best luxury safari lodges in masai mara

• You are here:

Top 10 Best Masai Mara Luxury Safari Lodges & Camps

Roxanne Reid is an award-winning freelance writer and editor. She has published two books about African travel. Her Africa Addict blog focuses on African travel, people, safari, wildlife, culture and villages.

The Masai Mara National Reserve, with its signature tree-dotted plains, is a classic safari destination in southwestern Kenya. It is home to 95 mammal species. So, expect a year-round wealth of wildlife, from big cats to elephant, rhino and buffalo, giraffe, topi and more. The Mara is also famously home to the annual great migration of wildebeest and zebra between July and November. See them kick up dust as they move in search of grazing with predators on their trail. Experience the drama of river crossings that pit them against hungry crocodiles.

With this abundance of wildlife, it’s no surprise that the reserve and its surrounding private conservancies offer many Masai Mara safari lodges. You can stay in one of these lodges to get close to the action. Here are 10 of the best (in alphabetical order).

1. Amani Mara Camp

Amani Mara Camp in Olare Orok just northeast of the reserve has an African feel with stone-and-canvas rooms and earthy hues. Your private deck is the ideal place to soak up the expansive view and keep an eye out for animals on the plains. Cool off in the heat of the day at the camp’s swimming pool or watch hippo and crocodile in the river. Enjoy a bush breakfast or lunch made with fresh produce from the camp’s organic gardens.

Wherever you go in the Mara there’s a profusion of wildlife on the rolling plains. Your game drives will be filled with thrills and action. Go on a night drive to spot nocturnal species such as leopard, lion, spotted hyena, porcupine and civet. Explore on foot, safe in the hands of a Maasai guide who will teach you about the Mara environment. Visit a Maasai manyatta (village) to see how the local community lives in harmony with animals. Treat yourself to an early morning hot-air balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view of the Mara’s savannah and wildlife.

Amani Mara Camp Tours

2. Angama Mara

Surely one of the most beautiful of the Masai Mara safari lodges must be Angama Mara. The name is inspired by the Swahili word for ‘suspended in the air’, given that it hangs high above the plains of the Mara Triangle. The glass-fronted luxury tents look out over landscapes speckled with animals and spiny Balanites aegyptiaca trees.

Go on a game drive to make the most of the Mara’s exciting wildlife experiences. Don’t miss floating in a hot-air balloon over the winding Mara River at daybreak to watch wildlife far below. Head out on a bush walk with a Maasai guide or visit a Maasai village to learn about their fascinating culture. Enjoy a massage on your deck and dinner under a canopy of stars. Have a dreamy picnic on the hill where scenes from the Out of Africa (1985) movie were shot.

Angama Mara Tours

3. Emboo River

If glamping and eco-friendliness are important to you when you book your Masai Mara safari camps, you’ll love Emboo River. Your tent at this luxury sustainable camp has a view of the Talek River and a rain shower in the bathroom. There’s a natural pool that uses local wetland plants to filter the water (no chemicals). Become part of nature on your private terrace as you watch hippo laze in the river or elephant come to drink. When the great migration of wildebeest and zebra marches through the Mara, you may see a crossing at the river right next to camp.

Go on a game drive in a silent electric vehicle (solar charged) so you can listen to the wind and the wildlife. Go bush walking with a Maasai guide to learn about birds and insects. Feel Maasai history and traditions come alive on a visit to a local village. See the Mara wake up from a hot-air balloon suspended in the dawn light. Toast the silhouettes of giraffe at sunset. Share anecdotes from your day around the campfire before dinner or just soak up the silence and the stars.

Emboo River Tours

4. Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

In a private concession bordering the Masai Mara you’ll find the elegant Kitchwa Tembo Tented Camp. Laid out in a patch of forest along the Sabaringo River on the edge of the Oloololo escarpment, it has sweeping views of the plains. Relax and unwind in spaces infused with romance and contemporary African style. Let the large windows invite the outside in.

Watch as warthog feed outside your luxury tent. Take a dip in the rim-flow pool with its wide views of the Mara. Enjoy a soothing massage. Float in a hot-air balloon above the horseshoe bends of the Mara River. Watch a river crossing during the great migration. Fuel your wildlife passion with game drives and guided nature walks. For a change of pace, interact with the local Maasai through talks and dancing.

Kichwa Tembo Tours

5. Mahali Mzuri

Another one of the spectacular Masai Mara safari lodges is Sir Richard Branson’s luxury Mahali Mzuri in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy of the Greater Mara. The name means ‘beautiful place’ and it’s everything you’d expect. The tents have an unusual custom design, each with an expansive view from a private deck. Add a romantic freestanding bath (also with a view), candlelight dinner for two under the stars, rim-flow swimming pool and champagne picnics. All the hallmarks of that special Branson touch are here.

The lodge’s position gives you front-row seats to spectacular wildlife sightings year-round. This includes during the great migration from July to November, depending on climatic conditions. Drink in the dramatic scenery and experience the thrill of watching elephant, lion, leopard, giraffe and plains wildlife. It’s hard to beat the buzz of a game drive but make time to visit a Maasai village to learn about their pastoralist culture.

6. Mara Engai Wilderness Lodge

Tucked into ravine forest on an escarpment of volcanic rock, Mara Engai Lodge looks out over Mara grasslands teeming with wildlife. Your luxury tent is spacious and comfy, with an elevated private viewing deck and waterfall shower. Dine under the African sky on fresh produce from the organic gardens. Enjoy a bush breakfast or lunch on a rock at the Mara Engai Vantage Point with a view of the migrations route spread below.

Hop into a 6×6 Pinzgauer vehicle for a chance to see the Big Five and other animals. Or venture out on a guided walk to learn about the small things and experience the sounds and smells of the bush. Go up in a hot-air balloon for the adventure of a lifetime where you can see wildlife dotted below you. For an adrenaline rush, ride through the bush on a quad bike to relish the views and perhaps pass giraffe, zebra or elephant. Visit a Maasai settlement to learn about a way of life that has changed little in hundreds of years.

Mara Engai Tours

7. Mara Ngenche Safari Camp

If you’re looking for Masai Mara safari camps that are intimate, you’ll love Mara Ngenche Safari Camp. Secreted away in a riverine forest in the heart of the reserve, it has grand views over the confluence of the Mara and Talek rivers. It looks out over a hippo pool and other animals are never far away. Marrying African decor with old-fashioned allure, each luxury tent enjoys a view over the river and its own private plunge pool. Soak in the large bathtub or cool off with an outdoor shower.

Every day brings something different. Unwind with a bush breakfast or dinner, a picnic lunch or sundowners (drink of your choice while watching the sunset) on the spectacular Mara plains. Relax on your deck with a pair of binoculars or a book. Rev up again with a cultural visit and entertainment by local Maasai warriors. The game drive is king of the activities, an electrifying experience of wildlife impossible to forget.

Mara Ngenche Tours

8. Mara West Camp

Mara West Camp on the remote western border of the reserve has panoramic views over the Mara plains. Tucked into a wooded thicket on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment, it offers luxurious chalets and tents that are a perfect retreat in between your wildlife adventures. Wake to the dawn chorus of birds, see gazelles and zebras visit the camp, and hear the calls of bush babies at night.

Go on high-octane game drives to see the Big Five, Thompson’s gazelle, zebra and Maasai giraffe. Change into lower gear on a guided bush walk on the edge of the reserve to experience wildlife, plants and birds on foot. Visit a Maasai village to see the day-to-day lifestyle of the local people and watch them dance in their colourful traditional shuka cloth.

