Best Masai Mara Lodges and Camps - Packages, Cost and More.
Imagine an African adventure where you can witness the breathtaking wildebeest migration, interact with the fascinating Maasai culture, and indulge in luxurious accommodations – all in one place. Welcome to the Masai Mara, a jewel of Kenya’s wildlife reserves.
In this post, we will guide you through the best Masai Mara lodges and camps, ensuring that your safari experience is nothing short of unforgettable.
Masai Mara Lodges - Photos By Our Client
Our Most Booked Masai Mara Safari Tours
Discovering the Top Masai Mara Safari Lodges
The Masai Mara is renowned for its authentic cultural interactions with the Maasai people, the wildebeest migration, and year-round game viewing in the Mara Plains, making it a popular safari destination. With a wide array of accommodations available, from luxury tented camps to exclusive safari hotels and eco-friendly lodges, there is something to suit every traveler’s taste and budget.
Choosing the perfect lodge or camp for your Masai Mara safari can be a daunting task. That’s where our Africa Safari Experts come in. They provide personalized assistance to help you find a suitable Masai Mara lodge, including those in the Mara Triangle. Whether you prefer the traditional luxury of Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp or the stunning riverside location of Rekero Camp, we are here to help you make the most of your African adventure.
Luxury Tented Camps
Masai Mara’s luxury tented camps, often considered as unique Masai Mara hotels, offer a blend of comfort, elegance, and thrilling wilderness experiences. Some features of these spacious tents include:
- En suite dressing rooms and bathrooms
- Private pit fireplaces
- Hammocks
- Hot-water bottles
- Elegant brass fittings from India
These amenities ensure that you can enjoy the thrill of camping in style, complete with your own private plunge pool.
Some examples of luxury tented camps in the Masai Mara include:
- Sand River Masai Mara
- Saruni Mara
- Basecamp Eagle View
- Angama Mara
- Cottar’s 1920s Camp
These camps not only provide luxurious accommodations but also boast stunning views, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Masai Mara while enjoying the comforts of a high-end safari experience.
Exclusive Safari Hotels
For a lavish experience in the Masai Mara, exclusive safari hotels provide luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and tailor-made service. One such example is Richard’s River Camp, an exclusive safari camp situated along the verdant banks of the Ntiakatek River. Another option is Governors’ Camp, a traditional tented camp offering unparalleled views of the Mara’s natural scenery.
Sanctuary Olonana is another idyllic and secluded lodge, providing a romantic atmosphere. Guests can enjoy spectacular views of the perilous river crossings during the Wildebeest Migration from the comfort of their lodge, as well as the sights of the Mara River from Olonana’s restaurant and viewing deck.
Eco-Friendly Lodges
For the environmentally-conscious traveler, eco-friendly lodges in the Masai Mara offer the perfect balance between luxury and sustainability. These lodges emphasize conservation and community engagement while minimizing their ecological footprint. Some eco-friendly lodges, such as Porini Lion Camp and Angama Mara, are situated near Talek Gate in the Masai Mara.
These eco-friendly lodges provide the same level of comfort and immersive experiences as their counterparts while ensuring that your stay has a minimal impact on the environment. By choosing an eco-friendly lodge, you can enjoy the beauty of the Masai Mara while knowing that you are contributing to the preservation of its unique ecosystems and wildlife.
Unforgettable Experiences at Masai Mara Lodges
Given the myriad of incredible experiences on offer at the Masai Mara lodges and camps, selecting the right accommodation is crucial to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of this extraordinary destination. From thrilling game drives to hot air balloon safaris and guided bush walks, there is no shortage of adventures to be had in the Masai Mara.
Little Governors’ Camp, for instance, offers a relaxing atmosphere where guests can enjoy game drives or take a hot-air balloon ride at dawn. The key to a truly unforgettable Masai Mara safari is finding the perfect lodge or camp that caters to your interests and provides a range of activities that will engage your sense of adventure.
Game Drives and Wildlife Encounters
Game drives and wildlife encounters are a must for any visitor to the Masai Mara, offering the chance to witness the incredible biodiversity of the region, including the famous Wildebeest Migration. The renowned wildebeest migration can be observed from July to November, attracting thousands of tourists to witness this awe-inspiring natural spectacle.
