaca trees.

Go on a game drive to make the most of the Mara’s exciting wildlife experiences. Don’t miss floating in a hot-air balloon over the winding Mara River at daybreak to watch wildlife far below. Head out on a bush walk with a Maasai guide or visit a Maasai village to learn about their fascinating culture. Enjoy a massage on your deck and dinner under a canopy of stars. Have a dreamy picnic on the hill where scenes from the Out of Africa (1985) movie were shot.

Angama Mara Tours

3. Emboo River

If glamping and eco-friendliness are important to you when you book your Masai Mara safari camps, you’ll love Emboo River. Your tent at this luxury sustainable camp has a view of the Talek River and a rain shower in the bathroom. There’s a natural pool that uses local wetland plants to filter the water (no chemicals). Become part of nature on your private terrace as you watch hippo laze in the river or elephant come to drink. When the great migration of wildebeest and zebra marches through the Mara, you may see a crossing at the river right next to camp.

Go on a game drive in a silent electric vehicle (solar charged) so you can listen to the wind and the wildlife. Go bush walking with a Maasai guide to learn about birds and insects. Feel Maasai history and traditions come alive on a visit to a local village. See the Mara wake up from a hot-air balloon suspended in the dawn light. Toast the silhouettes of giraffe at sunset. Share anecdotes from your day around the campfire before dinner or just soak up the silence and the stars.

Emboo River Tours

4. Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

In a private concession bordering the Masai Mara you’ll find the elegant Kitchwa Tembo Tented Camp. Laid out in a patch of forest along the Sabaringo River on the edge of the Oloololo escarpment, it has sweeping views of the plains. Relax and unwind in spaces infused with romance and contemporary African style. Let the large windows invite the outside in.

Watch as warthog feed outside your luxury tent. Take a dip in the rim-flow pool with its wide views of the Mara. Enjoy a soothing massage. Float in a hot-air balloon above the horseshoe bends of the Mara River. Watch a river crossing during the great migration. Fuel your wildlife passion with game drives and guided nature walks. For a change of pace, interact with the local Maasai through talks and dancing.

Kichwa Tembo Tours

5. Mahali Mzuri

Another one of the spectacular Masai Mara safari lodges is Sir Richard Branson’s luxury Mahali Mzuri in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy of the Greater Mara. The name means ‘beautiful place’ and it’s everything you’d expect. The tents have an unusual custom design, each with an expansive view from a private deck. Add a romantic freestanding bath (also with a view), candlelight dinner for two under the stars, rim-flow swimming pool and champagne picnics. All the hallmarks of that special Branson touch are here.

The lodge’s position gives you front-row seats to spectacular wildlife sightings year-round. This includes during the great migration from July to November, depending on climatic conditions. Drink in the dramatic scenery and experience the thrill of watching elephant, lion, leopard, giraffe and plains wildlife. It’s hard to beat the buzz of a game drive but make time to visit a Maasai village to learn about their pastoralist culture.

Mahali Mzuri Tours

6. Mara Engai Wilderness Lodge

Tucked into ravine forest on an escarpment of volcanic rock, Mara Engai Lodge looks out over Mara grasslands teeming with wildlife. Your luxury tent is spacious and comfy, with an elevated private viewing deck and waterfall shower. Dine under the African sky on fresh produce from the organic gardens. Enjoy a bush breakfast or lunch on a rock at the Mara Engai Vantage Point with a view of the migrations route spread below.

Hop into a 6×6 Pinzgauer vehicle for a chance to see the Big Five and other animals. Or venture out on a guided walk to learn about the small things and experience the sounds and smells of the bush. Go up in a hot-air balloon for the adventure of a lifetime where you can see wildlife dotted below you. For an adrenaline rush, ride through the bush on a quad bike to relish the views and perhaps pass giraffe, zebra or elephant. Visit a Maasai settlement to learn about a way of life that has changed little in hundreds of years.

Mara Engai Tours

7. Mara Ngenche Safari Camp

If you’re looking for Masai Mara safari camps that are intimate, you’ll love Mara Ngenche Safari Camp. Secreted away in a riverine forest in the heart of the reserve, it has grand views over the confluence of the Mara and Talek rivers. It looks out over a hippo pool and other animals are never far away. Marrying African decor with old-fashioned allure, each luxury tent enjoys a view over the river and its own private plunge pool. Soak in the large bathtub or cool off with an outdoor shower.

Every day brings something different. Unwind with a bush breakfast or dinner, a picnic lunch or sundowners (drink of your choice while watching the sunset) on the spectacular Mara plains. Relax on your deck with a pair of binoculars or a book. Rev up again with a cultural visit and entertainment by local Maasai warriors. The game drive is king of the activities, an electrifying experience of wildlife impossible to forget.

Mara Ngenche Tours

8. Mara West Camp

Mara West Camp on the remote western border of the reserve has panoramic views over the Mara plains. Tucked into a wooded thicket on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment, it offers luxurious chalets and tents that are a perfect retreat in between your wildlife adventures. Wake to the dawn chorus of birds, see gazelles and zebras visit the camp, and hear the calls of bush babies at night.

Go on high-octane game drives to see the Big Five, Thompson’s gazelle, zebra and Maasai giraffe. Change into lower gear on a guided bush walk on the edge of the reserve to experience wildlife, plants and birds on foot. Visit a Maasai village to see the day-to-day lifestyle of the local people and watch them dance in their colourful traditional shuka cloth.

9. Sand River Masai Mara

Tucked away on the banks of the Sand River in the national reserve is Sand River Masai Mara camp. Recalling the romance of tented camps in the 1920s, it conjures images of a movie set depicting the glory days of safari. Think safari chairs around the campfire and dinner by the light of paraffin lamps. A cooling dip in the pool as you sip a cocktail. Think giant four-poster beds with flowing fabric. Freestanding bathtubs allow you a relaxing soak, or you can take an outdoor shower to feel part of the nature that surrounds you. Enjoy breakfast on your private deck overlooking rocks and forest along the river as an elephant or gazelle passes by.

The camp is well placed for sightings of the Big Five, cheetah and other animals year-round. It’s also on the great migration route so if you visit at the right time you may be lucky enough to watch wildebeest and zebra cross the Sand River. Other experiences not to miss include bush meals and sundowners. A hot-air balloon safari and a cultural visit to a local Maasai village are also not to be missed.

Sand River Masai Mara Tours

10. Zebra Plains Mara Camp

Below the Oldonyo Loip Ridge, the boutique Zebra Plains Mara Camp looks out over the open plains of the Mara. This is one of the best wildlife-viewing areas, close to crossing points of the great migration at the Mara and Talek rivers. There’s a wealth of big cats, and you’ll see plenty of giraffe, topi, gazelle and elephant on your game drives.

Burn some energy on a walking safari with a Maasai guide. See big cat tracks in the sand and get close to zebra, giraffe and other plains wildlife. Taste and smell plants and listen to the birds. Go hot-air ballooning to see the Mara’s wildlife from above. Visit a Maasai village to learn about their culture, hear their songs and watch them dance and jump. End the day with sundowners in the bush as temperatures drop. Spend your evening around the campfire listening to the roars of the resident pride of lion or gazing at a sky sprinkled with stars.

Zebra Plains Mara Camp Tours

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Kenya: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Hotel

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Samburu NR, Aberdare NP, Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha) , Amboseli NP, Nairobi (End)

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4.8 /5  –  49 Reviews

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You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Nairobi (End)

Bienvenido Kenya Tours and Safaris

4.1 /5  –  72 Reviews

Kenya: Private tour Luxury Tented Camp & Resort

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Morning Star Tours & Travel

4.9 /5  –  155 Reviews

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Where to Stay in the Maasai Mara: 11 Best Safari Camps and Lodges

Published on: December 20th, 2018

Last modified: March 20th, 2024

The Maasai Mara is one of the best destinations in Africa for an unforgettable safari. Located on the southwest side of Kenya , it’s the setting of the legendary Great Migration and an ideal place to spot the Big Five . Although July to October is the peak season to witness the famous river crossings, it’s also full of spectacular wildlife all year round.

The Maasai Mara has a wide range of excellent accommodation, from luxury lodges to tented safari camps. Whether you’re planning a romantic honeymoon or a fun family trip , there’s something here for everyone. Each place offers exclusive activities like game drives, walking safaris, hot air balloon rides and cultural excursions – just to name a few.

Which Part of the Maasai Mara Is Best?

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, known for its expansive plains and the Maasai people who inhabit them. You can choose to stay within the reserve itself to be at the centre of all the action, or in one of the surrounding Mara Conservancies for a more exclusive experience. 

The southwestern region of the reserve, known as the Mara Triangle, is the first place that animals arrive during the Great Migration. It’s a less-crowded and quieter area that still provides privileged access to wildlife, making it a top choice amongst our travel designers.

How Many Days Do You Need in the Maasai Mara?

If you’re only staying at one safari camp, four nights is usually enough time to enjoy the area. However, we highly recommend visiting a couple of different camps for the full experience. If you want to stay at two or more places, we suggest spending at least three nights at each.

The Best Luxury Safari Camps and Lodges in the Maasai Mara

To help you get inspired and plan your perfect trip, we’ve asked our team of expert travel designers to share their favourite places to stay in the Maasai Mara. Here are our top picks, including details about who they’re best for and the reasons why we love them.

1. Sala’s Camp

Set on the banks of the Sand River, Sala’s Camp provides the perfect balance between privacy and proximity to wildlife. This tranquil corner of the Maasai Mara reserve is a short drive away from the iconic river crossings. The camp offers exceptional views and luxurious tents designed for both couples and families, plus plenty of activities for kids. 

2. Angama Mara

For unparalleled views of the plains, Angama Mara is the place to be. Perched atop an escarpment overlooking the reserve, it provides direct access to the Mara Triangle. Honeymooners and families alike will enjoy the minimalist suites and panoramic views from private viewing decks and floor-to-ceiling windows.

3. Angama Safari Camp

There’s something incredibly special about staying right in the heart of the Maasai Mara, with nothing but canvas walls separating you from the wilderness. That’s what you’ll experience at Angama Safari Camp , a sole-use space that’s best for small groups or couples. It operates seasonally from July to late September.

4. Mara Plains Camp

For a truly exclusive safari experience, consider a stay at Mara Plains Camp in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy. Its opulent elevated suites offer breathtaking views of the surroundings, and the food and service are top-notch. Our travel designers recommend it for couples and photographers, although it also has a wonderful family suite.

5. Mahali Mzuri

With 12 comfortable tents scattered across a scenic hillside, Mahali Mzuri is a modern oasis in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy. Two of its tents are designed specifically for travellers age 6–15, making it a fantastic choice for family trips. We highly suggest a tour of a nearby Maasai village to meet the residents and learn about their culture.

6. Little Governors’ Camp

This was one of the first camps established in the Maasai Mara, lending it a classic feel to complement its cosy atmosphere. Little Governors’ Camp boasts a prime location for observing wildlife and the Great Migration, plus its own launch site for hot air balloon safaris – an experience you’ll remember forever.

7. Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

Located just outside of the reserve in a private concession, Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp offers incredible views of the Maasai Mara and up-close access to the Great Migration. It’s an especially good choice during the early part of the migration season in July and August. It’s also one of our travel designers’ favourite spots for a family vacation.

8. Naboisho Camp

If you’re after an exhilarating adventure, Naboisho Camp will be a dream come true. This classic tented camp is off the beaten track in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy, and offers thrilling activities like off-road drives and fly camping. After an exciting day, you can relax in a sumptuous suite with outstanding personalised service.

9. Richard's River Camp

With just five tents – each outfitted with modern comforts and antique touches – Richard’s River Camp is an optimal choice for couples or friends travelling together. It provides an incredibly intimate experience in the remote Olare Orok Conservancy, where you’ll be surrounded by lions, hippos and many other majestic species.

10. Serian ‘The Original’

At Serian ‘The Original’ it’s all about the details. This renowned safari camp in the Mara North Conservancy provides a private vehicle and guide for every group of guests, and is known for its exceptional walking safaris. Its five tents are spacious, simple and elegant. According to our travel designers, this is an especially great spot for photography enthusiasts.

11. Rekero Camp

It’s hard to imagine a better place to experience the Great Migration than Rekero Camp , which is located right in the middle of the Maasai Mara. Even outside of the peak season it’s still a prime destination for wildlife viewing. This camp is particularly well known for its highly trained expert guides, who will happily share their extensive knowledge of the land and the wildlife.

Trip Inspiration

Whatever you want from your Maasai Mara safari, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

All Masai Mara lodges & camps

Countless accommodation options are available in Masai Mara National Reserve and Mara conservancies. From designer lodges suspended in the air to family-oriented tented camps and anything in between, you can rest assured to find the perfect Masai Mara safari lodge just for you.

Please make use of the filters below to search for accommodation options within your budget. Specific rates are displayed on each individual lodge description page. You can also search for accommodation located in Masai Mara National Reserve proper or search for accommodation in the Mara conservancies .

• Price $$$$$

Basecamp Masai Mara

lodge location near Talek Gate

A beacon of sustainable eco-tourism, on the border of the Masai Mara National Reserve, this riverside camp is a mid-sized tented community perfect for families and couples alike. Plus, did we mention the Obamas visited back in 2006?

from US$ 249 per person per night

Governors' Camp

lodge location Masai Mara

As one of the best known and most popular camps in the Masai Mara, Governors’ Camp is a tranquil and traditional tented camp with unrivalled and uninterrupted views of the Mara’s natural landscape where guests enjoy the sweeping Kenyan plains.

from US$ 412 per person per night

Eagle View Camp

lodge location Naboisho

A small camp of nine tents set on an elevated viewpoint overlooking countless miles of lush green - a popular playground for Kenya’s magnificent large animals and birdlife. Basecamp Eagle View is an ideal mid-range camp for a comfortable, yet thrilling, safari.

from US$ 399 per person per night

Richard's River Camp

lodge location Mara North

Sprawled out along the green, lush banks of the Ntiakatek River lies Richard’s River Camp, one of the area's most exclusive safari camps. Richard's Camp's warm and hospitable staff will make sure your Masai Mara safari adventures are truly unforgettable.

from US$ 985 per person per night

Mara Expedition Camp

The Mara Expedition Camp boasts five spacious, light & airy tented suites. Sprawled out among a grove of African ebony trees, each tent has an en-suite bathroom and is outfitted with a lovely hot-water brass safari shower. Simple yet safari chique!

from US$ 835 per person per night

Little Governors' Camp

Candlelit dinners, an 'Out of Africa' full-on luxurious safari tent, incredibly friendly Maasai guides and camp staff and every creature comfort you could wish for. Little Governors' Camp offers guests all of this... plus it’s very own waterhole teeming with wildlife.

from US$ 495 per person per night

Ol Seki Hemingway's Mara Camp

Stunning private tented camp in one of the wildest parts of Kenya. Each of the camp's 10 tented suites offers guests an incredible 270 degree view of the Mara Plains. Ol Seki Hemingway's offers warm Kenyan hospitality and a tailor-made safari experience.

from US$ 694 per person per night

&Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

lodge location Mara Triangle

Kenyan hospitality meets Maasai-inspired luxury on the lush green banks of the Saparingo River. &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp lies on the edge of the Oloololo escarpment, where riverine forest meets the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara.

from US$ 435 per person per night

Elephant Pepper Camp (Elewana Collection)

Hidden away deep in a fig and elephant pepper tree grove lies an intimate and exclusive refuge from everyday life. The Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp is ideally situated in a wildlife hotspot and is the perfect home base for adventurous safari activities in Kenya.

