Safari Camps and Lodges in the Masai Mara

Recommendations and price guide to a number of camps and lodges in and around the vicinity of the Masai Mara. Tourdust can arrange a wide range of safaris in the Masai Mara or can organise tailor-made Kenya holidays. Call us on 0203 291 2907 or email help@tourdust.com to discuss your requirements.

Kenya is one of the more affordable, but also one of the most over-run safari destinations. It is strong though in two departments, the Masai Mara and the range of incredible safari camps on offer. Despite its popularity the Masai Mara is still capable of delivering knock-your-socks-off wildlife encounters and if you choose your location right, breathtaking wilderness. The choice of lodges though, can be a little bewildering..

There are only a handful of places sited in the reserve itself, most are situated near the entrance gates or on private conservancies adjoining the Masai Mara. The advantage of the private conservancies is that camps tend to be situated in glorious wilderness, and often they play host to their own wildlife too. Bush walks and night drives aren't possible in the reserve itself, but are a huge plus when staying on private conservancies. Places situated near the gates can be a mixed bag, for example, some near the Talek River area have incredible views over the river and plains, but the drawback is over development with busier roads, touristed Masai villages and lots of fenced in camps backed up against each other. 

Fixed lodges and hotels are relatively rare and are rightly outnumbered by the safari camps, which tend to offer a more authentic safari feel. Those not aligned with camping, needn't worry as in reality, virtually all camps offer permanent tents with solid flooring, en-suite bathrooms and comfortable beds. It is more of a hotel room with canvas walls than a tent. The advantage though is a feeling of camping amidst the bush, with open fires and sweeping views.

The following list is a shortlist of those we most often recommend, it is by no means an exhaustive list, but is a good starting point. The choice of course is an entirely personal one and will depend on your budget, and whether your prioritise luxury service and swimming pools, or are simply looking for expert guiding and a good place to rest your head.

Recommended Large Mid-Range Camps

All feature permanent tents with permanent flooring and en-suite bathrooms.  Whilst the ambience doesn’t compare to the top end properties, some do manage to engender a little of the candle-lit camp fire atmosphere. These camps tend to be located close to the busier park gates.


#1 ILKELIANI CAMP – A good mid range budget option with 25 comfortable tents. Has some nice touches which give the place a great ambience.  Meals are served in a candle-lit mess tent and tents have concrete floors and full bathroom facilities (hot showers, toilet, basin) and proper beds.
- Price guide: from $850pp for a three day safari including flights from Nairobi to the Masai Mara

Ilkeliani Dining TentIlkeliani Bedroom


#2 SIANA SPRINGS INTREPID - Siana Springs is sited on a large private conservancy which is a big plus in this price range. It is set within a nice forested area which means plenty of  small game (bush bucks and monkeys) around the site but less in the way of sweeping views. There are 38 decent sized tents with proper beds, permanent floors and bathrooms and electricity (when the generator is running). There is a nice swimming pool and large dining area with a wonderful open air terrace.. The only drawbacks are buffet meals and the 25 minute drive from the camp to the Masai Mara reserve. (Family activities available)

- Price guide: from $850pp for a three day safari including flights from Nairobi to the Masai Mara


#4 KICHWA TEMBO CAMP – A very highly regarded larger mid / high end camp with 50 well appointed tents. Tents are comfortable and the camp has good service with great attention to detail. There is a great bar and fire pit area and a swimming pool with incredible views.

- Price guide: from $1100pp for a three day safari including flights from Nairobi to the Masai Mara

Kichwe Tembo Classic Safari Tent Kichwa Tembo 2 Kichwa Tembo pool Kichwa Tembo


#3 GOVERNERS CAMP  – Well renowned larger camp (37 tents) in an excellent game rich area. Lovely tents, great service, excellent food and fantastic location with big game walking right through the camp. (no swimming pool)

- Price guide: from $1250pp for a three day safari including flights from Nairobi to the Masai Mara

Governers Camp Governers Camp tent location Governers Camp Bedroom Governs Camp 2

 

Highly Recommended Small Mid/High-End camps

The Masai Mara offers an abundance of fantastic small camps. Many are very high end, but there are a handful who are more affordable, yet still offer the wilderness feel, often with a strong environmental and community ethos.


