Masai Mara in 2024: Best Camps, Game Drives and More!

The magical plains of Masai Mara are known worldwide for the incredible variety of wildlife that roam them. This blog will help you discover where to stay and what to do on your magical Masai Mara holiday!

Best Resorts and Camps For Your Holiday at Masai Mara in 2024

Angama Mara

Set 1,000 feet up high above the plains of Masai Mara, Angama Mara is a stunning camp situated along the Oloololo Escarpment. The grounds of this magical resort was one of the main shooting locations for the legendary film starring Robert Redford “Out Of Africa”.

Property Location and Layout

In Swahili, the word “Angama” means “suspended in mid-air”. This resort truly embodies its name, offering stunning views of the mesmerising Mara plains below. The resort is split into two equally sized camps, each with 15 tented suites. Two tented suites of each camp are attached by a connecting passage to create a tented family suite.

Inside The Property

Each suite offers incredible views of the plains below, with massive glass windows facing the plains. Suites are decorated tastefully, melding African and Mediterranean aesthetics to provide a truly world-class experience. Each Suite features a stunning balcony for relaxing evenings.

Property Specialties

Angama Mara opened in 2016, but has been the source of great acclaim due to it’s scenic location and array of incredible activities. The resort offers guests a range of incredible experiences, such as:

Jeep safaris
Walking safaris with a Masai Naturalist
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Birdwatching with a Masai Spotter
Masai Beading Studio
Photography services

The stunning location and incredible range of activities make Angama Mara a top consideration for your holiday at Masai Mara.

At A Glance: Angama Mara

Number of Rooms: 30

Room Types: Tented Suite, Family Tented Suite

How to Reach: The resort is located near the Angama Mara Airport, with regular flights to and from Nairobi. The resort offers a pick-up facility with en-route wildlife spotting.

Cost per Night: INR 1,11,000 – 3,18,000 per person

Amenities: Pool, in-suite massages, restaurant, bar.

Activities offered: Jeep safari, walking safari, hot air balloon ride, birdwatching, photography, beading studio.

&Beyond Bateleur Camp

Located deep within the plains of Masai Mara, the Bateleur Camp is an oasis of luxury in the midst of the wilderness. Run by sustainable tourism pioneers &Beyond, the camp is known for its intimate setting and incredible location.

Property Location and Layout

The &Beyond Bateleur Camp is situated on the plains near the Oloololo Escarpment. The resort is split into two camps, each with 9 tented suites and a tented family suite.

Inside The Property

The &Beyond Bateleur Camp’s tented suites are tastefully decorated with handcrafted artefacts and antique furnishings. Each tent has a private verandah and courtyard. The tented family suites also feature a common sitting area.

Property Specialties

The camp is known for it’s incredible location, just half an hour away from the banks of the Masai River. This is one of the best spots for viewing river crossings during the famous Great Migration. The camp is one of the few camps around Masai Mara where children of all ages are welcomed, including infants. The camp offers visitors a range of exciting activities, including:

Jeep safaris
Bush walks
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Village Visits
Football, crafts, and other activities for children

The &Beyond Bateleur Camp is an excellent spot to stay at during your visit to Masai Mara, with a range of excellent amenities and activities.

At A Glance: &Beyond Bateleur Camp

Number of Rooms: 20

Room Types: Tented Suite, Family Tented Suite

How to Reach: The resort shares a private airstrip with the neighbouring &BEYOND Kichwa Tembo camp. Regular flights are available from Mombassa Airport. The resort offers airstrip pickups with en-route wildlife spotting.

Cost per Night: INR 1,09,000 – 3,48,000 per person

Amenities: Private butler, restaurant, bar.

Activities offered: Jeep safari, bush walk, hot air balloon rides, village visits, children’s games and activities.

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp

Pioneers of the African Safari Experience, Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp has been a tour de force in African tourism. The original camp, where Africa’s first professional hunter made his name, is still inviting guests for an authentic safari experience.

Property Location and Layout

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is located near the Kenya-Tanzania border, near the Mara River. The camp features 11 tented suites in total, with 2 special tented suites for honeymooners and 4 family tents.

The camp itself is situated within a forest, with stunning views into the wilderness all around. Each tent is situated carefully to ensure the privacy of all guests. Two mess tents serve as a restaurant and a bar. The resort also houses a pool and spa.

Inside the Property

Each tent is made to continue the over 100 year legacy of the resort. The cream coloured tents are exactly what one would expect to see in a Hollywood movie – ‘Out Of Africa’ to be precise. The interiors are decorated with antique furnishings with modern appointments. Family tents are larger than the other tents, with a common sitting area.

The Bush Villa is made for those looking for a more luxurious setting. Housing up to 25 people and featuring its own swimming pool, it is perfect for those looking for urban luxuries in the wilderness.

