Top hotels in Masai Mara

Masai Mara is the most famous wildlife park on this planet, for the great migration and big cats there is no better place. As you enjoy the wildlife, you can also pamper yourself by choosing an unique place to spend your holiday, as there are some out of the world places to stay available in the Mara. While varying in budget, all these stays pamper you and let you be one with nature, while enjoying all the worldly comforts. Sample out picks of the best places to stay in Mara.

 

Sarova Mara

The Sarova Mara camp is situated in the center of the migration path of various animal species like gazelles, zebras, and wildebeest. The rolling plains and lush grasslands are teeming with these animals who prefer these regions for grazing. So, game viewing drives and wildlife safaris are a delight. Located in the center of Masai Mara, the camp is about 260 kilometers from Nairobi. The camp is surrounded by two streams and there’s a large fish pond nearby.

Accommodation wise, there are a variety of tents equipped with lots of amenities. There are 20 club tents, 51 standard tents, 2 family tents, a restaurant, a well-stocked bar, and many bush dining options. The swimming pool has its own pool bar. It also offers a wide range of activities like mini-golf, birdwatching, sport fishing, safari drive, walking safaris, etc.

 

Mara Bush Camp

For a truly private experience, away from the hubbub of Masai Mara, head over to the remote but luxurious Mara Bush Camp. Although it’s located off the beaten track, the camp is in proximity to all the major crossing positions of the wildebeest migration. On the banks of Olare Orok River and in the laps of nature, this camp provides a truly romantic experience unlike any other.

The luxury tents have their own veranda, private bathroom with bathtub and shower, large comfortable beds, clothes rack, and writing desk. The camp has a 24-hour front desk and a bar. It also provides other services like ironing service, luggage storage, and free parking. The 12 tents in this camp are placed far from each other to provide you with the ultimate exclusivity.

 

Mara Kempinski

Olare Mara Kempinski is situated on the banks of river Ntiakitiak, in its private conservancy- the Olare Orok Conservancy. The camp offers an amazing under-the-canvas camping experience that blends the simplicity and vibrancy of the Masai culture. The rolling savannahs near this camp play host to diverse wildlife in the region.

The twelve tents of Mara Kempinski are luxurious and spacious and are equipped with all the modern amenities. Some tents have their private plunge pool. The lounge area of the 120 sq m. tents is the perfect place to unwind, relax, and take in the views of Masai Mara. The camp organizes various activities like game drives, guided walks, campfire cocktails, horse-riding, and hot air balloon safaris. The camp offers lots of dining options, a lot of the food served is sourced from the camp’s farm. This luxurious camp is relished by honeymooning couples, as it offers a truly private experience.

 

Mara Serena

Situated at a height of 1625 meters and overlooking 1800 kilometers square of rolling plains, the Mara Serena camp is a perfect vantage point from which you can wake up every morning and look at the breath-taking views. The domed huts in this camp are inspired by the traditional Masai Manyatta village. Mara Serena is the only lodge in Mara Triangle, one of the world’s richest wildlife sanctuaries. You can get an amazing view of The Great Migration, and spot other animals like antelopes, deer, and predators like lion, cheetah, and leopard.

There are 74 guest rooms in the lodge, each with a private balcony and all the modern amenities.

The camp offers exceptional game drives, accompanied by experts. Other activities include bush barbeques, evening cocktail parties, and hot air balloon safaris. Being one of the oldest camps in the region and inspired by the traditional Masai culture, the camp also organizes traditional Masai music and dance in the evenings.

 

Olgatuni Camp

Olgatuni is the Masai word for Lion, and the camp is situated in the heart of Masai Mara where two Lion prides reside. The camp is also in proximity to two Cheetah families and one elusive Leopard Bahati. The camp is run by Masai locals and provides the ultimate authentic Masai experience. While the tents are built around the rustic Mara experience, they don’t lack in amenities and luxury. Plush beds, fresh towels, private bathrooms, private patios, and laundry facilities are just some of the features of these tents.

It has one of the best locations to enjoy the great migration and big cat safaris. You can also engage in interactions with the local Maasais at this camp, and evenings are spent on bonfire and Maasai dances. 

 

Zebra Plains Mara Camp

This is a small and exclusive boutique tented camp located in one of the best game viewing areas of Masai Mara. Situated in such a prime location, the game drives offered by this camp are an excellent opportunity to spot animals like zebras, Thomson Gazelles, Wildebeest, Giraffes, Elephants, Warthogs, and Topis.

The camp offers cozy tented accommodations that have private balconies, desk, fireplace, sofas, and extra-long beds. Various amenities like airport transfers, free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and dining are also available.

 

Entim Mara

Entim is located on the banks of Mara River inside the Mara Game Reserve. One of the river crossing points is right in front of this camp, providing unparalleled game-viewing opportunities. Photographers especially enjoy this location for the panoramic views and the presence of a separate photographic tent equipped with computers and projectors.

With just ten tents spread across its area, Entim offers an exclusive experience furnished with a décor that complements the camp’s environment. The tent includes a small library and a cozy lounge to relax, and a separate bar area to unwind. The chefs are more than happy to cater to the guests’ requirements and offer delicious home-cooked meals. Exciting game drives are organized, and they also include a “Big-5” safari, where experienced guides accompany you to the ultimate wildlife-viewing experience.

 

Cottars 1920

Situated just one kilometer from the “seventh” natural wonder of the world and with its own 7608-acre private conservancy, this award-winning camp is managed by the oldest established safari family in Africa. With a touch of luxury, the camp retains the spirit and essence of the traditional African safari. The area guarantees privacy and numerous game-viewing opportunities in the exclusive concession bordering the Loliondo and Serengeti reserves. The Cottars place huge importance on conservancy and community; as a result, 40% of the employees here are from the Masai Community.

The well equipped and luxurious canvas tents can accommodate 22 guests. These elegant and well-spaced tents are filled with 1920’s antiques. The camp organizes four-wheel-drive safaris, bush walks, village walks, and river swimming.

 

Sanctuary Olonana

The Olonana camp, an award-winning tented safari camp, is situated in the heart of Masai Mara. The camp commands an imposing view over the beautiful Mara river. The campsite is accessible by a 45-minute flight from Nairobi. The Great Wildebeest Migration happens just a 40-minute ride away, that you can take on any of the camp’s many 4×4 vehicles.

Olonana camp has 14 spacious tents, each with two double four-poster beds, ensuite bathrooms, and river-view balconies. The camp organizes numerous activities like nature walks, game drives, bush breakfast, sundowners, cultural visits, school visits, spa, and hot air balloon safaris.

 

Mara Fairmont

The Fairmont Mara Safari Club is situated on the foot of Aitong Hills in the north-western corner of Masai Mara Game Reserve. The camp overlooks the great Mara River, so you can spot hippos and crocodiles right from your private veranda. The 51 luxury tents in this camp are all equipped with modern amenities, apart from a huge four-poster bed and minibar. The main lodge has a retain shop, library, and a beautiful dining room.

The camp offers a wide range of activities like champagne breakfast on the savannah, stroll along the nearby hippo trail, hot air balloon safaris over the Mara plains, safari to Masai Mara Game Reserve, and traditional music shows during the evenings.

 

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