The Masai Mara ecosystem is not limited to the Masai Mara National Reserve—it also includes surrounding private conservancies that provide an intimate, uncrowded, and eco-friendly safari experience. These conservancies are home to some of the most unique safari camps, offering exceptional wildlife encounters, personalized service, and a strong emphasis on conservation and community support. This guide explores top conservancy camps, what makes them special, and how to choose the best one for your safari.
What Are Masai Mara Conservancies?
Masai Mara conservancies are privately managed areas adjacent to the Masai Mara National Reserve. They are formed through partnerships between Maasai landowners and tourism operators, with a focus on sustainable tourism and conservation. Conservancies limit the number of tourists and vehicles, ensuring a low-impact safari experience with plenty of space for wildlife and travelers alike.
Key Benefits of Staying in Conservancy Camps
- Exclusivity: Limited vehicles and tourists.
- Night Game Drives: A unique opportunity not allowed in the main reserve.
- Off-Road Driving: Better wildlife viewing access.
- Conservation Focus: Revenue directly supports local communities and wildlife conservation.
- Community Engagement: Opportunities to learn about Maasai culture and visit villages.
Top Conservancy Camps in Masai Mara
1. Mara Nyika Camp (Naboisho Conservancy)
- Overview: Set in the pristine Naboisho Conservancy, Mara Nyika offers an exclusive experience with just a few tents nestled under a canopy of African thorn trees.
- Highlights:
- Stunning tented suites with private decks and panoramic views.
- Excellent wildlife sightings, including big cats and rare species like aardvarks.
- Access to guided walks, night drives, and cultural visits to Maasai villages.
- Ideal For: Honeymooners and luxury-seeking adventurers.
- Sustainability: Solar power and eco-friendly practices are prioritized.
2. Kicheche Mara Camp (Mara North Conservancy)
- Overview: An intimate camp with just eight tents, Kicheche Mara Camp is known for its warm hospitality and focus on exceptional wildlife encounters.
- Highlights:
- Positioned near key wildlife corridors.
- Opportunities for guided walking safaris and off-road driving.
- Excellent birdwatching in the camp’s natural surroundings.
- Ideal For: Photographers and couples.
- Sustainability: Camp revenues support local schools and health initiatives.
3. Richard’s River Camp (Olare Motorogi Conservancy)
- Overview: A luxurious, family-friendly camp near the Mara River, offering a serene atmosphere and personalized service.
- Highlights:
- Spacious tents with modern amenities and private verandas.
- Renowned for its big cat sightings, particularly lions and cheetahs.
- Customizable activities, including hot air balloon safaris and cultural tours.
- Ideal For: Families and small groups.
- Sustainability: Emphasis on low-impact tourism and community development projects.
4. Little Governors’ Camp (Musiara Conservancy)
- Overview: A tranquil camp located near the Musiara Marsh, renowned for wildlife viewing and luxurious accommodations.
- Highlights:
- Tents with private verandas overlooking a waterhole frequented by animals.
- Exceptional access to the main reserve for Great Migration crossings.
- Intimate dining experiences under the stars.
- Ideal For: Couples and wildlife enthusiasts.
- Sustainability: Solar-powered and plastic-free operations.
5. Mara Plains Camp (Olare Motorogi Conservancy)
- Overview: An ultra-luxurious camp blending elegance and wilderness, perfect for discerning travelers.
- Highlights:
- Large suites with antique furnishings and private decks.
- Exceptional game drives led by highly trained guides.
- Private access to both the conservancy and the main reserve.
- Ideal For: Luxury travelers and honeymooners.
- Sustainability: Part of the Great Plains Conservation Initiative.
6. Sand River Masai Mara by Elewana (Mara North Conservancy)
- Overview: A sophisticated, colonial-style camp located on the banks of the Sand River.
- Highlights:
- Luxurious tents with en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers.
- Exceptional Great Migration viewing during the season.
- Private dining and personalized activities.
- Ideal For: Couples and wildlife enthusiasts.
- Sustainability: Strong conservation and community engagement programs.
7. Mara Expedition Camp (Olare Motorogi Conservancy)
- Overview: A small, adventurous camp offering a rustic yet luxurious feel.
- Highlights:
- Vintage-style tents inspired by early explorers.
- Access to prime big cat territories.
- Exclusive activities like horse riding safaris.