9. Sand River Masai Mara

Tucked away on the banks of the Sand River in the national reserve is Sand River Masai Mara camp. Recalling the romance of tented camps in the 1920s, it conjures images of a movie set depicting the glory days of safari. Think safari chairs around the campfire and dinner by the light of paraffin lamps. A cooling dip in the pool as you sip a cocktail. Think giant four-poster beds with flowing fabric. Freestanding bathtubs allow you a relaxing soak, or you can take an outdoor shower to feel part of the nature that surrounds you. Enjoy breakfast on your private deck overlooking rocks and forest along the river as an elephant or gazelle passes by.

The camp is well placed for sightings of the Big Five, cheetah and other animals year-round. It’s also on the great migration route so if you visit at the right time you may be lucky enough to watch wildebeest and zebra cross the Sand River. Other experiences not to miss include bush meals and sundowners. A hot-air balloon safari and a cultural visit to a local Maasai village are also not to be missed.

Sand River Masai Mara Tours

10. Zebra Plains Mara Camp

Below the Oldonyo Loip Ridge, the boutique Zebra Plains Mara Camp looks out over the open plains of the Mara. This is one of the best wildlife-viewing areas, close to crossing points of the great migration at the Mara and Talek rivers. There’s a wealth of big cats, and you’ll see plenty of giraffe, topi, gazelle and elephant on your game drives.

Burn some energy on a walking safari with a Maasai guide. See big cat tracks in the sand and get close to zebra, giraffe and other plains wildlife. Taste and smell plants and listen to the birds. Go hot-air ballooning to see the Mara’s wildlife from above. Visit a Maasai village to learn about their culture, hear their songs and watch them dance and jump. End the day with sundowners in the bush as temperatures drop. Spend your evening around the campfire listening to the roars of the resident pride of lion or gazing at a sky sprinkled with stars.

Zebra Plains Mara Camp Tours

Want To Visit Masai Mara National Reserve?

Click on the button below to compare Masai Mara safaris offered by top rated tour operators.

1,579 Masai Mara Safari Tours

About SafariBookings

SafariBookings is the largest online marketplace for African safari tours. Easily compare offers from top-rated tour operators. Make decisions like a pro by using our 105,842 reviews and 222 destination guides. More About Us

Masai Mara National Reserve

• Park Overview
• Tour Operators

Masai Mara National Reserve Safaris

7-Day Kenya Major National Park Safari

$1,887 to $3,053 pp (USD)

4-Day Exotic Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru Safari

$1,683 to $1,870 pp (USD)

7-Day Mara -Nakuru -Naivasha Amboseli Mid Range Joining

$1,485 to $1,925 pp (USD)

Masai Mara National Reserve Safaris by Type

• Camping Safaris
• Budget Safaris
• Luxury Safaris
• Family Safaris
• Private Safaris
• Group Safaris
• Fly-in Safaris
• 2-Day Safaris
• 3-Day Safaris
• 4-Day Safaris
• 5-Day Safaris

Best Time To Visit Masai Mara National Reserve

Photo gallery masai mara national reserve.

Map of Masai Mara National Reserve

Most Popular Blog Posts

• Best Time for African Safari
• Best Safari in South Africa
• Family Safari in South Africa
• African Safari Tips
• Game Reserves Near Cape Town
• What to Pack for a Safari
• Best African Safari Parks
• Top 5 Best African Honeymoon Safaris
• Top 5 Best Tanzania Family Safaris
• Best Places to See Cheetahs in Africa
• How Much Does an African Safari Cost?
• Best Places To Visit In Africa in 2024

Blog Categories

Safari tours to kenya.

Kenya: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Hotel

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Amboseli NP, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha) , Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Nairobi (End)

Kameraz of Afrika

4.8 /5  –  101 Reviews

Kenya: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Nairobi (End)

Madukha Tours and Safaris

4.7 /5  –  27 Reviews

Kenya: Shared tour (max 7 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha) , Amboseli NP, Nairobi (End)

Safari Line Defender

4.9 /5  –  69 Reviews

Masai Mara luxury safari | 10 Best luxury Lodges & Camps

A Masai Mara luxury safari will vault you and your loved ones into a world of splendour, opulence and breathtaking natural beauty surrounded by the most incredible wildlife Africa has to offer.

The continent’s finest lodges await, each offering something a little different, with exquisite old-country designs and all modern comforts.

Your neighbours will largely consist of elephants, hippos, and giraffes and more whilst you sip a sundowner cocktail on your veranda wooden walkway toasting the African sunset.

The best Masai Mara luxury safari tours

How to organise a luxury safari in masai mara, pre-trip planning.

To organise your luxury safari in Masai Mara , the recommended route is to hire a travel agency specialising in Kenya safaris.

Their expertise of the top luxury lodges, tours and logistics required will be of significant benefit to guests. Trips can also be customised per the customers requirements or requests for particular activities.

Access to Masai Mara is typically made via flying from Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL). From here it is a short (between 45 and 60 minutes) flight to the Mara. Travellers can also fly from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi for visitors wondering how to get to Kenya .

NBO airport is located 15km/9mi southeast of Nairobi and a Kenya visa will most likely be required to enter the country.

There are also many airstrips surrounding the reserve, but where you fly into will depend on where you are staying during your safari. Visitors often combine trips to Masai Mara with Amboseli National Park and Tsavo East

Carrying a small amount of Kenyan currency , the Kenya Shilling (KES) is recommended to pay for groceries and smaller items where credit cards aren’t accepted. Visitors can also review further details on overall Kenya safari prices here.

Luxury safari components

Potential visitors are advised to detail their wish list in terms of accommodation, activities, preferred means of transport and food requirements, as these can vary significantly depending on preferences and budget.

The travel agency will then be able to provide a more detailed estimate.

Chartered flights are often used to arrive at different parts of Masai Mara and will save the visitor a lot of time. Various safari types can be explored in 4 × 4 vehicles with a private guide.

For a luxury trip to Masai Mara, some visitors prefer the tranquillity of private reserves with a hot-air balloon safari or they may prefer concessions with more adrenaline packed activities including quad biking and white water rafting activities.

Lastly, choosing the right accommodation for you is what will make your safari an unforgettable luxurious experience. In this regard, Kenya has some of the most exceptional lodges in the world making your stay unforgettable.

Top 10 Masai Mara Luxury Safari Lodges & Camps

Masai Mara is home to some of the continent’s most beautiful reserves and luxury lodges, offering magnificent food, service, wildlife and scenic views to match.

Richard’s River Camp

Richard’s River Camp offers the discerning traveller a luxury tented camp in the very heart of the Masai Mara. Designed with privacy, exclusivity as well as adventure in mind we ensure a warm and memorable safari.

The Ngoyanai springs provide permanent water, drawing in large numbers of animals to the area around the camp. This camp is also particularly known for its resident lion pride which can often be seen hunting in front of the camp, and often herd roaring at night.

Warm, professional hosting will have you feeling relaxed and spoiled from the moment you arrive with delicious food, Bush breakfasts, sundowners and dinner under the stars made for some memorable moments.

The camp itself is comfortable and beautifully furnished and tents are generous with strong, hot showers inside and out. Bush sounds at night add to the adventure with lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and hippos nearby.

Amani Mara Camp

Amani Mara Camp in Olare Orok just northeast of the reserve has an African feel with stone-and-canvas rooms and earthy hues. Your private deck is the ideal place to soak up the expansive view and keep an eye out for animals on the plains.

Cool off in the heat of the day at the camp’s swimming pool or watch hippo and crocodile in the river. Enjoy a bush breakfast or lunch made with fresh produce from the camp’s organic gardens.

Wherever you go in the Mara there’s a profusion of wildlife on the rolling plains. Your game drives will be filled with thrills and action. Go on a night drive to spot nocturnal species such as leopard, lion, spotted hyena, porcupine and civet.

Angama Mara

Surely one of the most beautiful of the Masai Mara safari lodges must be Angama Mara. The name is inspired by the Swahili word for ‘suspended in the air’, given that it hangs high above the plains of the Mara Triangle.

The glass-fronted luxury tents look out over landscapes speckled with animals and spiny Balanites aegyptiaca trees.