from US$ 600 per person per night

Mahali Mzuri

lodge location Olare Motorogi

Next-level glamping in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy at the northern edge of Masai Mara National Reserve. With only twelve safari tents, Mahali Mzuri offers guests the best of the bush but without the mass tourism elements that take away from the experience.

from US$ 1,100 per person per night

Sala's Camp

Tucked away in the southernmost reaches of the Mara, just a stone's throw away from Tanzania, lies Sala's Camp. The remote atmosphere and just seven spacious tents, will make you feel as if you’re staying at your own private game reserve.

from US$ 1,259 per person per night

Saruni Mara

Saruni Mara is a one of its kind intimate, deluxe safari lodge. Each cottage is stylishly furnished according to a theme. You can choose from cottages with names such as the Love Shack, the Photographer’s Studio, the Observatory, and the Natural History Suite.

from US$ 500 per person per night

Cottar's 1920s Safari Camp

lodge location Olderkesi

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp offers guest vintage luxury at its best. Cream-coloured tents decorated in 1920s epic safari style, professional Maasai safari guides and above all a sense of elegance and class - this safari camp has it all.

from US$ 1,059 per person per night

Elewana Sand River Camp

Ideally situated in one of the most remote parts of the Mara, Sand River Camp pays homage to romantic 1920s safaris. Its design reminds guests of the many African adventure themed Hollywood movies in that time period.

from US$ 670 per person per night

&Beyond  Bateleur  Camp

Two intimate camps, each with its own refreshing infinity pool and nine elegant and spacious tented suites. The &Beyond Bateleur Camp is an oasis of luxury on the fringes of a dense Kenyan forest at the foot of the Oloololo Escarpment.

from US$ 1,150 per person per night

Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Ideal setting for visitors seeking a blend of safari adventure with a village hotel feel. Mara Serena Safari Lodge, the largest safari property in the region, has a strong reputation and models itself on local mud-hut villages. Hotel luxuries include a swimming pool and bar.

from US$ 329 per person per night

Sanctuary Olonana Safari Lodge

An exclusive hideaway, Sanctuary Olonana is where families and couples go to retreat from the outside world. With a swimming pool and glass-sided suites for prime game viewing, Olonana offers an immersive safari experience far from the pressures of everyday life.

from US$ 914 per person per night

Serian Nkorombo Mobile Camp

A mobile tented camp on the riverside, Nkorombo is a part of the Serian group of properties that’s renowned for its serenity and exclusivity. Nestled in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve, Nkorombo is perfectly situated for an awe-inspiring African adventure.

from US$ 917 per person per night

Offbeat Mara Camp

Sitting beside the Olare Orak River, Offbeat Mara Camp is the proud home to some of the best wildlife viewing spots in the Mara North Conservancy and allows guests to experience life in the untamed African wilderness.

from US$ 519 per person per night

Karen Blixen Camp

Experience the magnificence of the pristine African wilderness with vibrant Kenyan traditions in the golden hue of the Serengeti-Masai Mara at Karen Blixen Camp – the place to dream, live and love to your heart’s content.

from US$ 460 per person per night

Kicheche Valley Camp

Nestled within a shaded acacia woodland within the Naboisho Conservancy, where a significant number of giraffes and elephants come to roam and play each day, Kicheche Valley Camp is an exquisite place to stay.

Angama Mara

Many safari lodges have a lovely view, but the view at Angama Mara is truly next level. The camp sits up high upon the top of the Oloololo Escarpment and overlooks the stunning Mara plains below. This camp features next-level luxury, from swanky glass-fronted safari tents to top-notch hospitality.

from US$ 1,650 per person per night

Ngare Serian

Located in Mara North Conservancy, Ngare Serian takes advantage of its location in 1,500 acres of exclusive conservation area. This safari camp has its own fascinating treehouse known as 'The Nest'. Just the right spot for an unforgettable sleep-out or picnic in the treetops.

from US$ 1,074 per person per night

Rekero Camp

An idyllic camp in Masai Mara National Reserve with nine spacious safari tents set out among the trees along the Talek River. Each tent at Rekero Camp comes complete with a front-deck daybed for those moments when you just want to lay back and watch zebras strolling along the river.

from US$ 709 per person per night

Kicheche Mara Camp

Less vehicles, less fuss, more wildlife and a more memorable safari experience. Kicheche Mara Camp is a small-scale, well-designed bush camp in the heart of Mara North. With only eight comfortable safari tents this camp offers guests an intimate safari experience.

from US$ 589 per person per night

Porini Cheetah Camp

lodge location Ol Kinyei

Porini Cheetah Camp is one of the smaller and more intimate Masai Mara safari camps located in the exclusive private Ol Kinyei Conservancy. The camp has an authentic safari feel, yet with all of the modern conveniences you would expect to find on safari holiday.

from US$ 559 per person per night

Serian - The Original

An oasis of calm in a fairy-tale like setting. Serian - The Original is known for its remote location and its intimate, remote atmosphere. Spend the night in spacious safari tents and embark on epic safari game drives in an area abundant with wildlife.

from US$ 924 per person per night

Governors' Il Moran

Governors' Il Moran Camp is quite the luxury safari accommodation. It has even attracted the makers of BBC wildlife documentaries such as Big Cat Diaries. Large plush sofas and candle-lit dinners are the perfect complement to extraordinary wildlife sightings in the area.

from US$ 647 per person per night

Mara Plains Camp

In essence, Mara Plains Camp offers guests an intimate safari hideaway in one of Africa's most game-rich regions. With equal attention to luxury and authenticity, this camp in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy is off the beaten track, luxurious and has a warm and welcoming ambience.

Porini Mara Camp

Warm and inviting eco-camp sprawled out along the banks of the Ole Sabukiye River in the private Ol Kinyei Conservancy. Six traditional yet comfortable safari tents with plush interiors, a resident lion pride, very hospitable staff and outstanding local Maasai guides. Who could ask for more?

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Best lodges in the Masai Mara

Discover the best lodges for safari in the Masai Mara from luxury to remote.

27 Mar 2023

The Masai Mars in Kenya is one of the most famous safari destinations on the planet. It is one of the best places to spot Big Cats, is home to the Great Wildebeest Migration, arguably the greatest wildlife show on earth, and hundreds of species of bird, not to mention elephants, giraffes, zebra, gazelle, hyenas, hippos, buffalo, the list goes on and on.

It’s no wonder that THE most popular place to include in a Kenya safari, but with over 150 camps to choose from in the Masai Mara National Park and its surrounding conservancies, how do you begin to pick where to stay?

We’ve chosen some of our absolute favourites below, but as with many things in life, which is right for you depends on the type of holiday you are planning, your personal tastes and your budget, so get in contact with our team of specialists for guidance on the best camp for YOUR holiday.

1. Little Governors Camp

The little sister camp of Governors main camp, Little Governors Camp is located nearby and is one of the best places in Kenya to watch the great wildebeest migration and if you are lucky, to see one of the famous river crossings!

Whilst Governors Camp is one of Kenya’s original safari camps and rightfully is well regarded by all, we like Little Governors Camp as it is a smaller, more intimate camp. We love the theatre of arriving by boat ride across the Mara river, then taking an escorted walk through the forest, creating a dramatic arrival and ensuring that you get privacy even within the Masai Mara National Reserve.

This is a traditional tented camp with 17 stretched canvas tents and some of the best guides in the business. Governors Hot Air Ballooning is located on-site making this the perfect spot to gently float up above the horizon and truly be able to appreciate the sheer scale of the Masai Mara.

• Great place to see the Wildebeest Migration
• Located in the main Masai Mara National Reserve
• Arrive by boat across the Mara River
• Smaller, more intimate camp

Best for a traditional, small camp.

Take a look at our guide to the Great Migration in Kenya.

LITTLE GOVERNORS CAMP

2. Angama Mara

One of the most luxurious lodges in the Masai Mara and perhaps even the world! Angara Mara has views that will take your breath away. Stunning minimalist design with African textiles lets the scenery shout through the glass-front tents. Perched high above the Mara Triangle (the most famous area in the Masai Mara), it is famously located where the romantic picnic scene between Meryl Streep and Robert Redford happens in ‘Out of Africa’.

When staying at Angama Mara you can expect the highest service levels; woken with a freshly made cappuccino and home-baked biscuits, flexibility on your activity choices and Sundown Bomas are all part of the experience. Of course, outstanding wildlife viewing remains key and Angama Mara gives guests their own private vehicle so that they can truly benefit from their guide and tailor their experience to what they want to see. It also located within 20 minutes from a great migration wildebeest river crossing hotspot which maximises your chances of seeing a crossing.

• Romantic setting with outstanding views
• Luxury at every touchpoint
• Bush breakfasts and sundown Boma’s
• Near wildebeest river crossings hotspot
• Private vehicles
• Farm-to-fork dining

Best for pure luxury

ANGAMA MARA

3. Ol Seki Hemmingways

Set in the community-owned Naboisho conservancy on a rocky ridge overlooking the savanna plains, Ol Seki is one of the most polished, sophisticated safari camps in the Masai Mara, and its recent refurbishment has given it an even more stylish edge. It is also one of the few camps in the Mara to boast a swimming pool, ideal to wash off all the safari dust!

This boutique camp is made up of just 10 plush tents (including two family-linked tents) with 270-degree views over the Masai plains, and the main restaurant area and deck with swimming pool are perfect for relaxing with plenty of chairs, cushions made from locally designed fabrics and many interesting books to peruse.

Ol Seki focused on creating tailored, individual experiences whether you want to do a traditional game drive, try a horseback safari or visit the local community.

• Stylish luxury complete with a swimming pool
• Naboisho conservancy has one of the highest densities of lions in Africa
• Bespoke, tailored service to guests
• Bush walks, night drives, horse riding and community visits are all possible

Best for c ouples and h oneymooners

4. Leopard Hill

Leopard Hill is set in the Mara Naboisho private conservancy and is located near three waterholes guaranteeing excellent game viewing. In 2022, I stayed at Leopard Hill and as well as seeing a cheetah chase in the conservancy, we also spotted a caracal, a first for me to see one of these shy cats.

What makes Leopard Hill truly unique is the fact that from the comfort of your bed, you can with a simple click of a button, open the tent roof above you to reveal the star-studded night sky above. Perfect for those looking for glamping at its more luxurious!

The rooms are spacious, with large almost 360-degree windows providing stunning views over the landscape, and the communal outdoor terrace with its large firepit is perfect for a pre-dinner gin and tonic.

As well as traditional game drives, guests can enjoy bush walks alongside a guide and armed ranger; an absolute must before breakfast.

• Skybeds allow you to sleep under the stars
• Private conservancy giving you more private game-viewings
• Great place to see cats
• Well priced luxury

Best for affordable luxury

LEOPARD HILL

5. Cottars Camp

The multi-award-winning Cottars Camp has been entertaining guests for over 100 years, so it’s fair to say they know a thing or two about ensuring you have the perfect safari experience. This tented, luxury safari camp gives guests a taste of the golden era of safaris in the 1920s, whilst ensuring it has all the necessary mod cons to feel luxurious today.

Cottars Camp has some of the best guides there are and ensures that guests get an authentic wildlife viewing experience, whether in a 4x4 or on foot. The stunning stretch canvas tents with four poster beds and Persian rugs provide a romantic vibe to the property and bush baths with a glass of bubbles certainly top this off!

• Luxury, tented camp reminiscent of a 1920s safari
• Exceptional guides
• Romantic bubble baths under the stars
• Authentic safari experience
• Borders Serengeti allowing you to experience this alongside the Masai Mara

Best for a colonial safari experience

COTTARS CAMP

6. Eagle View

One of the best value camps in the Masai Mara, and certainly one of the best-priced within a private conservancy. If you are looking for stunning views over a waterhole, comfortable tents, a community-focused operation and of course, wildlife galore, Eagle View ticks the box many times over.

Set in Mara Naboisho’s private conservancy, on top of a ridge overlooking the vast plains and a large waterhole, Eagle View has a view worth writing home about. The canvas tents are simple but comfortable; complete with an indoor or outdoor shower, and your own veranda with the already mentioned panoramic view.

I enjoyed a very memorable sundowner here in 2022 where beside a roaring fire, we listened to another roar, that of lions calling to each other. As the sun set behind the horizon, and the golden glow slowly turned to darkness, the lion's roar gradually got louder (and our g&t’s got appropriately stronger), and so we set off on a night safari using an infrared light to find these magnificent cats. We were rewarded by finding two lions on the prowl, one passed our car so closely its tail hit the back of the jeep making us all jump, and another we found lapping gently at a water source nearby.

• Private conservancy
• Excellent value for money
• Bush walks, sundowners and night safaris
• Spectacular views
• Simple, down-to-earth, comfortable accommodation
• Community focused

Best for an affordable safari

7. Sala's Camp

Sala’s camp has one of the best spots to witness the great migration in Kenya. Overlooking the Sand River and near the Tanzania border, it is one of the first camps to receive the wildebeest migration. Each of the six luxury tents has its own private plunge pool and the camp also has its own volleyball pitch for those wanting to experience something a little different.

Sala’s Camp is part of The Safari Collection which includes the world-famous Giraffe Manor in Nairboi, where giraffes poke their heads through the windows to be fed treats over breakfast. Iconic.

• Great wildebeest migration
• Small, private and intimate
• Each tent has its own plunge pool
• Combine it with giraffe manor

Best for witnessing the great migration

SALA'S CAMP

8. House in the Wild

This private, family-owned lodge is located right on the banks of the Mara river in the Enonkishu Conservancy.

Whilst there are beautiful one and two-bedroom cottages available, House in the Wild really comes into its own for larger parties where there are villas which can accommodate up to 14 people available with their own pools and hot tubs, but which are treated as part of the main lodge.

If you’re looking for a wide range of activities alongside traditional game-viewing, House in the Wild has these in spades. From bush walks to mountain biking to tennis, hot air balloon rides to helicopter trips.

• Set on the banks of the Mara river
• Private, family-run lodges
• Villas available for large parties
• Wide range of activities to choose from
• Away from the crowds

Best for f amilies and l arge parties

HOUSE IN THE WILD

9. Saruni Mara

Saruni Mara in Mara North conservancy holds a special place in my heart as it is where I spent my honeymoon, and it is where I had my top game viewing experience; a blue-eyed leopard, the only vehicle at a cheetah viewing with seven cubs (plus watching her attempt a catch) and numerous lion encounters with playful cubs rolling around in the long, dry grasses. Every day it felt like we had won the wildlife lottery.

Set in a hidden secret valley, Saruni Mara is located far away from the crowds of the Masai Mara National Park allowing you plenty of space to relax. Sleep in thatched cottages each with its own individual theme such as the astronomer’s room complete with a decorative telescope or there is a private villa available too. As well as traditional game drives, there are bush walks and night safaris, and there is a treatment room for an afternoon massage too. The food here is often Italian-themed and especially delicious, bush breakfasts are an absolute must.

Families can enjoy taking part in the warrior academy where Masai Warriors teach children how to light a fire just a stick, learn to throw clubs and identify different animal poos on a mini bush walk.

Highlights:

• Spectacular game viewing
• Authentically designed thatched cottages
• Privacy – set away from the crowds
• Walking safaris with Masai guides
• Delicious, Italian-inspired food
• Combine it with another Saruni property such as Saruni Samburu for an extra night of free

Best for all ages

SARUNI MARA

10. Elephant Pepper Camp

Located in Mara North private conservancy, Elephant Pepper Camp offers a wonderful opportunity to see the wildebeest migration from July- Sept, as well as to see the resident lions, cheetahs, leopards and a whole host of plains game.

The eight spacious tents all have ensuite dressing rooms and are dressed in traditional Masaai colours with touches of red throughout, and traditional elements such as brass and glass lanterns. The tents are full of traditional character whilst ensuring they are comfortable.