Property Specialities

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp’s history and long standing relationship with the Masai community allows camp guests special access to experiences, including a rare look inside the Masai Warrior School. The camp also offers a range of experiences that they pioneered, including:

Jeep safaris
Night safaris
Walking safaris
Hot air balloon rides
Bush picnics

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp has seen both World Wars, been involved with the first films made in Africa and invented jeep safaris in the 1920s. Those looking for an authentic African safari experience need not look any further, as this is where African game tourism began.

At A Glance: Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp

Number of Rooms: 11 tents, 1 villa

Room Types: Tented Suite, Family Tented Suite, Honeymoon Tented Suite, Bush Villa

How to Reach: The property has its own private airstrip. The property offers pickups from other airstrips and camps with en-route wildlife spotting.

Cost per Night: INR 95,000 – 3,12,000 per person

Amenities: Pool, spa, restaurant, bar.

Activities offered: Masai Warrior School visit, jeep safari, bush walk, hot air balloon rides.

Sala’s Camp

At the convergence of the Sand and Keekorok Rivers, Sala’s Camp is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream. With incredible amenities, luxurious tented suites and stunning surroundings, this camp must be visited to be believed.

Property Location and Layout

Sala’s Camp features 7 tented suites, including two family tented suites and two honeymoon tented suites. All tents are spread out around the central mess area, a stunning wooden lodge facing the plains of Tanzania.

Inside the Property

Each tented suite is crafted to provide the traditional canvas camping experience with modern flourishes. Every tented suite features a plunge pool and a private deck. The location of Sala’s Camp allows guests to see wildlife from the comfort of their tented suite.

Property Specialities

The main attraction of Sala’s Camp is the stunning location, and the promise of being able to see wildlife without having to leave your bed. Other activities offered by the Camp include:

Jeep safaris
Helicopter safaris
Walking safaris

The incredible location, combined with the intimate settings make Sala’s Camp the ultimate destination for those seeking a quiet getaway among nature.

At A Glance: Sala’s Camp

Number of Rooms: 7 tented suites

Room Types: Tented Suite, Family Tented Suite, Honeymoon Tented Suite

How to Reach: The property can be easily accessed from the Keekorok airstrip. The property offers pickups with en-route wildlife spotting.

Cost per Night: INR 1,05,000 – 3,89,000 per person

Amenities: Pool, spa, restaurant, bar.

Activities offered: Masai Warrior School visit, jeep safari, bush walk, hot air balloon rides.

Mahali Mzuri

With a prime location in the path of the Great Migration, Mahali Mzuri is Sir Richard Branson’s favourite camp in Masai Mara. The camp’s name means “beautiful place” in Swahili.

Property Location and Layout

The camp has 24 luxurious tented suites, spread out over a ridge overlooking the Mara plains. A massive mess tent serves as a common area, with a pool, restaurant and bar. A spa is located at the bottom of the ridge, offering a wide range of beauty treatments and massages. All tents and the spa are connected by wooden decks.

Inside The Property

Each tented suite offers guests a stunning view of the Mara plains and a private viewing deck. The property is adults-only, so there are no provisions for extra beds or cots.

Property Specialities

The major attraction of the camp is the location, with spectacular views of the plains below. Throughout the year, guests are treated to the sight of massive herds of animals from the comfort of their tented suites. Other activities offered by the camp are:

Jeep safaris
Bush walks with Masai guides
Masai village visit

If location means everything to you, there is no better place than Mahali Mzuri. It is optimally positioned to visit different parts of Masai Mara by jeep. The surroundings of the camp itself are nothing short of magical.

At A Glance: Mahali Mzuri

Number of Rooms: 12 tented suites

Room Types: Tented Suite

How to Reach: The property is easily accessible from the Olare Orok and Mara North airstrips. The property offers pickups with en-route wildlife spotting.

Cost per Night: INR 93,000 per person (approx)

Amenities: Pool, spa, restaurant, bar.

Activities offered: Masai Warrior School visit, jeep safari, bush walk, hot air balloon rides.

Ngare Serian

One of the few camps in the northern part of Masai Mara, Ngare Serian is the place to be for wildlife lovers. Headed by the renowned wildlife filmmaker, photographer and guide Alex Walker, this resort is perfect for your introduction to the plains of the Mara.

Property Location and Layout

The property is located on the banks of the Mara River, a short bush walk away from renowned river crossing sites. Featuring only 4 tented suites, the property is perfect for those who love peace and quiet. A mess tent serves as a dining area. The entire property is built on wooden decking, with paths to each tented suite.

Inside The Property

Every tented suite has a private verandah with a bathtub sunk into the decking. A bathroom is attached to each suite, accessible via the verandah.

