Budget camps in the Maasai Mara offer an authentic safari experience without the high costs associated with luxury lodges. These camps are perfect for travelers seeking adventure while staying within budget. Below is an expert guide to some of the best budget options in the Maasai Mara, including notable camps like Kambu Mara Camp and Greenwood Camp.
1. Kambu Mara Camp
Location: Near the Sekenani Gate
Overview: For travelers seeking an authentic safari experience without sacrificing comfort, Kambu Mara Camp is a true standout in the Maasai Mara. Highly rated for its exceptional bed comfort, spacious tents, affordability, delicious food, friendly staff, and reliable internet, this camp redefines what a budget-friendly safari stay should be.
Highlights:
- Accommodation: Spacious tents in the wild with good views and presence of animals.
- Founded in Jan 2024
- Rates from $50
- Reviews: 9.6/10 on Booking.com – 51 Reviews
- Dining: Options for self-catering or restaurat-prepared food. They recently launched a on-site restaurant.
- Game Drives: Can be arranged with Kambu Campers using 4×4 Land Cruisers.
- Extras: Affordable rates, free Starlink Wi-Fi, hot showers, mosquito nets, lounge area, drinks/bar lounge, indoor and outdoor games, free bush walks (though they recommend you tip Kes. 1000 to the guards), comfortable canvas foldig camping chairs, and campfire areas for evening relaxation.
- Not so great: Located out in the wild – not close to a town with restaurants, shared toilets and shared showers – Camp has 5 toilets ad 5 showers that are shared.
Sleep Comfort:
One of the defining features of Kambu Mara Camp is its commitment to providing top-tier sleeping comfort, an area where many budget accommodations fall short. Instead of diverting resources to amenities like swimming pools while neglecting the basics, Kambu Camp has invested in high-quality bedding.
At the heart of this commitment are Maharaja High-Density Mattresses by Bobmill, widely recognized as the best mattress brand for comfort in Kenya. These premium mattresses offer exceptional support, ensuring a restful night’s sleep after a long day of game drives. It’s a level of thoughtfulness rarely seen in budget camps, where flimsy, subpar bedding is often the norm.
Spacious Tents:
One of the standout features of Kambu Mara Camp is the generous tent sizes, setting it apart from typical budget accommodations. Both the Comfort Tents and Family Tents measure an impressive 14 feet by 12 feet..Read More
offering plenty of space to move around comfortably. This level of spaciousness is a rarity in budget camps, where tents often feel cramped and barely accommodate basic furnishings. At Kambu Mara Camp, however, guests enjoy a true sense of openness, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable stay. The extra space not only enhances comfort but also provides room for added conveniences like luggage storage, bedside tables, and comfortable seating—features that are often missing in smaller, budget-friendly safari accommodations.
Below is an image of the standard tent at Kambu Camp in Masai Mara;
Read more reasons we picked this Camp as the top budget accommodation in Masai Mara>>
Mouthwatering Food to Fuel Your Safari
From freshly prepared breakfasts to hearty dinners, Kambu Mara Camp’s kitchen delivers flavors that exceed expectations. Guests consistently praise the camp for its delicious, home-cooked meals, prepared by skilled chefs who cater to both plant-based and non-vegan diets.
Staff That Feels Like Family
The warm, welcoming team at Kambu Mara Camp is another reason why guests keep coming back. The staff go above and beyond to ensure every visitor has a seamless and memorable stay, offering helpful safari tips, organizing excursions, and attending to every need with a smile.
Reliable Internet in the Heart of the Mara
For those who need reliable connectivity, Kambu Mara Camp has installed SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet, offering a far superior connection compared to the standard 4G networks used by most camps in the Mara. Unlike 4G, which can be unreliable due to network congestion and weak signals in remote areas, Starlink provides high-speed, low-latency internet directly from satellites, ensuring a stable and fast connection regardless of location. Whether you’re sharing safari photos, streaming, or catching up on work, you’ll enjoy seamless, uninterrupted connectivity—a rare luxury in the heart of the wilderness
Kambu Mara Camp is more than just a budget-friendly stay—it’s a thoughtfully designed retreat that prioritizes the essentials of a great safari experience. With its plush, high-density Maharaja mattresses, delicious food, excellent service, and strong internet, this camp outshines many pricier alternatives. For travelers who value comfort, hospitality, and affordability, Kambu Mara Camp is an undeniable hidden gem in the Maasai Mara.