Go on a game drive to make the most of the Mara’s exciting wildlife experiences. Don’t miss floating in a hot-air balloon over the winding Mara River at daybreak to watch wildlife far below.

Head out on a bush walk with a Maasai guide or visit a Maasai village to learn about their fascinating culture. Enjoy a massage on your deck and dinner under a canopy of stars. Have a dreamy picnic on the hill where scenes from the Out of Africa (1985) movie were shot.

Emboo River

If glamping and eco-friendliness are important to you when you book your Masai Mara safari camps, you’ll love Emboo River. Your tent at this luxury sustainable camp has a view of the Talek River and a rain shower in the bathroom.

There’s a natural pool that uses local wetland plants to filter the water (no chemicals). Become part of nature on your private terrace as you watch hippo laze in the river or elephant come to drink.

When the great migration of wildebeest and zebra marches through the Mara, you may see a crossing at the river right next to camp.

Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

In a private concession bordering the Masai Mara you’ll find the elegant Kitchwa Tembo Tented Camp. Laid out in a patch of forest along the Sabaringo River on the edge of the Oloololo escarpment, it has sweeping views of the plains.

Relax and unwind in spaces infused with romance and contemporary African style. Let the large windows invite the outside in.

Watch as warthog feed outside your luxury tent. Take a dip in the rim-flow pool with its wide views of the Mara. Enjoy a soothing massage. Float in a hot-air balloon above the horseshoe bends of the Mara River.

Watch a river crossing during the great migration. Fuel your wildlife passion with game drives and guided nature walks. For a change of pace, interact with the local Maasai through talks and dancing.

Porini Lion Camp

Head out on thrice-daily game drives from this superb Masai Mara lodging situated in the private Olare Motogori Conservancy, renowned for its superb big cat sightings.

Return to the authentic Porini Lion Camp in time for a refreshing cocktail while being entertained by the boisterous hippos in the adjacent Ntiakatiak River.

Sand River Masai Mara

Wake up to the sounds of the African bush and slowly make your way out of a snug 4-poster bed.

Saunter across your spacious tent’s polished hardwood floors, step out onto a private veranda and be greeted by the gorgeous morning vista of the Sand River and its rolling flood plains.

Topi Mara Bush House

Sink into a comfortable armchair on the veranda right outside your room, observing elephant and giraffe amble by.

Or stretch out on this luxury Masai Mara lodge’s lush lawns with a tipple and a good book under the shady canopy of an acacia tree. Don’t forget to chat to your chef about your next delicious meal.

Saruni Mara

Journey to the community-focused Saruni Mara, hidden in a secret valley of olive and cedar trees. Settle into your luxurious cottage boasting antiques, Persian carpets and wide cedarwood beds.

Join Maasai warriors on a guided bush walk to explore the surrounding hills, followed by a relaxing spa treatment in the tranquil Maasai Wellbeing Space. This is one of the best Masai Mara lodges for discerning travellers.

Mahali Mzuri

Another one of the spectacular Masai Mara safari lodges is Sir Richard Branson’s luxury Mahali Mzuri in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy of the Greater Mara. The name means ‘beautiful place’ and it’s everything you’d expect.

The tents have an unusual custom design, each with an expansive view from a private deck. Add a romantic freestanding bath (also with a view), candlelight dinner for two under the stars, rim-flow swimming pool and champagne picnics.

The lodge’s position gives you front-row seats to spectacular wildlife sightings year-round. This includes during the great migration from July to November, depending on climatic conditions.

Drink in the dramatic scenery and experience the thrill of watching elephant, lion, leopard, giraffe and plains wildlife. It’s hard to beat the buzz of a game drive but make time to visit a Maasai village to learn about their pastoralist culture.

Luxury safari tour in the Masai Mara: Pricing and itinerary

There are numerous different luxury safari tours in Masai Mara that can be designed and customised per the customer’s requirements, with tours often combined with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania .

4 day Masai Mara luxury safari itinerary

Pricing for luxury tours start from £460/$600 per person per day.

In addition to day and night drives, visitors can take a scenic helicopter transfer or a sunrise hot air balloon ride followed by a champagne breakfast.

What other areas in Kenya are worth visiting for luxury safaris?

Luxury safaris in Tsavo West or Amboseli National Park are a great alternative, with incredible lodges, scenery, exceptional service and wildlife on offer.

What is the budget for a luxury safari in Masai Mara?

The price of a luxury safari in Masai Mara will depend on multiple factors including the accommodation and transport means chosen. Visitors can budget for a minimum of £460/$600 per person per day.

All Masai Mara lodges & camps

Countless accommodation options are available in Masai Mara National Reserve and Mara conservancies. From designer lodges suspended in the air to family-oriented tented camps and anything in between, you can rest assured to find the perfect Masai Mara safari lodge just for you.

Please make use of the filters below to search for accommodation options within your budget. Specific rates are displayed on each individual lodge description page. You can also search for accommodation located in Masai Mara National Reserve proper or search for accommodation in the Mara conservancies .

• Price $$$$$

Basecamp Wilderness

lodge location Naboisho Conservancy

Discover Basecamp Wilderness, an eco-luxury retreat in the heart of Naboisho. Experience authentic safari adventures, sustainability, and community-led conservation in one of Kenya's most breathtaking settings. Connect with nature like never before.

from US$ 399 per person per night

Mahali Mzuri

lodge location Olare Motorogi

Next-level glamping in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy at the northern edge of Masai Mara National Reserve. With only twelve safari tents, Mahali Mzuri offers guests the best of the bush but without the mass tourism elements that take away from the experience.

from US$ 1,100 per person per night

Basecamp Adventure

lodge location Near Talek Gate

Experience eco-luxury at Basecamp Adventure, nestled near Talek Gate in Masai Mara. Our budget-friendly tents offer stunning views and a gateway to thrilling wildlife encounters and Maasai cultural experiences. Embrace the spirit of adventure and sustainability.

from US$ 249 per person per night

Richard's River Camp

lodge location Mara North

Sprawled out along the green, lush banks of the Ntiakatek River lies Richard’s River Camp, one of the area's most exclusive safari camps. Richard's Camp's warm and hospitable staff will make sure your Masai Mara safari adventures are truly unforgettable.

from US$ 985 per person per night

Mara Expedition Camp

lodge location Masai Mara

The Mara Expedition Camp boasts five spacious, light & airy tented suites. Sprawled out among a grove of African ebony trees, each tent has an en-suite bathroom and is outfitted with a lovely hot-water brass safari shower. Simple yet safari chique!

from US$ 835 per person per night

Little Governors' Camp

Candlelit dinners, an 'Out of Africa' full-on luxurious safari tent, incredibly friendly Maasai guides and camp staff and every creature comfort you could wish for. Little Governors' Camp offers guests all of this... plus it’s very own waterhole teeming with wildlife.

from US$ 495 per person per night

Basecamp Masai Mara

lodge location near Talek Gate

A beacon of sustainable eco-tourism, on the border of the Masai Mara National Reserve, this riverside camp is a mid-sized tented community perfect for families and couples alike. Plus, did we mention the Obamas visited back in 2006?

Governors' Camp

As one of the best known and most popular camps in the Masai Mara, Governors’ Camp is a tranquil and traditional tented camp with unrivalled and uninterrupted views of the Mara’s natural landscape where guests enjoy the sweeping Kenyan plains.

from US$ 412 per person per night

Eagle View Camp

lodge location Naboisho

A small camp of nine tents set on an elevated viewpoint overlooking countless miles of lush green - a popular playground for Kenya’s magnificent large animals and birdlife. Basecamp Eagle View is an ideal mid-range camp for a comfortable, yet thrilling, safari.

