Overview
The Maasai Mara is Kenya’s flagship wildlife reserve, famed for its abundant game, the Great Migration, and sweeping savannah vistas. Accommodation in the Mara is just as diverse—ranging from ultra-luxury lodges and chic tented camps to authentic bush retreats, family-friendly resorts, rustic bandas, budget campsites, and true community experiences. Whether you seek opulent indulgence, classic safari style, or affordable adventure, you’ll find your perfect stay.
1. Ultra-Luxury Camps & Lodges
Experience the Mara’s most exclusive side—these elite properties offer breathtaking locations, private conservancies, world-class cuisine, designer tents or suites, pools, spas, and exceptional guiding. Expect best-in-class everything.
- Angama Mara (Oloololo Escarpment): Glass-fronted suites, cinematic views, bespoke service.
- Mahali Mzuri (Olare Motorogi): Sir Richard Branson’s camp, striking tents, infinity pool.
- Mara Plains Camp (Olare Motorogi): Sophisticated, eco-conscious, Big Five hotspot.
- Sand River Mara (Southeast Mara): 1920s-themed luxury, riverside wildlife.
- Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp (Mara North): Colonial charm, gourmet food, exclusive area.
- Olare Mara Kempinski (Olare Motorogi): Spacious private decks, signature service.
- Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp (Olderkesi): Vintage glamour, private concession, award-winning.
- Bateleur Camp by &Beyond (Kichwa Tembo): Forest-edge luxury, butler service.
- Sanctuary Olonana (Mara River): Contemporary suites, riverside spa.
- Mara Nyika Camp (Naboisho): Intimate, treehouse tents, expert guiding.
2. High-End Tented Camps & Lodges
Luxury without excess—these camps blend comfort, superb guiding, and strategic locations (often in conservancies) at a slightly lower price point.
- Mara Ngenche Safari Camp: Romantic riverfront tents, plunge pools.
- Mara Explorer Camp: Boutique style, guided walks.
- Governors’ Camp: Historic, hippo-filled river, iconic safaris.
- Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp: Mara Triangle views, lush grounds.
- Enkewa Camp: Eco-conscious, owner-run, great for photographers.
- Sala’s Camp: Migration front-row, family suites.
- Rekero Camp: Authentic hospitality, crossing views.
- Naibor Camp: Designer tents, creative cuisine.
- Karen Blixen Camp: Riverside Danish hospitality.
- Entim Camp: Prime migration location, understated luxury.
3. Mid-Range Tented Camps
Classic safari comfort, authentic bush atmosphere, and strong guiding at an excellent value—often set on the reserve boundary or in community conservancies.
- Mara Intrepids Camp: Family focus, kids’ club, river views.
- Tipilikwani Mara Camp: Spacious tents, pool, cultural visits.
- Ashnil Mara Camp: Well-placed for migration, roomy tents.
- Ilkeliani Camp: Eco-friendly, scenic river setting.
- Basecamp Explorer: Sustainable ethos, tree-planting, Maasai engagement.
- Sekenani Camp: All-weather tents, forested setting.
- Mara Eden Safari Camp: Secluded, migration views.
- Fig Tree Camp: Family-friendly, balloon safaris.
- Zebra Plains Mara Camp: Affordable luxury, wildlife-rich.
- AA Lodge Maasai Mara: Comfortable tents/chalets, pool, great value.
4. Affordable Camps & Safari Lodges
Safe, budget-friendly options for a true Mara adventure. These camps offer comfortable tents or bandas, friendly local service, and excellent access to the park.
- Kambu Mara Camp (Sekenani): Authentic budget tented camp close to Sekenani Gate, hot showers, chef-prepared meals, bush walks, family tents, and a relaxed atmosphere. Great value for travelers wanting the real Mara without breaking the bank.
- Mara Chui Resort: Simple comfort, Maasai cultural experiences.
- Enchoro Wildlife Camp: Budget tents, guided tours, group-friendly.
- Mara Sopa Lodge: Big lodge, pool, expansive views.
- Mara Springs Safari Camp: Family focus, near gate.
- Ol Moran Tented Camp: Spacious, family-friendly, affordable.
- Jambo Mara Safari Lodge: Modern rooms, restaurant, great value.
- Miti Mingi Eco Camp: True budget, cozy tents, warm hospitality.
- Rhino Tourist Camp: Basic, reliable, all meals included.
- Mara Sidai Camp: En suite tents, communal dining, good value.
- Lenchada Tourist Camp: Simple, adventurous, good staff.
5. Family-Friendly & Group Accommodations
Perfect for families and larger groups—these camps have bigger tents or chalets, kid-friendly menus, play areas, and flexible activities.
- Keekorok Lodge: Oldest lodge, pool, hippo pool, kids’ activities.
- Mara Serena Safari Lodge: Iconic setting, infinity pool, family suites.
- Sarova Mara Game Camp: Large pool, playground, Maasai visits.
- Sentrim Mara Camp: Affordable, family rooms, pool.