A true bush experience waking to views over the plains and guests soon settle into the routine of bush walks or game drives in the day, and telling safari tales around the campfire in the evening.

• Wildebeest thundering past during the Great Migration
• A traditional, comfortable tented camp
• Bush drives and walking safaris
• Private conservancy meaning fewer vehicles
• Spacious tents looking straight out onto the plains

Best for a traditional, bush safari experience

ELEPHANT PEPPER

Looking for more inspiration? Take a look at the following:

Top Walking Safaris in Kenya

First safari in Kenya - what to expect

How much is a safari in Kenya?

Kenya vs Tanzania safari - which is best?

Kenya holiday with teenagers - 23 unmissable activities

The above are just a selection of a few camps available in the Masai Mara, which is right for you will depend on a number of factors and speaking to one of our Kenya specialists is the fastest way to establish which is right for you personally.

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THE 10 BEST Luxury Lodges in Maasai Mara National Reserve

Maasai Mara National Reserve Luxury Lodges

Property types, distance from, neighborhoods, traveler rating, hotel class.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveler ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
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1. Mara Intrepids Tented Camp

2. Sentinel Mara Camp

3. Entumoto Safari Camp

4. JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge

5. Offbeat Mara Camp

6. Sala's Camp

7. Mara Serena Safari Lodge

8. Great Plains Conservation Mara Plains Camp

9. Mara Ngeche Safari Camp

10. Royal Mara Safari Lodge

11. spirit of the masai mara, 12. amani mara, 13. mara engai wilderness lodge, 14. mara crossing camp, 15. tangulia mara, 16. osero lodge, 17. ngare serian, 18. olarro lodges, 19. serian - the original, 20. ngerende island lodge, 21. little naibor, 22. leleshwa camp, 23. mpata safari club, 24. ngerende in the wild lakeview, luxury lodges nearby destinations.

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Masai Mara safaris

Best safari camps and lodges in the masai mara.

Stuart Butler

• In this guide
• Samburu, Buffalo Springs & Shaba
• Meru National Park
• Lake Nakuru National Park
• Amboseli National Park
• Nairobi National Park
• Off the beaten track
• Kenya besides safari
• Where to stay
• How to get there

The very essence of a Kenyan safari landscape, the Masai Mara stretches along the Kenya-Tanzania border and forms the northern fringe of the greater Serengeti ecosystem (most of which is in Tanzania ).

The Masai Mara is the part of Kenya in which I have spent the most time (months and months if I added it all up), and was the scene of one of my best ever travel experiences. Some years ago a Maasai friend and I set out on a five week hike that took us across the entire Mara ecosystem. By day we walked alongside the wildlife and Maasai herders. By night we camped out under the stars and slept in traditional Maasai villages. An unforgettable adventure!

Ready to experience it yourself? Here's my essential guide to the best safaris in the Masai Mara.

Lions prowling in the Masai Mara

The best Masai Mara safari camps & lodges

Our expert's top picks.

Masai Mara National Reserve

Nashulai maasai conservancy.

One of the great success stories of Kenya safari has been the emergence of networks of conservancies, usually adjacent to the better known national parks. These are community-run or privately-operated protected areas, run for the benefit of wildlife and local communities. In the Masai Mara, the Nashulai Maasai Conservancy is particularly interesting, as it’s the only one that was 100% established by local Maasai and the only one where the Maasai remain in their homes within the conservancy. I can also highly recommend Mara North, Naboisho, and Ol Dereski; you’ll likely have an amazing time in any of them.

Offbeat Mara

Mara North is perhaps the best known conservancy in the Masai Mara, and Offbeat Mara is one of my favourite camps in the entire place. It's a small, un-showy camp of just seven tents including two family tents. In addition to the standard game drives you can do night drives, guided bush walks, horse riding, hot air balloon flights and even do some Maasai running coaching!

Saruni Eagle View

Naboisho is a ground breaking conservancy working hard to protect wildlife and local communities. The scrubby terrain here is packed with big animals. There are eight camps here, all of which are excellent but Saruni Eagle View is one of my favourites. There are nine tents, making it very small and intimate, and all the usual conservancy activities on offer: night game drives, bush walks and some fascinating Maasai culture talks at night around the campfire.

Kicheche Bush Camp

With one of the densest populations of lions in Kenya you’d be hard pushed to go wrong at Olare Motorogi, a simply stunning conservancy. There are five camps here, one of my favourites is Kicheche Bush Camp with six tents spread out under the Acacias. It's a popular spot for photographers; the 4X4s are modified for SLR cameras and extended game drives are the norm.

Cottars 1920’s Camp

Ol Derikesi Conservancy, tucked into the remote southeast corner of the Mara region, is Kenyan safari at its best. There’s an incredible amount of wildlife around here – including lots of lions – and just one spectacular camp; Cottars 1920’s Camp, whose 11 tents are presented in a nostalgic 1920s style.

Mara North Conservancy

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Where to stay in the masai mara, accommodation types in the mara.

The Mara has a huge range of accommodation options. In fact, with over 300 registered camps and lodges, many conservation experts fear that there is too much tourism development.

Options range from shabby, basic and cheap (think around USD $50-150 per night) to something fit for the royals and with a price tag to match (it’s not hard to find places costing USD $1,000+ a night).

The three main gates into the Mara (Sekenani, Talek and Oloolaimutiek all have lots of budget and mid-range accommodation. These vary from Maasai homestays (book through www.semadepngo.com), and basic campgrounds to well-turned out Maasai-run safari camps.

There are also a smattering of high end safari camps where acting in an environmentally and socially aware manner is as important as all the bells and whistles that come with a stay.

If you want to stay inside the reserve then options are more limited and tend to revolve around a couple of dated safari ‘package hotel’ style lodges or much more impressive intimate safari camps.

But in my opinion, by far the best areas to stay are in the conservancies that fringe the national park. These conservancies have vastly expanded the amount of land under some kind of protection. Staying in a conservancy is unquestionably expensive, but everyone should try and allow for a couple of nights in a conservancy camp.

Remember also the high prices aren’t just paying for the uniformly magnificent accommodation and superb safari experience but a great bulk of what you’re paying contributes to leasing the land and devoting it to conservation. Essentially your money is paying to preserve the wildlife habitat.

There are around 16 conservancies fringing the Mara but not all are fully set-up to safari tourists. Some of the best include Mara North, Naboisho, Olare Motorogi, Ol Derikesi, and the excellent, community-run Nashulai Maasai Conservancy.

Masai Mara safari highlights

What to see and do.

The Masai Mara and the rest of the Serengeti ecosystem has the greatest population of large animals on the planet. Sit on a ridge here and watch as thousands of grazers mow the grass while keeping a beady eye out for the predator population that includes famously big lions, as well as cheetah, elusive leopard and cackling hyena.

All of the famed “ big five ” (so named because they were the prize targets of early-20th century hunters) are present here: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino. All but the rhino (there’s a growing population but they remain elusive) can be easily seen.

As well as up to a million plus wildebeest, there are dozens of species of antelope, gazelle and other herbivores including huge numbers of zebra, impala, Thompson’s gazelle and giraffe. And the rivers are stuffed with hippos and crocodiles.

Then there’s the smaller creatures who are even more numerous than the big boys: Aardvarks and porcupines, jackals and warthogs, baboons and vervet monkeys, squirrels and agamas.

From ostrich to weaver birds, birders will also delight. Over 500 bird species have been recorded in the Mara – that’s about the same as found in the whole of the UK!

The migration

One of the Mara’s top draws is the arrival of the wildebeest migration between June and October, when around 1.2 million wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of zebra, gazelle and impala cross over from the Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania.

Safari-goers flock to the Mara River to watch the migration’s most spectacular moment, as hordes of wildebeest thunder into the water, running the gauntlet of waiting crocodiles. It’s nature on its grandest scale – but also the busiest time to go on safari in the Masai Mara. If you’d rather see the migration untroubled by crowds, I recommend you look at Tanzania instead.

Conservancies

The Mara is fringed by private and community conservancies, which together double the size of the protected area. These conservancies protect key migration routes (especially for elephants) and areas of hilly woodlands, as well as the classic grassland savannah.

In many cases wildlife populations are actually greater in the conservancies than within the reserve itself. And, with visitor numbers strictly limited to guests of the handful of camps and lodges within each conservancy (some conservancies, such as Olderkesi, have just one camp – in this case it’s the spectacular Cottars 1920’s Safari Camp – it’s easy to feel as if you have a great swathe of African bush all to yourself.

Staying in a conservancy guarantees you the finest wildlife guides in the business, quality safari vehicles, wonderfully romantic accommodation and superb food as well as a whole host of activities not available within the reserve itself (such as bush walks, bush breakfasts, sundowners and the opportunity to learn more about conservation).

Balloon rides

Riding high on the morning thermals above the plains is a quintessential Kenyan experience and the Masai Mara is the place to do it. From on up high you'll marvel at snake-like lines of migrating wildebeest, watch the shadow fall from an acacia tree at dawn and, if you’re really lucky, see lions or cheetah readying themselves for the a pounce.

Nothing brings the Mara alive like exploring it on foot. You’re not allowed to do a walking safari within the reserve itself but if you’re staying in a camp on the edge of the reserve or in one of the conservancies then a bush walk should be easy to organise.

The best time to visit the Masai Mara

Seasons and climate in the mara.

When the wildebeest roll through the Mara between July and early October the safari goers arrive en masse. But, even with high season prices and crowds this is still by far the best time to be in the Mara. The wildlife show is quite simply spectacular, the grass is green and the weather – not too hot and not too cold – is just perfect.

Another popular time is Christmas through to mid-March. The wildebeest migration might be far away (but resident wildebeest remain) but there’s still a massive amount of other wildlife on hand.

Mid-March-early-May is the height of the rainy season and many camps close and wildlife is dispersed. June, before the high season crowds arrive is a very rewarding time to be here.

The best time to visit Kenya for safari

January & FebruaryThis is a hot and dry period…

How to get to the Masai Mara

The easiest and most common way of getting from Nairobi to the Masai Mara is by small plane. There are numerous small, unsurfaced air strips within the reserve and surrounding conservancies and dozens of planes (each carrying around 8-12 passengers) fly in and out every day.

The two main airlines serving the Mara are Air Kenya ( www.airkenya.com ) and Safari Link ( www.flysafarilink.com ). As well as linking Nairobi with the Mara they also link individual air strips within the Mara and offer frequent flights to Malindi and Diani beaches and other major national parks. Baggage weight limit is normally only 15kg. Excess baggage fees are steep.

Budget safaris and fully independent visitors often come overland from Nairobi or other parks and reserves. On a good day with light traffic leaving Nairobi it’s possible to drive from the city to the Sekenani gate in just five hours. However, a day of light traffic around Nairobi is as rare as a squat giraffe so allow a full day for the journey.

Masai Mara safari FAQs

Your questions, our expert answers, can you recommend any family-friendly camps/lodges in the masai mara.

I would suggest rather than staying within Masai Mara proper, stay in one of the conservancies that now fringe the Mara.

In the most basic of terms these are like private, community-run wildlife reserves. Conservancy operators lease the land from local people and each local family receives a guaranteed monthly payment. The conservancy also provides employment and sets up development projects. People continue to graze their cattle but in a more controlled manner. And in return, fences are removed and the wildlife encouraged to return to the lands they were once driven out of. The conservancies have been a great success both for wildlife and local people. And, for tourists, they offer a very exclusive experience and the world's finest safaris.

Each conservancy has only a handful of very discreet high end camps and only guests of those camps can go on a safari in the conservancy, which means crowds of vehicles around a lion are non-existent.

The conservancies also allow activities not permitted within the reserve such as walking (highly recommended), bush camping, night safaris, etc. This makes them ideal for kids because it breaks up the routine and allows a little more freedom.

The safari vehicles and guides used in the conservancies are absolutely the best in the game and the wildlife populations are the equal of the actual reserve. However, there's a catch (of course...), conservation like this doesn't come cheap. All of the conservancies are superb but some names are Naboisho, Mara North and Nashulai Maasai Conservancy (this last one being slightly cheaper than the others and lots of focus on meeting local people). As for actual camps you cannot go wrong with any of them. All the conservancy camps are superb. I'm a big fan of the Basecamp offerings, Off-Beat and Kicheche. All are a little less extravagant than some of the other camps.

If you want to only visit the reserve and not a conservancy then I suggest either Basecamp Mara, Oldarpoi or you could go for a Maasai homestay in Sekenani village. Expect basic but perfectly comfortable rooms but an amazing experience. Your kids would really enjoy this.

We're visiting the Masai Mara but would like to visit another area on safari in Kenya. Can you recommend anywhere very different to the Masai Mara to see different wildlife and landscapes?

The most common combinations for a short add-on to the Masai Mara are Amboseli , Laikipia or the Samburu area.

For your requirements of a different habitat and wildlife then without doubt I would suggest Samburu National Reserve. This is a much drier and hotter area than the Mara with different vegetation and animals. And, even the animals you might have seen in the Mara are different up here with different species of giraffe, zebra and ostrich all present (and in my opinion all more beautiful than the kinds in the Mara). The park is also superb for elephants.

Samburu, though still popular, is notably quieter than the Mara and, once away from the river, it's easy to feel you have the place all to yourself (and especially if you go into the co-joined Buffalo Springs and Shaba reserves). Depending on when you are there you will find direct flights from the Mara, but otherwise will have to go via Nairobi. If you're driving it's a long way – a 10 hour non-stop drive, so flying is the better option.

Is February a good time to visit the Masai Mara, or would June-July be better? What would be the differences?

February is a very good time for safari in the Masai Mara , but also very different to the experience in June and July.

It's hotter and drier in February and generally there are fewer other tourists. There will still be plenty of zebra and wildebeest around but these are the non-migrating resident herds, so they don't form the massive iconic herds that you might see on TV.

July is good because the migrant wildebeest are all normally in the Mara by then, but its also absolute peak high season so can be busy and expensive. June is perhaps my overall favourite month. Everything is green after the rains and it's nice and cool with far fewer tourists than July, but the first migrant wildebeest might start to arrive (it all depends on rains and the state of the grass).

In short, all three months are excellent but each is different so it might be best to go with whatever just suits your timings better.

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About the author.

Stuart is an award-winning travel journalist covering safari, trekking and conservation in Africa for the Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, BBC, Bradt Travel Guides, amongst many others. He is the author of Walking With The Maasai , a journey through some of Kenya's lesser-visited Maasai lands.

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Mara West Camp

Where luxury and adventure meet, watch video, luxury and adventure, “if you only visit two continents in your lifetime, visit africa – twice”.

Nestled against a wooded thicket and surrounded by a savannah, Mara West Camp combines luxury accommodations with the breathtaking adventures of an unforgettable African safari.

Luxury Chalets are perched in secluded spots on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment, offering guests both panoramic views of the Masai Mara Game Reserve below and a sense of exclusive privacy.

The camp is home to resident herds of gazelles, impalas, and zebra, as well as an abundance of bird life, and is visited regularly by a variety of wildlife passing to and from the park.

The stunning beauty of the Mara, the uninterrupted grazing of the antelope, the night calls of the bush babies, and the early morning chorus of songbirds, all this, combined with the comfortable and tasteful ambiance of the camp, is part of the Mara West experience and what makes it a unique paradise for nature lovers.

Land Of magical experiences

A game drive in Maasai Mara can be fun all year round. There is no particular time of the year when you will not find wildlife in the Game Reserve. However, if you are more fascinated by the 8 th Wonder of the world, the wildebeest migration, the best time for a Kenyan Safari will be between late July and October.  The best time to view animals is either at dawn or dusk.