At lodges like Elephant Pepper Camp, guests can enjoy game drives and wildlife encounters with experienced guides who will help them spot lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and zebras. These thrilling encounters with the region’s abundant wildlife will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
For a truly unique and exhilarating experience, consider embarking on a hot air balloon safari over the vast landscapes of the Masai Mara or Serengeti. Soaring high above the plains, you’ll witness a breathtaking view of the abundant wildlife and diverse ecosystems from a completely new perspective.
The cost of hot air balloon safaris may vary depending on the operator but is usually between \$200 and \$400 per person. With strict safety measures in place, such as replacing balloons every two years due to the harsh African sun, you can rest assured that your hot air balloon safari will be a safe and unforgettable adventure.
Guided Bush Walks and Cultural Immersions
Guided bush walks and cultural immersions provide an opportunity to connect with the local Maasai people and learn about their traditions and way of life. By exploring the wilderness on foot, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll be able to engage with nature, observe wildlife at close range, and learn about the environment, local flora, and fauna.
Cultural immersions offer guests the chance to interact with the Maasai people and gain insight into their traditions and lifestyle, allowing for a deeper understanding of the culture and an opportunity to experience local customs and beliefs first-hand. By participating in these unique and immersive experiences, you’ll create lasting memories and forge meaningful connections with the people and wildlife of the Masai Mara.
Secluded Escapes: Private Conservancies in the Masai Mara
Private conservancies in the Masai Mara provide an ideal secluded escape for those yearning for a more exclusive and intimate safari experience, with a commitment to conservation and community involvement. These privately-owned wilderness areas provide a serene and uncrowded environment, where you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Masai Mara while contributing to the wellbeing of the local community and wildlife.
Mara North Conservancy and Mara Naboisho Conservancy are two examples of private conservancies in the Masai Mara, each offering a distinctive and private safari experience with a focus on conservation and community engagement. By choosing a private conservancy for your Masai Mara getaway, you’ll enjoy an exclusive and intimate adventure while supporting local communities and wildlife conservation efforts.
Mara North Conservancy
Mara North Conservancy is a community-owned wildlife reserve situated in the north-western region of the Maasai Mara Ecosystem, adjacent to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Renowned for its abundant wildlife population, Mara North Conservancy boasts a variety of species including:
- Lions
- Leopards
- Cheetahs
- Elephants
- Buffaloes
- Zebras
- Wildebeests
Promoting sustainability through providing a source of income for local farmers and preserving the wildlife and their habitats, Mara North Conservancy offers a serene and uncrowded safari experience, with a variety of luxury lodges and camps available for guests to choose from.
Mara Naboisho Conservancy
Mara Naboisho Conservancy is a private reserve located in the Masai Mara, Kenya, renowned for its abundance of wildlife and providing visitors with an intimate and exclusive safari experience.
Home to a multitude of wildlife, such as:
- lions
- cheetahs
- elephants
- giraffes
- zebras
Mara Naboisho Conservancy offers an unforgettable encounter with nature.
By staying in a lodge or camp within Mara Naboisho Conservancy, guests can enjoy a unique safari experience with restricted numbers of visitors and private game drives, ensuring that their time in the Masai Mara is truly exceptional.
Romantic Getaways: Honeymoon Lodges in the Masai Mara
The Masai Mara hosts a variety of luxurious honeymoon lodges, making it an ideal destination for couples craving a romantic retreat. With breathtaking views, personalized service, and stunning accommodations, these lodges provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable romantic getaway.
Angama Mara and Governors’ Il Moran Camp are two renowned honeymoon lodges in the Masai Mara, each offering a unique and enchanting experience for couples looking to create lasting memories. Whether you prefer the exclusive and luxurious setting of Angama Mara or the intimate and secluded atmosphere of Governors’ Il Moran Camp, you’ll find the perfect romantic retreat in the Masai Mara.
Angama Mara
Perched on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, Angama Mara is a luxurious and exclusive lodge that offers breathtaking views and a romantic setting inspired by the film “Out of Africa”. Situated in the Masai Mara National Reserve, this elegant lodge provides a range of amenities and activities, including:
- Game drives
- Hot air balloon safaris
- Guided bush walks
- Cultural immersions
With its stunning location and exceptional service, Angama Mara is the perfect choice for honeymooners seeking a once-in-a-lifetime romantic experience in the heart of the Masai Mara.
