Finding your Mara Home: My Little Black Book of the Best Mara Lodges
There’s a sound I’ll never get used to, no matter how many mornings I spend in the Mara… The low guttural roar of a lion announcing dawn … It’s a sound that reminds me that, beyond the canvas walls, life is stirring in ways both ancient and untamed. I want you to experience these same sounds, in a lodge (or camp), somewhere deep in the Masai Mara…
Who Am I? I am Harrison Kamau, a TRA-licensed safari guide and travel writer for Masaimarasafari.travel ltd. I’ve written this guide to share some of my favourite Masai Mara accommodations, offer top booking tips, and highlight key factors to consider when choosing where to stay.
I have visited all these properties. As a registered Kenyan tour operator, I receive special rates or sometimes even pay nothing if I need just a night or two to experience the hotel. Also, if you are an international tour agent, you can take advantage of the fam trip rates, offered by hotels during the low tourism season (mostly April and May), to sample and understand what the guests will get.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
When Only the Best Will Do: My Top Shelf Mara Picks
If you’re looking for luxury on safari, the Mara has some amazing options, just a stone’s throw from the gates. Here are a few that never fail to impress my clients.
Near Sekenani Gate
This is the main entrance into the Mara, and the lodges here are well-developed.
Sarova Mara Game Camp
When people ask for a place that perfectly balances comfort and wilderness near Sekenani Gate, I often think of the Sarova Mara Game Camp. The camp is only 2.5km from the gate, making it easy to access different parts of the reserve for game drives. The real magic, however, lies with its sprawling grounds. Once, I was sitting in the garden enjoying my afternoon tea when a baboon appeared out of nowhere and snatched my sandwich. I was left holding an empty plate, half shocked, half laughing, while the little mischief sat a short distance away, munching triumphantly.
Keekorok Lodge
As the first ever lodge built in the Mara, Keekorok has a special place in my heart. The lodge is surrounded by 700 square miles of lush plains, a position that guarantees wildlife is always nearby. Now, I’ll be honest, because it’s one of the largest lodges in the park, it won’t give you that intimate, lost-in-the-wild vibe you’d get at a more minor tented camp. But if you want a fantastic location, excellent services, and breathtaking views, there’s honestly nowhere better.
And oh, the hippo bar! You have to try this one. I always ensure that my guests have a sundowner moment here before departing, because that view is truly something else.
A special note: an Indian family initially owned Keekorok Lodge, but in 2023, it was acquired by MGM Muthu Hotels, alongside other properties previously owned by the Sun Africa Hotel Group. These include Lake Naivasha Country Club, which was then renamed to Muthu Lake Naivasha Country Club. Keekorok Lodge was renamed to Muthu Keekorok Lodge after the acquisition.
Other favourite spots near Sekenani Gate include: the Ashnil Mara Camp, Emaiyan Luxury Camp, and JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge.
My Advice and special notes:
For peak season (July-October), book 6-12 months in advance. For the low season, book 2-3 months ahead for better rates and availability. Additionally, safaris are often more affordable when booked as a package deal. Many properties offer all-inclusive packages that include game drives, meals, airport transfers, and even park fees. Ask about these to save money and simplify your trip.
A good note, while most tour operators in Kenya choose to pay their Masai Mara park fees at the gate using Card or Cash, this process takes time. At times, the system fails, and you might waste about 30 minutes, especially during the pick season when the queue tends to be lengthy. My goal is to pay or have us pay the park fees in advance via the APS online portal, located here: KFMS – Float Management System. You can do it, or you can contact us, and we will be happy to pay.
Also, note that although most hotels offer game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles, the game drives are typically shared. You conduct them in small groups of 4-8 people, lasting 2-3 hours daily.
The hourly limit is because open vehicles are very uncomfortable during the hot sun, and the dust or wind too, is an issue. Also, they are not ideal for families travelling with small kids. Our advice to clients is to opt for private 4×4 safari land cruiser, and use the open jeeps for maybe 1 to 2 hours for safari.
Near Talek Gate
The following are the best camps if you opt to stay along the Talek Side of the Masai Mara:
Mara Intrepids Tented Camp
Last year, a family asked me where their kids (aged 5 and 11) could have a real adventure without sacrificing comfort. I didn’t even have to think too much about it; Mara Intrepids was the obvious choice. This camp is situated on the banks of the Talek River and offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Note that during the rainy season, the untarmacked path leading to Mara intrepids gets very muddy. For this reason, I do not recommend using a safari van. A 4×4 safari Land Cruiser is a more excellent choice.
