Famous around the world for its exceptional, abundant wildlife, the Maasai Mara National Reserve has become known as the Seventh Wonder of the World. Not only are all the members of safari’s Big Five found here, but over 100 other mammal species and over 450 bird species live within the reserve.
The Maasai Mara was designated a National Reserve in 1974 and is under the authority of Narok County Council to whom park fees are paid. The Maasai Mara is part of the greater Serengeti-Mara ecosystem whose area of about 8,000km² is home to the largest terrestrial conglomeration of wildlife in the world, conservatively estimated at over 6 million animals.
The park gates are at Talek, Sekenani, Ololaimutiek, Sand River, Musiara, Oloololo and Mara Bridge. Scheduled flights from destinations in Kenya land at Musiara, Mara North, Mara Serena, Ol Kiombo, Kichwa Tembo, Ngerende, Siana and Keekorok. There are also a number of private airstrips where charter flights can land. The Mara River, the Talak River and the Sand River, with their various tributaries, springs and hippo pools, traverse the region.
Surrounding the reserve are conservancies and group ranches that provide a buffer zone for the reserve’s wildlife. The major conservancies are Olare Orok, Ol Kinyei, Mara North, Maji Moto Olarro, Naboisho and Ol Chorro Oirouwa; privately managed, they collect their own park fees and initiate their own conservation and community development projects. The Mara Triangle, to the west of the reserve, is managed by the Mara Conservancy, a private, non-profit organisation.
The Maasai Mara takes its name from the Maasai people, a nomadic, Nilotic people famed for their prowess as warriors. Cattle represent wealth to the Maasai, and are used not only for food but also for dowries, fines and sacrifices. During their lives, the Maasai pass through a series of rites of passage, ceremonies and celebrations that take them from initiation through the levels of warriors to the highly respected position of elder.
Mara means mottled in the language of the Maasai, a reference to the savannah plains speckled with riverine forests, mountain ridges and natural springs. It is this naturally varied ecosystem, dotted with distinctive ecotones, that provides the diversity of food types needed to support the proliferation of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, plants and insects found here.
The Maasai Mara is perhaps best known for Africa’s most spectacular wildlife event, the Great Migration. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, together with zebra, Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelle, impala, eland, topi and nomadic carnivores, flood north into the Mara in June, July and August, then sweep back into the Serengeti in September and October. The frenzied attacks of lions on the plains and of crocodiles in the rivers are gifts to photographers.
Game drives are the most popular activity in the reserve. Balloon safaris can be arranged at specific sites; most camps and lodges will assist with booking these. Game walks are not permitted in the reserve, but are on offer in the surrounding conservancies and group ranches. It is also possible to visit Maasai villages outside the reserve, to gain an insight into the culture and traditions of the local people.
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Matira Bush Camp is located in the heart of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, near the junction of the Mara and Talek Rivers. This friendly camp, in a copse on an attractive stream dotted with waterlilies, is an authentic bush camp. A blend of Maasai hospitality and international management, the ...
In the heart of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, on the banks of the Mara River, stands Entim Camp. The camp offers friendly staff, luxury accommodation and prime location. During the famous Great Migration, guests at the camp might catch one of the famed wildebeest crossings from their private veranda. ...
Olerai Conservancy is a 5,000-acre conservancy bordering the famous Maasai Mara National Reserve. The conservancy is a migration corridor and has high numbers of game. The conservancy was established in collaboration with the local Maasai landowners to the benefit of the community, their domestic animals and the wildlife. Lerai Safari ...
lkeliani is the name given to young Maasai warriors before they become Il Moran. To the Maasai, warriors represent strength, courage, wisdom and comradeship. Ilkeliani camp was extensively refurbished, and reopened in 2021. The 8 en-suite spacious tented suites are raised on wooden platforms overlooking the Talek River; 2 share a living room ...
Nyika means Large Plains or Great Plains – a fitting name for this sister camp to Mara Plains Camp, operated by Great Plains Conservation. Mara Nyika was established in 2019, and offers luxury and indulgence. The camp is located in the exclusive Naboisho Conservancy bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The 4 Dereck ...
Tucked into a forest near a bend in the Olarro Orok River, Mara Legends Camp blends naturally into its environment. The 12 en-suite tents all have a writing desk, lamps, rugs, and heavy wooden bedside tables and chests. They are adorned with traditional red Maasai fabrics and local artefacts. The double ...
Speke’s Camp is a traditional safari camp on the eastern edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The camp is surrounded by indigenous trees near the banks of the Olare Orok River. The 10 en-suite tents are decorated in traditional safari style with wooden chests, writing tables, safari chairs and ...
Naibor Wilderness is an exclusive bush camp near Naibor main camp. The camp offers privacy, lovely views and a safari camping experience. The camp is strategically placed to view game all year round, and particularly during the wildebeest migration. The 3 double or twin tents have en-suite bathrooms with flush loos ...