Ol Seki Hemingway's Mara Camp

Stunning private tented camp in one of the wildest parts of Kenya. Each of the camp's 10 tented suites offers guests an incredible 270 degree view of the Mara Plains. Ol Seki Hemingway's offers warm Kenyan hospitality and a tailor-made safari experience.

from US$ 694 per person per night

&Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

lodge location Mara Triangle

Kenyan hospitality meets Maasai-inspired luxury on the lush green banks of the Saparingo River. &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp lies on the edge of the Oloololo escarpment, where riverine forest meets the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara.

from US$ 435 per person per night

Elephant Pepper Camp (Elewana Collection)

Hidden away deep in a fig and elephant pepper tree grove lies an intimate and exclusive refuge from everyday life. The Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp is ideally situated in a wildlife hotspot and is the perfect home base for adventurous safari activities in Kenya.

from US$ 600 per person per night

Mara Kempinski

Experience unparalleled luxury at Mara Kempinski, nestled in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy. This exclusive camp offers spacious tents, bespoke safari adventures, and breathtaking views, ensuring a memorable escape into the heart of the Greater Masai Mara.

from US$ 919 per person per night

Sala's Camp

Tucked away in the southernmost reaches of the Mara, just a stone's throw away from Tanzania, lies Sala's Camp. The remote atmosphere and just seven spacious tents, will make you feel as if you’re staying at your own private game reserve.

from US$ 1,259 per person per night

Saruni Mara

Saruni Mara is a one of its kind intimate, deluxe safari lodge. Each cottage is stylishly furnished according to a theme. You can choose from cottages with names such as the Love Shack, the Photographer’s Studio, the Observatory, and the Natural History Suite.

from US$ 500 per person per night

Cottar's 1920s Safari Camp

lodge location Olderkesi

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp offers guest vintage luxury at its best. Cream-coloured tents decorated in 1920s epic safari style, professional Maasai safari guides and above all a sense of elegance and class - this safari camp has it all.

from US$ 1,059 per person per night

Elewana Sand River Camp

Ideally situated in one of the most remote parts of the Mara, Sand River Camp pays homage to romantic 1920s safaris. Its design reminds guests of the many African adventure themed Hollywood movies in that time period.

from US$ 670 per person per night

&Beyond  Bateleur  Camp

Two intimate camps, each with its own refreshing infinity pool and nine elegant and spacious tented suites. The &Beyond Bateleur Camp is an oasis of luxury on the fringes of a dense Kenyan forest at the foot of the Oloololo Escarpment.

from US$ 1,150 per person per night

Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Ideal setting for visitors seeking a blend of safari adventure with a village hotel feel. Mara Serena Safari Lodge, the largest safari property in the region, has a strong reputation and models itself on local mud-hut villages. Hotel luxuries include a swimming pool and bar.

from US$ 329 per person per night

Sanctuary Olonana Safari Lodge

An exclusive hideaway, Sanctuary Olonana is where families and couples go to retreat from the outside world. With a swimming pool and glass-sided suites for prime game viewing, Olonana offers an immersive safari experience far from the pressures of everyday life.

from US$ 914 per person per night

Serian Nkorombo Mobile Camp

A mobile tented camp on the riverside, Nkorombo is a part of the Serian group of properties that’s renowned for its serenity and exclusivity. Nestled in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve, Nkorombo is perfectly situated for an awe-inspiring African adventure.

from US$ 917 per person per night

Offbeat Mara Camp

Sitting beside the Olare Orak River, Offbeat Mara Camp is the proud home to some of the best wildlife viewing spots in the Mara North Conservancy and allows guests to experience life in the untamed African wilderness.

from US$ 519 per person per night

Karen Blixen Camp

Experience the magnificence of the pristine African wilderness with vibrant Kenyan traditions in the golden hue of the Serengeti-Masai Mara at Karen Blixen Camp – the place to dream, live and love to your heart’s content.

from US$ 460 per person per night

Kicheche Valley Camp

Nestled within a shaded acacia woodland within the Naboisho Conservancy, where a significant number of giraffes and elephants come to roam and play each day, Kicheche Valley Camp is an exquisite place to stay.

Angama Mara

Many safari lodges have a lovely view, but the view at Angama Mara is truly next level. The camp sits up high upon the top of the Oloololo Escarpment and overlooks the stunning Mara plains below. This camp features next-level luxury, from swanky glass-fronted safari tents to top-notch hospitality.

from US$ 1,650 per person per night

Ngare Serian

Located in Mara North Conservancy, Ngare Serian takes advantage of its location in 1,500 acres of exclusive conservation area. This safari camp has its own fascinating treehouse known as 'The Nest'. Just the right spot for an unforgettable sleep-out or picnic in the treetops.

from US$ 1,074 per person per night

Rekero Camp

An idyllic camp in Masai Mara National Reserve with nine spacious safari tents set out among the trees along the Talek River. Each tent at Rekero Camp comes complete with a front-deck daybed for those moments when you just want to lay back and watch zebras strolling along the river.

from US$ 709 per person per night

Kicheche Mara Camp

Less vehicles, less fuss, more wildlife and a more memorable safari experience. Kicheche Mara Camp is a small-scale, well-designed bush camp in the heart of Mara North. With only eight comfortable safari tents this camp offers guests an intimate safari experience.

from US$ 589 per person per night

Porini Cheetah Camp

lodge location Ol Kinyei

Porini Cheetah Camp is one of the smaller and more intimate Masai Mara safari camps located in the exclusive private Ol Kinyei Conservancy. The camp has an authentic safari feel, yet with all of the modern conveniences you would expect to find on safari holiday.

from US$ 559 per person per night

Serian - The Original

An oasis of calm in a fairy-tale like setting. Serian - The Original is known for its remote location and its intimate, remote atmosphere. Spend the night in spacious safari tents and embark on epic safari game drives in an area abundant with wildlife.

from US$ 924 per person per night

Governors' Il Moran

Governors' Il Moran Camp is quite the luxury safari accommodation. It has even attracted the makers of BBC wildlife documentaries such as Big Cat Diaries. Large plush sofas and candle-lit dinners are the perfect complement to extraordinary wildlife sightings in the area.

from US$ 647 per person per night

Mara Plains Camp

In essence, Mara Plains Camp offers guests an intimate safari hideaway in one of Africa's most game-rich regions. With equal attention to luxury and authenticity, this camp in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy is off the beaten track, luxurious and has a warm and welcoming ambience.

Porini Mara Camp

Warm and inviting eco-camp sprawled out along the banks of the Ole Sabukiye River in the private Ol Kinyei Conservancy. Six traditional yet comfortable safari tents with plush interiors, a resident lion pride, very hospitable staff and outstanding local Maasai guides. Who could ask for more?

Mara West Camp

Where luxury and adventure meet, watch video, luxury and adventure, “if you only visit two continents in your lifetime, visit africa – twice”.

Nestled against a wooded thicket and surrounded by a savannah, Mara West Camp combines luxury accommodations with the breathtaking adventures of an unforgettable African safari.

Luxury Chalets are perched in secluded spots on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment, offering guests both panoramic views of the Masai Mara Game Reserve below and a sense of exclusive privacy.

The camp is home to resident herds of gazelles, impalas, and zebra, as well as an abundance of bird life, and is visited regularly by a variety of wildlife passing to and from the park.

The stunning beauty of the Mara, the uninterrupted grazing of the antelope, the night calls of the bush babies, and the early morning chorus of songbirds, all this, combined with the comfortable and tasteful ambiance of the camp, is part of the Mara West experience and what makes it a unique paradise for nature lovers.

Land Of magical experiences

A game drive in Maasai Mara can be fun all year round. There is no particular time of the year when you will not find wildlife in the Game Reserve. However, if you are more fascinated by the 8 th Wonder of the world, the wildebeest migration, the best time for a Kenyan Safari will be between late July and October.  The best time to view animals is either at dawn or dusk.

A private and unique experience for your Adventure.