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The camp is privately owned and managed by the Aho family, Americans who have spent over 20 years living and working in Africa.  Designed, built and furnished by the owners, the camp is the outcome of their many years working together with African communities and traveling throughout the vast continent of Africa.

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The Best Luxury Lodges in the Masai Mara

Formally known as the Masai Mara National Reserve, this protected wilderness needs no real introduction to many safari (wildlife) enthusiast. Located in the southwest of Kenya , the Masai Mara spans across 583 square miles! The Mara provides a classic safari experience with exceptional Big Five and cheetah viewing all year round, over 500 recorded bird species, breathtaking landscapes and authentic community visits with the respected and renowned Maasai. 

It is likely best known for hosting one of nature’s most incredible spectacles, the Great Wildebeest Migration , between July and October. During this time, over 1,5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebra and 200,000 Thomson gazelle cross in from the Serengeti National Park. Due to the network of large rivers, guests can expect multiple river crossing with around 10 common (or regularly used) crossing points. 

Without a doubt, the Masai Mara holds its own unique safari footprint. For the romantics, it’s a classic safari with champagne before breakfast. While for private groups and families, it’s an intimate experience of firsts and ever growing anticipation of what’s over the next horizon!  But where should you stay? Quite naturally, with such an incredible wilderness area comes a variety of  luxury accommodation options. To help you navigate them and find the one best for you,  we have selected our best luxury lodges for you to discover.

Angama Mara

Best for: families and couples 

The lodge comprises of two camps with just 15 suites each. Each luxury suite is perched on the edge of the escarpment with a private viewing deck overlooking the Masai Mara! The perfect opportunity to take out your Swarovski Optik binoculars and scan the wilderness below! 

For those with families, Angama Mara accommodates you with interconnected family suites. These are identical to the other tented suites, except with a safe enclosed walkway to connect the two rooms.  Angama Mara is all about soaring panoramic views, helping to showcase the natural wonder of this remarkable wilderness. And with the Masai Mara just a 30min drive down the escarpment. It’s Perfect! 

Why do we love it! 

• Soaring panoramic views of the Masai Mara 
• In the path of the Great Migration (July to October)
• Romantic picnics on the escarpment with Masai Mara views 
• A dedicated photography editing and printing studio 
• Patty’s Tent – for the elderly or guest with restricted mobility 

Suggested Itinerary – The Masai Mara and Serengeti

Cottar’s 1920s Camp 

Best for: couples, families 

As the name suggests, Cottar’s 1920s Camp takes you back in time to experience vintage safari luxury. The Cottar family have been providing authentic and individualized safaris for over 100 years. And they have not lost their touch, in 2022 they were voted into the ‘Best 15 luxury Resorts in East Africa” in the prestigious Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice awards! 

Situated on a 7,608 acre private Olderkesi Conservancy, bordering the Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park , Cottar’s Camp provides easy access to the Masai Mara while having the opportunity for a more intimate experience on their private concession. 

With just nine creamed canvas suites spread across 1.5 miles, two dedicated honeymoon suites and three family tents.  Intimate. Private. And accommodating i s what best describes the atmosphere and service of the Cottar’s Family camp. 

• Over 100 years of safari experience – still winning awards! 
• The Budding Conservation family experience 
• Those canvas baths for the fun romantics 
• Easy access to the Masai Mara 
• Guided safari walks inside private Olderkesi Conservancy

andBeyond Bateleur Camp 

Best for: honeymooners and couples 

We definitely have a crush on andBeyond’s Bateleur Camp ! And I think you will agree, who wouldn’t! Situated on a private concession within the Masai Mara, you are romantically involved in a more exclusive Mara experience. 

Comprising of two intimate camps with just nine luxury tented suites – each with its own private viewing deck – game viewing is quite literally just outside your door (perhaps with a glass of champagne?). The interior is decorated with a balance of antiques  and modern finishes to provide a classic Masai Mara safari feel.  The camp’s refreshing lap pools also deserve a special mention, just look at that view! The absolutely perfect place to cool off between your game drives! 

• Its private concession within the Masai Mara 
• An interpretive guiding experience with twice daily game drives 
• Private viewing decks of the Masai Mara 
• Access to guided walking and hot air balloon safaris 
• Great Migration (July to October) 

Searching for a safari honeymoon worth toasting? Check out our Suggested Itinerary – Honeymoon in East Africa

Mara Plains

Best for: couples and private groups

Mara Plains is located within the 32,000 acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy,  just on the northern border of the Masai Mara National Reserve. With only 7 luxury canvas suites, Relais & Chateaux provides an unparalleled intimate wildlife experience. During the Great Migration, the Masai Mara  can, at times, be faulted for the amount of vehicles in sightings.  But at Mara Plains you will enjoy a Masai Mara experience in an open game drive vehicle, crowded only by the high concentration of animals and predators on their concession.  

The camp blends and compliments the riverine forest with its light canvas footprint, nestled on recycled railway sleepers. The style elements include a tasteful balance of rough hewn wood floors with touches of East Africa’s rich cultures. Coupled with a private verandah and luxury en-suite facilities – like the deep copper bath.

• The camp’s eco-friendly conscious design  
•  One of three Relais & Chateaux properties in Kenya 
•  Extensive traversing area of Mara Plains – over 98,000 acre
• Open game drive vehicles – unique to the area
• Great Migration (July to October)

Sanctuary Olonana 

Best for: couples, families and private groups

Not so keen on tented accommodation, no matter how luxurious they are? Then Sanctuary Olonana Safari Lodge is the lodge for you! Located on a private stretch of the Mara River, within the Masai Mara, Sanctuary Olonana is a lodge that balances contemporary architecture with “time-tested building practices such as Maasai mudding and stone walls.” And just look at the results! 

Each of the 14 glass-walled suites have breathtaking views of the famous Mara river. The interior is complete with organic tones and hand crafted details like the Maasai spears on the walls. Three of the suites feature an extra bedroom, perfect for families who would prefer this style of accommodation. 

The fully exclusive Geoffrey Kent deserves a mention too, with its two private bedrooms, each fully ensuite, wrap-around decking and infinity pool. Complete with an in-suite chef and private safari guide, this ultra luxurious and exclusive suite is perfect for private groups and multi-generational families.

• Located on a private stretch on the Mara River.
• 14 Glass-sided suites with exquisite views 
• A committed and sustainable philanthropic program
• Mara River Great Migration Crossings *in season 
• The ultra-luxurious and fully exclusive Geoffrey Kent suite

Ngare Serian 

Best for: Adventurous honeymooners and families

Possibly the most intimate camp in the Masai Mara. You can only access Ngare Serian on foot via a narrow rope bridge! We know, adventure abounds. Due to the camp having just four spacious tents overlooking the Mara River, it is perfect for multi-generational families or private groups looking to book the whole camp out.

Each tent has beautiful wooden decking, Zanzibar four-poster beds and an open styled bathroom. But for us, it’s the bathtub that’s built into the verandah decking that makes this camp quite special. Imagine soaking up a bath, with a glass of bubbles while listening to grunting hippo pods in the river? A unique Masai Mara moment for sure! 

For the more romantic adventurers. A night in “The Nest” overlooking the Mara River is for you! This secluded treehouse is built in a 14ft Warburgia tree with two cozy nest-shaped double beds, flush toilets up the tree, and bucket shower down below. Kitted with an infrared spotlight and a night vision camera for spotting animals below, this is a wilderness experience like no other! 

• Intimate four tented luxury camp 
• Mara River and Oloololo Escarpment views 
• Luxurious bathtub built into the verandah  
• A romantic treehouse experience at “The Nest”
• No wifi – the ultimate escape to reconnect with nature

andBeyond Kichwa Tembo 

Best for: private groups, families and couples

In true andBeyond style, the camp quite literally goes “beyond the expected”. Firstly, even with its size, the camp layout provides a surprisingly private experience. And during your stay each room is supplied with a pair of Swarovski Optik Binoculars , giving you the best opportunity to get closer to the details of the Masai Mara! 

The lodge’s famous shamba (vegetable garden) invites you to pick fresh produce, before enjoying the interactive kitchen. All this while situated within a private concession inside the Masai Mara, giving you the opportunity to enjoy walking safaris, night drives and possibly a bush dining experience. Expect the unexpected at Kichwa Tembo! 

• An interpretive guiding experience with twice daily game drive 
• Swarovski Optik binoculars for each pair of guests 
• Guided walking safaris and bushing dining experience 
• Literally in the path of the Great Migration (July to October)

Discover the perfect family safari vacations with our new Suggested Itinerary – A Family Escape to Kenya and Zanzibar

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10 Best Maasai Safari Lodges

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Tanzania’s best luxury safari camps include Original Maasai Lodge, Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp, Ol Sekis Hemingways, Karen Blixen Camp, Il Moran Masai Mara National Reserve, Governors’ Camp, Sand River Masai Mara, Porini Lion Camp, Mahali Mzuri.

Maasai Mara National Reserve is an area of preserved savannah wilderness in southwestern Kenya along the Tanzanian border. Enjoy the grassy savannah wilderness of the Masai Mara, home to the Big Five and the Great Migration. We focus on the best Maasai Safari Lodges with stunning scenery overlooking the mountains, plains, or perhaps busy waterholes.

1. Original Maasai Lodge

Original Maasai Lodge offers nature, culture, and relaxation with a view of Mount Kilimanjaro. Get to know the Maasai through stories around the campfire, throwing a javelin, or doing traditional dances.

Your stay at this lodge can generate income for the social, educational, and medical projects of Africa Amini Alama. Funds go to the medical center, schools, and orphanages to support local communities such as the Maasai or Meru.

Set high on a plateau between Mount Merial and Kilimanjaro, the rooms here are based on a traditional Maasai Manyara with wattle and daub walls, rustic furniture, comfy beds, and modern plumbing.

This Hillside Retreat consists of two different-sized holiday homes and a pool. The terraces with a view of Mount Meru are ideal for recharging your batteries, and with a little luck, you will spot the giraffes that walk by.

Cooks prepare excellent fresh meals, and a driver and guide are on call for excursions in the area. The pool, massage rooms, sauna, and relaxation areas ensure that you unwind, and with just 14 bungalows, you are guaranteed exclusivity, individuality, and authenticity.

Countless acacia trees surround each Nature Home. Days are filled with dancing and singing while you relax in a hammock and enjoy the serene landscape and views of the holy mountain Mukuru.

2. Cottars 1920’s Safari Camp

The stunning, multi-award-winning Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp lies right next to the Maasai Mara game reserve in Kenya in an unspoiled setting of its own 7,000-acre private Olderkesi Conservancy. Here, sunset views stretch to distant horizons of the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti plains.

Cottars were one of the first permanent luxury tented camps to take guests out on safaris in Kenya, and little has changed since the glory days of the 1920s. It remains a magnificent place to spot cheetahs, lions, leopards, elephants, and the annual Migration in refined luxury.

Spot the big five and choose your season carefully, as the camp is on the path to the great migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra. In the evening, bathe in your outdoor bathtub, and have a fantastic dinner under the stars (greens from the camp’s vegetable garden). There is also a lovely swimming pool to cool off in. The camp also offers massages at their spa, and internet access is available.

Cottars 1920’s Safari Camp is a member of our Near Far Collection , which means that when you book a room via our luxury travel concierge you get brilliant extra benefits at no extra cost.

3. Ol Sekis Hemingways

Ol Sekis Hemingways sits on top of a rocky hill in the Naboisho Conservancy, part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, and a small number of luxurious and spacious safari tents make the most of the views.

This is where you share drinks and stories with fellow guests around a campfire, or if you want to escape, the camp will deliver food to eat in your lodge while taking in views over the tree-scattered savannah below. Romantic candlelit meals can also be arranged hidden away within the camp.

The tents are round and bright with plenty of privacy. At the hottest time of the day, the early afternoon, you will probably want to relax on your patio, cool off in the infinity pool, or try a massage in the spa.

To see the animals, you can join game drives with experienced guides with comprehensive knowledge of the area’s vegetation and fauna. Known for its lion prides, the conservancy sees far fewer vehicles than the main reserve, and only a small number can be present at a wildlife sighting. Other activities include walking safaris, Maasai village visits, dawn hot air balloon rides, and horse-riding safaris.

4. Karen Blixen Camp

Karen Blixen Camp in the Mara’s North Conservancy offers tents and lounges on the banks of the Mara River, where you will probably hear the snorts and splashes of the resident hippo pod.

There are 22 canvas tents in this exclusive camp with spacious decks overlooking the river, a large en suite bathroom, and an outdoor shower. Twenty-two canvas tents might sound like a lot, but this camp still offers great privacy and peace. Meals are served on individual tables in the dining area, in front of the river, or in the bush. In the evening, a campfire is lit, and you can share stories of your day with fellow guests.

5. Il Moran, Masai Mara National Reserve

Il Moran is located on the Mara River, near grunting hippos and noisy baboons. Vultures eye you up from the top of the trees around this camp and lion are also in the area.

Il Moran has ten tents with a spacious stone veranda facing the river. Inside are king-sized beds, hand-carved wardrobes, luggage chests, and wicker chairs. The spacious en suite bathroom offers a shower, claw-footed bath, twin basins, and a flush toilet (hurrah!).

The main dining room and living room offer comfortable sofas and rugs on the floor. Meals are delivered here by lanterns and candlelight as there is no electricity in the camp.

6. Bateleur Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve

Bateleur Camp is located just outside the Olololo gate to the park, in a Maasai concession area. This small, luxury camp is hidden within dense vegetation connected by windy paths between tall trees that house blue monkeys. The plains by the camp attract warthog, zebra, and wildebeest.

This camp is split into two camps, Bateleur North and Bateleur South, each with a private lounge and dining areas and an electric fence that runs around the boundary of the whole camp. A shady pool area joins the two camps, perfect for cooling off.

Each tent is raised with a wooden deck and has a four-poster bed and a large en-suite bathroom. The lounges have leather sofas, rugs, and an open fireplace. The glamorous atmosphere is perfected with evening drinks around the campfire.

While at the camp, you must take advantage of the morning and afternoon 4WD game drives, nature walks, and night drives.

7. Governors’ Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve

Governors’ Camp was the first tented camp to be established in the Masai Mara National Reserve. It first opened in 1972 on Teddy Roosevelt’s Mara Camp site.

Although Governors’ is one of the larger camps in the Mara, it feels tranquil as the 38 tents are hidden away in the bush. Your tent will be located on the high banks of the looping Mara River, with views of the river or the vast plains of the Mara. Larger animals sometimes wander into camp, and it is quite normal to enjoy hippos feeding on the grass outside your tent.

The bar lounge is open on three sides and is truly inviting, with its bar built of logs. Nearby is a spacious decking area that overlooks the river, an ideal spot for breakfast and lunch. The camp also offers a range of massage and spa treatments.

8. Mahali Mzuri

Designed almost entirely for the views, the situation of the 12 luxurious tents at Mahali Mzuri in the majestic Maasai Mara, means you have a large viewing deck perfectly appointed for an exceptional front-row seat of the annual Great Wildebeest Migration.

Mahali Mzuri is Sir Richard Branson’s East African ultra-exclusive property in Kenya’s Maasai Mara ecosystem. Cool down in the beautiful 12-meter-long infinity pool between game drives, and then stargaze at this gorgeous property until late into the night.

9. Porini Lion Camp

The award-winning, eco-friendly Porini Lion Camp offers a unique opportunity to take guided walks with Maasai Warriors and experience day and night safari game drives within the Olare Motorogi Conservancy – a pristine and exclusive 33000-acre wilderness set aside for wildlife conservation and low-impact tourism.

