Mara Bushtops Luxury Camp is among the finest and most exclusive safari destinations in East Africa. Located within a private wildlife conservancy bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the camp promises a combination of 5-star luxury, personalized service, and unmatched access to wildlife experiences.
Each suite at Mara Bushtops is an oasis of calm and comfort—offering sweeping views of the plains, private hot tubs, fine dining, and access to a tranquil wellness spa. It’s a favorite for honeymooners, high-end travelers, wildlife photographers, and anyone seeking a private and deeply immersive Mara safari experience.
📍 Location & How to Get There
- Setting: Located within the Bushtops Conservancy, just outside the official Maasai Mara Reserve boundaries.
- Access by Air: Guests fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Siana Springs Airstrip (approx. 1 hour), followed by a 10-minute drive to the camp.
- Access by Road: Approximately 6 hours (260 km) from Nairobi by 4×4, through Narok and Sekenani or Talek Gate.
Guests staying here benefit from exclusive off-road drives, night safaris, and a less crowded wildlife experience thanks to the private conservancy setting.
🏕️ Accommodation & Suites
Mara Bushtops offers 12 luxury tented suites, blending the beauty of canvas with hardwood finishes and modern opulence.
Tent Features:
- Over 100m² of living space
- Private wooden deck with hot tub and lounge bed
- Butler service (available 24/7)
- Indoor and outdoor showers
- Kingsize or twin bed options with mosquito netting
- Wi-Fi access and charging ports
- Views over a salt lick that attracts wildlife year-round
Specialty Suites:
- Leopard Suite & Rhino Suite: Two interconnected luxury tents sharing a central lounge, ideal for families or groups of 4–6.
💵 2025 Rates (Per Person, Per Night, Sharing)
| Season | Dates | Adult Rate (USD) | Child Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Season | April 1 – May 31 | $1,120 | $672 (7–17 yrs) |
| High Season | Jan 6 – Mar 31, Jun 1 – 30, Nov 1 – Dec 20 | $1,300 | $780 |
| Peak Season | July 1 – Oct 31, Dec 21 – Jan 5 | $1,700 | $1,020 |
Children below 7 are not typically permitted. Rates are inclusive of meals, game drives, laundry, conservancy fees, transfers from Siana airstrip, and most beverages.
✅ What’s Included
- Accommodation in a luxury tented suite
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- House wines, local beers, spirits, water, juices, and soft drinks
- Two daily game drives (in custom-designed open 4×4 vehicles)
- Access to Bushtops Conservancy
- Walking safaris (with Maasai guides and armed ranger)
- Sundowner experiences and guided bush dining
- Daily laundry service
- Complimentary airstrip transfers
- Wi-Fi in rooms and public areas
❌ What’s Not Included
- Maasai Mara National Reserve park fees (if entering during game drives)
- Hot air balloon safaris (bookable at additional cost)
- Premium imported wines & spirits
- Spa treatments at the Amani Spa
- Travel insurance, gratuities, and personal expenses
- Flights to/from Siana Airstrip
🛎️ Facilities & Services
- 🛁 Amani Spa: Award-winning spa with indoor/outdoor treatment rooms, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and relaxation decks
- 🏊 Infinity Pool: Overlooking a salt lick often frequented by elephants, zebras, and antelope
- 🍽️ Private & Communal Dining Areas: Guests may dine privately on their tent decks or enjoy meals in the main restaurant and bar
- 📶 Wi-Fi: Reliable internet in rooms and main areas
- 🔥 Campfire deck for evening drinks and storytelling
- 🛍️ Curated boutique for luxury safari wear, crafts, and art
🍽️ Dining & Culinary Experience
- Meals are à la carte, served in a fine-dining atmosphere
- Private dining on your deck available anytime
- The chef team focuses on fresh, organic, locally sourced ingredients
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and other dietary needs catered for on request
- Paired wine selections and full bar service included
🚙 Safari Activities
- Game Drives (2 per day):
- Morning and evening drives into the conservancy and optionally into the Maasai Mara Reserve
- Vehicles have open sides, canvas canopies, and charging outlets for cameras
- Night Game Drives:
- A unique feature made possible within the conservancy, using infrared spotlights and night vision
- Guided Bush Walks:
- Led by Maasai naturalists; ideal for tracking, learning medicinal plants, birdwatching, and photography
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris:
- Bookable at an extra fee with advance notice
- Cultural Visits:
- Trips to nearby Maasai communities can be arranged, guided by local staff
👨👩👧👦 Family Travel Notes
- Children aged 7 and above are welcome
- Leopard Suite & Rhino Suite designed for families or small groups
- Custom meals for children available
- Babysitting services can be arranged in advance
🕐 Check-In / Check-Out
- Check-In: From 12:00 PM
- Check-Out: By 10:00 AM
- Early check-in or late check-out available upon request (subject to availability)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Mara Bushtops located inside the Maasai Mara?
It is located just outside the official reserve boundary in the Bushtops Conservancy, giving guests exclusive access to wildlife without crowds, and the option to enter the reserve for additional drives.
Q: Are game drives shared or private?
Game drives are typically shared (max 6 guests per vehicle), but private vehicles are available on request at an extra charge.
Q: Is the camp eco-conscious?
Yes. Mara Bushtops implements sustainable practices such as solar energy, water recycling, eco-friendly construction, and support for local conservation and community efforts.
Q: Can guests combine Bushtops with other parks?
Absolutely. Many guests include Bushtops in custom itineraries with Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, or the coast.
Q: What’s the best time to visit?
The camp is open year-round, but July–October offers the best chance of witnessing the Great Migration, while the Green Season (April–May) is ideal for photographers and fewer crowds.
🌟 Why Choose Mara Bushtops?
✅ One of Africa’s most luxurious safari camps
✅ Private hot tubs and full butler service in every tent
✅ Access to night game drives and walking safaris
✅ Award-winning spa and wellness center
✅ Gourmet meals with premium service
✅ Limited guest numbers = highly personalized safari