In the Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Ol Kinyei Adventure Camp gives access to this private conservancy in a simple camp. Ol Kinyei Conservancy is an exclusive wildlife reserve on the border of the Maasai Mara National Reserve with savannah plains, riverine forest and fresh springs. The conservancy belongs to a Maasai ...
Situated on the banks of the Talek River, Tipilikwani Camp overlooks the Maasai Mara National Reserve. There are 20 en-suite tents, adorned with Maasai colours and fabrics, with veranda and dressing area; 6 tents have a king size double bed and 14 have queen size twin beds. Two adjoining tents share a veranda ...
Basecamp Wilderness is an eco-friendly camp in Naboisho Conservancy bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The camp is owned and managed by Basecamp, a luxury eco-friendly camp near Talek Gate. Basecamp Foundation supports and cooperates with local communities, as well as developing and promoting Basecamp’s sustainable tourism concept. The 5 ...
The newest in the Basecamp portfolio, Basecamp Leopard Hill is in the Naboisho Conservancy bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Basecamp Leopard Hill is owned and managed by Basecamp, a luxury eco-friendly camp near Talek Gate. Basecamp Foundation supports and cooperates with local communities, as well as developing and promoting ...
High on the Siria Escarpment, Mara Siria is a traditional safari camp with wonderful views over the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The 14 en-suite tents and cottages comprise 8 luxury tents, 2 deluxe tents, 2 Maasai style cottages, and 2 twin tents. The luxury tents and twin tents are fully tented; the luxury tents are ...
Berthold Kempinski, of Poland, established the Kempinski Group in Geneva in 1897; it now has a collection of 76 5-star hotels in 31 countries. Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group is known for establishing hotels around the world in historic buildings and with avant-garde architecture. In 2013, the Kempinski Group opened Olare Mara Kempinski ...
Nestled in the crook of the river, Mara Expeditions enjoys views of both savannah and forest. The camp is designed in the style of traditional romantic safari camps, with impressive attention to detail. The 5 en-suite tents are raised on decks, and all have dressing rooms, verandas and bathrooms with brass ...
In the stunning Naboisho Conservancy bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Encounter Mara is a luxurious tented camp beneath a canopy of acacia trees with views of the savannah. The camp has been built with keen adherence to eco-friendly principles for which it has been awarded Ecotourism Kenya’s prestigious ...
Porini Cheetah Camp is one of only two permanent camps in the exclusive wildlife conservancy of Ol Kinyei. This beautiful wilderness area, exclusive to Porini Camps, has savannah plains, riverine forest and fresh springs. The 6 en-suite tents are near the Olare Lemunyi watercourse that attracts plentiful game. The tents are ...
In the Siana Conservancy bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Spirit of the Masai Mara sits in its own private valley overlooking a waterhole and salt lick that attract numerous animals and birds. The 10 en-suite suites have glass fronts to maximise the views. All suites have lounge with bar, spacious ...
Meaning ‘beautiful place’ in Swahili, Mahali Mzuri is a strikingly original camp in the stunning Olare Motorogi Conservancy adjoining the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Sir Richard Branson’s luxury tented camp, part of the Virgin Limited Edition collection of camps, opened in 2013 and has been voted ‘Favourite Safari Camp’ by ...
Angama, meaning ‘suspended in mid-air’, is an apt name for this lodge that sits high on the escarpment with sweeping views across the Maasai Mara. Angama Mara opened in 2015 and has already won numerous prestigious awards. There are 2 groups of 15 spacious tented suites, 4 pairs of which are interconnecting and suitable ...
An authentic mobile camp, Porini Bush Camp is a seasonal camp that operates only during the months that the famous wildebeest migration passes through Kenya. The camp is located in Ol Kinyei Conservancy on the border of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, an award-winning conservancy of 18,700 acres that is home ...
Located in a secluded valley in the north of Mara North Conservancy, Acacia House overlooks Ol Chorro waterhole. The house is a fully staffed private house from which guests can watch an array of wildlife and birdlife at close range. There are 2 spacious en-suite bedrooms, and an attic bedroom suitable ...
Set in Mara North Conservancy bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Saruni is a deluxe, design lodge. Based on a close partnership with the local community and built to ecological standards, Saruni entwines old traditions of classic safaris with modern technology. The 6 uniquely styled cottages are furnished with colonial antiques, ...
Named after the Dorobo people of this area, Basecamp Dorobo Mobile Camp is entirely mobile. The camp is owned and managed by Basecamp, a luxury eco-friendly camp near Talek Gate. Basecamp Foundation supports and cooperates with local communities, as well as developing and promoting Basecamp’s sustainable tourism concept. Basecamp ...
Established in 2011, Naboisho Camp is a small and exclusive tented camp. The camp is situated in Naboisho Conservancy, a community-driven initiative created in 2010. The conservancy is a wildlife conservation and tourism area that supports the livelihoods of the surrounding communities; the camp provides access to this fresh region with plentiful ...
Kicheche Valley Camp is a founding tourist partner in Naboisho Conservancy which was established in 2010. Naboisho, meaning coming together in the language of the Maasai, is a community-driven initiative. The conservancy, dedicated to empowering local communities, supporting a healthy ecosystem and promoting wildlife conservation, has opened up a striking new ...
Mara Plains Camp is in Olare Orok Conservancy, a 20,000-acre initiative created with the aim of developing a sustainable future for both local Maasai and the wildlife. Established in 2008, the camp has been designed to have as little impact as possible on the environment while still providing a luxury safari ...
Topi House is a private house located between the the Olare Orok Conservancy and the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The house, set amongst acacia trees, has views of the conservancy and the reserve. The area has rolling hills with attractive viewpoints, which make lovely spots for bush picnics and sundowners. ...
A classic tented camp, Kicheche Bush Camp offers a luxury experience with an intimate atmosphere. The camp is located in the Olare Orok Conservancy bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Through strict limit on bed numbers, the Olare Orok Conservancy offers quality game viewing without crowds. There are 6 en-suite tents, ...
On the slopes of the Ololaimutiek Hills, Masai Mara Sopa Lodge has sweeping views across the eastern edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The lodge is designed in the style of the Maasai; its guest rooms and public areas are traditional round buildings with thatched roofs. There are 88 en-suite ...
Elangata Olerai Luxury Camp was established in 2011. The camp is an intimate tented camp just outside the Maasai Mara National Reserve. There are 10 en-suite tents. All tents are designed with African wood in Swahili style. A paved walkway links the tents, 5 of which have 2 double beds and 5 of which have ...
Set in Olderkesi Conservancy southeast of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Instinct of the Mara offers an exclusive game viewing experience. Over 100 species of mammals and over 400 species of birds have been recorded here, many only a short distance from the camp. The camp was previously called Impiripiri Camp, Muthaiga ...
Cottars 1920s Camp is located between the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the Tanzania border. The camp is surrounded by forested hills. There are 10 en-suite tents, made up of 6 standard and 4 family tents. All tents have mosquito net, chair, table, cupboard, luggage rack and veranda with a view of the ...
At the convergence of the Sand River and the Keekorok River, Sala’s Camp looks directly into the Serengeti of northern Tanzania. The camp nestles in indigenous forest, and has views of the northern route, which millions of wildebeest take during the annual migration. There are 7 luxury en-suite tents, the ...
Keekorok was constructed in 1962 on an 80-acre site in an area of permanent springs and lush grassland. One of the first lodges to be built in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Keekorok is located in the centre of this famous reserve. The lodge has 89 double rooms, 8 superior rooms and 4 suites, ...
Sarova Mara Game Camp is 5 minutes’ drive from Sekenani Gate in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Set in landscaped gardens of exotic trees and indigenous shrubs, the camp is surrounded by a 24hr electric fence. The camp has 53 en-suite standard tents with permanent roof and bathroom and canvas front, 2 family ...
Basecamp is a luxury, eco-friendly camp that aims to have negative impact on the environment. Basecamp Foundation supports and cooperates with local communities, as well as developing and promoting Basecamp’s sustainable tourism concept. The camp has 12 en-suite tents, including 1 family tent. The spacious tents are furnished with heavy wooden ...
On a forested curve of the Talek River, Mara Explorer has sweeping views along the riverbanks. This central location in the Maasai Mara National Reserve is rich in wildlife, not only during the annual migration but all year round. The 10 luxury en-suite tents, 7 doubles and 3 twins, look out on the ...
In a riverine forest on the banks of the seasonal Olare Orok River, Mara Bush Camp is tucked discreetly into the heart of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. This eco-friendly camp has no permanent structures, and remains small and simple for private, authentic safaris. It is seasonal, and opens mid-December ...
Rekero nestles in riverine forest on the banks of the Talek River. This seasonal eco-camp was established by 2 families. The Beaton family came to Kenya in 1889, and was involved in the suppression of the slave trade and the establishment of protected national parks. The Looseyia family lived here for generations, ...
Tucked into a grove of riverine woodland on the banks of the Talek River, Naibor is a luxury tented camp in a contemporary style. The camp is strategically placed to view game all year round, and particularly during the wildebeest migration. There are 7 en-suite tents, constructed of pale canvas and ...
At the confluence of the Mara River and the Talek River, Mara Ngenche is an intimate, exclusive tented camp. The camp combines luxury and elegance with true bush experience, and is unfenced to allow the free movement of animals. There are 6 spacious en-suite tents. Each tent is decorated with modern ...
