The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the greatest safari destinations in Africa. With close to 90 species of mammals and over 500 bird species, it’s inarguably one of Africa’s most diverse reserves.
The Masai Mara is famous for the Wildebeest migration which happens between July and October each year. This exceptional natural phenomenon is considered as the 8th wonder of the world.
Boasting a spectacular ecosystem, it’s no wonder the reserve is home to world class camps and lodges. This gives visitors an opportunity to get close to the action.
Here are our top Masai Mara camps and lodges in no particular order.
- Andbeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
- Sarova Mara Game Camp Masai Mara
- Mara Serena Safari Lodge
- Governors Camp Masai Mara
- Porini Lion Camp
- Sentrim Mara Camp
- Masai Mara River Lodge
- Andbeyond Bateleur Camp Masai Mara
- Fig Tree Camp Masai Mara
- Olare Mara Kempinski Kenya
- Masai Mara Sopa Lodge
- Karen Blixen Tented Camp Masai Mara
- Simba Lodge Masai Mara
- Basecamp Masai Mara Kenya
- Kilima Camp Masai Mara
Below is a detailed description of their location, services, and the amenities found in these lodges and camps.
Read more about the best luxury tented camps in the mara.
andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
Kichwa Tembo camp is nestled along the Saparingo River on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment. This camp exudes a contemporary safari feel with classic, sophisticated interiors.
There are 12 classic tents, 20 superior tents and 8 superior view tents laid out on pristine ground.
The massive windows in the guest areas allows you to have an unobstructed view of nature. The camp offers safari game drives, cultural interactions with the local Maasai people, nature walks and hot air balloons which gives you a birds-eye view of the reserve.
Amenities available in the camp include a spa, infinity pool, wifi and swarovski binoculars.
Other key features of the camp include;
- Private airstrip
- Large family tents
- A friendly child policy.
- Childminders
- Wholesome organic menu
Sarova Mara Game camp masai mara
The Sarova Mara game camp is ideally located in the heart of the Masai Mara game reserve. It is set on an elevation and is surrounded by two streams. Owing to its unique location, you get a chance to watch wild animals in their natural habitat from the luxury of your tent.
The luxury tented camp has 30 deluxe tents, 20 Club tents, 19 Standard tents and 9 Family tents. All the tents include an ensuite bathroom to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
Amenities include a big restaurant, bar and a swimming pool with its own bar. The tents feature large windows which offer a picturesque view of the encompassing terrain.
The camp has its own fleet of safari vehicles with knowledgeable tour guides.
Sarova mara is best known for;
- Hot air balloon safaris
- Bush dining
- Nature walks
- Game drives
- Experience Maasai culture
Mara Serena Safari Lodge
The Mara Serena is part of the luxurious Serena Group of hotels. The Mara Serena allows you to experience the African safari in five star amenities. The lodge boasts a unique location given its the only lodge located in the Mara triangle and perched high on a bushy hill. Owing to its unique location, guests are treated to sweeping views of the Savannah and the Mara river.
The Lodge is designed in the style of a traditional Maasai hut with modern amenities. The rooms are arranged in a row to offer uninterrupted views of the meandering Mara river.
Amenities include a spa, gym, bar, restaurant and a swimming pool. The lodge has its own fleet of vehicles perfect for the Mara excursions. There are plenty of family activities to do such as bush dining, breakfast by the hippo pool and visits to a local Masai village.
This five star lodge offers:
- Luxurious accommodation
- Great views
- Family activities
- Bush dining
- Swimming pool
- 24 hr medical services
Governors Camp Masai Mara
The Governors camp is the first tented camp to be established in the Mara. The camp is nestled in the riverine forest along the banks of the Mara river. Also known as the Main Governors, it was opened in 1972 at the site of Theodore Roosevelt Mara camp.
The entire camp is tented with modern amenities. There are over 30 tents and most of them are located along the banks of the river offering a unique view of the birds and wildlife. All tents are spacious enough and exude the classic safari vibes. Each tent comes with an ensuite bathroom and a private verandah.
Amenities at the Governors Camp include; a tented bar with a deck overlooking the Mara river, and a restaurant with unobstructed views of the plains. There is a spa tent offering various treatments such as facials, body scrubs, manicures and pedicures. There are 3 game drives per day; guests who wish to go for extended game drives can carry packed lunches.