Read more about budget Kambu Mara Camp
2. Greenwood Safari Camp
Location: Near the Talek Gate
Overview: Greenwood Safari Camp is a charming budget camp close to the action of the Maasai Mara. The camp provides simple tented accommodations, some with ensuite bathrooms, alongside basic self-catering facilities. It’s particularly popular with budget travelers looking for an intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Below are some images of standard tent at Greenwood Camp:
Highlights:
- Accommodation: Basic tents with private or shared bathrooms.
- Dining: Restaurant on the camp
- Reviews: 9.1/10 on Booking.com – 282 reviews
- Wildlife: Proximity to the Talek River ensures wildlife sightings near the camp.
- Activities: Game drives, nature walks, and cultural visits can be organized.
- Not so great: Reviews mention lacking bed comfort and small tents. No power in the tents. WiFi also has lowest rating on Booking.com reviews. Also has shared facilities – shared toilets and showers. Swimming pool shown in marketing pics but not actually at this Camp.
Why Choose Greenwood Safari Camp?
It’s perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want a quieter, more secluded base to explore the Maasai Mara.
Greenwood Safari Camp is praised for its proximity to Talek Gate, offering quick park access and an authentic safari vibe with dome tents raised on wooden decks. Guests love its scenic views and peaceful atmosphere. On the downside, some reviews mention basic facilities and the need for better maintenance in certain areas. WiFi was also mentioned to be spotty but perhaps makes up for it with a pool. Few other budget camps in this list have swimming pools.
3. Enchoro Wildlife Camp
Location: Near the Oloolaimutia Gate
Overview: Enchoro Wildlife Camp offers budget tents with private bathrooms and a restaurant on-site. Self-catering facilities are also available, and game drives can be arranged.
Highlights:
- Accommodation: Basic tents with ensuite bathrooms.
- Dining: On-site restaurant
- Rates from $100
- Extras: Organized game drives.
- Doesn’t have great reviews as ones above.
- Not so great: Complaints about food and WiFi.
Why Choose Enchoro Wildlife Camp?
It’s a simple, reliable choice near the Oloolaimutia Gate, perfect for families or groups on a budget.
Enchoro Wildlife Camp offers spacious semi-luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms and strong Maasai cultural experiences. It’s well-located near Oloolaimutia Gate but can be a bit tricky to find without proper signage, and Wi-Fi is limited in reliability.
4. Mara Sidai Camp
Location: Near the Oloolaimutia Gate
Overview: Mara Sidai Camp offers basic tents with private bathrooms and an on-site restaurant. Full-board packages are available, and game drives can be arranged.
Highlights:
- Accommodation: Simple tents with private facilities.
- Dining: Full-board options with local cuisine.
- Activities: Game drives organized through the camp.
Why Choose Mara Sidai Camp?
It’s a dependable option for travelers who want the convenience of full-board packages.
5. Ol Moran Tented Camp
Location: Near the Oloolaimutia Gate
Overview: This camp offers budget-friendly tents with ensuite bathrooms and full-board options. Its proximity to the game reserve ensures easy access to wildlife viewing areas.
Highlights:
- Accommodation: Comfortable tents with private bathrooms.
- Dining: Full-board meal plans with local and international cuisine.
- Activities: Game drives and cultural visits.
Why Choose Ol Moran Tented Camp?
It’s an excellent choice for families or couples seeking comfort on a budget.
6. Lenchada Tourist Camp
Location: Near the Oloolaimutia Gate
Overview: Lenchada Tourist Camp offers affordable tents with private bathrooms and full-board options. The camp organizes game drives and provides a peaceful environment.
Highlights:
- Accommodation: Basic yet comfortable tents.
- Dining: Full-board meals available.
- Extras: Quiet and relaxing atmosphere.
Why Choose Lenchada Tourist Camp?
It’s ideal for travelers seeking affordable accommodations with organized safari activities.
Lenchada Tourist Camp is favored for its cultural immersion, with Maasai-led activities and regular evening bonfires. It offers affordable rates with en-suite tents, but lacks Wi-Fi and has limited charging stations, which can be inconvenient for travelers with multiple devices.