Governors' Il Moran Camp
Nestled in a forest setting along the Mara River, Governors’ Il Moran Camp features lavish tents with private verandas and elegant en suite bathrooms, perfect for honeymooners seeking a secluded and intimate experience. This luxurious camp offers a range of activities, such as game drives, hot air balloon safaris, guided bush walks, and cultural immersions, ensuring that your romantic getaway is filled with unforgettable moments.
With its enchanting atmosphere and exceptional service, Governors’ Il Moran Camp provides a truly unique and romantic escape for couples looking to celebrate their love amidst the captivating beauty of the Masai Mara.
Family-Friendly Lodges and Camps in the Masai Mara
Families in pursuit of an unforgettable safari adventure will find a range of family-friendly lodges and camps in the Masai Mara, catering to the needs of guests of all ages. With a focus on fun and educational activities that engage the whole family, these accommodations provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable family vacation.
Mara Serena, Mara Intrepids, Fairmont Mara Safari Club, Sarova Mara Game Camp, Muthu Keekorok Lodge, Maji Moto Eco Camp, and Fig Tree Camp are just a few examples of family-friendly lodges and camps in the Masai Mara. These accommodations offer a range of activities and facilities designed to keep everyone entertained, from game drives and guided walks to swimming pools and playgrounds.
Mara Intrepids Camp
Mara Intrepids Camp, a premier Mara camp, offers a secure and family-oriented safari experience, with spacious accommodations, engaging activities, and a dedicated children’s program. This camp evokes the nostalgia and allure of a classic safari experience while providing modern amenities and a range of activities to suit all ages.
With its specialized children’s program and an array of activities tailored to engage young safari-goers, Mara Intrepids Camp ensures that your family’s Masai Mara adventure will be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Mara Leisure Camp
Mara Leisure Camp provides a welcoming and comfortable environment for families, with a variety of accommodation options, child-friendly facilities, and exciting activities for all ages. Located along the Talek River in the Masai Mara Game Reserve, guests can enjoy a unique safari adventure with daily game drives accompanied by experienced local Masai guides.
In addition to its comfortable accommodations and breathtaking views, Mara Leisure Camp offers a range of child-friendly amenities, including a playground, a swimming pool, and a game room, ensuring that your family’s stay in the Masai Mara is both enjoyable and memorable.
Summary
From luxury tented camps and exclusive safari hotels to eco-friendly lodges and family-friendly accommodations, the Masai Mara offers a diverse range of options to suit every traveler’s needs and preferences. With unforgettable experiences such as game drives, hot air balloon safaris, and guided bush walks, there’s no doubt that a visit to the Masai Mara will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. It’s time to embark on your African adventure and discover the wonders of the Masai Mara for yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Explore the top Masai Mara lodges and camps offering luxury tented, exclusive safari hotels, eco-friendly lodges, and romantic honeymoon getaways.
- Enjoy game drives for wildlife encounters or hot air balloon safaris over the stunning landscape.
- Family-friendly activities are available at Mara Intrepid Camp & Mara Leisure Camp to ensure an unforgettable adventure for all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Next, we answer some of the most asked questions we get about the best places to stay in Masai Mara:
How much does it cost to stay at Masai Mara?
Staying at Masai Mara can cost from US $750 to $1250 per person/night depending on the rooming and safari activity experience.
Why is Masai Mara so expensive?
The demand for rooms in Masai Mara is high during its peak season (July to October) due to the Great Wildebeest Migration, making the prices more expensive.
Which area is the best in Masai Mara?
The Mara Triangle is widely regarded by safari experts as the most beautiful spot in the Masai Mara, thanks to its isolation from the rest of the park by the Mara river, and its connection to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania – making it a prime viewing location for the Great Migration.
How many days should I stay in Masai Mara?
For the best experience of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, it is recommended to stay for at least 4 days and 3 nights. This amount of time will give you sufficient opportunity to explore the wildlife and breathtaking sceneries of the park. You will be able to observe the Big Five animals, including lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalos, as well as other species such as zebras, giraffes, and hippo.
What types of accommodations are available in the Masai Mara?
The Masai Mara provides a variety of accommodation options, ranging from luxury tented camps and exclusive safari hotels to eco-friendly lodges and family-friendly camps.