- Ideal For: Adventurous travelers and photographers.
- Sustainability: Zero plastic use and a commitment to wildlife conservation.
8. Mara Crossing Luxury Camp (Mara Triangle Conservancy)
- Overview: Positioned near the Mara River, this camp offers front-row seats to the Great Migration crossings.
- Highlights:
- Tented accommodations with river views.
- Proximity to dramatic wildebeest crossings during migration season.
- Night game drives and guided walks.
- Ideal For: Migration-focused travelers.
- Sustainability: Conservation fees directly support the Mara Triangle.
9. andBeyond Bateleur Camp (Mara Triangle Conservancy)
- Overview: A high-end camp offering a blend of adventure and luxury, with breathtaking views of the Mara plains.
- Highlights:
- Opulent tented suites with outdoor showers and private decks.
- Private game drives tailored to guest preferences.
- Access to secluded wildlife areas.
- Ideal For: Honeymooners and luxury seekers.
- Sustainability: Strong emphasis on eco-friendly practices and community support.
Tips for Choosing a Conservancy Camp
- Identify Your Priorities: Are you focused on exclusivity, specific wildlife, or certain activities like walking safaris or night drives?
- Consider Your Budget: Camps range from mid-range options to ultra-luxury lodges.
- Location Matters: Each conservancy has unique features; for instance, Olare Motorogi is known for big cats, while Naboisho offers exceptional walking safaris.
- Plan for the Season: Some conservancies are better for specific times of the year, such as migration season.
- Community Impact: Choose camps that contribute to local conservation and community development.
Final Thought
A stay in a Masai Mara conservancy camp offers an unparalleled safari experience. With fewer tourists, intimate wildlife encounters, and a focus on sustainability, these camps provide an enriching and memorable adventure. Whether you’re a luxury traveler, a photographer, or a budget-conscious explorer, there’s a camp for you in the Masai Mara conservancies.
Mara North Conservancy Member Camps
Mara North Conservancy (MNC) is a premier private wildlife conservancy offering exceptional safari experiences with a focus on sustainability and community support. Its member camps provide a variety of accommodations, from intimate luxury lodges to traditional tented camps, each offering unique experiences for visitors.
1. Alex Walker’s Serian Camp
- Overview: A family-friendly camp showcasing the magic of the Mara year-round.
- Highlights: Ideal for multi-generational travel, with a focus on authentic safari experiences.
2. Elephant Pepper Camp
- Overview: A classic safari base perfect for exploring the Mara’s wildlife wonders.
- Highlights: Eco-friendly camp with a focus on sustainability and exceptional wildlife access.
3. Karen Blixen Camp
- Overview: Luxury canvas tents overlooking the Mara River, inspired by the legacy of Karen Blixen.
- Highlights: Spacious tents with private views, ideal for romantic getaways or relaxing safaris.
4. Kicheche Mara Camp
- Overview: A hidden gem in a prime wildlife area, offering a classic tented camp experience.
- Highlights: Known for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional guiding services.
5. Mara Bush Houses (Saruni)
- Overview: A peaceful retreat far from crowded areas, located in a wildlife-rich community-owned conservancy.
- Highlights: Offers privacy and exclusivity, with zebra and waterbuck frequently grazing nearby.
6. Mara Plains Camp
- Overview: A luxurious camp offering unparalleled adventure and front-row seats to the Mara’s iconic wildlife.
- Highlights: Perfect for luxury seekers and those looking to immerse themselves in the drama of the savannah.
7. Mara Expedition Camp
- Overview: Nestled in an acacia grove, this camp is part of the Great Plains Conservation Explorer-Collection.
- Highlights: Combines adventure with comfort, making it a great choice for wildlife enthusiasts.
8. Offbeat Mara Camp
- Overview: A small, traditional safari camp offering an exclusive under-canvas experience.
- Highlights: Perfect for those seeking an authentic and intimate safari away from crowds.
9. Offbeat Riding Safaris
- Overview: Established in 1990, Offbeat offers unrivaled mobile horseback safaris amidst big game.
- Highlights: A unique way to explore the Mara on horseback for adventure lovers.
10. Richard’s River Camp
- Overview: A luxury tented camp offering privacy and adventure in the heart of the Masai Mara.
- Highlights: Designed for discerning travelers seeking exclusivity and comfort.