7. Manyatta Camp
Location: Near the Sekenani Gate
Overview: Manyatta Camp provides basic tents with private bathrooms and an on-site restaurant. Game drives and other activities can be arranged.
Highlights:
- Accommodation: Simple tents with private facilities.
- Dining: On-site restaurant with local dishes.
- Activities: Game drives available on request.
Why Choose Manyatta Camp?
It’s a straightforward option close to Sekenani Gate, making it convenient for early morning game drives.
8. Mara Springs Safari Camp
Location: Near the Sekenani Gate
Overview: Mara Springs Safari Camp is a self-catering camp with basic tents and camping grounds. Guests can use the open kitchen or arrange for local meals.
Highlights:
- Accommodation: Affordable camping options.
- Dining: Self-catering and open kitchen facilities.
- Activities: Game drives can be organized.
Why Choose Mara Springs Safari Camp?
It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy self-catering and a more independent safari experience.
9. Rhino Tourist Camp
Location: Near the Oloolaimutia Gate
Overview: Rhino Tourist Camp offers budget tents with ensuite bathrooms, full-board options, and organized game drives.
Highlights:
- Accommodation: Basic tents with private facilities.
- Dining: Full-board packages.
- Activities: Game drives available.
Why Choose Rhino Tourist Camp?
It’s an affordable, no-frills option for those looking to maximize time in the park.
Rhino Tourist Camp impresses with its budget-friendly rates, clean accommodations, and convenient location near Oloolaimutia Gate. Guests appreciate the restaurant, bar, and nightly bonfires, but some mention that beds are quite firm, and Wi-Fi is unavailable, which may not suit everyone.
10. Mara Olapa Camp
Location: Near the Talek Gate
Overview: Mara Olapa Camp offers basic tents with private bathrooms, along with both full-board and half-board options.
Highlights:
- Accommodation: Affordable tents with private bathrooms.
- Dining: Full-board or half-board packages.
- Wildlife: Close to Talek River for excellent wildlife sightings.
Why Choose Mara Olapa Camp?
Its proximity to the Talek Gate makes it ideal for exploring the reserve’s central areas.
12. Mara Chui Camp
Location: Near the Oloolaimutia Gate
Overview: Mara Chui Camp provides simple tents with private bathrooms and a restaurant. The camp emphasizes a budget-friendly, genuine bush experience.
Highlights:
- Accommodation: Basic tents with necessary amenities.
- Dining: On-site restaurant with local and international options.
- Activities: Organized game drives.
Why Choose Mara Chui Camp?
It offers a budget-friendly bush experience with easy access to the Maasai Mara.
13. Miti Mingi Eco Camp
Location: Near the Talek Gate
Overview: Miti Mingi Eco Camp offers affordable tented accommodations nestled in a quiet and natural setting. Surrounded by acacia trees, the camp is designed for budget travelers seeking an eco-friendly experience close to the Maasai Mara. It provides comfortable, simple tents and personalized service to enhance your safari adventure.
Highlights:
- Accommodation: Basic tents with private bathrooms and mosquito nets. The tents are clean and well-maintained, ensuring comfort while maintaining a connection to nature.
- Dining: On-site restaurant serving freshly prepared meals with options for full-board or half-board packages.
- Wildlife: Its proximity to Talek Gate ensures quick access to wildlife-rich areas of the Maasai Mara.
- Activities: Organized game drives, cultural visits to Maasai villages, and guided nature walks can be arranged through the camp.
Why Choose Miti Mingi Eco Camp?
Miti Mingi Eco Camp is ideal for eco-conscious travelers looking for a tranquil and budget-friendly base to explore the Maasai Mara. Its emphasis on simplicity, affordability, and sustainability makes it a favorite among backpackers and small groups.
Miti Mingi Eco-Camp is the most budget-conscious option, perfect for backpackers and groups looking for ultra-basic accommodations. It’s close to the park gate, but amenities are very limited with shared bathrooms, and the facilities may feel too basic for travelers seeking comfort.
Conclusion
For budget travelers, these camps offer affordable, comfortable accommodations while providing easy access to the incredible Maasai Mara ecosystem. Whether you prefer self-catering facilities at Kambu Mara Camp, the serene setting of Greenwood Safari Camp, or the convenience of full-board packages at other camps, there’s an option to suit every need and preference. These camps ensure you can enjoy an unforgettable safari experience without breaking the bank.