Photograhy Safaris

Couples on honeymoon, families and kids, birding and private walks, our reviews, what our guests say about us.

Get Inspired by our articles

Get inspired by our safari articles.

The best safari inspirational articles that will help you plan and enjoy a proper African Safari. We would be gld to see you inspired with them and having the best safari moments with us in Africa.

How to get to Mara West Camp

The camp is privately owned and managed by the Aho family, Americans who have spent over 20 years living and working in Africa.  Designed, built and furnished by the owners, the camp is the outcome of their many years working together with African communities and traveling throughout the vast continent of Africa.

Quick Links

• About the camp
• Terms and Conditions
• frequently asked questions

latest blogs

To Drive or to Fly to the Maasai Mara?

How does Safari in Masai Mara Compare with other Popular Game Reserves in Africa?

The Wild Night Experience at Mara West Camp

• Find & Reserve
• Special Offers
• Meetings & Events
• Our Credit Cards
• About Marriott Bonvoy
• Careers at Marriott

JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge

• Accommodations
• Experiences
• Meetings & Weddings

Welcome to JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge

Addressing the recent flooding at jw marriott masai mara.

Although the tents are elevated & reinforced 6 meters above the ground, 3 were damaged due to riverbank erosion. Our team are restoring their entirety to ensure the highest quality our guests expect. The remaining areas are structurally sound, requiring minimal repairs. Guests were escorted from their tents and transferred via helicopter to the airstrip. Chartered flights were organized to Nairobi. The local community faced substantial challenges, with several homes destroyed and access to amenities restricted. In response, we’ve provided essential supplies and our associates planted 100 trees as part of our ongoing commitment to the environment. Our rebuilding efforts will include safety measures such as riverbank stabilization, the installation of lifeboats, life jackets and an alarm system will be activated if the water level rises above the designated meter, and a safe haven constructed. Our proactive measures aim to ensure the safety and comfort of all who visit and work at JW Marriott Masai Mara.

Rooms & Suites

Featured amenities on-site, hotel information.

Check-in: 2:00 pm

Check-out: 10:00 am

Pets Not Allowed

Service animals only

Complimentary On-Site Parking

Sarabi Restaurant

Savour diverse, locally-inspired cuisine freshly prepared to suit your own distinctive tastes in a breathtaking setting. A culinary journey awaits al fresco at the veranda. It's a wonderful place to experience breakfast or dinner during your Mara visit.

A nourishing and relaxing outdoor space that fosters authentic connections while striving to honor the surrounding natural environment.

Sarabi Breakfast

Indulge in a delightful spread of freshly baked pastries, hearty omelets, and gourmet coffee at Sarabi Restaurant.

Fig Tree Lounge and Deck

Be inspired by the simple beauty of the world around you as you sip on meticulously crafted drinks infused with fresh ingredients at our Fig Tree Lounge and Deck.

More Ways to Enjoy Your Stay

Enjoy an unforgettable experience at our luxury spa. We understand your need to regenerate holistically and offer locally rooted organic products and treatments for the Whole You experience.

Fitness Center

Enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness while still focusing on your fitness at our hotel gym.

GETTING HERE

Talek River, Masai Mara Reserve, Masai Mara, Kenya, 00100

Safari land cruisers;on request

On-Property

Local Shuttle Complimentary

Property Details

Accepts: Credit Cards

Concierge desk service

Languages spoken by staff: English

For more information about the physical features of our accessible rooms, common areas or special services relating to a specific disability please call +254 797-222999

Accessible on-site parking

Van Accessible on-site parking

Accessible Entrance to On-Site Pool

Entrance to On-Site Fitness Center is Accessible

Entrance to On-Site Spa is Accessible

Main Entrance is Accessible

Meeting Spaces are Accessible

On-Site Restaurants are Accessible

Accessible Vanities

Adjustable Height Hand-Held Shower Wand

Bathtub Grab Rails

Bathtub Seat

Deadbolts on Guest Room and Suites Doors

Electronic Room Key

Guest Room and Suites Doors Self-Closing

Lever Handles on Guest Room Doors

Lowered Electrical Outlets

Mobility accessible rooms

Non-slip Grab Rails in the Bathroom

Roll-in Shower

Toilet Seat at Wheelchair Height - Toilet for Disabled

Transfer Showers in Guest Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions

The check-in time at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is 2:00 pm and the check-out time is 10:00 am.

The pet policy at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is:

Pets Not Allowed (Service animals only)

The parking options at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge are:

The property amenities at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge are:

Yes, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge has free Wi-Fi available to hotel guests.

Unlock your stay with the Marriott Bonvoy™ App

JW MARRIOTT® MASAI MARA LODGE

Talek River, Masai Mara Reserve,

Masai Mara, Kenya, 00100

Top Destinations

Our company.

© 1996 – 2024 Marriott International, Inc. All rights reserved. Marriott Proprietary Information

Please select your preferred language

The americas, asia and oceania.

• Bahasa Indonesia

INTERNATIONAL

• Explore Fairmont Gold
• Fairmont Heritage Place
• Fairmont Residences
• Hawaii Big Island
• Hawaii Maui
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• San Francisco Ghirardelli
• Santa Monica
• Washington D C
• Lake Louise
• Mont Tremblant
• Quebec City
• Vancouver Airport
• Vancouver Pacific Rim
• Vancouver Waterfront
• Vancouver, Hotel Vancouver
• Southampton
• Rio de Janeiro
• Riviera Maya
• Riviera Maya Heritage Place
• County Kildare
• Monte Carlo
• Mount Kenya
• Abu Dhabi Bab al Bahr
• Dubai The Palm
• P.O. Box 58581, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
• Tel +254 (0) 20 2265000
• Fax +254 (0) 20 2216796
• [email protected]

How many room(s) do you need?

For how many Guest(s)?

Active slide: slide number 01

Welcome to ">Fairmont Mara Safari Club

Accommodation

Riverfront simple or double.

44 sq.m / 474 sq.ft.

Luxuriously furnished tents with four poster beds.

Riverfront Deluxe Tent

30 sq.m / 323 sq.ft.

Luxuriously furnished tents with spacious private decks and sunbeds overlooking the Mara River. Our Deluxe also possess an outdoor rain shower.

Information

Air Kenya Aviation offers daily flights to and from the Mara region. Airplanes range from 5 to 25-seaters. Airport tax is payable when buying your tickets.  Besides Air Kenya, Aircraft Leasing Services and Eagle Aviation also provide daily scheduled flights to the Mara.

Please note baggage allowance is 15 kgs, including hand luggage. Airport tax is payable at the time of purchasing the ticket.

The Mara region of Kenya is not readily accessible by private car. We recommend that International travelers speak to our knowledgeable Reservations specialists about booking professional ground transfer or, preferably, a flight transfer to the Ngerende airstrip, located only 10 minutes from the Club.

Please contact [email protected] for specific information and recommendations.

The Mara Safari Club has 20 4 x4 landcruisers on site, each of which can seat 6 people in window seats - six beneath the opening hatches. besides the driver-guide. These are used for transfers to and from the airstrip, as well as for game drives.

Guest Services

An Iconic Father's Month Safari

Relax at the spa, massage and relaxation.

If you are seeking rejuvenation of mind, body and soul treat yourself to the different arrays of massages from our professional masseuse at the camp and discover the true meaning of relaxation. Massages can be booked anytime of the day

Find your perfect activities

Hotel activities, around the hotel.

Fairmont Mara Safari Club is a secure lush garden in the middle of the bush that connects modern comfort to an incredible adventure in the world famous Mara savannah. 

From seasonally inspired menus to dining experiences that will satisfy any craving, see what our chefs are preparing just for you.

Restaurants

Wedding at mara safari club.

The scenic vast African Savanna provides a romantic setting characterized by luxury, exclusivity and wonder for the fantasy wedding in the wild.