Fig Tree Camp
After hours of bouncing around in a safari van under the scorching African sun, nothing, and I repeat nothing, feels better than sliding into the calm waters of the Fig Tree Camp pool.
You can simply drift weightlessly around the water, listen to the distant howl of an African wild dog, and just let the dust of the day wash away.
And if you’re up for something special, the camp offers bush dinners and evening entertainment.
Near Oloololo Gate
The following are the best lodges along the Oloolo Gate:
Fairmont Mara Safari Club
I once had a client who was an avid birdwatcher staying at the Fairmont Mara. The staff noticed this and would call him over every time an unusual bird (or any bird at all) landed in the safari club’s garden. It’s that level of personal touch that sets this safari club apart.
The Fairmont Mara feels like stepping back into the golden age of safaris. Each tent opens onto a private deck overlooking the Mara, where hippos wallow and crocodiles bask in the sun. Add to that gourmet dining and game drives, and you have one of the most refined safari experiences in the Mara.
Mara Big Five Lodge
With views of the rolling plains and often glimpses of wildlife, every guest I’ve ever taken to the Mara Big Five Lodge has come away impressed. The lodge is perfect for those who want good amenities, services, and easy access to the Mara.
Near Musiara Gate
Dubbed the Big Cat country, Musiara Gate delivers an exceptional safari experience, and even better safari lodges. Here are a few Musiara gate camps I think you’ll love.
Governors’ Camp Collection (Little Governors Camp, Governors Camp, Governors’ IL Moran Camp)
I’ve trusted the Governors’ Camp Collection with my guests’ time and time again, and they’ve never let me down. These camps are legendary and for a reason… For one, their location is unbeatable for big cat sightings, and for another, the service is consistently warm and attentive, making every stay feel personal. Staying here literally feels like you’re in the heart of action because you are.
Insider Tip: If you’re considering a hot air balloon safari (and you should), book it while staying at Governors’. They have their own launch site, meaning you get to enjoy your sleep instead of getting up early for a pre-dawn game drive.
A Quick Lesson from a Guide: Why Your Gate Choice is Everything
Why does your choice of gate matter? Well, think of the Mara as a massive estate with several doors. The gate you choose determines which part of the estate you’ll explore easily. Now you see why it matters?
Consider these main entry points:
Sekenani Gate: The main and most popular eastern entrance. Located near Nairobi and provides great access to the wildlife-rich central plains.
Talek Gate: This one gives you good access to both the eastern and western parts of the Mara. It’s an excellent choice.
Oloololo Gate is the gateway to the renowned Mara Triangle. It also gives you good access to the Mara River and the Oloololo escarpment.
Musiara Gate: Tucked in the northeastern corner, Musiara Gate is your key to the Musiara Marsh, known for its excellent predator populations.
Oloolaimutia Gate: Located in the eastern region, Oloolaimutia offers a more local feel and access to several budget-friendly camps.
Insider Tip. Remember, all gates are open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, so you can do those early morning and late afternoon game drives when wildlife is most active.
All the Comfort, None of the Pretence: My Favorite Mid-Range Stays
For those looking for comfort and value, the area around the Masai Mara gates has many good mid-range lodges.
Near Sekenani Gate
My clients love Enkorok Mara Camp. Not only is it eco-friendly and budget-friendly, but it also offers breathtaking views of the Oloolotikoshi Hills and its wildlife. AA Lodge Masai Mara is another solid choice. The lodge feels more like a hotel, with solid structures, thoughtful services, and top-notch amenities.
Near Talek Gate
One of my favorites in this category is Zebra Plains Mara Camp. I love that it has its own waterhole, which turns the entire camp into a 24/7 game viewing spot. Tipilikwami Mara Camp and Aruba Mara Camp are other fantastic choices.
Near Other Gates
Siana Springs Tented Camp: Located near the Oloolaimutia Gate, Siana Springs offers spacious en-suite tents with gorgeous views of the Mara plains.
Entim Mara Camp (near Oloololo Gate): Entim’s strategic location (on a hill inside the Masai Mara) is probably my favourite thing about this lodge.
Great Stays That Won’t Break the Bank
Here’s the thing: You don’t have to break the bank to experience the magic of the Masai Mara. The park offers countless budget accommodation options, including campsites and simple guesthouses.
Near Sekenani Gate:
You’ll find a variety of accommodations and culturally-rich stays near Sekenani Gate. Kobi Farm, for example, stands out with its unique container-style rooms and serene ambiance. The Maasai Village Homestay, on the other hand, gives guests a chance to experience the Masai local culture genuinely. We also have Oldarpoi Mara Camp, a community-run campsite with basic facilities at reasonable prices, and Miti Mingi Eco Camp, which offers affordable camping with essential amenities.
