Overview
Mara North Conservancy (MNC) is one of the largest and most wildlife-rich conservancies bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Renowned for its low-density tourism, pristine landscapes, year-round game viewing (including the Great Migration), and strong community partnerships with Maasai landowners, Mara North offers a more private and ethical safari experience. The accommodation options here are designed for discerning travelers seeking authentic, immersive, and sustainable safaris.
1. Luxury Camps & Exclusive Safari Lodges
Superb service, gourmet dining, gorgeous locations, and top-tier guiding—ideal for honeymoons, special occasions, and those seeking the best.
- Offbeat Mara Camp: Intimate, classic tented camp in a wild setting, excellent guiding, family-owned, very private.
- Elephant Pepper Camp: Award-winning eco-camp, spacious luxury tents with private verandas, great food, conservation leader.
- Saruni Mara: Boutique lodge with themed cottages, Maasai wellness spa, unique Italian-Kenyan design, private conservancy access.
- Alex Walker’s Serian: Legendary guiding, exclusive-use vehicles, elegant riverside tents, authentic safari atmosphere.
- Karen Blixen Camp: Eco-luxury on the Mara River, superb wildlife viewing from camp, strong sustainability practices.
- Ngare Serian: Ultra-exclusive, set on a private section of the Mara River, bridge access, personal butler service.
- Kicheche Mara Camp: Classic luxury tented camp, lauded for guiding, walking safaris, and strong conservation credentials.
- Mara Plains Camp: One of Kenya’s most exclusive, Relais & Châteaux, lavish canvas suites, fine dining, private decks.
- Mara Nyika Camp: Set in a wooded valley, open-plan suites, great for migration and resident wildlife.
- Richard’s River Camp: Family-run, ultra-private, riverside luxury, custom experiences.
2. Classic Tented Camps & Boutique Eco-Lodges
A balance of comfort, character, and immersion—perfect for couples, small groups, or seasoned safari travelers.
- Royal Mara Safari Lodge: Spacious tented suites on raised mahogany decks, on the Mara River, hippos below.
- Mara Bush Camp Private Wing: Affordable luxury, great food, attentive service, prime location for game drives.
- Leopard Hill (Basecamp Explorer): Modern tented camp with retractable roof for stargazing, strong eco-focus.
- Karen Blixen Camp: (Classic section) Elegant but relaxed, eco-credentials, wildlife action on the doorstep.
- Mara North Camp: Authentic safari style, comfortable tents, personalized service, excellent guiding.
- Mara River Camp: Riverside, good value, strong wildlife presence.
- Speke’s Camp: Small, classic camp with a focus on bush walks and flexibility.
- Kicheche Mara Camp: (also luxury) Known for top guiding and photography safaris.
- Serian’s The Original: Rustic-chic, private game drives, close-up wildlife experiences.
- Sundowner Camp: Boutique feel, local ownership, strong community engagement.
3. Family-Friendly & Group Accommodations
Flexible family tents, connecting suites, child-friendly activities, and knowledgeable staff.
- Saruni Mara: Family villa, kid-focused activities, Maasai guides, walking safaris.
- Royal Mara Safari Lodge: Family suites, spacious decks, close to river wildlife.
- Karen Blixen Camp: Flexible tents, family-friendly cuisine, activities for kids.
- Mara Bush Camp Private Wing: Family tents, campfire evenings, kid-friendly.
- Kicheche Mara Camp: Group tents, guides with kids’ safari expertise.
- Elephant Pepper Camp: Family tents, kids’ activities, education programs.
- Offbeat Mara Camp: Intimate, great for multi-gen families.
- Speke’s Camp: Exclusive-use for groups, flexible safari planning.
- Ngare Serian: Exclusive for families or groups.
- Richard’s River Camp: Tailored for private family stays.
4. Eco-Friendly & Community Camps
Green design, local Maasai employment, strong conservation partnerships, and low-impact safaris.
- Elephant Pepper Camp: Eco-winner, solar, waste management, Maasai staff.
- Saruni Mara: Community programs, local guides, eco-friendly buildings.
- Kicheche Mara Camp: Gold-rated eco-camp, supports local schools.
- Karen Blixen Camp: Sustainable energy, reforestation, community work.
- Leopard Hill: Minimal footprint, innovative design, Basecamp Foundation projects.
- Speke’s Camp: Locally staffed, supports conservation, eco-friendly.
- Sundowner Camp: Community-owned, Maasai-run, profits for local projects.
5. Budget & Adventure Options
Mara North is primarily focused on low-impact, higher-end tourism; true budget options are limited. For travelers on a tighter budget, consider:
- Speke’s Camp: Among the most affordable in the conservancy, retains quality and charm.
- Sundowner Camp: Often priced lower than luxury camps, community focus.
- Group/Off-season rates: Some luxury camps offer discounts for groups or during low season (April–June, November).
- Alternative: Camps outside Mara North (Olpusimoru, Lemek, or adjacent group ranches): Guesthouses and budget safari tents available nearby with Mara North game drive access.
6. Private Villas, Exclusive-Use & Special Interest Stays
Perfect for families, groups, or those seeking total privacy.
- Ngare Serian: Book entire camp for private groups.
- Richard’s River Camp: Exclusive-use possible, custom safari planning.
- Saruni Mara Family Villa: Large families or private groups.
- Royal Mara Safari Lodge: Book multiple riverfront suites for private use.
- Karen Blixen Camp: Partial camp buyout options.
- Mara Plains Camp: All-suite, exclusive privacy, Relais & Châteaux experience.
- Offbeat Mara Camp: Full camp hire for special occasions.
Mara North Conservancy Accommodation Comparison Table
| Property/Category | Type/Style | Price Range (pppn) | Key Features | Family Friendly | Pool | Eco/Ethical | Private/Exclusive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Offbeat Mara Camp | Luxury Tented Camp | $500–$900 | Private, superb guiding, classic safari | Yes | No | Some | Yes |
| Elephant Pepper Camp | Eco-Luxury Tented | $600–$1100 | Award-winning eco, family tents | Yes | No | Yes | Partial |
| Saruni Mara | Boutique Lodge | $550–$900 | Spa, themed cottages, family villa | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Alex Walker’s Serian | Luxury Camp | $650–$1200 | Legendary guiding, exclusive-use | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Karen Blixen Camp | Eco-Luxury Tented | $450–$850 | Mara River, sustainability, great food | Yes | No | Yes | Partial |
| Ngare Serian | Ultra-Exclusive | $1000+ | Private river camp, bridge access | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Kicheche Mara Camp | Luxury/Classic Tented | $550–$1000 | Top guiding, eco-leader, photo safaris | Yes | No | Yes | Partial |
| Mara Plains Camp | Ultra-Luxury | $1200–$2500 | Relais & Châteaux, suites, all-incl. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mara Nyika Camp | Luxury Tented | $900–$1600 | Wooded valley, open suites, privacy | Yes | No | Some | Yes |
| Royal Mara Safari Lodge | Classic Lodge | $400–$750 | Riverfront suites, family rooms | Yes | No | Some | Yes |
| Speke’s Camp | Classic/Adventure | $350–$550 | Affordable, bush walks, flexible | Yes | No | Yes | Partial |
| Sundowner Camp | Community/Adventure | $300–$500 | Maasai-run, community, eco-friendly | Yes | No | Yes | Yes (small camp) |
*pppn = per person per night. Rates are estimates and vary by season, offers, and inclusions.