Meetings at the Tent

Fairmont Mara Safari Club provides 119 square metres of meeting space at the conference tent with audio visual equipment and wifi connectivity.

Experience relaxed luxury and the warm service of Fairmont with a honeymoon package made for romance.

Total number of slides:

Hotel Reviews

Reviewed 2024-06-04

“My Son enjoyed and Saw his first Big 5”

Thank you for making our stay a wonderful we enjoyed the stay and my son was happy to see his hairy lion in the wild. Our game drive incharge Peter was very good he showed us the big 5 and the cheetah kill on our first game drive itself which my enjoyed son a lot and hope he remembers it. We would surely visit again and recommend everyone to stay at Fairmont Mara to feel the wonderful experience

Reviewed 2024-06-03

Excellent service, great food, outstanding safaris

The friendly staff consistently went beyond my expectations! They are very attentive, courteous, friendly, willing to meet your every need. Our hostess, Mary, ensured every meal was a pleasant experience. I cannot say enough about Moseka, our Safari Jeep Driver. He knows his way around the savanas, cautiously guiding the Jeep through deep muddy ruts, open Savanas, and always positioning our vehicle in the spot with the perfect view of the animals. He also shared stories about his life as a Maasai. I definitely recommend Fairmont, where the safari is not restricted to staying on the main road. We never used binoculars to see the animals far off as we were always driven within yards of them. One evening when Moseka found the cheetahs on the hunt, he allowed us to watch for half an hour beyond our scheduled drive time. Moseka knows the area. He quickly spotted animals and talked with other drivers who notified him when they came up on animals.

Reviewed 2024-05-23

Simply Magical

Reviewed 2024-03-12

Very kind and professional staff, good property, excellent food. Great Safari experience.

Reviewed 2024-03-04

Excellent experience

great lodging, food and safaris. Beautiful lodge

Reviewed 2024-02-06

Great experience, as usual

I've been here several times and continue to return whenever I can. The staff, the ambience, the rooms, and the meals are all excellent.

Reviewed 2023-12-22

Wonderful stay

We came as a family of four with two young children plus two guests. The atmosphere was welcoming, tents were beautiful, food delicious, and we thoroughly enjoyed our game drives. One of our guests required a gluten free diet and we felt that the staff were very aware and attentive about this.

Reviewed 2023-12-04

best lodge on the MARA AND I'VE BEEN TO MOST OF THEM

ALWAYS TOP LEVEL

Reviewed 2023-11-02

Great service, efficient and friendly staff

Absolutely amazing!

Reviewed 2023-10-31

Fairmont always treats us and out guests very well

Stay up to date on the fairmont mara safari club.

Sustainable Responsibility

Hotel nearby

Exclusive member rewards: Fairmont is a proud member of ALL, Accor’s loyalty program. Join or sign in to save up to 10% on your next Fairmont stay.

Please check details

The Best Luxury Lodges in the Masai Mara

Formally known as the Masai Mara National Reserve, this protected wilderness needs no real introduction to many safari (wildlife) enthusiast. Located in the southwest of Kenya , the Masai Mara spans across 583 square miles! The Mara provides a classic safari experience with exceptional Big Five and cheetah viewing all year round, over 500 recorded bird species, breathtaking landscapes and authentic community visits with the respected and renowned Maasai. 

It is likely best known for hosting one of nature’s most incredible spectacles, the Great Wildebeest Migration , between July and October. During this time, over 1,5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebra and 200,000 Thomson gazelle cross in from the Serengeti National Park. Due to the network of large rivers, guests can expect multiple river crossing with around 10 common (or regularly used) crossing points. 

Without a doubt, the Masai Mara holds its own unique safari footprint. For the romantics, it’s a classic safari with champagne before breakfast. While for private groups and families, it’s an intimate experience of firsts and ever growing anticipation of what’s over the next horizon!  But where should you stay? Quite naturally, with such an incredible wilderness area comes a variety of  luxury accommodation options. To help you navigate them and find the one best for you,  we have selected our best luxury lodges for you to discover.

Angama Mara

Best for: families and couples 

The lodge comprises of two camps with just 15 suites each. Each luxury suite is perched on the edge of the escarpment with a private viewing deck overlooking the Masai Mara! The perfect opportunity to take out your Swarovski Optik binoculars and scan the wilderness below! 

For those with families, Angama Mara accommodates you with interconnected family suites. These are identical to the other tented suites, except with a safe enclosed walkway to connect the two rooms.  Angama Mara is all about soaring panoramic views, helping to showcase the natural wonder of this remarkable wilderness. And with the Masai Mara just a 30min drive down the escarpment. It’s Perfect! 

Why do we love it! 

• Soaring panoramic views of the Masai Mara 
• In the path of the Great Migration (July to October)
• Romantic picnics on the escarpment with Masai Mara views 
• A dedicated photography editing and printing studio 
• Patty’s Tent – for the elderly or guest with restricted mobility 

Suggested Itinerary – The Masai Mara and Serengeti

Cottar’s 1920s Camp 

Best for: couples, families 

As the name suggests, Cottar’s 1920s Camp takes you back in time to experience vintage safari luxury. The Cottar family have been providing authentic and individualized safaris for over 100 years. And they have not lost their touch, in 2022 they were voted into the ‘Best 15 luxury Resorts in East Africa” in the prestigious Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice awards! 

Situated on a 7,608 acre private Olderkesi Conservancy, bordering the Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park , Cottar’s Camp provides easy access to the Masai Mara while having the opportunity for a more intimate experience on their private concession. 

With just nine creamed canvas suites spread across 1.5 miles, two dedicated honeymoon suites and three family tents.  Intimate. Private. And accommodating i s what best describes the atmosphere and service of the Cottar’s Family camp. 

• Over 100 years of safari experience – still winning awards! 
• The Budding Conservation family experience 
• Those canvas baths for the fun romantics 
• Easy access to the Masai Mara 
• Guided safari walks inside private Olderkesi Conservancy

andBeyond Bateleur Camp 

Best for: honeymooners and couples 

We definitely have a crush on andBeyond’s Bateleur Camp ! And I think you will agree, who wouldn’t! Situated on a private concession within the Masai Mara, you are romantically involved in a more exclusive Mara experience. 

Comprising of two intimate camps with just nine luxury tented suites – each with its own private viewing deck – game viewing is quite literally just outside your door (perhaps with a glass of champagne?). The interior is decorated with a balance of antiques  and modern finishes to provide a classic Masai Mara safari feel.  The camp’s refreshing lap pools also deserve a special mention, just look at that view! The absolutely perfect place to cool off between your game drives! 

• Its private concession within the Masai Mara 
• An interpretive guiding experience with twice daily game drives 
• Private viewing decks of the Masai Mara 
• Access to guided walking and hot air balloon safaris 
• Great Migration (July to October) 

Searching for a safari honeymoon worth toasting? Check out our Suggested Itinerary – Honeymoon in East Africa

Mara Plains

Best for: couples and private groups

Mara Plains is located within the 32,000 acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy,  just on the northern border of the Masai Mara National Reserve. With only 7 luxury canvas suites, Relais & Chateaux provides an unparalleled intimate wildlife experience. During the Great Migration, the Masai Mara  can, at times, be faulted for the amount of vehicles in sightings.  But at Mara Plains you will enjoy a Masai Mara experience in an open game drive vehicle, crowded only by the high concentration of animals and predators on their concession.  

The camp blends and compliments the riverine forest with its light canvas footprint, nestled on recycled railway sleepers. The style elements include a tasteful balance of rough hewn wood floors with touches of East Africa’s rich cultures. Coupled with a private verandah and luxury en-suite facilities – like the deep copper bath.