The Governors camp offers;
- Scenic location
- Game drives
- Spa
- Private tented rooms
- Wifi
Porini Lion Camp
Porini Lion Camp offers a unique opportunity to take a Masai guided nature walk and a day and night game drive around the reserve. This camp is based on the banks of the seasonal Ntiakatiak River, within Olare Motorogi Conservancy.
This is a 33,000 acre wilderness bordering the Masai Mara reserve and is home to various animal species. The camp has 9 tents and 1 family unit. The family tent is L shaped and located 20 metres from the main areas. It’s made of high quality canvas and measures 144 square metres. The tents are spacious, tastefully done and have solar powered lighting. All tents are ensuite and each comes with a private veranda.
Amenities at the camp include a bar, restaurant and wifi. There are plenty of activities to do such as escorted nature walks, night and day game drives, and hot air balloon safari. The game drives in the conservancy are private, so you get to experience the African Safari without being surrounded by other tourist vehicles.
Here’s what to expect from Lions Safari Camp;
- Bar
- Hot air balloon safari
- Private Safaris
- Free laundry services
- Wifi
- Large family tent
- Close to airstrip
Sentrim Mara Camp
Sentrim Mara camp is located in the Mara Game Reserve, about 3km from Sekenani gate. It has 10 tents spread out in the tranquil surrounding adorned by acacia trees. The camp is 260 km from Nairobi; it takes 6 hours by road and 40 minutes by air to get to the camp.
The main guest area consists of a bar, a restaurant, spa, fire place, pool bar and a swimming pool. The lodge boasts 64 ensuite standard superior tents and family houses made of concrete. All rooms have a hot shower, safe deposit box and are solar powered.
There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained through your stay at the camp. They include guided nature walks, game drives, Manyatta village visits, and balloon safaris. Maasai dancers can be organised upon request. Bush breakfast, lunch and dinner can be organised upon request at a fee.
Sentrim Mara provides:
- Hot air balloon safari
- Swimming pool
- Family tents
- Nature walks
- Game drives
- Bush breakfast
- Bar
Masai Mara River Lodge
Masai Mara River lodge offers a spectacular view of both Serengeti and the Mara ecosystem. The lodge lies at the edge of the Mara Game reserve and at the bank of the Mara river. Due to its unique location, you are treated to magnificent views of crocodiles and hippos in their natural habitat.
The lodge consists of a swimming pool, an outdoor fireplace, sun deck, picnic area, restaurant and a bar. The lodge offers Airport pick-ups and drop-offs at an additional fee.
Key features of masai mara river lodge;
- Outdoor fireplace
- Picnic Area
- No pets allowed
- Family entertainment
- Business facilities
- Family friendly
- Airport drop-off & Pick-ups
Andbeyond Bateleur Camp Masai Mara
Bateleur Camp is set at the foot of the scenic Oloololo escarpment in the Mara game reserve. Bateleur camp consists of two camps with 9 tents each and a family tent. Each tent comes with its own butler and a housekeeper to make sure guests are well looked after and comfortable. The interiors are tastefully done with leather chesterfield sofas, handcrafted artefacts and candlelights.
The camp has a swimming pool, a bar, a well equipped gym, a spa and a restaurant. The camp offers a range of activities to keep you entertained such as game drives, bush walks, hot air balloons safaris, and community excursions.
Here is what you can expect at Bateleur Camp;
- Hot air balloons safaris
- Game drives
- Community excursions
- Spa
- Gym
Fig Tree Camp Masai Mara
Located in the famous Mara Reserve and along the banks of the Talek River; Fig Tree Camp is strategically located to give you the best views of what the Mara has to offer. The camp has 80 rooms; the superior Ngaboli tents, executive standard tents and lodge rooms.
38 of these are luxury tents overlooking the Talek river. The Talek river snakes its way around the camp so you’re assured of endless sightings of wildlife who come to quench their thirst.
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay at the park. You can choose to go for game drives, bush walks, bush black tie dinners or enjoy champagne breakfasts in the Mara plains.
Other services provided to make your stay more comfortable include kid friendly buffets, snack bar, coffee shop, special diet menu and evening entertainment.
Amenities at the camp include:
- Bar and Lounge
- Swimming pool
- Air Transportation
- Spa
- Outdoor fireplace
- Gift Shop
- Currency exchange
- Restaurant
Olare Mara Kempinski Kenya
Olare Mara Kempinski is nestled in the Olare Orok Conservancy which borders Masai Mara Game reserve. The tented luxury suites are furnished in the grandeur classic safari style allowing you to have a five star experience in the bush.