Porini Lion Camp is in a unique and stunning setting on the banks of the seasonal Ntiakatiak River. This large area borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve and is home to many animals, including the Mara’s renowned Big Cats.

The high-quality, spacious tents are tastefully furnished, and each has solar-powered lighting, ensuite facilities (with hot shower and flush toilet), and a private veranda. Porini Lion Camp is an ideal base to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration.

10. Sand River Masai Mara

Located on the banks of a river from which it has taken its name, Sand River Masai Mara is located within the Masai Mara National Reserve, close to the Tanzanian border.

Situated on a secluded and picturesque site, Sand River Masai Mara replicates the heyday of exclusive permanent tented camps of the late 1920s. The interior fixtures and furnishings mirror this period perfectly, reminding all who visit of those countless Hollywood movies that have paid homage to a classic era of African adventure.

Sand River Masai Mara is an ideal destination for those wishing to enjoy exceptional game viewing at any time of the year. The National Reserve is best known for its large concentrations of big cats, such as leopards, cheetahs, and lions. Even the dramatic arrival of the Annual Migration merely adds to an already abundant resident wildlife that awaits discovery.

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Masai Mara luxury safari | 10 Best luxury Lodges & Camps

A Masai Mara luxury safari will vault you and your loved ones into a world of splendour, opulence and breathtaking natural beauty surrounded by the most incredible wildlife Africa has to offer.

The continent’s finest lodges await, each offering something a little different, with exquisite old-country designs and all modern comforts.

Your neighbours will largely consist of elephants, hippos, and giraffes and more whilst you sip a sundowner cocktail on your veranda wooden walkway toasting the African sunset.

The best Masai Mara luxury safari tours

How to organise a luxury safari in masai mara, pre-trip planning.

To organise your luxury safari in Masai Mara , the recommended route is to hire a travel agency specialising in Kenya safaris.

Their expertise of the top luxury lodges, tours and logistics required will be of significant benefit to guests. Trips can also be customised per the customers requirements or requests for particular activities.

Access to Masai Mara is typically made via flying from Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL). From here it is a short (between 45 and 60 minutes) flight to the Mara. Travellers can also fly from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi for visitors wondering how to get to Kenya .

NBO airport is located 15km/9mi southeast of Nairobi and a Kenya visa will most likely be required to enter the country.

There are also many airstrips surrounding the reserve, but where you fly into will depend on where you are staying during your safari. Visitors often combine trips to Masai Mara with Amboseli National Park and Tsavo East

Carrying a small amount of Kenyan currency , the Kenya Shilling (KES) is recommended to pay for groceries and smaller items where credit cards aren’t accepted. Visitors can also review further details on overall Kenya safari prices here.

Luxury safari components

Potential visitors are advised to detail their wish list in terms of accommodation, activities, preferred means of transport and food requirements, as these can vary significantly depending on preferences and budget.

The travel agency will then be able to provide a more detailed estimate.

Chartered flights are often used to arrive at different parts of Masai Mara and will save the visitor a lot of time. Various safari types can be explored in 4 × 4 vehicles with a private guide.

For a luxury trip to Masai Mara, some visitors prefer the tranquillity of private reserves with a hot-air balloon safari or they may prefer concessions with more adrenaline packed activities including quad biking and white water rafting activities.

Lastly, choosing the right accommodation for you is what will make your safari an unforgettable luxurious experience. In this regard, Kenya has some of the most exceptional lodges in the world making your stay unforgettable.

Top 10 Masai Mara Luxury Safari Lodges & Camps

Masai Mara is home to some of the continent’s most beautiful reserves and luxury lodges, offering magnificent food, service, wildlife and scenic views to match.

Richard’s River Camp

Richard’s River Camp offers the discerning traveller a luxury tented camp in the very heart of the Masai Mara. Designed with privacy, exclusivity as well as adventure in mind we ensure a warm and memorable safari.

The Ngoyanai springs provide permanent water, drawing in large numbers of animals to the area around the camp. This camp is also particularly known for its resident lion pride which can often be seen hunting in front of the camp, and often herd roaring at night.

Warm, professional hosting will have you feeling relaxed and spoiled from the moment you arrive with delicious food, Bush breakfasts, sundowners and dinner under the stars made for some memorable moments.

The camp itself is comfortable and beautifully furnished and tents are generous with strong, hot showers inside and out. Bush sounds at night add to the adventure with lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and hippos nearby.

Amani Mara Camp

Amani Mara Camp in Olare Orok just northeast of the reserve has an African feel with stone-and-canvas rooms and earthy hues. Your private deck is the ideal place to soak up the expansive view and keep an eye out for animals on the plains.

Cool off in the heat of the day at the camp’s swimming pool or watch hippo and crocodile in the river. Enjoy a bush breakfast or lunch made with fresh produce from the camp’s organic gardens.

Wherever you go in the Mara there’s a profusion of wildlife on the rolling plains. Your game drives will be filled with thrills and action. Go on a night drive to spot nocturnal species such as leopard, lion, spotted hyena, porcupine and civet.

Angama Mara

Surely one of the most beautiful of the Masai Mara safari lodges must be Angama Mara. The name is inspired by the Swahili word for ‘suspended in the air’, given that it hangs high above the plains of the Mara Triangle.

The glass-fronted luxury tents look out over landscapes speckled with animals and spiny Balanites aegyptiaca trees.

Go on a game drive to make the most of the Mara’s exciting wildlife experiences. Don’t miss floating in a hot-air balloon over the winding Mara River at daybreak to watch wildlife far below.

Head out on a bush walk with a Maasai guide or visit a Maasai village to learn about their fascinating culture. Enjoy a massage on your deck and dinner under a canopy of stars. Have a dreamy picnic on the hill where scenes from the Out of Africa (1985) movie were shot.

Emboo River

If glamping and eco-friendliness are important to you when you book your Masai Mara safari camps, you’ll love Emboo River. Your tent at this luxury sustainable camp has a view of the Talek River and a rain shower in the bathroom.

There’s a natural pool that uses local wetland plants to filter the water (no chemicals). Become part of nature on your private terrace as you watch hippo laze in the river or elephant come to drink.

When the great migration of wildebeest and zebra marches through the Mara, you may see a crossing at the river right next to camp.

Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

In a private concession bordering the Masai Mara you’ll find the elegant Kitchwa Tembo Tented Camp. Laid out in a patch of forest along the Sabaringo River on the edge of the Oloololo escarpment, it has sweeping views of the plains.

Relax and unwind in spaces infused with romance and contemporary African style. Let the large windows invite the outside in.

Watch as warthog feed outside your luxury tent. Take a dip in the rim-flow pool with its wide views of the Mara. Enjoy a soothing massage. Float in a hot-air balloon above the horseshoe bends of the Mara River.

Watch a river crossing during the great migration. Fuel your wildlife passion with game drives and guided nature walks. For a change of pace, interact with the local Maasai through talks and dancing.

Porini Lion Camp

Head out on thrice-daily game drives from this superb Masai Mara lodging situated in the private Olare Motogori Conservancy, renowned for its superb big cat sightings.

Return to the authentic Porini Lion Camp in time for a refreshing cocktail while being entertained by the boisterous hippos in the adjacent Ntiakatiak River.

Sand River Masai Mara

Wake up to the sounds of the African bush and slowly make your way out of a snug 4-poster bed.

Saunter across your spacious tent’s polished hardwood floors, step out onto a private veranda and be greeted by the gorgeous morning vista of the Sand River and its rolling flood plains.

Topi Mara Bush House

Sink into a comfortable armchair on the veranda right outside your room, observing elephant and giraffe amble by.

Or stretch out on this luxury Masai Mara lodge’s lush lawns with a tipple and a good book under the shady canopy of an acacia tree. Don’t forget to chat to your chef about your next delicious meal.

Saruni Mara

Journey to the community-focused Saruni Mara, hidden in a secret valley of olive and cedar trees. Settle into your luxurious cottage boasting antiques, Persian carpets and wide cedarwood beds.

Join Maasai warriors on a guided bush walk to explore the surrounding hills, followed by a relaxing spa treatment in the tranquil Maasai Wellbeing Space. This is one of the best Masai Mara lodges for discerning travellers.

Mahali Mzuri

Another one of the spectacular Masai Mara safari lodges is Sir Richard Branson’s luxury Mahali Mzuri in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy of the Greater Mara. The name means ‘beautiful place’ and it’s everything you’d expect.

The tents have an unusual custom design, each with an expansive view from a private deck. Add a romantic freestanding bath (also with a view), candlelight dinner for two under the stars, rim-flow swimming pool and champagne picnics.

The lodge’s position gives you front-row seats to spectacular wildlife sightings year-round. This includes during the great migration from July to November, depending on climatic conditions.

Drink in the dramatic scenery and experience the thrill of watching elephant, lion, leopard, giraffe and plains wildlife. It’s hard to beat the buzz of a game drive but make time to visit a Maasai village to learn about their pastoralist culture.

Luxury safari tour in the Masai Mara: Pricing and itinerary

There are numerous different luxury safari tours in Masai Mara that can be designed and customised per the customer’s requirements, with tours often combined with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania .

4 day Masai Mara luxury safari itinerary

Pricing for luxury tours start from £460/$600 per person per day.

In addition to day and night drives, visitors can take a scenic helicopter transfer or a sunrise hot air balloon ride followed by a champagne breakfast.

What other areas in Kenya are worth visiting for luxury safaris?

Luxury safaris in Tsavo West or Amboseli National Park are a great alternative, with incredible lodges, scenery, exceptional service and wildlife on offer.

What is the budget for a luxury safari in Masai Mara?

The price of a luxury safari in Masai Mara will depend on multiple factors including the accommodation and transport means chosen. Visitors can budget for a minimum of £460/$600 per person per day.

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Maasai Mara Safari Lodges, Game Lodges & Tented Camps

Search our collection of the 53 best maasai mara safari lodges, game lodges & tented camps, comfort level, property types.

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andBeyond Bateleur Camp

Masai Mara Kenya

andBeyond Bateleur Camp, the epitome of tented luxury, is comprised of just two intimate camps...

andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is situated in the Kichwa Tembo private concession, which neighbours...

Angama Mara

High above Kenya’s Maasai Mara, where some of the most romantic scenes from Out of...

Basecamp Adventure

Kenya Masai Mara

Located on a serene bend of the Talek River, adjacent to the Masai Mara National...

Basecamp Dorobo Mobile

Basecamp Dorobo Mobile offers an authentic safari experience, deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of...

Basecamp Hilltop

Basecamp Hill Top is an exceptional safari experience set within the Pardamat Conservation Area of...

Basecamp Masai Mara

At the doorstep of Masai Mara National Reserve, Basecamp Masai Mara is located along the Talek river in a lush forest, giving the camp a...

Basecamp Wilderness

Basecamp Wilderness offers a serene and intimate safari experience reminiscent of early explorers, located deep...

Cottar's 1920s Camp

Vintage luxury at its best, the award-winning Cottar’s 1920s Camp has its own 7608 acre...

Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp

Located in the Mara North Conservancy, Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp is a good base from...

Encounter Mara

Situated on the edge of the savannah under the shade of acacia trees, Encounter Mara...

Entim meaning “forest” in Maasai is discreetly tucked on the edge of the riverine woodlands....

Governors' Camp

Governors’ Camp is Africa’s first permanent tented camp, remaining in its original site since 1972....

Governors' Il Moran Camp

Governors' Private Camp

The jewel in the Governors’ Camp crown; for those who want an exclusive taste of...

Hemingways Ol Seki Mara

Set on a rocky promontory within the famous Naboisho Conservancy, Hemingways Ol Seki Mara camp...

Karen Blixen Camp

Karen Blixen Camp, Mara North, Masai Mara is permanent luxury tented Camp located in the...

Kicheche Bush Camp

Kicheche Bush Camp is located in a superb wildlife area in Olare Motorogi Conservancy bordering...

Masai Mara Accommodation

Not only is the Masai Mara home to the amazing seasonal Wildebeest Great Migration , it also hosts the highest concentration of big cats, spectacular birdwatching safaris and rich cultural and historic experiences. 

Masai Mara accommodation features something for everyone, from safari lodges to game lodges, tented camps and the seasonal mobile camps that sprout up during the great migration.

The profusion of cats and the annual Great Migration that enters the reserve from July to October makes for concentrated wildlife interaction. Combine your visit to the reserve with a stop at the neighbouring private conservancies, where numbers are more controlled and you can enjoy night drives and off-road driving. 

Safari Lodges, Game Lodges & Tented Camps in Masai Mara

The Mara River is a river in Kenya’s Narok County and Tanzania’s Mara Region that runs through the Maasai Mara/Serengeti environment and crosses the migration path of ungulates. The Mara River basin spans 13,504 square kilometres, with around 65 percent of it in Kenya and 35 percent in Tanzania.

The Mara Triangle is where the Great Migration herds enter and depart the Masai Mara National Reserve from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park , giving it a perfect location to witness this incredible wildlife display. The Mara River crossings are among the migration’s most dramatic events, so staying at accomodation in the Mara Triangle will offer you front-row seats to the show.

Masai Mara accommodation in the area is lush and luxurious and includes Masai Mara safari lodges, Masai Mara game lodges and Masai Mara tented camps.

While the Masai Mara National Reserve is the focal point of the Greater Mara Ecosystem, in the last decade there have been a number of conservancies that have been established which border the unfenced national reserve. These conservancies are on private land owned by Maasai families that have been set aside for wildlife conservation and tourism. Masai Mara safari lodges, tented camps and Masai Mara game lodges are the perfect places to stay between all your game viewing activities.

The Ol Kinyei Conservancy, which spans 17,500 acres in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, is a piece of former cattle pasture that the Maasai have leased for animal preservation. Ol Kinyei was the first reserve formed inside the Great Maasai Mara Ecosystem, and it is home to around 20 permanent lions, as well as leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, Cape buffalo, a variety of antelope, and elephants. 

Wherever you choose to go. Masai Mara accommodation will leave you spoiled for choice with amazing safari lodges, top game lodges and Masai Mara tented camps.

Popular search terms: Masai Mara Accommodation, Masai Mara Safari Lodges, Masai Mara Game Lodges, Masai Mara Tented Camps

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Welcome to JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge

Experience a luxury african safari lodge in the masai mara.

JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge marks the debut of the first luxury safari lodge in the brand portfolio. Overlooking the Talek River and the Masai Mara National Reserve, this lodge features 20 luxurious and expansive ensuite tents (including an interconnecting family suite and accessible suite, all with their own private outdoor Jacuzzi tub and deck. Your experience includes meals (breakfast, lunch, high tea sundowner and dinner, both on property and bush meals, a selection of beverages, game drives, airstrip transfers, and many meaningful moments. Communal areas include a dining area, lounge bar, spa, gym, photographic studio, garden and a large outdoor viewing deck with a fire pit. Embark on a soul enriching journey with us, where every moment is destined to be unforgettable in one of the finest luxury tented camps and African safari lodges. For the safety and comfort of our guests we have age restrictions for children under six.

Rooms & Suites

Featured amenities on-site, hotel information.

Check-in: 2:00 pm

Check-out: 10:00 am

Pets Not Allowed

Service animals only

Complimentary On-Site Parking

Sarabi Restaurant

Savour diverse, locally-inspired cuisine freshly prepared to suit your own distinctive tastes in a breathtaking setting. A culinary journey awaits al fresco at the veranda. It's a wonderful place to experience breakfast or dinner during your Mara visit.

A nourishing and relaxing outdoor space that fosters authentic connections while striving to honor the surrounding natural environment.