• The camp’s eco-friendly conscious design  
•  One of three Relais & Chateaux properties in Kenya 
•  Extensive traversing area of Mara Plains – over 98,000 acre
• Open game drive vehicles – unique to the area
• Great Migration (July to October)

Sanctuary Olonana 

Best for: couples, families and private groups

Not so keen on tented accommodation, no matter how luxurious they are? Then Sanctuary Olonana Safari Lodge is the lodge for you! Located on a private stretch of the Mara River, within the Masai Mara, Sanctuary Olonana is a lodge that balances contemporary architecture with “time-tested building practices such as Maasai mudding and stone walls.” And just look at the results! 

Each of the 14 glass-walled suites have breathtaking views of the famous Mara river. The interior is complete with organic tones and hand crafted details like the Maasai spears on the walls. Three of the suites feature an extra bedroom, perfect for families who would prefer this style of accommodation. 

The fully exclusive Geoffrey Kent deserves a mention too, with its two private bedrooms, each fully ensuite, wrap-around decking and infinity pool. Complete with an in-suite chef and private safari guide, this ultra luxurious and exclusive suite is perfect for private groups and multi-generational families.

• Located on a private stretch on the Mara River.
• 14 Glass-sided suites with exquisite views 
• A committed and sustainable philanthropic program
• Mara River Great Migration Crossings *in season 
• The ultra-luxurious and fully exclusive Geoffrey Kent suite

Ngare Serian 

Best for: Adventurous honeymooners and families

Possibly the most intimate camp in the Masai Mara. You can only access Ngare Serian on foot via a narrow rope bridge! We know, adventure abounds. Due to the camp having just four spacious tents overlooking the Mara River, it is perfect for multi-generational families or private groups looking to book the whole camp out.

Each tent has beautiful wooden decking, Zanzibar four-poster beds and an open styled bathroom. But for us, it’s the bathtub that’s built into the verandah decking that makes this camp quite special. Imagine soaking up a bath, with a glass of bubbles while listening to grunting hippo pods in the river? A unique Masai Mara moment for sure! 

For the more romantic adventurers. A night in “The Nest” overlooking the Mara River is for you! This secluded treehouse is built in a 14ft Warburgia tree with two cozy nest-shaped double beds, flush toilets up the tree, and bucket shower down below. Kitted with an infrared spotlight and a night vision camera for spotting animals below, this is a wilderness experience like no other! 

• Intimate four tented luxury camp 
• Mara River and Oloololo Escarpment views 
• Luxurious bathtub built into the verandah  
• A romantic treehouse experience at “The Nest”
• No wifi – the ultimate escape to reconnect with nature

andBeyond Kichwa Tembo 

Best for: private groups, families and couples

In true andBeyond style, the camp quite literally goes “beyond the expected”. Firstly, even with its size, the camp layout provides a surprisingly private experience. And during your stay each room is supplied with a pair of Swarovski Optik Binoculars , giving you the best opportunity to get closer to the details of the Masai Mara! 

The lodge’s famous shamba (vegetable garden) invites you to pick fresh produce, before enjoying the interactive kitchen. All this while situated within a private concession inside the Masai Mara, giving you the opportunity to enjoy walking safaris, night drives and possibly a bush dining experience. Expect the unexpected at Kichwa Tembo! 

• An interpretive guiding experience with twice daily game drive 
• Swarovski Optik binoculars for each pair of guests 
• Guided walking safaris and bushing dining experience 
• Literally in the path of the Great Migration (July to October)

Discover the perfect family safari vacations with our new Suggested Itinerary – A Family Escape to Kenya and Zanzibar

Are you ready for the trip of a lifetime?

If you’re thinking of planning a trip, we’re here to help! Our team of travel designers will create an itinerary just for you to create memories to last a lifetime and conquer your bucket list. Get in touch with us today to start planning your adventure in Africa.

Follow us on Instagram

535 Anton Blvd, Suite 180, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

[email protected] 949.877.0385 CST 2133120-40

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

• Turning the Tide on Ocean-Bound Plastics
• How long does it take to travel to Africa from the US?
• Unlocking Africa’s Majesty: Meet the Big Five Safari Icons
• Which are the Most Popular African Countries to Visit?

Download Brochure

To make this site work properly, we sometimes place small data files called cookies on your device.

Privacy settings

With the slider, you can enable or disable different types of cookies:, this website will.

• Remember which cookies group you accepted

This website won't

• Remember your login details
• Essential: Remember your cookie permission setting
• Essential: Allow session cookies
• Essential: Gather information you input into a contact forms newsletter and other forms across all pages
• Essential: Keep track of what you input in a shopping cart
• Essential: Authenticate that you are logged into your user account
• Essential: Remember language version you selected
• Functionality: Remember social media settings
• Functionality: Remember selected region and country
• Analytics: Keep track of your visited pages and interaction taken
• Analytics: Keep track about your location and region based on your IP number
• Analytics: Keep track of the time spent on each page
• Analytics: Increase the data quality of the statistics functions
• Advertising: Tailor information and advertising to your interests based on e.g. the content you have visited before. (Currently we do not use targeting or targeting cookies.
• Advertising: Gather personally identifiable information such as name and location
• Advertising: Tailor information and advertising to your interests based on e.g. the content you have visited before. (Currently we do not use targeting or targeting cookies)

The Luxury Safari Company

WhatsApp or Call Anytime:

+44 1666 880 111 +44 7539 508 880

Email *please check your junk mail for our emails, or provide a phone number so we can confirm you received them*: [email protected]

Top 10 Luxury Masai Mara Camps

The Masai Mara is perhaps the most famous safari location in the world but due to bad government policies you do have to be very careful about where you go, since you may well find yourself amongst twenty minibuses, which we believe is death to a good luxury safari. Contrary to popular opinion there are many luxury safari camps in the Masai Mara which are off the beaten track and far from crowds. There is a reason the Masai Mara is so popular and those are the abundance of predators (there are more predators than anywhere in the world), and the scenery – those rolling plains are breath-takingly beautiful and sundowners here are very special – with every changing colours. The wildebeest migration from July to October draws in vast crowds but it is amazing game viewing all year round. The Masai tribe play a large part here and in many of the more remote camps one can have an authentic and natural cultural experience, only adding to your luxury safari. Here are our top ten luxury Masai Mara safari camps, in no particular order (please note every single camp we mention is in a remote and exclusive area, with fewer people):

1            Mara Plains

Mara Plains has long been known as one of the Masai Mara’s most luxurious safari camps and with it’s refurbishment last year it only got better. Now you have vast tented suites with views of the plains. Much of the action often happens in front of this luxury camp and you will receive the best in everything, from food to guides. The suites are impossibly spoiling and you will never want to leave.

2            Richard’s River Camp

Richard’s River Camp is quirky and unique with beautiful luxury tents, with chic fabrics and furnishings. Although this luxury Masai Mara safari camp is very luxurious it also has a relaxed and informal feel, you are made to feel immediately at home by the staff and managers and will leave having made new friends. The location is pretty unbeatable when it comes to game, and again due to a small stream in front of camp you will often find much of the action happens in front of your luxury tent.

3            Elephant Pepper Camp

This camp has all the romance of a tented camp, with a mixture of modern and antique furnishings. It is extremely luxurious and has fantastic views of the open plains with a small tree line behind it. The camp is made up of hammocks, day beds and other little relaxing areas so your days are spent feeling exceptionally tranquil in between thrilling game drives.

4            Sam Stogdale or Paolo Parazzi’s  Mobile Camp

Sam Stogdale and Paolo Parazzi are two of the best luxury safari guides in Kenya and either one of their private mobile camps is ideal for those that want to get off the beaten track, would like a private guide and private camp and would like to see some seriously good game. Sam and Paolo know the Mara (and all of Kenya) like the back of their hands having both been brought up here, and will get you into areas that others only dream of. The camp can be as luxurious or as rustic as you like – but rest assured the food, comfort and guiding are never compromised.