#1 BASECAMP MARA – Progressive camp with excellent focus on environmental impact. Located in the Talek River area minutes from the park (which is a little over developed, but is an incredible location for its views over the river and park and its proximity to the park). Tents have fantastic riverside locations with views of the river and the plains beyond.  All tents are en-suite with memorable outdoor showers and composting toilets (not for the squeamish). Has admirable ties with the local Masai community and is one of the few camps which goes out of its way to look after families. Has a raised gamewatching platform but no swimming pool.
- Price guide: from $1100pp for a three day safari including flights from Nairobi to the Masai Mara

Basecamp Mara 2 Basecamp Mara Basecamp Mara Guide Basecamp mara community


#2 DOROBO BUSHCAMP – Very remote camp with just six simple tents a bush bar and a fireplace. This is a bush satellite camp to the main Basecamp Mara. Hosts excellent interaction with the local Maasai. On a three day stay here you would have one day in the Masai Mara reserve and the remainder enjoying bush walks in the private conservancy in which it is located. (no swimming pool)
- Price guide: from $1100pp for a three day safari including flights from Nairobi to the Masai Mara


#3 KICHECHE MARA CAMP – Another excellent small camp (11 tents) which attempts to strike the balance between small camp luxury and reasonable prices. It is set in a superb private conservancy which hosts fantastic wildlife, the food is excellent and the tents are spacious and very comfortable. The wildlife wanders right through the camp, but with ample staff attention to safety us superb. (no swimming pool)
- Price guide: from $1250pp for a three day safari including flights from Nairobi to the Masai Mara

Kicheche Mara Camp Bedroom Kicheche Mara Camp Dining Tent Kicheche Mara Camp 3 Kicheche Mara Camp 1


#4 PORINI LION CAMP – One of our favourite camps located in an exclusive 20,000 acre Olare Orok Conservancy on the banks of the Ntiakatiak River, a seasonal river with permanent hippo pools near the camp. With 10 luxury guest tents the camp is very exclusive, giving you a real 'in the bush' experience. The tents are very spacious and have private verandahs along the length of the tent, providing the perfect space relax and enjoy the beauty of the African wilderness. Each tent has a double and single bed, en-suite bathrooms with flush toilets and hot showers. Food is excellent with fresh baked bread and high quality meals prepared by the camp Chef. The Porini Camps are run on an inclusive basis, with meals and drinks (including house wines and beer), night game drives, bush walks and sundowners all included. (no swimming pool)
- Price guide: from $1300pp for a three day safari including flights from Nairobi to the Masai Mara

Porini Lion Camp Interior Guest TentPorini Lion Mess at nightPorini Lion Guest BathroomPorini Lion Camp Interior Guest Tent


#5 PORINI MARA CAMP – Arguably the best wilderness option, just 6 tents situated on their own privately owned conservancy (Ol Kinyei), run in partnership with the local Masai community. The conservancy is a stunning wilderness with rivers, forest, open grasslands and views over the Masai Mara.  The Porini Camps are run on an inclusive basis, with meals and drinks (including house wines and beer), night game drives, bush walks and sundowners all included. Because of its location it is best visited in tandem with a stay at Porini Mara Lion Camp
- Price guide: from $1250pp for a three day safari including flights from Nairobi to the Masai Mara

Mara Porini Guest TentMara Porini Mess TentMara Porini Guest TentMara Porini Fireplace


Tourdust can arrange a wide range of safaris in the Masai Mara or can organise tailor-made Kenya holidays. Call us on 0203 291 2907 or email help@tourdust.com to discuss your requirements.

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