Sarabi Breakfast

Indulge in a delightful spread of freshly baked pastries, hearty omelets, and gourmet coffee at Sarabi Restaurant.

Fig Tree Lounge and Deck

Be inspired by the simple beauty of the world around you as you sip on meticulously crafted drinks infused with fresh ingredients at our Fig Tree Lounge and Deck.

Enjoy an unforgettable experience at our luxury spa. We understand your need to regenerate holistically and offer locally rooted organic products and treatments for the Whole You experience.

Fitness Center

Enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness while still focusing on your fitness at our hotel gym.

GETTING HERE

Jw marriott masai mara lodge.

Talek River, Masai Mara Reserve, Masai Mara, Kenya, 00100

Safari land cruisers;on request

On-Property

Local Shuttle Complimentary

Property Details

Accepts: Credit Cards

Concierge desk service

Languages spoken by staff: English

For more information about the physical features of our accessible rooms, common areas or special services relating to a specific disability please call +254 797-222999

Accessible on-site parking

Van Accessible on-site parking

Accessible Entrance to On-Site Pool

Entrance to On-Site Fitness Center is Accessible

Entrance to On-Site Spa is Accessible

Main Entrance is Accessible

Meeting Spaces are Accessible

On-Site Restaurants are Accessible

Accessible Vanities

Adjustable Height Hand-Held Shower Wand

Bathtub Grab Rails

Bathtub Seat

Deadbolts on Guest Room and Suites Doors

Electronic Room Key

Guest Room and Suites Doors Self-Closing

Lever Handles on Guest Room Doors

Lowered Electrical Outlets

Mobility accessible rooms

Non-slip Grab Rails in the Bathroom

Roll-in Shower

Toilet Seat at Wheelchair Height - Toilet for Disabled

Transfer Showers in Guest Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions

The check-in time at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is 2:00 pm and the check-out time is 10:00 am.

The pet policy at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is:

Pets Not Allowed (Service animals only)

The parking options at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge are:

The property amenities at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge are:

Yes, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge has free Wi-Fi available to hotel guests.

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JW MARRIOTT® MASAI MARA LODGE

Talek River, Masai Mara Reserve,

Masai Mara, Kenya, 00100

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INTERNATIONAL

Magic in the Mara: Reviewing the new JW Marriott Masai Mara safari lodge

The world's largest hotel chain has over 8,000 properties in more than 135 countries, ranging from palatial luxury resorts to enormous conference hotels to limited-service lodgings and nearly everything in between.

But until now, there's been one big gap in Marriott's far-reaching portfolio: a luxury safari lodge.

While the chain manages some Protea Hotels in South Africa , Marriott has lagged behind some competitors, including Four Seasons and Kempinski, foraying into the market for high-end travelers going on safari.

However, that changed earlier this year with the official opening of the long-awaited JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge .

The lodge, in Kenya's famed Masai Mara National Reserve, opened in April, and it's since garnered lots of attention from the media (TPG ranked it among this year's most exciting new hotels ) and from Marriott Bonvoy loyalists since you can both earn and redeem points here.

Those who aren't necessarily loyal to Marriott will also find plenty to love at the new JW, which was designed by Dubai-based Kristina Zanic — but more on that later.

Safaris are among my favorite type of trips; I love seeing animals in their natural habitats. Combine that with a brand-new points-friendly luxury lodge, and I'm sold.

When the property started taking reservations in February, I was among the first to book a stay. That turned out to be a great deal, and it also meant I'd be among the first to try the new property.

So how was it? I just returned from the bush, and I can confidently say that this is no doubt the nicest JW property in the world. Read on to learn why.

JW Marriott Masai Mara booking

No matter which safari lodge you stay at, there's lots of advance prep work that needs to be done, which begins with actually booking your stay.

Reserving a room at the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is pretty straightforward. You can simply go to Marriott's website or app, search for the property and check the rates. (Alternatively, you can also book a room via a trusted travel agent or possibly even American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts down the line if it joins that program.)

While the booking flow may replicate any other Marriott stay you've reserved, there are a few things to consider.

For one, the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge only offers all-inclusive packages, which comprise the following:

• Accommodation and meals on a full-board basis.
• Most alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.
• Game drives.
• A pair of Vortex Viper binoculars for use during your stay.
• Return airstrip transfers from Keekorok Airstrip (more on that below).
• Five items of laundry per person per day.
• All statutory taxes.

Many luxury safari lodges operate on an all-inclusive basis (after all, you can't really shop around for restaurants and activities once you get to a game reserve), and the JW Marriott Masai Mara's inclusions are pretty standard for top-tier safari lodges.

Note that there are still a handful of pricey extras that you'll be on the hook for, including:

• Masai Mara National Reserve entrance fee of $80 per person per night.
• Spa treatments.
• Gratuities.
• Additional activities, such as cultural village visits and hot air balloon safaris.

Secondly, this might just be the most expensive JW Marriott in the world: Rates start at around $1,400 per night based on single occupancy and $2,342 per night based on double occupancy in the offseason (around November-May) and jump to over $2,000 per night for single occupancy and over $4,000 per night for double occupancy during summer in the Northern Hemisphere. These prices are no bargain, but luxe safaris are always a splurge.

Finally, you can book a stay at the JW Marriott Masai Mara using Marriott Bonvoy points , and it can even represent a fantastic deal.

Points redemptions, which are sold on an all-inclusive basis, start at 98,000 points per night (double or single occupancy), worth around $823 according to TPG's valuations . Compared to paying $1,400 or more for the cash rate, this represents a great redemption.

Just note that points availability is largely limited to the offseason (winter in the Northern Hemisphere), and many redemptions are only available in one- or two-night increments, which means you can't necessarily take advantage of Marriott's fifth-night-free award perk .

As for me, I snagged perhaps the best Bonvoy redemption I've ever made. When the hotel started selling rooms earlier this year, most nights were priced at just around 20,000 points apiece, before the fifth night free.

Because of that, my five-night stay cost just 92,000 points. Although it seemed to be an error, the hotel honored these reservations, and reflecting back on my remarkable stay, I'm so glad it did. As you might expect, this 20,000-point deal is no longer available.

That said, I ended up traveling with two friends, and all rates only cover two people. The hotel charged us $1,690 per night for the third guest, which certainly wasn't cheap, but was still well worth it.

Getting to the JW Marriott Masai Mara

Not only is this likely the priciest JW Marriott in the world, but it's also perhaps the hardest one to get to.

Before I get into the overview, note that the hotel's reservation team can help arrange guests' transportation needs before and after their stay.

First, you'll first need to get to Nairobi. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is served by a slew of international carriers, including a daily nonstop from New York on the country's flag carrier, Kenya Airways . From there, the lodge can arrange a six-hour drive for you, though the roads are rather bumpy, for $400 each way.

Most guests arrive and depart via air, though. There are a few airstrips in the nature reserve, and the closest one to the lodge is called Mara-Keekorok.

A handful of primarily domestic carriers operate service to Keekorok, but all of these flights depart from Nairobi's other airport, Wilson Airport (WIL).

Driving between NBO and WIL takes about 30 minutes if traffic is light, and the JW Marriott Masai Mara can arrange round-trip ground transfers for $140. (You're also free to arrange your own transportation; Ubers start at just $8 between the two airports.)

Once you've arrived at Wilson Airport, you'll need to check in with your domestic carrier. This works similarly to most commercial flights. There's a cursory security check at the entrance to the terminal, followed by a formal check-in process.

Just note that your bags will be weighed, as most of these carriers only allow 15 kilograms (roughly 35 pounds) of luggage per person.

Fares vary for these short internal flights. We asked the hotel to arrange them for us, and we ended up being booked on AirKenya Express for $400 per person round-trip.

These internal flights are operated by a range of (aging) turboprops, so don't expect much in the way of amenities during the flight, though they are nicely maintained.

Flights from Wilson to Keekorok take just 30 minutes, but note that many of these trips are operated as "milk runs," which stop at multiple airstrips in the nature reserve to pick up and drop off additional passengers.

You don't really know what route you'll take until just a few hours before the flight, but you'll definitely want to allow plenty of time if you're making a connection at NBO.

The Keekorok airstrip (really just a gravel runway in the middle of the bush) also doesn't have too many amenities other than a bathroom (with running water, on some days), so don't arrive here too early before your flight back to Nairobi.

Your all-inclusive rate with the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge begins once you arrive at the airstrip, as your 45-minute car transfer from the plane to the lodge is included with your rate. (Keep your eyes peeled on the road during this drive, since it won't take long to catch your first sight of wildlife.)

While I took a plane from Wilson to Keekorok, I might consider the drive in the future, especially if I'm traveling with lots of luggage (or with a large group).

Flying can no doubt be the fastest way in and out of the park (when things operate on schedule), but it's also the most expensive, and it comes with a few restrictions that could sway you to book a car transfer instead.

JW Marriott Masai Mara check-in and lobby

Once you pull up to the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge — a true oasis within the Masai Mara reserve — you'll immediately start forgetting about the trek that it took to get there.

When we arrived at around 12 p.m., we were greeted by a traditional welcome dance from members of the local Masai ethnic group who are employed by the hotel.

The Masai invited us to join in on the dance, and by the end, smiles replaced the exhaustion on our faces from the nearly 24 hours of nonstop travel it took to get there.

Once the dance concluded, it was time to check in and freshen up.

To enter the hotel, guests cross the so-called dancing bridge, aptly named because it "dances" (moves up and down) as you walk on it.

The bridge is suspended over the Talek River, which runs adjacent to the property. (The river wasn't really flowing during our July stay in the dry season, but I imagine that the current is much stronger during the reserve's rainy season.)

After crossing the bridge, you'll find yourself in the main common areas of the property, which are all elevated from the ground on a wooden deck.

We were ushered into the beautifully decorated welcome tent, where we were provided with warm towels and a choice of Champagne or fresh fruit juice.

Our bags were taken directly to our room, and Thelma, our check-in concierge, invited us to take a seat on the terrace to complete some formalities.

This process took just a few minutes, and Thelma then gave us a brief property overview before dropping us off at our tent.

All in all, it was a flawless check-in process, and it turned out to be a harbinger of what was to come with our stay.

JW Marriott Masai Mara tented suites

While you might be familiar with JW Marriotts that have thousands of rooms in major business destinations, this property couldn't be more different.

There are just 20 individual tented suites at the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, all overlooking the Talek River. The suites are arranged in a single line from west to east, with the lodge's common areas dividing the 20 tents into two sections.

The suites on the western side go from 1 to 11 and those on the eastern side go from 12 to 21 (you won't find an unlucky Tent 13 at this JW). As such, if you have a preference between sunrise and sunset views, let the hotel know beforehand and hopefully, it can accommodate you with an east- or west-facing suite, respectively.

Our suite, No. 20, was a standard king-bed suite that had been turned into a triple room.

The suites themselves are elevated freestanding structures with plenty of privacy and space to spread out — after all, they measure around nearly 1,100 square feet of indoor and outdoor space.

Before you enter the room itself, you'll be greeted by a large terrace facing the river featuring two chairs, a small circular table and a built-in Jacuzzi (just be sure to let the hotel know three hours in advance if you want the Jacuzzi filled and heated.)

I enjoyed spending time each evening on the terrace, but I just wish that the Jacuzzi got a bit warmer than the 93 degrees that my Apple Watch measured.

As for the suite itself, well, it was simply stunning. From the spare, modern design and neutral palette to the locally inspired touches (like the "Do Not Disturb" sign that was a Masai spear) to the sloping roofs, the tents at the JW most definitely fit into the glamping aesthetic.

You'll find many of the modern conveniences that you'd expect from a newly built hotel, including universal power outlets, an ergonomic desk with a chair, two comfortable couches and a well-stocked complimentary minibar.

What you won't find, unfortunately, is air conditioning or televisions. While I had no trouble forgoing the latter during my stay, I was a bit uncomfortable during the day without air conditioning due to high midday temperatures.

The tents each feature two powerful ceiling fans, and the hotel is happy to arrange additional portable fans, but no matter how many blades are spinning, it gets hot in the room during the day. (That was one reason why we stayed out on full-day game drives throughout the stay.)

When the outside temperature drops at night and in the morning, it's a very different story. I had no trouble getting comfortable and snuggling under a thick duvet at night.

In fact, the hotel even placed padded hot water bottles in our beds during turndown service to warm us up each night. If you are too warm at night, you can also ask the hotel to open one or more of the tent's flaps.

Speaking of the beds, they're some of the most comfortable I've ever experienced on safari.

To convert our king tent into a triple, the hotel placed two individual beds just in front of the two dressers. That made the room a tiny bit cramped, but unless you're also a group of three, you'll have plenty of space to spread out and unpack your items into the wardrobes.

While many aspects of the suite were impressive, the highlight was the spacious dual-vanity bathroom.

Not only did I appreciate the wood paneling and fixtures and the dramatic lighting, but I also loved the cornucopia of amenities waiting for us, such as dental kits, liquid and bar hand soap and more from Rituals and Healing Earth.

In addition to a walk-in shower, each suite also features an outdoor shower. My one complaint about the bathroom is that there isn't a door separating it from the bedroom, which might not be private enough if you and your traveling companions are on different sleep schedules.

As far as safari hotels in Africa go, I found the water pressure and water temperature to be the best I've experienced. There was never a lag for a strong stream of hot water.

Moreover, I found the monogrammed JW Marriott towels to be incredibly thick and absorbent, and I'm already missing them.

All in all, the suites at the JW Marriott Masai Mara are some of the best I've seen in all of my safaris (I've been on five of these trips, ranging from mid-tier to ultra-luxury). As a new property, the suites boast many of the modern amenities that you'd expect from a top hotel, even though you're in the middle of the bush.

The lack of air conditioning could be a deal breaker for some travelers, and while I thought it would ruin my sleep, I was pleasantly surprised that I woke up chilly five nights in a row.

JW Marriott Masai Mara amenities

Even if you never venture out for a game drive, there are plenty of amenities to keep you busy at the JW Marriott Masai Mara.

It starts with the pool, spa and gym area, which is just a few steps from the lobby via a tree-lined path that stretches all the way to the end of the property.

The central part of this area is the infinity pool, which is surrounded by a handful of comfortable loungers and chairs, some of which are shaded by a wooden pergola.

I never saw another guest at the pool throughout our five-night stay, possibly because the infinity pool isn't heated. That said, the strong African sun brought the temperature up to 73 degrees, which was quite refreshing in the hot afternoons.

Though the pool has an infinity edge, it doesn't really overlook much. That's likely to change in the coming years, as I saw the groundskeepers planting new shrubbery and plants near the pool (and throughout the property, too).

Next to the pool is the lodge's spa, which features a few common-use areas, such as a sauna, a steam room, showers and a cold plunge pool flanked by two loungers.

Thanks to some small water fountains and a pleasing aroma, I found myself relaxing here on some evenings.

The spa has two treatment rooms, one of which is designed for couples. Treatments aren't included in the nightly rates, and they start at $170 for a 60-minute massage (before tip) — right around what I'd expect to pay at a luxury hotel.

Opposite the spa in a separate tent is the gym, which is a bit spartan. Inside, you'll find just a simple treadmill, a bike and a rowing machine for cardio exercise.

There's also a bench, a rack of free weights up to 20 kilograms and a NOHrD exercise wall that can be used for multiple strength exercises.

I used the gym three times during my stay — a must with all the gourmet meals I was eating — and found it perfectly fine but unmemorable.

Note that the gym doesn't feature any TVs and it's completely open-air, so the temperature inside is at the mercy of Mother Nature. That said, I did enjoy a cool breeze in the morning, afternoon and evening when I used the gym.

The rest of the amenities are near the lodge's welcome area.