Near Talek Gate
I’ve stayed in a couple of camps near Talek Gate, and here are a few that stuck with me. The first is the Talek Bush Camp, situated on the banks of the Talek River. The camp offers a comfortable ‘glamping’ vibe with thoughtfully furnished rooms and modern amenities. The second option is the Greenwood Safari Camp, featuring simple dome tents and basic meals, ideal for backpackers. The Basecamp Adventure offers eco-friendly tents with great views.
Near Other Gates:
You’ll find different options for budget-conscious travellers near other gates. One perfect example is the public campsite in the Mara Triangle. This campsite offers basic accommodation and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so you’ll need to book months in advance due to high demand.
A Warning: Never, ever keep food in your tent at an unfenced campsite. Instead, store it securely in your vehicle. I’ve seen what a hyena can do to a canvas wall when it smells an open can of beef, and trust me, it’s not pretty. Also, remember to keep your tent entrance zipped up at all times when you are leaving the room. Monkey sand baboons love to sneak into the room looking for biscuits, and they not only undo your luggage but can also steal some items.
Add Some Extra Magic: Special Features and Amenities
The best camp knows that a safari is more than just game drives: that it’s about the entire experience. To get that ‘whole experience, look;
Accommodation with Pools: After a game drive, a dip in the pool can be a lovely treat. Look for lodges with a pool, like Sarova Mara Game Camp, Ashnil Mara Camp, Jambo Mara Safari Lodge, Entumoto Safari Camp, and Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Camp.
Properties with Cultural Experiences: The real soul of the Mara is its people. To fully immerse yourself in this land, you have to connect with the Maasai community. Choose stays like Maasai Village Homestay, Oldarpoi Mara Camp, or Basecamp Adventure.
Accommodations for Wildlife Viewing: Some properties offer excellent locations for wildlife viewing, right from the camp or lodge. Look for options like Zebra Plains Mara Camp (with its own waterhole), Mara Intrepids Tented Camp (in prime wildlife territory), and Ashnil Mara Camp (near migration crossing points).
Customise Your Stay: Best Accommodation for Your Safari Goals
I always ask my clients, “What’s the one memory you’d like to take home?” The answer they give me guides me when it comes to choosing the perfect base for them.
If the answer is to see the migration, for example, I consider accommodation near the Mara River, like Ashnil Mara Camp, Entim Mara Camp, and Mara Serena Safari Lodge.
For Photographers, I choose lodges like Governors’ Camp Collection and Angama Mara, which offer captivating views of the Mara and its wildlife.
For travellers traveling with children, I consider accommodations that cater to their needs. Like the Mara Sopa Lodge, Sarova Mara Game Camp (with family tents) and Jambo Mara Safari Lodge.
Making the Right Choice: What to Consider When Booking
Yes, I get it… Choosing a place can feel overwhelming (It’s a big decision anyway)… But it really doesn’t have to be. Here are a few questions I always encourage my clients to ask themselves.
What is your budget? How much are you willing to spend per night? The answer to this determines whether to settle for a budget, mid-budget, or luxury lodge.
Do you want to stay inside or outside the reserve? Or rather, which parts of the reserve do you want to have access to? The gate you choose will determine which part of the reserve you can access and the travel time from Nairobi. Look at your itinerary and desired wildlife viewing areas.
And last but not least, how you will arrive (by road or by air via local airstrips like Ngerende or Keekorok). This question might influence your choice of hotels near the Masai Mara gates with easy access.
Other essential Questions to Ask Before Booking Include;
- Is the property inside or outside the reserve? (This affects daily park fees) .
- What meals are included in the rate?
- Are game drives included or an extra cost?
- What is the electricity and Wi-Fi situation?
- What is the best time to visit based on your wildlife interests?
About the Author
When you spend most of your life on safari, you get to know the land’s secrets… Not just where the wildlife is, but where to find the most comfortable beds and views. I am Harrison Kamau, and I have been guiding safaris for over a decade. Along the way, I’ve personally vetted, stayed in, or sent my clients to numerous tented camps and lodges in the Masai Mara. This guide is a collection of some of my favorite. Places that I know will make your safari truly exceptional.
Note that the lodges I have covered above are mostly mid-range to luxury properties. If you are travelling on a budget, it’s probably best to opt for tented camps, as there are many affordably priced and decent options, such as Enchoro Wildlife Camp, Talek Bush Camp, and Crocodile Camp, among others. If you are on a budget and still want to stay in a lodge, I would suggest AA Lodge Masai Mara.
Other Accommodations In the Masai Mara:
