Where to stay in Maasai Mara National Reserve : One of Africa’s most well-known and significant wilderness and wildlife conservation regions, the Masai Mara is celebrated for its remarkable big five animals: the African lion, African leopard, cheetah, and African bush elephant populations. As one of the Ten Wonders of the World and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, it is also the site of the Great Migration. Koiyaki, Lemek, Ol Chorro Oirowua, Mara North, Olkinyei, Siana, Maji Moto, Naikara, Ol Derkesi, Kerinkani, Oloirien, and Kimintet are among the Maasai mara Conservancies that are part of the Greater Mara ecosystem, along with the Mara Triangle and the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
In 1961, the region was expanded eastward to 1,821 km² (703 sq mi) and turned as a game reserve. At this point, the reserve was managed by the Narok County Council (NCC). The remaining 159 km² (61 sq mi) of the reserve was given back to local communities after a portion of it was designated a National Reserve in 1974. The park was decreased to 1,510 km² (580 sq mi) in 1984 after an additional 162 km² (63 sq mi) were taken out of the reserve in 1976.
The Landscape
The grassland savannah that makes up the majority of the Masai Mara’s landscape is broken up by rocky hills, riparian forests, and acacia woodland. The Masai term “Mara,” which means spotted, describes these dots in the terrain.
Where to stay at Maasai Mara National Reserve
When most people think about an African safari, they think about the Maasai Mara Reserve. Its profusion of species, including a remarkably high concentration of predators, and the boundless plains dotted with acacia that extend far into the horizon are what make it Africa’s most famous park. There is no lack of luxury in the lodges, where all of your needs will be met, and the sunsets are breathtaking nearly every day. However, the park’s high volume of visitors is a disadvantage.
The Maasai Mara and the conservancies that surround it provide a variety of lodging options, most of which are opulent and include everything from permanent lodges to tented and mobile camps. Because there are fewer cars in the conservancies that encircle the Maasai Mara, animal watching is more private. Choose where you want to go depending on the reserve before deciding which property to stay at. Due to their close proximity to Nairobi, the main reserve’s central and eastern portions often receive the highest volume of visitors. Although there are many camps in the Mara to pick from, we have personally selected our top picks for your consideration below:
Mara Bush Camp
It is located in the centre of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, “tucked away” in a riverine woodland on the banks of the seasonal Olare Orok River. It is also in a great location near Ol Kiombo Airstrip. The distance between each of the 12 riverfront tents ensures total seclusion and tranquilly. Every tent has a cosy four-poster bed (double or twin can be requested), a mosquito net, a private porch, a writing desk, a clothes rack and storage chest, en-suite toilets, and a safari-style shower. Other amenities include a cosy lounge and bar tent and a private dining tent where our in-house chef happily accommodates all dietary needs while serving a variety of freshly cooked meals, generally buffet style.
Entumoto lodge
Situated high in the Rift Valley’s hills, Entumoto lodge is a private tented safari lodge with stunning views of the Mara plains and sunsets. For a more exclusive and personal safari experience, the camp offers direct access to the Masai Mara reserve and a private conservancy. Entumoto, which translates to “meeting point” in Maa, the local language, is apt given that the camp is located where two valleys and plains converge.
Matira Bush Camp
The best place to go on safari in the Maasai Mara is Matira Bush Camp. Set on a thicket of forest flora above the Savannah and bordered by a small river, the picturesque camp was designed to blend in with the natural surroundings. The perfect starting point for many exciting adventures. Matira takes pride in its picturesque natural bridge that links the Adventure Camp and Main Camp. We have been on-site all year long, observing and recording animals for years, and our visitors gain from the expertise of our knowledgeable guides, wildlife specialists, and diverse community.
Sentinel Mara camp
In the Masai Mara National Reserve, Sentinel Mara Camp is a luxurious, owner-operated seasonal camp situated on the banks of the Mara River. The riverine woodland conceals it so effectively that you are unaware of your approach until you reach this charming small camp.
Governor’s camp
Governors’ Camp is located west of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, on the banks of the Mara River. Established in 1972, it raised the bar for luxury in a tented camp by emphasising comfort, service, and quality cuisine—things that were not feasible in the past. Through the years, the camp has been honed and enhanced while preserving these distinctive features as a custom. The camp’s 37 tents, which include 12 double and 24 twins, are all covered by canvas and have private verandah, en-suite bathrooms with showers, sinks, flush toilets, bidets, and hot and cold running water.
Mara House
Mara House is ideal for families, small parties, and couples and is situated in one of the most desirable conservancies. Every guest may take in breathtaking views of the game-rich waterhole from the verandah, which is connected to all of the main living rooms. This fully furnished safari camp meets all of the guests’ needs, allowing them to unwind without any hassles. A wildlife ranger is available to guarantee a flawless safari experience, and an on-site cook prepares all meals, including lunches under acacia trees or bush picnics.
Sala’s Camp
Sala’s Camp’s amazing setting, hidden away in a secluded area of the Maasai Mara National Park, defines it. Two of the eleven tents at this remote camp are especially made to accommodate several generations, making it an excellent choice for families. Sala goes above and beyond for families, giving each youngster a welcome kit that includes toys, paint sets, and animal quizzes unique to the area. Under the cautious observation of a Maasai Askari, children can play in the small Sand River here.
Kichwa Tembo Tented camp
Popular safari resort Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is located on the Great Rift Valley’s Oloololo escarpment spur and offers breathtaking views of the wide-open plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, home to a variety of untamed animals. The 40 “Hemingway-style” safari tents at Kichwa Tembo provide individual terraces with views of the savannah, a private shower, and a private toilet. The park is visible from every safari tent. The tents are elegantly decorated with artefacts and furnishings from Africa.
Richard’s River Camp
One of the most exclusive safari experiences in Kenya can be had at Richard’s River Camp, which is situated in one of the incredibly isolated Mara Conservancies. This camp is a great choice for families or big groups of friends travelling together because it has five very cosy tents and may be rented out in its whole. Richard Roberts, the camp’s co-founder and the amazing Mara Elephant Project, can even personally host this camp upon request for an additional dose of VIP service.