On the banks of the Mara River in the northwest of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Governors’ Camp looks straight across the plains. This location, where lush riverine forest meets the open plains, attracts a wide variety of game. Created in 1972, the camp has become known for comfort, service and ...
On the banks of the Mara River, Governors’ Il Moran Camp recreates the atmosphere of the original hunting camps. Tucked into a copse of ancient trees, this exclusive camp is home to a wide variety of butterflies and birds. Nightly visits from elephants and other animals are common. The 10 en-suite ...
Kichwa Tembo, meaning head of the elephant in Kiswahili, lies between the Oloololo Escarpment and the Sabaringo River, on a private concession northwest of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The camp is set where riverine forest meets the sweeping plains of the Mara, near where the famous final scene of ...
Mpata Safari Club is named after the famed Tanzania artist, SG Mpata, and designed by Edward Suzuki, a leading architect in Japan. Set high on Oloololo Escarpment, the club has panoramic views across the Mara plains. There are 23 cottages, made up of 12 deluxe units and 11 suites, all positioned to maximise ...
On the banks of the Mara River, Mara Enkipai Safari Camp is a traditional safari camp. The camp is family owned and managed, and is committed to sustainable ecotourism. There are 8 en-suite tents. All tents have handcrafted furniture created from local materials, and their bathrooms have safari showers. Electricity is ...
Set in a secluded valley in the Mara North Conservancy, Serian fulfils the meaning of its name: peaceful. This traditional bush camp, overlooking the Mara River and the Oloololo Escarpment, combines luxury with comfort. There are 8 chic en-suite marquees, each decorated in the style of safaris of a bygone era, ...
Royal Mara Safari Lodge sits on the banks of the Mara River in Mara North Conservancy. The lodge blends the appearance of a classic tented camp with the facilities of a lodge. The 8 en-suite tents stand on raised mahogany platforms with private verandas overlooking the river. They are furnished with ...
Named after the Warburgia Ugandensis, commonly known as the Elephant Pepper Tree, this elegant bush camp maintains the atmosphere of the traditional mobile luxury safari. Nestled in a grove of Ebony and Elephant Pepper trees, the camp is situated in Mara North Conservancy. It looks out over the Mara plains ...
Situated in Mara North Conservancy, Offbeat Mara Camp is a small, tented camp on the Olare Orok River. The camp is one of the founding members of Mara North Conservancy, a prime wildlife viewing area bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The camp practises sustainable tourism and is a member ...
Perched on a ridge amongst indigenous euclea and croton bushes, Eagle View gives stunning views over the plains of the Naboisho Conservancy. Eagle View was extensively refurbished in 2013, and is owned and managed by Basecamp, a luxury eco-friendly camp near Talek Gate. Basecamp Foundation cooperates with local communities, sponsors community ...
Mara Porini Camp is one of only two camps, both managed by Porini, located in the exclusive wildlife conservancy of Ol Kinyei. This beautiful wilderness area has savannah plains, riverine forest and fresh springs. The conservancy belongs to a Maasai community that recently allocated the area a sanctuary for wildlife, ...
Nestling in the contours of an ancient hillside, Olarro is exclusive, intimate and stylish. The lodge is on a large group ranch, formed in order to secure an intrinsic part of the greater Maasai Mara for wildlife habitat. It aims to preserve the environment and wildlife and strengthen the traditional ...
In the unspoiled Naboisho Conservancy, Ol Seki Hemingways Mara is well positioned to see prolific game. There are 6 en-suite tents and 2 suites. The tents are uniquely rounded, and each has 6 opening panels giving panoramic views. Each tent is completely hidden from the others, and furnished in traditional safari style. The ...
Leleshwa Camp is an intimate tented camp situated on the Siana Conservancy on the northeastern edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Resting along a stream, overlooking picturesque hills and rolling plains dotted with resident game, Leleshwa Camp is a peaceful haven. The 6 en-suite tents have private verandas with striking ...
Mara Bushtops Camp is perched on a hillside, with spectacular views into the valley. The camp is located in Siana Conservancy, which borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve. There are 12 en-suite tents. The tents have been designed in modern African style, with wooden decks and sunken hot tubs from which ...
Oldarpoi Mara Community Camp is owned and managed by the local Maasai community. It aims to bring transformational development, both socially and economically, to local Maasai communities, turning them into self-reliant and self-sustaining communities through profitable ecotourism activities. The camp is located 4km from Sekenani Gate just outside the Maasai ...
In the style of classic safaris, Bateleur Camp blends adventurous game viewing with the ambience of the Kenyan explorers of the ’20s and ’30s. The glamour of vintage Africa is evoked by hardwood floors, polished silver and sparkling crystal overlooking the game-studded plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The 18 ...