🌍 Overview
Mara Expedition Camp is a small, exclusive, and elegantly rustic safari camp that delivers a classic African safari experience in the heart of Kenya’s world-famous Masai Mara ecosystem. Set within a tranquil pocket of riverine forest, just inside the border of the Masai Mara National Reserve, this camp allows access to both the reserve and neighboring Mara North Conservancy.
Run by the renowned Great Plains Conservation group, Mara Expedition Camp caters to photographers, wildlife lovers, and conservation-focused travelers seeking an immersive, stylish, and intimate bush experience.
With just five luxurious safari tents and one two-bedroom family tent, this is a low-footprint, high-impact camp—offering supreme comfort, world-class guiding, and minimal crowding.
📍 Location and How to Get There
Camp Setting
Mara Expedition Camp is located in a secluded forest clearing near the Ntiakitiak River, surrounded by a rich corridor of wildlife activity. Guests enjoy frequent sightings of big cats, elephants, and plains game right from camp or shortly after departing for a game drive.
Access Options
- By Air: The nearest airstrip is Ol Kiombo, just a 45-minute drive from camp. Daily scheduled flights are available from Wilson Airport in Nairobi, taking approximately 45 minutes. On arrival, the camp team greets guests for a scenic transfer through the bush.
- By Road: The drive from Nairobi takes roughly 5–6 hours, passing through scenic escarpments, small towns, and savannah landscapes. While less common, road transfers are a great way to enjoy more of Kenya’s countryside.
Airstrip transfers are included in the rates for guests flying in.
🛌 Accommodation
Mara Expedition Camp features just six canvas tents, all designed to evoke the old-world charm of East Africa’s classic safaris, with thoughtful luxury details and a commitment to minimal environmental impact.
Tent Options
- Luxury Safari Tents (5)
These tents are spacious and airy, nestled under the canopy of old trees, with wide private verandas looking out over the plains. Each tent has:- A king-size or twin beds
- En-suite bathroom with hot safari shower and flush toilet
- Double vanity basins
- Brass fixtures and antique-style furnishings
- Canvas windows with roll-up flaps for panoramic views
- Eco-friendly toiletries and solar lighting
- Two-Bedroom Family Tent (1)
Designed for families or small groups, this tent features:- Two separate en-suite bedrooms
- Shared central lounge area
- Ideal for privacy and group flexibility
The tents maintain a low-impact footprint, constructed using sustainably sourced materials, and powered entirely by solar.
💵 2025 Rates (Per Person, Per Night – Fully Inclusive)
| Travel Period | Rate (USD) |
|---|---|
| Jan 11 – Mar 31 | $1,260 |
| Apr 1 – Jun 14 | $1,125 |
| Jun 15 – Oct 31 | $1,590 |
| Nov 1 – Dec 19 | $1,125 |
| Dec 20 – Jan 10 (2026) | $1,590 |
Children Policy: Children aged 6 years and above are welcome. Children under 15 must share a tent with an adult. Special rates apply for the family tent.
Additional conservation levies and park fees apply per person, per night, and will be confirmed upon booking.
✅ What’s Included
- Accommodation in luxury canvas tents
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Non-alcoholic drinks and house wines, beers, spirits, and champagne
- Shared daily game drives in the Masai Mara and/or Mara North Conservancy
- Laundry service
- Airstrip transfers (Ol Kiombo)
- Bush picnics, sundowners, and walking safaris where permitted
❌ What’s Not Included
- Conservancy and National Reserve park fees
- Premium imported wines and specialty spirits
- Hot air balloon safaris (can be arranged at an extra cost)
- Private game drive vehicle (available at extra cost)
- Gratuities, travel insurance, and personal expenses
🍽️ Dining & Cuisine
Dining at Mara Expedition Camp is intimate, fresh, and chef-prepared daily using locally sourced ingredients. The experience is flexible and tailored to guests’ preferences.
- Bush breakfasts are often packed for early morning game drives.
- Lunches are light and fresh—typically salads, grilled meats, and vegetarian options.
- Dinners are three-course candle-lit affairs, served communally or privately on request.
- Drinks: A selection of wines, beers, and house spirits is included.
- Special Diets: Catered with prior notice—vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive meals are available.
🦁 Safari Activities & Experiences
Mara Expedition Camp offers a rich variety of safari activities led by some of Kenya’s most knowledgeable and passionate guides.
Included Activities:
- Game Drives
- Morning and afternoon game drives in custom 4×4 safari vehicles
- Access to both Masai Mara National Reserve and Mara North Conservancy
- Excellent chances to spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and more
- Walking Safaris
- Guided bush walks with local guides in permitted areas
- Learn to track animals, identify bird calls, and understand plant uses
- Cultural Visits
- Visit nearby Maasai villages for authentic cultural exchanges
- Meet local artisans, dancers, and elders (small additional fee applies)
- Photography-Focused Drives
- Led by guides trained in wildlife photography
- Flexible timings and vehicle positions for the perfect shot
- Sundowners & Bush Meals
- Enjoy cocktails and snacks with sunset views
- Picnic lunches in the wild available on full-day drives
🌿 Conservation & Sustainability
Mara Expedition Camp is committed to sustainable tourism and conservation:
- Powered 100% by solar energy
- Built with canvas, wood, and thatch for low impact
- All water is treated and reused sustainably
- Contributes to local community employment and conservation fees
- Operated by Great Plains Conservation, known for rewilding efforts across Africa
Guest stays directly fund local conservation programs and anti-poaching patrols.
🧒 Family Friendliness
While it’s a quieter, adult-oriented camp, Mara Expedition does welcome families with children aged 6+. The family tent ensures comfort, while guides are happy to tailor game drives for younger travelers.
- Children under 15 must share tents with adults
- No childminding or formal kids’ programs are provided, but camp staff are warm and accommodating
💬 Guest Feedback & Testimonials
What Guests Love:
- “The guides were phenomenal—patient, skilled, and so passionate.”
- “Every meal was a delight, and the location feels totally wild.”
- “We saw five cheetahs on our first drive!”
Highlights:
- Low vehicle density and excellent wildlife encounters
- Comfortable but rustic feel with elegant decor
- Personalized and flexible experience with great hosting
Points to Consider:
- No pool or spa—this is a true bush experience
- Wi-Fi is limited and only available in common areas
- Camp size means early booking is essential in high season
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Season | Experience |
|---|---|
| Jan – Mar | Calving season, lush scenery, predators active |
| Apr – Jun | Green season; good photography, fewer crowds |
| Jul – Oct | Peak migration season; excellent game viewing |
| Nov – Dec | Migratory birds, dramatic skies, quieter safaris |
The camp is open year-round and offers different seasonal experiences, with wildlife always present in the area.
📌 Summary at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Masai Mara National Reserve |
| Nearest Airstrip | Ol Kiombo (45 mins by road) |
| Accommodation | 5 Luxury Tents + 1 Family Tent |
| 2025 Rates | $1,125 – $1,590 pppn (all-inclusive) |
| Family-Friendly | Yes (ages 6+, family tent available) |
| Safari Activities | Drives, walks, cultural visits |
| Conservation Ethos | Strong; part of Great Plains efforts |
| Best Time to Visit | July–October or Jan–March |