- Simba Oryx Camp: Spacious tents for families.
- Nyota Mara Lodge: Big group chalets, friendly.
- Olare Mara Kempinski: Family tents, butler service.
- Ashnil Mara Camp: Family tents, kid activities.
- Governors’ Camp: Family tents, kids’ meals.
- Mara River Camp: Family rooms, riverside, pool.
6. Authentic Maasai-Run & Community Camps
For those who want immersive cultural experiences and want to support local communities—these camps offer genuine Maasai hospitality.
- Kicheche Mara Camp: Community-owned, top guides.
- Mara Naboisho Conservancy Camps: Community profit-sharing.
- Mara Olodare Camp: Small, Maasai-owned, authentic food.
- Ngiluni Maasai Village Camp: Village stays, cultural visits.
- Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Camp: Hands-on Maasai experiences.
- Oldarpoi Mara Camp: Eco-friendly, Maasai guides.
- Leleshwa Camp: Boutique, Maasai hosts, walking safaris.
- Talek Bush Camp: Community-run, immersive stays.
- Loita Hills Basecamp: Links Mara with Maasai traditions.
7. Self-Catering, Bandas & Public Campsites
For independent, budget-conscious travelers—bring your own gear, cook your own meals, and enjoy the wild Mara atmosphere.
- Mara River Public Campsite: Simple, bring your own gear.
- Oloololo Gate Campsite: Near migration crossings.
- Oloolaimutia Campsite: Basic, near gate.
- Iseiya Campsite: Inside Mara Triangle.
- Sekenani Campground: Just outside Sekenani Gate.
- Sand River Campsite: Adventure, prime setting.
- Ol Kinyei Adventure Camp: Hosted by Porini, affordable.
- Mara Sidai Public Campsite: Simple, social.
- Talek River Campsite: Good for self-drivers.
- Private Campsites: Bookable through lodges for exclusivity.
8. Eco-Lodges & Sustainable Camps
Prioritizing sustainability, these camps use solar power, conserve water, reduce plastic, and support local communities.
- Basecamp Explorer: Eco-award winner, reforestation.
- Encounter Mara: Solar, compost toilets, local staff.
- Porini Mara Camp: Conservancy pioneers, solar energy.
- Mara Bush Camp: Green operations, plastic-free.
- Ilkeliani Camp: Eco-certified, local support.
- Karen Blixen Camp: Solar, water management.
- Mara Plains Camp: Low impact, no permanent structures.
- Rekero Camp: Low-impact, supports conservation.
- Leleshwa Camp: Solar, local guides.
- Tangulia Mara Camp: Maasai-owned, sustainable tourism.
Comparison Table: Maasai Mara Accommodation Categories
| Category | Example Camps/Lodges | Style/Experience | Price Range (pppn) | Ideal For | Pool | Child Friendly | Conservancy Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra-Luxury | Angama Mara, Mahali Mzuri, Cottar’s, Mara Plains | Exclusive, private, top-tier | $1000–$2500+ | Honeymooners, VIPs | Yes | Yes | Yes/Private | Private guides, gourmet cuisine |
| High-End Tented | Governors’, Mara Ngenche, Rekero, Kichwa Tembo | Luxury, great value | $600–$1000 | Couples, families | Yes | Yes | Some | Often river/lake frontage |
| Mid-Range Tented | Mara Intrepids, Ilkeliani, Basecamp, Tipilikwani | Classic, comfortable, scenic | $300–$600 | Families, groups | Yes | Yes | Some | Great guiding, excellent locations |
| Affordable/Budget | Kambu Mara Camp, Enchoro, Ol Moran, Mara Chui | Budget-friendly, safe, basic | $80–$250 | Solo, students, overlanders | No | Yes | No | Reliable tents, communal meals |
| Family/Group | Keekorok, Serena, Sopa, Sarova, Simba Oryx | Spacious, kid-friendly | $250–$700 | Families, groups | Yes | Yes | Some | Kids’ clubs, family activities |
| Maasai/Community | Kicheche, Oldarpoi, Ngiluni, Maji Moto | Cultural, immersive | $150–$500 | Culture seekers | No | Yes | Yes | Genuine Maasai-run, authentic |
| Self-Catering/Camping | Mara River, Sekenani, Oloololo, Ol Kinyei | BYO food/gear, wild | $20–$60 | Adventurers, self-drivers | No | Self | No | Basic facilities, book via KWS/local |
| Eco-Lodges | Basecamp, Porini, Encounter Mara, Bush Camp | Green, sustainable, ethical | $350–$900 | Eco travelers | Some | Yes | Yes | Award-winning sustainability |
*pppn = per person per night. Prices are estimates and may vary by season.
Whether you want luxury and privacy, a family adventure, a real bush camp experience, or budget-friendly authenticity with Kambu Mara Camp—Maasai Mara’s accommodation scene has you covered. Book ahead for peak migration months and don’t hesitate to ask for tailored advice to match your style and budget!