Maasai Mara National Reserve lodging options
Accommodations in the Maasai Mara National Reserve: The Masai Mara, one of Africa’s most famous and important wilderness and wildlife conservation areas, is renowned for its impressive populations of the big five animals: the African lion, African leopard, cheetah, and African bush elephant. The Great Migration took place there, and it is one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders and one of the Ten Wonders of the World. Together with the Mara Triangle and the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the Greater Mara ecosystem includes the Maasai mara Conservancies of Koiyaki, Lemek, Ol Chorro Oirowua, Mara North, Olkinyei, Siana, Maji Moto, Naikara, Ol Derkesi, Kerinkani, Oloirien, and Kimintet.
The area became a game reserve in 1961 after being extended eastward to 1,821 km² (703 sq mi). The Narok County Council (NCC) was in charge of overseeing the reserve during this time. After part of the reserve was named a National Reserve in 1974, the remaining 159 km² (61 sq mi) was returned to local communities. After 162 km² (63 sq mi) were removed from the reserve in 1976, the park’s size was reduced to 1,510 km² (580 sq mi) in 1984.
The Scenery
Acacia woodland, riparian forests, and rocky hills divide the grassland savannah that makes up the majority of the Masai Mara’s terrain. These dots in the landscape are referred to by the Masai word “Mara,” which meaning speckled.
Accommodation Options in Maasai Mara National Reserve
The Maasai Mara Reserve comes to mind when most people think of an African safari. Africa’s most famous park is known for its abundance of animals, including an unusually high concentration of predators, and its endless acacia-dotted plains that stretch far into the horizon. All of your needs will be satisfied in the luxurious lodges, and almost every day features stunning sunsets. The park’s large number of tourists is a drawback, though.
The majority of the accommodations offered by the Maasai Mara and the conservancies that encircle it are luxurious and range from permanent lodges to tented and mobile camps. Animal viewing is more private in the conservancies that surround the Maasai Mara because there are fewer cars there. Before choosing which property to stay at, decide where you want to travel based on the reserve. The middle and eastern parts of the main reserve frequently see the most visitors because of their close proximity to Nairobi. We have personally chosen our top choices for your consideration below, despite the fact that there are numerous camps in the Mara to choose from:
Bush Camp Mara
It is situated “tucked away” in a riverine woodland on the banks of the seasonal Olare Orok River in the heart of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Additionally, it is at a prime location close to Ol Kiombo Airstrip. The 12 riverfront tents are spaced apart to provide complete privacy and peace. Each tent features an en-suite toilet, a safari-style shower, a writing desk, a clothes rack and storage chest, a private veranda, a mosquito net, and a comfortable four-poster bed (double or twin can be ordered). Our in-house chef is happy to satisfy any dietary requirements while offering a choice of freshly prepared meals, usually buffet style, in the private dining tent. Other amenities include a cozy lounge and bar tent.
Lodge Entumoto
Entumoto resort is a luxury tented safari resort with breathtaking views of the Mara plains and sunsets, perched high in the highlands of the Rift Valley. The camp provides direct access to a private conservancy and the Masai Mara reserve for a more upscale and individualized safari experience. Given that the camp is situated where two valleys and plains combine, the name Entumoto, which means “meeting point” in Maa, the local language, seems appropriate.
Bush Camp at Matira
Matira Bush Camp is the ideal location for a safari in the Maasai Mara. Located above the Savannah on a grove of woodland vegetation and bounded by a tiny river, the charming camp was built to blend in with the surrounding landscape. The ideal place to begin a lot of thrilling activities. Matira is proud of the beautiful natural bridge that connects the Main Camp and Adventure Camp. Our guests benefit from the experience of our skilled guides, wildlife specialists, and diverse community, and we have been on-site year-round for years, observing and documenting species.
Camp of Sentinel Mara
Sentinel Mara Camp is a posh, owner-run seasonal camp located on the banks of the Mara River in the Masai Mara National Reserve. It is so well hidden by the riverine woodland that you don’t realize you’re getting close until you arrive at this quaint little camp.
The governor’s camp
Governors’ Camp is situated on the banks of the Mara River, west of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. By focusing on comfort, service, and high-quality food—things that were previously impractical—it elevated the standard for luxury in a tented camp when it was first established in 1972. The camp has been refined and improved over time, maintaining these unique elements as a tradition. In addition to having a private verandah and en-suite facilities with showers, basins, flush toilets, bidets, and hot and cold running water, the camp’s 37 tents—12 doubles and 24 twins—are all covered by canvas.
The Mara House
Located in one of the most sought-after conservancies, Mara House is perfect for couples, families, and small gatherings. The verandah, which is connected to all of the main living spaces, offers each guest stunning views of the game-rich waterhole. The guests’ every need is met by this fully equipped safari camp, enabling them to relax hassle-free. All meals, including bush picnics or lunches under acacia trees, are prepared by an on-site kitchen, and a wildlife ranger is on hand to ensure a faultless safari experience.
Sala’s Camp
Sala’s Camp is distinguished by its breathtaking location, tucked away in a remote section of the Maasai Mara National Park. This isolated camp is a great option for families because two of its eleven tents are expressly designed to fit multiple generations. Sala goes above and beyond for families by providing a welcome box with toys, art tools, and locally-specific animal quizzes for every child. Here, kids can play in the little Sand River while being closely watched by a Maasai Askari.
Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, Sala’s Camp
Located on the Oloololo escarpment spur in the Great Rift Valley, the well-known safari lodge Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp offers stunning views of the expansive grasslands of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, which is home to a variety of wild species. Kichwa Tembo offers 40 “Hemingway-style” safari tents with private showers, toilets, and terraces overlooking the savannah. Every safari tent has a view of the park. African furnishings and artifacts adorn the tents in a sophisticated manner.
The River Camp of Richard
Richard’s River Camp, located in one of the most remote Mara Conservancies in Kenya, offers one of the most upscale safari experiences. With five cozy tents that may be rented out in its whole, this camp is a fantastic option for large groups of friends or families traveling together. If you want a little extra VIP treatment, Richard Roberts, the co-founder of the camp and the incredible Mara Elephant Project, can even host this camp himself.