Here you'll find a game room (with classics such as Scrabble and chess) that can theoretically double as a conference room, as well as the hotel's gift shop stocked with Masai-made souvenirs.

There are gender-specific public restrooms with African design accents next to the small reception desk.

Many visitors, myself included, make sure to bring their fancy big cameras on safari. After all, you really need a powerful long lens to capture many of the sights along the way.

While these cameras often cost over $1,000, the JW Marriott Masai Mara has an innovative amenity that I'd never seen before: a Canon-branded camera studio.

Moses, the hotel's photographer, can loan you a Canon EOS R6 Mark II with a 100-to-500-millimeter lens for free for the duration of your stay. These are very powerful cameras, so if you'd like a tutorial, Moses can show you all the basics in the photography studio and can also join you on a game drive for an additional fee.

The rental cameras come with an SD card, so if you'd like to save your photos easily to your own device, be sure to bring a laptop on the trip. (I imagine that Moses could load your photos onto a USB thumb drive or potentially to the cloud, but I'm not sure if there's a fee associated with that.)

Speaking of internet, Wi-Fi is available in the room and throughout the resort, but the speeds are not great – they measured just about 8Mbps download and upload for me. That's fast enough to stream TV and maybe make a FaceTime call, but it wasn't speedy enough to upload my pictures and videos after each day in the bush.

This performance might be expected due to the lodge's location in the middle of a nature reserve, but it was interesting that my phone's five-bar Airtel LTE roaming network provided faster speeds than the hotel's Wi-Fi.

As an animal and nature enthusiast who wanted to be out in the bush all day, if there's one downside to having all of these amenities, it's that I wish there were more time during the day to enjoy all the lodge facilities.

JW Marriott Masai Mara safaris and activities

While the lodge has plenty to keep you occupied, you shouldn't come to the Masai Mara National Reserve simply to relax by the pool. (I can recommend plenty of resorts for that vacation vibe.)

Instead, the highlight for guests will likely be the game drives each day. Like most lodges, the JW Marriott Masai Mara offers two daily game drives, one in the morning and another in the afternoon.

To maximize your chance of seeing animals while they're most active, game drives depart about 30 minutes before sunrise and then return to the lodge once the heat of the day sets in. Guests depart again late in the afternoon and return to the lodge about 30 minutes after sunset.

If you'd like to customize a safari schedule that works better for you, the lodge is happy to accommodate. We wanted to do a few full-day game drives to maximize our wildlife sightings, for instance. Not only did the lodge happily oblige, but it also packed us breakfast and lunch to go.

If this is your first safari, expect to be transported around the park in a four-by-four Toyota Land Cruiser. The JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge operates a fleet of about 10 vehicles, some of which feature four seats and some six. All are branded with JW Marriott logo decals around the car and on the seat headrests.

Our vehicle had a removable roof to allow you to stand up when you spotted something interesting.

In each vehicle, you'll find a few amenities to make bouncing around the park more comfortable. These include a fridge stocked with complimentary drinks, universal power outlets and USB-A ports, complimentary sunscreen, hand sanitizer and Vortex Viper binoculars.

The lodge also provided blankets designed in Masai prints for the cool mornings and evenings. (This allowed me to wear shorts during the day, but also stay warm before and after the sunrise and sunset, respectively.)

Whether it's your first or hundredth safari, there's always lots of anticipation about what you'll see in the park. In my case, I was eager to see the Great Migration of wildebeests, one of the largest movements of animals in the world.

In the Masai Mara, this typically happens around July and August, and we saw some incredible migration crossings during our drives.

Some days were more exciting than others, but that's how it goes in the bush. This isn't a zoo — prepare for an hour or two at a time without seeing any of the "Big Five" animals (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo).

That said, the guides do generally communicate via the radio when they see something interesting, so you may end up sharing a viewing of a pride of lions with other safari vehicles. (Also note that the Masai Mara National Reserve isn't a private conservancy like you might find near other luxe African lodges, and there is no off-roading allowed in the park.)

A good guide can also make or break your experience, and this is another area where we lucked out with Albert. He took us around the park, and I'd highly recommend asking for him if you stay at the JW Marriott Masai Mara. His knowledge of the park and its inhabitants was impressive, and he did a great job spotting some impressive game (without the help of the radio).

Just scroll through some of my highlights below.

Other guides that come highly recommended by family and friends who recently visited the property include Nicholas and Philip. I've heard that the JW lured some of the best guides away from top nearby lodges, including the Kempinski and andBeyond.

Just note that the JW Marriott Masai Mara doesn't guarantee private game drives for your party (that costs $450 extra per day), so you might have to spend them with other guests. However, the lodge does seem to try to provide private drives, assuming that there are spare guides. (We didn't pay extra for a private vehicle, but we got one anyway.)

In addition to game drives, there are two other optional activities that the lodge recommends.

The first is a visit to a nearby Masai village, where you can learn about the group's culture, practices and way of living. It costs $30 per person paid in cash to the village elder upon arrival.

I visited a Masai village on a previous safari, but I went back with my friends this time and thoroughly enjoyed seeing one again. Just prepare to be ushered through a gift shop at the end of your tour, and note that prices are negotiable.

The second activity is a hot air balloon safari, which costs $400 per person when booked through the hotel.

I did a hot air balloon safari in Tanzania during my honeymoon two years ago, and while I enjoyed it, I didn't think it was worth an additional $400 and a very early morning wakeup this time around.

JW Marriott Masai Mara food and beverage

At some all-inclusive resorts, it feels like the food and drinks are an afterthought. But at the JW Marriott Masai Mara, the dining experience is an integral — and delectable — part of your stay.

You certainly won't go hungry for more than a few minutes; there's tasty, fresh and wholesome food wherever you turn.

When you wake up in the morning, the hotel sets up a small coffee and pastry bar. I don't drink coffee, but my friends said that the local coffee was some of the best they've ever had.

You have two options for breakfast and lunch. You can eat at the lodge or out on a game drive, weather permitting.

If you choose the former, you'll enjoy your meal in either the Fig Tree Bar and Lounge or the Sarabi restaurant, both of which are in the lodge's central welcome area.

They're both tastefully designed with African art sourced from nearby villages and feature a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, some of which is shaded.

Meanwhile, if you choose a to-go meal, the chef will pack a fancy picnic box for you to enjoy while on a game drive. Your guide will set up a makeshift dining area, complete with a table and folding chairs, under a tree somewhere in the park.

There's no doubt that the picnic meals (think sandwiches, salads, breads and desserts) are more basic than the multicourse meals back at the lodge, but it's pretty special to enjoy a meal or two out in the middle of the park.

Also, this way you don't need to drive back to the lodge each time you want to eat.

If you do elect to eat at the lodge, you'll be in for a treat. The breakfast, lunch and dinner menus rotated daily. There was typically a choice of a vegetarian soup or salad, followed by one of four entrees and then a daily dessert selection. (Don't be scared to order multiple entrees or refills — the servers were always more than happy to accommodate any requests.)

We ate our way through the menus during our stay, and looking back at my notes and pictures, I can't even pinpoint one dish that I would've done differently. This was some of the best and freshest food I've ever had at a resort, no less on safari in the middle of a game reserve.

Perhaps the dish that stood out most was the red snapper that we had for lunch on the first day. It was prepared with just the right amount of flakiness and seasoning.

Suffice it to say, you will not find a massive and unappealing all-inclusive buffet at this 20-tent property.

If there is one area of improvement, it's with the bread basket, which included the exact same types of bread every lunch and dinner. It got quite stale after a while (no pun intended).

However, the kitchen does bake fresh naan bread on some nights, and it was always a highlight.

The complimentary alcohol selection included a wide range of wines from all over the world, as well as some top-shelf liquor, including Grey Goose vodka and Hendrick's gin.

The lodge provides a wine and cocktail menu during each meal, but you're also encouraged to ask the bartender to whip up your favorite drink.

Speaking of cocktails, I enjoyed some refreshing and balanced drinks throughout my stay, including the Mara Garden and the African Bee's Knees.

Alternatively, you can opt for room service, which is included in your room rate. I couldn't find a printed menu anywhere, but we didn't even bother inquiring since the restaurant food was so good.

Finally, the lodge is growing its own "JW Garden" near Tent 17. The garden itself is already quite impressive, and its produce will soon be used as ingredients in different dishes.

The garden also features a wooden pergola under which you can enjoy breakfast or lunch.

Every afternoon, the restaurant prepares sundowners (drinks and some light bites) around a fire underneath the big fig tree on the main terrace.

While this was always a great way to unwind at the end of the day, the lodge took the sundowner experience to the next level on our last night, when it set up a bonfire, makeshift bar and lawn chairs underneath a tree in the middle of the reserve with a front-row view of the sunset.

This proved to be a magical way to end our trip.

JW Marriott Masai Mara service

While the lodge's "hard product" (tents, amenities and property) greatly exceeded my expectations, what really set the JW Marriott Masai Mara apart was the service.

For one, the staff-to-guest ratio felt like it greatly exceeded 3:1, even when the lodge was fully booked during some of the nights we were there.

Wherever we turned, an employee was there to greet us, ask how we were doing and see if they could get us anything. Furthermore, by our second day, every single employee addressed us by name. That's some impressive service that I've only seen before in top Four Seasons and Aman resorts, among a handful of other top-tier luxury brands.

While we enjoy personalized service at every interaction, the restaurant waiters really went above and beyond to ensure that we were doted on as if we were eating in their own homes.

Speaking of the restaurant, my friends and I have some unique dietary restrictions, but executive chef Rajiv Ranjan, who came to the hotel with 15 years of experience at various luxury hotels, couldn't have been friendlier or more accommodating.

During and after every meal, he asked for feedback and helped plan a menu that worked with our preferences. Chef Ranjan specializes in Indian food, and after we told him we enjoyed his signature dishes on the second night, he happily cooked us some more Indian delicacies on the other nights.

His thoughtfulness extended right until checkout, when he showed up as we were leaving with some nibbles (freshly made energy bars, macarons, doughnuts and more).

Our guide, Albert, struck the perfect balance between being professional and friendly, exactly what we were looking for during our game drives.

And then there's Fairman Muhingi, the lodge manager. Fairman oversees the entire property, but he's not leading from some back office. He is out helping guests and staff every single day.

Fairman checked in with us multiple times during the day, and he even shared his WhatsApp details to contact him directly if we needed anything.

No matter how small the request, it was handled with a "yes" and a smile — the real mark of a world-class resort.

Bottom line

It's finally here: Marriott's long-awaited luxury safari lodge is now open in Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve.

Though the world's largest hotel chain is branding this property as a JW Marriott, it couldn't feel more different from what I tend to think of as a typical JW Marriott.

If you've ever stayed at a JW Marriott in the U.S., you've likely experienced a cookie-cutter business-focused resort in a major city with a high room count and amenities that can feel generic.

But the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge couldn't be further from this image. The stunning, tented, all-suite property with top-notch food, impeccable service and impressive amenities went beyond even my high expectations and is even more exciting because you can earn and redeem points while experiencing it.

Coupled with its prime location in the heart of the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, this camp is bound to be considered one of Marriott's most distinctive properties yet.

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Mara Intrepids Tented Camp

Facing the Talek River, Mara offers elegantly furnished tents on raised platforms, and a terrace with a bar for spotting animals. All rates include 3 game drives a day, and return airstrip transfers. Mara’s tents include a wooden, 4-poster bed surrounded by a mosquito net. All have a modern, private bathroom with a double vanity, shower, and flush toilets. Tea and coffee making facilities are in each. The staff and the team: Dominic the safari driver, Ngala the chief waiter and the main singer, and Daisy the reception.

Olaloi Mara Camp

Olaloi Mara Camp has river views, free WiFi and free private parking, set in Masai Mara. At the lodge you will find a restaurant serving African, American and Italian cuisine. Vegetarian, dairy-free and halal options can also be requested. Small family facility near Masa Mara. Owner and staff warm and welcoming. Delicious breakfast, dinner, and lunch. Bungalows decorated creatively with wonderful and unique touches. Slept with the sounds of nearby wildlife. Masai staff available for security at all times. Wonderful experience.

Olarro Plains

Featuring a year-round outdoor pool, Olarro Plains in Masai Mara provides accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking for guests who drive. A terrace can be found at the lodge , along with a shared lounge. beautiful property with a stunning view of the plains

Sarova Mara Game Camp

Accommodation ranges with a variety of tents. There is a main restaurant, bar and many bush dining options. The free form swimming pool has its own pool bar and the property has their own fleet of safari vehicles and guides. very clean and spacious rooms. the hotel provided everything from bath robes, slippers, to even bringing you a hot water bottle every night as it was raining and the a little cold. food was great there was a lot of selection from pasta to Indian cuisine. staff were friendly.

Wilderness Seekers Ltd Trading As Mara River Camp

Wilderness Seekers Ltd Trading As Mara River Camp is located on the North West boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve overlooking the Mara River. It features a swimming pool and garden. Each tent features a patio with a view of the Mara River. It comes with a seating area and the private bathroom includes a shower. location , location, location and of course the exceptional service provided by staff. I usually never remember staff names but Rose, Moses, Joseph and their Manager Ezekiel took care of our every little need. Ezekiel gave us insight on Masai culture and told us all about the Mara and it’s animals.

Olkinyei Mara Tented Camp

A buffet, à la carte or continental breakfast can be enjoyed at the property. At the lodge you will find a restaurant serving African, American and Chinese cuisine. Vegetarian and halal options can also be requested. I liked everything. The food, the room, the environment etc... staff were very cooperative.

Mara Leisure Camp

Situated along the Talek River on the Northern Boundary of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, Mara Leisure Camp offers accommodation in what is considered a prime wildlife area. This tented camp features free WiFi and an outdoor swimming pool. Each unit at Mara Leisure Camp features safari-style décor, and a private bathroom equipped with a bath or shower and free toiletries. I enjoyed all the meals that were served

Oldarpoi Mara Camp

Set in Keekorok, 1.7 km from Sekenani Shop, Oldarpoi Mara Camp offers a restaurant, mountain views and free WiFi. Some units have a seating area and/or a patio. Guests at the tented camp can enjoy a Full English/Irish or a vegetarian breakfast. The camp is located in very beautiful surroundings. The staff is so friendly and the sundowner session by the pool every day was so cozy! Felt very safe at the camp, and it was very close to the national park

Drunken Elephant Mara

With garden views, Drunken Elephant Mara is set in Sekenani and has a restaurant, a kids' club, bar, garden, year-round outdoor pool and terrace. Free WiFi is featured. A children's playground can be found at the lodge , along with a shared lounge. We visited this place with my husband and six of our friends. It was our first experience in Kenya and I must say it was absolutely excellent. We got a little lost on the way to Masai Mara and the helpful owner navigated us online the whole time and also picked us up for the final few kilometers to our accommodation. The last two kilometres are on a really bumpy road but can be done by jeep and even by car. All the time everyone was nice, friendly and gave us their utmost attention. The accommodation was great - we always had hot water in the shower, everything was beautifully clean. And the food... We enjoyed everything the local chef cooked, there was a huge choice and no one left hungry. They looked after us like we were their own. On the penultimate day they had a surprise for us in the form of dancing masai and it was a wonderful experience. Plus, my friends and I enjoyed swimming in the pool in the evening, which was awesome, especially after each day we were on safari. By the way, the entrance to the park is just a few minutes away from our accommodation. I am reviewing from the perspective of a traveler who has visited over 80 countries, we are not looking for luxury and five stars hotel, I like nice and relaxed accommodation and people. Thank you for all this 🙏

Jambo Mara Safari Lodge

Ololaimutiek

Jambo Mara Safari Lodge is situated in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Free WiFi is available and free private parking is available on site. Jambo Mara Safari Lodge also includes a barbecue. Guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, followed by a drink at the bar. Special diet menus and packed lunches are available on request. The property also features 24 hour hot water supply and solar electricity. We were so happy to book Jambo Mara Safari lodge the way last minute since our previous booking fell through. The staff were amazing and accommodating. The rooms were exceptionally clean and very comfortable. I highly recommend Jambo Mara Safari lodge and would stay again if going to Masai Mara. The food was great too!