The Mara Kempinski comprises 12 deluxe tents of which 1 is a luxurious honeymoon suite. Each deluxe suite is spacious enough and covers an area of 80 square kilometres. The honeymoon suite comes with its own swimming pool ideal for sundowners. It is tastefully done to echo the elegance of an Edwardian hunting safari tent.
There are lots of activities to keep you entertained like game drives, camp fires, guided walks, balloon safaris, horse riding, and cultural interaction.
Here is what Mara Kempinski offers;
- Swimming Pool
- Bridal suite
- Family rooms
- Free airport transportation
- Baggage storage
- Internet
- Game drives
- Hot air balloon safari
- Horse riding
- Guided Nature walks
Masai Mara Sopa Lodge
Masai Mara Sopa lodge was among the first lodges to be built in the Mara Game Reserve. It is located on the slopes of the Oloolaimutia Hill giving you a splendid view of the sweeping savannah plains. The buildings take on the design of the traditional African hut with high conical roofs. The buildings are found along the edges of the hill giving guests unobstructed panoramic views.
The lodge has large public areas to make sure there is enough space for all guests. The Mara Sopa lodge has 99 rooms, of these, 4 are interconnecting rooms, 12 suites and 1 honeymoon suite. The interconnecting rooms are perfect for families.
Facilities at the lodge include a bar, lounge and restaurant, out-door boma dining area, a large swimming pool and wifi. There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained such as game drives, bush dining, bird watching, air balloon safaris, card and board games.
Key offerings of Mara Sopa:
- Airport pick-ups
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Hot air balloon safari
- Wifi
- Game drive
- Nature walks
- Bird watching
Karen Blixen Tented Camp Masai Mara
Karen Blixen Tented Camp is situated in the Mara North Conservancy. It is an eco-friendly tented luxurious camp that gives a sense of the old days when nature was untouched. The tented camp offers a luxurious retreat after a safari adventure.
The camp offers safari packages suited to every traveller’s needs. Here is a breakdown of the packages;
- Single traveller safari – This includes a 5 day safari by road where you get to enjoy migration safaris, off road game drives, up close photography, nature walks, and bush dining.
- Safari packages for couples – This package includes an 8 day Romantic Beach & Bush celebration or a 4 day Romantic Bush Celebration.
- Family Safari package – The family package includes an 8 day Family Bush &Beach experience or a 4 day Family Wildeness Experience or a 4 day Family Savannah Experience.
- Photography safari package – This package offers an 8 day extensive wild photography in the Mara or 10 days wild photography in the Great Rift Valley.
Amenities at the camp include:
- Pool
- Bar and lounge
- Spa
- Internet
- Gift shop
- Air transportation
Simba Lodge Masai Mara
Mara Simba is a five star accommodation found on the Masai Mara reserve along the Talek river. Mara Simba lodge consists of 84 rooms, some in different categories. There are 3 types of accommodation to choose from, all with spectacular views of the savannah plains.
There are various activities you can enjoy at the lodge such as personalised game drives, nature walks and bird watching.
Mara Simba offers the following facilities;
- Swimming pool
- Bar
- Ample parking space
- Pool and garden bar
- Gym
- Spa
Basecamp Masai Mara Kenya
Basecamp prides itself as being a home away from home. It is situated along the Talek river in a tropical forest which is home to many birds and wildlife. The Masai Mara game reserve is just across the Talek river meaning you get to enjoy sightings of wild animals as they come to quench their thirst.
The camp offers a great opportunity to explore nature conservation. The Basecamp Nature Forest and Community Based initiatives like the Maasai Beading Centre help to preserve and promote local culture.
Here is a list of what Basecamp Masai Mara offers:
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Riverside tents
- Game drives
- Free Airport shuttle
- Kids club
- Wheelchair accessible
- Wifi
- Swimming pool
Kilima Camp Masai Mara
On the edge of the Oloololo escarpment in the Mara Game reserve sits Kilima Camp. The camp exudes the classic safari vibe; its a small, intimate eco-friendly camp tented camp with a view of the Mara river. You can choose a standard tent or a deluxe tent which has uninterrupted views of rolling Mara plains.
There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained such as game drives, nature walks and bush dining. The camp offers baby sitting services for its guests. The camp also offers various amenities such as:
- Game drives
- Baby sitting
- Restaurant
- Bar and lounge
- Spa
- Wifi
- Airport Shuttle
- Gift shop
