Masai Mara is one of the best-known wildlife parks anywhere, and for the great migration and big cats there are few places to match it. While you are there, the range of places to stay lets you sit close to the wildlife without giving up comfort. They vary in price, but all of them put you in the middle of nature. Here are some of our picks of the best places to stay in the Mara.
Sarova Mara
Sarova Mara sits in the centre of the migration route used by gazelles, zebras and wildebeest, which graze the rolling plains and grasslands here, so game drives are rewarding. It lies in the middle of Masai Mara, about 260 kilometres from Nairobi, ringed by two streams with a large fish pond nearby.
The camp has a range of tents with plenty of amenities: 20 club tents, 51 standard tents and 2 family tents, along with a restaurant, a well-stocked bar and several bush-dining options. The swimming pool has its own pool bar. Activities include mini-golf, birdwatching, sport fishing, game drives and walking safaris.
Mara Bush Camp
For a quieter stay away from the busier parts of Masai Mara, head to the remote Mara Bush Camp. Though it is off the beaten track, it sits close to the main wildebeest crossing points, on the banks of the Olare Orok River.
The tents each have a veranda, a private bathroom with bathtub and shower, large beds, a clothes rack and a writing desk. The camp has a 24-hour front desk and a bar, and offers ironing, luggage storage and free parking. Its 12 tents are set well apart for privacy.
Mara Kempinski
Olare Mara Kempinski stands on the banks of the Ntiakitiak River in its own private conservancy, the Olare Orok Conservancy. It offers under-canvas camping drawn from Maasai culture, with the surrounding savannah rich in wildlife.
Its twelve tents are spacious and well equipped, and some have a private plunge pool. The lounge of the 120-square-metre tents is a good place to relax and take in the views of Masai Mara. Activities include game drives, guided walks, campfire cocktails, horse-riding and hot-air-balloon safaris, and much of the food is sourced from the camp’s own farm. The camp is popular with honeymooning couples for its privacy.
Mara Serena
Set at about 1,625 metres and looking out over a wide sweep of plains, Mara Serena is a fine vantage point to wake up to each morning. Its domed huts are inspired by the traditional Maasai manyatta, and it is the only lodge in the Mara Triangle, one of the richest wildlife areas in the reserve. You have a good chance of seeing the migration here, along with antelope, and predators such as lion, cheetah and leopard.
There are 74 guest rooms, each with a private balcony and modern amenities.
The camp runs game drives with expert guides, along with bush barbecues, evening cocktails and hot-air-balloon safaris. As one of the oldest camps in the region, drawing on Maasai culture, it also puts on traditional music and dance in the evenings.
Ilora Retreats
Near the Olkiombo Airstrip, Ilora Retreats is a boutique camp with 14 spacious tents that pair modern comforts with a wilderness setting. Each tent has en-suite facilities, a free-standing bathtub and a private veranda opening onto the savannah. It sits close to some of the most wildlife-rich parts of the Mara, including areas known for big cats and migration crossings.
The camp offers game drives, bush walks, stargazing, yoga and wellness treatments. Dining ranges from sky-deck meals to bush breakfasts and open-air dinners. Built on eco-friendly practices and community work, Ilora blends comfort, culture and conservation.
Zebra Plains Mara Camp
This small boutique tented camp sits in one of the best game-viewing areas of Masai Mara. From this spot the game drives offer good chances of seeing zebras, Thomson’s gazelles, wildebeest, giraffes, elephants, warthogs and topis.
The tents are comfortable, with private balconies, a desk, a fireplace, sofas and extra-long beds. Amenities include airport transfers, free Wi-Fi, breakfast and dining.
Entim Mara
Entim stands on the banks of the Mara River inside the reserve, with one of the river crossing points right in front of it, which makes for excellent game viewing. Photographers like it for the wide views and for a dedicated photographic tent fitted with computers and projectors.
With just ten tents, Entim feels exclusive, its décor in keeping with the surroundings. The tents include a small library, a lounge and a separate bar. The chefs cook home-style meals to guests’ tastes. Game drives are on offer, including a Big Five safari with experienced guides.
Cottar’s 1920s
Set beside the Great Migration — often called one of the natural wonders of the world — and with its own 7,608-acre private conservancy, this award-winning camp is run by the oldest established safari family in Africa. It keeps the feel of a traditional African safari with a touch of comfort. The private concession, bordering the Loliondo and Serengeti reserves, means good game viewing away from the crowds. The Cottars place a strong emphasis on conservation and community, and about 40 per cent of the staff are from the local Maasai community.
The canvas tents sleep up to 22 guests. Well spaced and furnished with 1920s antiques, they set the tone of the camp. Activities include four-wheel-drive safaris, bush walks, village walks and river swimming.
Sanctuary Olonana
Olonana, an award-winning tented camp, sits in the heart of Masai Mara with a fine view over the Mara River. It is reached by a 45-minute flight from Nairobi, and the migration passes about a 40-minute drive away, which you can reach in any of the camp’s 4x4s.
Olonana has 14 spacious tents, each with two four-poster beds, en-suite bathrooms and river-view balconies. Activities include nature walks, game drives, bush breakfasts, sundowners, cultural and school visits, a spa and hot-air-balloon safaris.
Mara Fairmont
The Fairmont Mara Safari Club sits at the foot of the Aitong Hills in the north-western corner of the reserve, overlooking the Mara River, so you can watch hippos and crocodiles from your veranda. Its 51 tents have modern amenities, along with a four-poster bed and minibar. The main lodge has a shop, a library and a dining room.
Activities include a champagne breakfast on the savannah, a walk along the nearby hippo trail, hot-air-balloon safaris over the plains, game drives in the reserve and traditional music in the evenings.
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