Property Specialities

The major draw of Ngare Serian is the owner, Mr. Alex Walker. He is known for his immense knowledge of Masai Mara and East Africa. This is his flagship property, and he guides all the guests. All tours offered by the property are a combination of jeep safaris, bush walks, and helicopter tours. Night drives and flycamping are also popular among guests.

Ngare Serian is the perfect place to discover the beauty of Masai Mara. With Mr. Alex Walker’s guidance, you will discover the wonders of the Mara – from massive elephants to tiny birds, learn about this incredible place in Kenya.

At A Glance: Ngare Serian

Number of Rooms: 4 tented suites

Room Types: Tented Suite

How to Reach: The property is accessible from the Mara North airstrip. The property offers pickups with en-route wildlife spotting.

Cost per Night: INR 3,90,000 per person (approx)

Amenities: Restaurant, bar.

Activities offered: Jeep safari, bush walk, flycamping, night safari.

Kicheche Valley Camp

In a secluded valley of the eastern side of Masai Mara, the Kicheche Valley Camp is a luxurious resort for serious safari enthusiasts. Surrounded by acacia woodlands, the Camp is highly regarded for its unique approach to safaris.

Property Location and Layout

The property is in a valley surrounded by woodlands. There are 6 tented suites, spread out around mess tent that serves as a dining area. All of the tented suites and the mess tent are built on wooden platforms.

Inside The Property

The tented suites of Kicheche Valley Camp take you back to the era of big game hunters. The cream-colored tented suites are made to afford the highest possible levels of comfort to guests. Each tented suite has an ensuite bathroom with a shower and bathtub. The hotel exclusively provides high-quality, locally-made personal care products.

Property Specialities

Kicheche Valley Camp is known for its emphasis on personalization. The Camp offers a wide range of possibilities for visitors, such as:

Jeep safaris
Bush walks
Fly camping

For visitors seeking to see Masai Mara in their style, Kicheche Valley Camp is the camp for you.

At A Glance: Kicheche Valley Camp

Number of Rooms: 6 tented suites

Room Types: Tented Suite

How to Reach: The property is accessible from the Olseki Naibosho airstrip. The property offers pickups with en-route wildlife spotting.

Cost per Night: INR 80,000-1,20,000 per person (approx)

Amenities: Restaurant, tent attendants.

Activities offered: Jeep safari, bush walk, flycamping.

Sanctuary Olonana Safari Lodge

The preferred property of personalities such as Bill Gates, Olanana Safari Lodge is known for it’s stunning views and unique design. The property is the flagship of Sanctuary Retreats, well known for maintaining high-end safari camps throughout Africa.

Property Location and Layout

The property is set along the banks of the Mara River, giving guests a front-row view of wildlife throughout the year. The property features 14 suites, an additional two-bedroom suite and a main area. The entire resort is built on wooden decking.

Inside the Property

Each suite of Olanana Safari Lodge is decorated in a contemporary style, with artwork specially commissioned by Kenyan artists such as Syowia Kyambi and Tom Mboya. The suites feature ceiling-to-floor glass on the river-facing side. Each of the 15 suites are spaced out from the main area in the centre.

Property Specialities

Olanana Safari Lodge is known for providing high-quality spa and massage treatments. Aside from this, the property also offers guests the following activities:

Jeep safaris
Bush walks
Hot air balloon rides
Masai village visits

This property is perfect for those looking for immaculate luxury in the wilderness of Masai Mara.

At A Glance: Sanctuary Olonana Safari Lodge

Number of Rooms: 15 suites

Room Types: Suite, Geoffery Kent Suite

How to Reach: The property is accessible from the Kichwa Tembo airstrip. The property offers pickups with en-route wildlife spotting. The property is accessible by road, and takes approximately six hours to reach from Nairobi.

Cost per Night: INR 60,000-3,80,000 per person (approx)

Amenities: Restaurant, bar, in-suite massage and spa treatments.

Activities offered: Jeep safari, bush walk, hot air balloon rides, Masai village visits.

Serian – The Original

Another property of the famed guide Mr. Alex Walker, Serian – The Original is a testament to the beauty of Eastern Africa. Located near the northern end of Masai Mara, the Serian has been a favourite among visitors looking for an unique safari experience.

Property Location and Layout

The Serian features 5 tented suites, one of which is a family unit with 2 bedrooms. The tented suites are spread out around a central mess tent, where all guests dine together, family-style.

Inside The Property

The Serian’s tented suites are luxurious, featuring stunning views of the Mara River. Each tented suite features a king-sized bed and fireplace, along with a private viewing deck. Even the adjoining bathrooms offer spectacular views. A herd of hippopotamuses are known to stay around the hotel.