11. Royal Mara Camp
- Overview: A boutique luxury lodge with riverfront tents overlooking the hippo pool of the Mara River.
- Highlights: Combines breathtaking views with high-end safari luxury.
12. Safaris Unlimited
- Overview: Gordie and Felicia Church specialize in creating intense and diverse African experiences.
- Highlights: Offers unique journeys on horseback, in vehicles, on foot, or from the air.
13. Saruni Mara Camp
- Overview: The only small luxury lodge in the Mara, featuring elegant cottages and villas.
- Highlights: Perfect for families and couples seeking a serene, high-end safari experience.
Why Choose Mara North Conservancy Camps?
- Exclusive Wildlife Access: Limited vehicles ensure intimate wildlife encounters.
- Sustainability Focus: Camps contribute to conservation and local communities.
- Variety of Experiences: Options include game drives, walking safaris, horseback safaris, and cultural visits.
- Diverse Accommodations: From luxurious lodges to traditional tented camps, there’s something for everyone.
Mara Triangle Camps and Lodges
The camps and lodges listed below offer exceptional accommodation options for visitors exploring the Mara Triangle and its surrounding areas. They cater to various preferences, ranging from luxurious stays within the park to unique and serene experiences just outside its borders.

Camps & Lodges Inside the Mara Triangle
- Little Governor’s Camp
- Overview: A luxurious, intimate camp offering breathtaking views of the wildlife and landscapes of the Mara Triangle.
- Highlights: Renowned for its eco-friendly practices and exclusive location, allowing close-up wildlife encounters.
- Mara Serena Lodge
- Overview: A larger lodge known for its panoramic views of the Mara plains, perfectly blending modern comfort with traditional African design.
- Highlights: Features exceptional service, a swimming pool, and prime access to wildlife hotspots.
Camps & Lodges Outside the Mara Triangle
- Ahadi Mara Camp
- Overview: Offers a peaceful retreat just outside the park with comfortable tented accommodation.
- Highlights: Ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking a quiet safari base.
- Angama Mara Lodge
- Overview: A world-class luxury lodge perched on the edge of the Great Rift Valley.
- Highlights: Features unparalleled views of the Mara plains, spacious suites, and impeccable service.
- Bateleur Camp
- Overview: Nestled in a forest at the edge of the Mara, Bateleur Camp combines luxury with privacy.
- Highlights: Ideal for honeymooners and those seeking an intimate safari experience.
- Jacaranda Bush Camp
- Overview: A rustic yet charming camp offering a close-to-nature experience.
- Highlights: Known for its peaceful setting and affordability.
- Kichwa Tembo Camp
- Overview: An upscale tented camp set in a private concession bordering the Mara.
- Highlights: Famous for its beautiful location and exceptional wildlife sightings.
- Kilima Camp
- Overview: A mid-range camp located on the edge of the Mara escarpment.
- Highlights: Offers stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere.
- Mara Elatia Camp
- Overview: Provides comfortable accommodations with a focus on local culture and sustainability.
- Highlights: Suitable for travelers interested in an authentic experience.
- Mara Engai
- Overview: A luxury lodge perched on the Oloololo Escarpment.
- Highlights: Features spectacular views and high-end amenities.
- Mara Pure
- Overview: A peaceful and eco-conscious camp for those seeking serenity.
- Highlights: Focuses on sustainability and unique safari experiences.
- Mara Sun Lodge
- Overview: Offers spacious accommodations at an affordable price.
- Highlights: Family-friendly with a welcoming atmosphere.
- Mara Siria
- Overview: Known for its remote location and sweeping views of the savannah.
- Highlights: Ideal for adventure lovers seeking off-the-beaten-path stays.
- Mara West
- Overview: A scenic lodge with a mix of tented and cabin accommodations.
- Highlights: Balances affordability with luxury and access to wildlife.
- Nyota Mara Lodge
- Overview: Combines comfort and modern amenities in a serene environment.
- Highlights: Well-suited for families and couples.
- Pearl Mara Expedition
- Overview: A camp focused on delivering personalized safari experiences.
- Highlights: Perfect for small groups and tailor-made itineraries.
- Sanctuary Olonana
- Overview: A luxury camp with a strong focus on eco-tourism and community involvement.
- Highlights: Features award-winning design, gourmet dining, and superb wildlife access.