Most Booked Lodges in Maasai Mara National Reserve This Month

Mara serena safari lodge.

Lodge in Lolgorien

Popular with guests booking lodges in Maasai Mara National Reserve

Lodge in Talek

Ashnil mara camp, osero lodge, lodge in ololaimutiek, faqs about lodges in maasai mara national reserve, why should i book a lodge with booking.com.

We make it quick and easy to book a lodge in Maasai Mara National Reserve. Here’s what we offer:

• Free cancellation on most stays • We Price Match • 24/7 customer support in 40+ languages

What are some of the best lodges to stay at in Maasai Mara National Reserve?

Mara Intrepids Tented Camp , Olarro Plains , and Olaloi Mara Camp are some of the popular lodges in Maasai Mara National Reserve.

In addition to these lodges, Sarova Mara Game Camp , Wilderness Seekers Ltd Trading As Mara River Camp , and Drunken Elephant Mara are also popular in Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Which lodges in Maasai Mara National Reserve have nice views?

Mara Serena Safari Lodge , Mara Intrepids Tented Camp , and Sarova Mara Game Camp have received great reviews from guests in Maasai Mara National Reserve about the views from these lodges

Guests staying in Maasai Mara National Reserve also loved the views from these lodges: Oldarpoi Mara Camp , Mara Leisure Camp , and Drunken Elephant Mara .

Which lodges in Maasai Mara National Reserve are good for families?

Many families visiting Maasai Mara National Reserve loved staying at Olarro Plains , Wilderness Seekers Ltd Trading As Mara River Camp , and Sarova Mara Game Camp .

Similarly, Mara Intrepids Tented Camp , Osero Lodge , and Mara Serena Safari Lodge are also popular among families.

Does Booking.com offer lodges with free cancellation in Maasai Mara National Reserve?

Most lodges on Booking.com offer free cancellation.

How many lodges in Maasai Mara National Reserve are listed on Booking.com?

There are 24 lodges in Maasai Mara National Reserve you can book on Booking.com.

Which lodges in Maasai Mara National Reserve are good for couples?

Couples traveling in Maasai Mara National Reserve loved staying at Olarro Plains , Olaloi Mara Camp , and Sentrim Mara Lodge .

Similarly, these lodges in Maasai Mara National Reserve were also highly rated by couples: Mara Intrepids Tented Camp , Olkinyei Mara Tented Camp , and Sarova Mara Game Camp .

How much is a lodge in Maasai Mara National Reserve for this weekend?

The average price per night for a lodge in Maasai Mara National Reserve for this weekend is $486, based on current Booking.com prices.

Lodges That Guests Love in Maasai Mara National Reserve

8.9 Excellent 50 reviews

Osero Lodge is a beautiful base for an incredible trip to the Masai Mara. If you get a chance to go on safari then DO IT! It's life changing. The staff are so kind and attentive and the masai guards escorting you to your tent is so comforting when you feel like you are out of your comfort zone.

9.4 Wonderful 172 reviews

The camp is really exceptional, we have exprrience from Namibia, Uganda, Botswana and Serengety as well, the quality of all sevices are as in 5 stars lodges in Botswana but for 2,5 times less expences. Especially chefs and guides do the job with love.

Perfect location - right next to Ol Kiombo airstrip, the most amazing staff, incredible food, and beautiful tents! Our safari guide, Joab, and the staff namely, Metrine, Masila, Charles and Sallilah (apologies for any typos!!) were very friendly and took a lot of effort. We thank the entire team for their dedication and hard work.

Enkusero Mara

Lodge in aitong.

9.6 Exceptional 10 reviews

This is the best lodge in all the Mara, the staff is very welcoming, they really make you feel home. The food is excellent worth a Michelin restaurant, everything is home made and fresh. The lodges are fully equipped and have a wonderful view. William is the best host ever, he is attentive to his guests needs and do everything possible to make them feel special.

Talek Bush Camp , Masai Mara

9.0 Wonderful 204 reviews

Excellent value for money, staff very helpful, Titus in particular, for Bush camp experience can’t be beaten, we stayed in riverside bungalows, good basic accommodation, even has a pool, which I used 😀 Food was basis but hot, be prepared to eat by candlelight when bugs are about 😉 Our Safari guide was Daniel, he was amazing, we’re found Cheetah, Leopard, big cats with cubs and lots more, great sense of humour and very knowledgable, ask for him and you won’t be disappointed Overall a fantastic real Bush Camp experience

Greenwood safari camp

9.3 Wonderful 212 reviews

Perfect for backpackers and individual travelers. This camp is literally your only choice for an affordable safari at Masai Mara. For little money you will stay in a clean tent and have access to simple but well maintained utilities. Wifi works surprisingly well, you have access to an unexpectedly big pool and can enjoy very tasty dinners in the restaurant. The owner is a skilled organizer of transport and shared safaris. Go for it!

Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Camp - All Inclusive.

Lodge in masai mara.

9.0 Wonderful 62 reviews

Amazing safari camp on the Mara river. The lodge was perfect, our guides, waiter, butler and all of the team at neptune provided exceptional service.

Sekenani Camp Maasai Mara

8.3 Very Good 65 reviews

The staff at the camp is very welcoming. The camp is in lush green forest. The chef accommodates any food requirements. Safari driver Simon that they arranged went out of his way during game drives for animal spotting.

8.5 Very Good 94 reviews

The lodge ambience and the staff service were exceptional Though located in the wild Masai Mara Reserve , the lodge makes you feel at home and cozy . With an additional fee; they can plan a safari tour with a masai guide and provide picnic for your tours . Worthy of mention is the manager; Mr Daniel and Dunson - the dining supervisor ; they were really kind. Would visit again and recommend facility for a wonderful safari and holiday experience.

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THE 10 BEST Lodges in Maasai Mara National Reserve

Maasai mara national reserve lodges, property types, distance from, neighbourhoods, traveller rating, hotel class.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveller ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
• Traveller Ranked Highest rated hotels on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
• Distance to city centre See properties located closest to the centre first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners

1. Mara Intrepids Tented Camp

2. Entumoto Safari Camp

3. Sentinel Mara Camp

4. Mara Serena Safari Lodge

5. JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge

6. Maji Moto Eco Camp

7. Sala's Camp

8. Offbeat Mara Camp

9. Royal Mara Safari Lodge

10. Drunken Elephant Mara

11. Masai Mara Sopa Lodge

12. Mara Ngeche Safari Camp

13. Great Plains Conservation Mara Plains Camp

14. Amani Mara

15. Spirit of the Masai Mara

16. Mara Engai Wilderness Lodge

17. Mara Crossing Camp

18. Mara River Camp

19. Mara Chui Resort

20. Mara Simba Lodge

21. Tipilikwani Mara Camp

22. Jambo Mara Safari Lodge

23. Osero Lodge

24. Mara River Lodge

25. Olarro Lodges

26. Serian - The Original

27. Ngare Serian

28. Rhino Tourist Camp

29. Mara Sweet Acacia Lodge

30. Ngerende Island Lodge

Maasai Mara National Reserve Hotels Information

Best Safari Lodges and Tented Camps in Masai Mara

Masai Mara is one of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations. In addition, it’s known for its exceptional wildlife sightings, breathtaking landscapes, and amazing luxury safari lodges.

The vast game reserve is home to abundant wildlife, including the Big Five. It’s also particularly famous for its annual wildebeest migration, attracting visitors worldwide.

Accommodation options in Masai Mara

While there are several accommodation options in Masai Mara , safari lodges and camps are the most popular choices for visitors. These lodges and camps offer a unique and authentic experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural environment and enjoy the beauty of the African wilderness.

Safari lodges and camps in Masai Mara come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from luxury lodges to rustic campsites. Regardless of the type of accommodation, each lodge or camp provides an opportunity to experience the unique sights and sounds of the African bush.

• CHECK OUT AND BOOK LODGES & CAMPS IN MASAI MARA

Safari Lodges and Camps in Masai Mara

Luxury safari lodges.

Luxury safari lodges in Masai Mara offer visitors the ultimate comfort and luxury. These lodges provide spacious and beautifully appointed rooms, often with private balconies or verandas that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Some lodges also offer private plunge pools and spa facilities, providing the perfect way to relax after a day of game drives.

Luxury safari lodges in Masai Mara are often located in prime locations, offering guests easy access to the game reserve and ensuring they can experience the best wildlife sightings.

Many of these lodges also offer a range of activities, including guided walks, hot air balloon rides, and cultural visits to nearby Maasai villages.

One of the most famous luxury lodges in Masai Mara is the Mara Serena Safari Lodge. This lodge is located in the heart of the game reserve, overlooking the Mara River. It offers guests luxurious rooms with breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.

The lodge also features a swimming pool, a spa, and a range of activities, including game drives, hot air balloon rides, and cultural visits.

Rustic Safari Camps

For those who want a more authentic and rustic experience, Tented safari camps in Masai Mara offer a unique and memorable experience. These camps are often located in remote and secluded areas of the game reserve, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural environment.

Safari camps in Masai Mara come in various forms, from basic camping sites to comfortable tented camps. Most camps provide comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and communal areas where guests can relax and enjoy the views. Many camps also offer guided walks, night drives, and cultural visits.

One of the most popular rustic camps in Masai Mara is the Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp. This camp is located on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment, offering spectacular views of the Mara plains.

The camp features spacious tents with private bathrooms, a swimming pool, a bar, and a restaurant. Activities at the camp include game drives, guided walks, and cultural visits.

Eco-Friendly Safari Camps

Eco-friendly safari camps in Masai Mara allow visitors to experience the natural environment while minimizing their impact on the ecosystem. These camps are often designed to be sustainable and environmentally friendly, using renewable energy sources and minimizing waste.

Eco-friendly safari camps in Masai Mara provide visitors with a unique and rewarding experience. They allow them to contribute to conservation efforts while enjoying the beauty of the African wilderness. Many also offer educational programs and opportunities for guests to learn about the local environment and wildlife.

One of the most popular eco-friendly camps in Masai Mara is the Mara Ngenche Safari Camp. This camp is located on the banks of the Mara River, offering guests stunning views of the river and the surrounding landscape.

Mobile Camps

For those seeking a more adventurous safari experience, mobile camps in the Masai Mara offer basic accommodation in dome tents or traditional safari-style tents. These camps are usually set up temporarily, allowing guests to follow the wildebeest migration and experience different reserve parts.

One popular mobile camp is Cottar’s 1920s camp, a family-run camp that has operated for over 100 years. The camp’s ten tents are furnished in a classic safari style, with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas. Cottar’s 1920s camp also offers game drives.

Now you know the Best Safari Lodges and Tented Camps in Masai Mara.

Masai Mara is a destination that offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every traveler. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious safari experience or a more authentic and immersive one, there is something for everyone in the Masai Mara.

Of course, the main attraction of a safari in the Masai Mara is the reserve’s incredible wildlife. Visitors can expect to see a range of wildlife species, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, and giraffes.

The reserve is also home to numerous bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. Game drives are usually led by experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the reserve’s flora, fauna, and cultural history.

Besides game drives, visitors to the Masai Mara can also participate in walking safaris and hot air balloon rides.

Also Read: Top 10 Things to Do and See in Narok County

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In the heart of the Masai Mara, Kenya’s 370,000 acre national park, lies Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, the contemporary, tented residence with incredible views designed to keep its impact on the local environment minimal.

As y our plane touches down on the dusty landing strip, the zebra and giraffe that were mere specks from the air are now within walking distance. Your guide will beckon you towards your safari vehicle – freshly-poured coffee and biscuits in hand – as the Masai Mara stretches into the horizon. Welcome to Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp . 

Part of the prestigious andBeyond group, the tented lodge is just a short drive from the air strip, and is one of the best spots in Kenya to witness the yearly Great Migration (July – October) when millions of wild animals thunder across rivers and through the plains of the Mara and the Serengeti, seeking greener pastures.

WHAT TO PACK

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Located on a private concession, this is an intimate retreat within the Masai Mara National Reserve . Design elements play to a safari-chic vibe, with Maasai-inspired touches such as cowbells hanging on walls and wicker lanterns illuminating the dining area in the evenings. The sprawling grounds and wide-open architecture remove any barriers between guests and nature; you’ll hear the sounds of the Saparingo River and take in panoramic views of the savannah at every turn. 

Tembo is the Swahili word for elephant, and there’s no shortage of them at the lodge – just hours after we arrive, a grazing herd appears behind the rim flow of the camp’s swimming pool. The lodge also has its own resident warthogs, who are often seen laying in the shade or tending to the grass around the camp. 

From the welcome committee who greeted us with a song and dance on arrival, to the extremely knowledgeable guides who had personal stories and deep intel on every plant and animal we came across, it was clear that the staff was made up of people passionate about showing guests the true meaning of Kenyan hospitality.

The camp is made up of 40 Hemingway-style tents , all with fantastic views and private decks. Our tent was situated a short walk from the common areas, just on the edge of the Mara with the flowing Saparingo River beneath. The canvas tents are tucked within forest canopies, providing seclusion and ample animal sightings without the need to even get out of bed: one afternoon, we woke up from a nap to find three elephants feeding on branches a few hundred metres from our verandah. The wooden furniture and neutral décor ensure the tents blend into the surrounding foliage and, at night, guests can doze off to the sounds of the savannah.

The Food + Drink

Meals are served in an open-air dining area with an interactive kitchen that allows you to chat with the chefs about the day’s specials. The kitchen serves a mix of international and traditional Kenyan fare including grilled meats, stews, and fresh local cheese. There’s a vegetable garden on site, which the chefs regularly use for their dishes. Tusker Bar stands near the main entrance, welcoming guests with refreshments after a day out on safari – or with a nightcap before turning in. On telling our butler, Yaiell, that I had a sore throat, he introduced me to the Kenyan Dawa, a hot drink with ginger, lemon, and honey, which was an absolute lifesaver. 

One of the highlights of our stay was the bush breakfast – a continental buffet served on a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the Sarapingo and its resident hippos and baboons. The team went all out to provide a Bloody Mary station, omelettes to order, and an array of delicious breakfast fare to enjoy in the outdoors.

The Little Extras

Early starts offer the best chance of seeing the big cats out on the prowl, and here they were made more pleasurable with wake-up calls from our house keeper Dancan who came bearing fresh coffee, tea, and biscuits.  A local Maasai tribe visit the camp several times a week to perform and share their music, dance, and culture with guests. We were invited to dance with the tribesmen , and also given the opportunity to purchase traditional souvenirs such as the traditional Maasai talking stick, jewellery, and homeware.

The To-Do List

There are two game drives a day, one in the morning and one in the evening, which will keep you busy. Depending on the time of year, you’ll see anything from the Big Five to the breathtaking wildebeest river crossings during the Great Migration. If you’d like to learn how to track animals and really get a boots-on-the-ground experience, bush walks with a trained guide are also available. 

When not on a game drive, unwind in the massage tent, see the Mara from new heights with a hot air balloon ride , or gallop through the savannah on a horseback safari. 

Rates start from USD 435 per person, per night.      

Address: Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya Tel: +27 11 809 4300 Instagram: @andbeyondkichwatembo

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What to Pack

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