Property Specialities

The Serian is made with ardent wildlife enthusiasts in mind. Children are not allowed It is one of the few properties in Masai Mara where guests are assigned their own vehicle and guide when booking. The resort offers the following activities to guests:

Jeep safaris
Bush walks
Flycamping
Night safaris

Serian – The Original provides guests with stunning experiences in the mesmerising plains of Masai Mara. Those looking for incredible wildlife experiences will surely get the experience they seek.

At A Glance: Serian – The Original

Number of Rooms: 5 tented suites

Room Types: Tented Suite, Family Suite

How to Reach: The property is accessible from the Mara North airstrip. The property offers pickups with en-route wildlife spotting.

Cost per Night: INR 1,05,000-3,25,000 per person (approx)

Amenities: Restaurant, bar, in-suite massage and spa treatments.

Activities offered: Jeep safari, bush walk, hot air balloon rides, Masai village visits.

Richard’s River Camp

With a spectacular setting along the banks of the Njageteck River, Richard’s River Camp is the place for those looking for a peaceful safari experience. The camp’s stunning location and excellent appointments have made it a favourite among wildlife lovers.

Property Location and Layout

Richard’s River Camp has only 5 tented suites, making it perfect for people looking for an intimate setting for their safari. Short trees and shrubs provide privacy for each tented suite. A wooden lodge serves as a dining area, and cooking is done outdoors. A pride of lions is known to reside around the property occasionally.

Inside the Property

Each tented suite is made with children in mind, with enough space to accommodate extra beds if needed. Each tented suite has a bathroom with a bathtub and shower. Each tent offers stunning views of the Njageteck River. The unfenced nature of the property means that wild visitors are common on the property.

Property Specialities

Richard’s River Camp is known for being one of the few properties in the centre of Masai Mara where children are allowed. A range of activities are offered to visitors, including:

Jeep safaris
Night safaris
Bush walks
Hot air balloon rides
Birdwatching
Masai village visits

Richard’s River Camp is among the top places to stay in Masai Mara for families looking to introduce their children to the wild.

At A Glance: Richard’s River Camp

Number of Rooms: 5 tented suites

Room Types: Tented Suite

How to Reach: The property is accessible from the Mara North airstrip. The property offers pickups with en-route wildlife spotting.

Cost per Night: INR 2,25,000-3,08,000 per person (approx)

Amenities: Restaurant, bar.

Activities offered: Jeep safari, bush walk, hot air balloon rides, Masai village visits.

Unleash the Magic of Masai Mara with Exciting Activities!

The stunning plains of Masai Mara have a range of incredible experiences. Each of these activities offers a different perspective on the wonders of this unique part of the world.

Jeep Safari

The classic safari experience, jeep safaris at Masai Mara are the most common way to spot wildlife. When accompanied by a trained guide, this is the best way to see the Big 5 in their element.

Bush Walk

Walking through the plains of Masai Mara is an incredible experience. Most camps offer this experience with the company of a Masai guide, who will introduce guests to the ecological and cultural intricacies of this unique part of the world.

Night Safari

Exploring the wilderness under the light of the stars is an experience that you can’t forget. Discover the nocturnal world, from jaguars on the hunt to the birds of the night.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Seeing the beauty of dawn breaking over the plains of Masai Mara from the air in a hot air balloon. The spectacular view is best experienced with your loved ones.

Masai Village Visits

Discover the unique culture of the Masai, who have preserved their way of life for thousands of years. Learn about how the plains have sustained them and how they give back to the land they have survived on for millennia.

Best Times to Visit Masai Mara

The best time to visit Masai Mara is entirely dependent on what you seek out of your visit there. Whether you’re looking to catch the Big 5 or seeking a specific bird, this guide will help you decide which time is best for you.

January and February

The temperature is milder, with the chance of occasional rain. Wildebeest usually give birth during this time. Lions and Jaguars tend to be the most active during this time.

March to May

This is the main rainy season, with thunderstorms every few days. This is the best time to see a variety of amphibian life.

June and July

The plains start heating up, and catching wildlife at watering holes becomes more common. As the rivers begin drying up, most birds leave the plains to seek out cooler parts of the world. Lions and cheetahs are known to give birth during this time.

August and September

This is the main time to see The Great Migration. Catch thousands of animals making their way to the northern part of Masai Mara. The abundance of animals, participating in this ancient cycle is a scene you will never forget.

October to December

The major herds leave for the southern Serengeti, with much fewer animals remaining. However, birds return to these plains in droves, and the sparse leaf coverage makes the perfect conditions for birdwatching.

Masai Mara is the ultimate destination for wildlife lovers. Choosing the right place to stay can be a daunting task, with all kinds of restrictions. Our travel experts can guide you through your entire journey in Africa, just call Flying Squirrel Holidays and make your Masai Mara dream a reality!