5            Saruni Mara

Saruni Mara is a lodge, and a very luxurious one. This luxury Masai Mara lodge is the best of it’s kind in the Mara and has some of the most charismatic and friendly staff in the business. Food here is a huge highlight as are the large luxury rooms with verandahs. It’s location in the Northern Masai Mara is fantastic for wildlife viewing and there really are very few people in this area.

6            Cottars 1920s Safari Camp

Cottars Camp is a famous Masai Mara safari camp which continues to maintain it’s reputation as one of the best – it is furnished wholly with antique campaign furniture and is one of the most romantic camps in the whole of Africa. It’s location in it’s own private conservancy also means that you will not see another soul. Sitting sipping a G&T in an antique canvas bathtub, watching the wildlife go about it’s business before you is very surreal but makes this one of the most memorable luxury safari camps in the Mara.

7            Naboisho Camp

Naboisho Camp is very luxurious and has a more permanent feel for those who do not want to spend too much time in a proper tented camp – it has a dreamy spot in the private Naboisho Conservancy which has amazing game viewing and no people. The Masai play a big part here and one can walk and take night drives, making a luxury Masai Mara safari here a little more adventurous. No special touch has been spared at this camp and you will have a memorable and unique experience here.

8            Roberts Safaris Mobile Camp

Booked on exclusive use this luxury mobile camp has the most exciting location of all in the Mara – it can be set up anywhere but due to the knowledge, experience and contacts of Willie Roberts (your guide and host) you will find yourself in some of the most spectacular and wild areas of the Masai Mara. The mobile camp itself is incredibly luxurious and you will want for absolutely nothing.

9            Salas Camp

Salas Camp is practically on the border with Tanzania and has a rustic and homely atmosphere which means you leave as a friend, not as a client. Game viewing down here is remote and wild and you will enjoy coming back to this luxury camp to tell all about what you have seen. Salas has wonderful guides who are able to position you in the perfect spot to see the action.

10            Offbeat Mara

Offbeat Mara is a more rustic camp which offers a remote and unique location for those wanting game viewing with few people – again this camp is staffed with some of the friendliest and warmest people one could hope to meet, and it’s tents all have views of the surrounding bush in which plains game grazes happily around the camp, and you might well be lucky enough to see elephant, buffalo and lion from your tent too.

Latest Blog

Brand New Gray’s Eden in Maun

Mara Bushtops Update on Kenya Floods

Saruni Basecamp Updates

Great Plains Conservation Updates

• Cookie Settings
• Essential Cookies
• 3rd Party Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. These must be enabled at all times, so that we can save your preferences.

If you do not enable essential cookies, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.

Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Please enable Essential Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!

Magic in the Mara: Reviewing the new JW Marriott Masai Mara safari lodge

The world's largest hotel chain has over 8,000 properties in more than 135 countries, ranging from palatial luxury resorts to enormous conference hotels to limited-service lodgings and nearly everything in between.

But until now, there's been one big gap in Marriott's far-reaching portfolio: a luxury safari lodge.

While the chain manages some Protea Hotels in South Africa , Marriott has lagged behind some competitors, including Four Seasons and Kempinski, foraying into the market for high-end travelers going on safari.

However, that changed earlier this year with the official opening of the long-awaited JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge .

The lodge, in Kenya's famed Masai Mara National Reserve, opened in April, and it's since garnered lots of attention from the media (TPG ranked it among this year's most exciting new hotels ) and from Marriott Bonvoy loyalists since you can both earn and redeem points here.

Those who aren't necessarily loyal to Marriott will also find plenty to love at the new JW, which was designed by Dubai-based Kristina Zanic — but more on that later.

Safaris are among my favorite type of trips; I love seeing animals in their natural habitats. Combine that with a brand-new points-friendly luxury lodge, and I'm sold.

When the property started taking reservations in February, I was among the first to book a stay. That turned out to be a great deal, and it also meant I'd be among the first to try the new property.

So how was it? I just returned from the bush, and I can confidently say that this is no doubt the nicest JW property in the world. Read on to learn why.

JW Marriott Masai Mara booking

No matter which safari lodge you stay at, there's lots of advance prep work that needs to be done, which begins with actually booking your stay.

Reserving a room at the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is pretty straightforward. You can simply go to Marriott's website or app, search for the property and check the rates. (Alternatively, you can also book a room via a trusted travel agent or possibly even American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts down the line if it joins that program.)

While the booking flow may replicate any other Marriott stay you've reserved, there are a few things to consider.

For one, the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge only offers all-inclusive packages, which comprise the following:

• Accommodation and meals on a full-board basis.
• Most alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.
• Game drives.
• A pair of Vortex Viper binoculars for use during your stay.
• Return airstrip transfers from Keekorok Airstrip (more on that below).
• Five items of laundry per person per day.
• All statutory taxes.

Many luxury safari lodges operate on an all-inclusive basis (after all, you can't really shop around for restaurants and activities once you get to a game reserve), and the JW Marriott Masai Mara's inclusions are pretty standard for top-tier safari lodges.

Note that there are still a handful of pricey extras that you'll be on the hook for, including:

• Masai Mara National Reserve entrance fee of $80 per person per night.
• Spa treatments.
• Gratuities.
• Additional activities, such as cultural village visits and hot air balloon safaris.

Secondly, this might just be the most expensive JW Marriott in the world: Rates start at around $1,400 per night based on single occupancy and $2,342 per night based on double occupancy in the offseason (around November-May) and jump to over $2,000 per night for single occupancy and over $4,000 per night for double occupancy during summer in the Northern Hemisphere. These prices are no bargain, but luxe safaris are always a splurge.

Finally, you can book a stay at the JW Marriott Masai Mara using Marriott Bonvoy points , and it can even represent a fantastic deal.

Points redemptions, which are sold on an all-inclusive basis, start at 98,000 points per night (double or single occupancy), worth around $823 according to TPG's valuations . Compared to paying $1,400 or more for the cash rate, this represents a great redemption.

Just note that points availability is largely limited to the offseason (winter in the Northern Hemisphere), and many redemptions are only available in one- or two-night increments, which means you can't necessarily take advantage of Marriott's fifth-night-free award perk .

As for me, I snagged perhaps the best Bonvoy redemption I've ever made. When the hotel started selling rooms earlier this year, most nights were priced at just around 20,000 points apiece, before the fifth night free.

Because of that, my five-night stay cost just 92,000 points. Although it seemed to be an error, the hotel honored these reservations, and reflecting back on my remarkable stay, I'm so glad it did. As you might expect, this 20,000-point deal is no longer available.

That said, I ended up traveling with two friends, and all rates only cover two people. The hotel charged us $1,690 per night for the third guest, which certainly wasn't cheap, but was still well worth it.

Getting to the JW Marriott Masai Mara

Not only is this likely the priciest JW Marriott in the world, but it's also perhaps the hardest one to get to.

Before I get into the overview, note that the hotel's reservation team can help arrange guests' transportation needs before and after their stay.

First, you'll first need to get to Nairobi. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is served by a slew of international carriers, including a daily nonstop from New York on the country's flag carrier, Kenya Airways . From there, the lodge can arrange a six-hour drive for you, though the roads are rather bumpy, for $400 each way.

Most guests arrive and depart via air, though. There are a few airstrips in the nature reserve, and the closest one to the lodge is called Mara-Keekorok.

A handful of primarily domestic carriers operate service to Keekorok, but all of these flights depart from Nairobi's other airport, Wilson Airport (WIL).

Driving between NBO and WIL takes about 30 minutes if traffic is light, and the JW Marriott Masai Mara can arrange round-trip ground transfers for $140. (You're also free to arrange your own transportation; Ubers start at just $8 between the two airports.)

Once you've arrived at Wilson Airport, you'll need to check in with your domestic carrier. This works similarly to most commercial flights. There's a cursory security check at the entrance to the terminal, followed by a formal check-in process.

Just note that your bags will be weighed, as most of these carriers only allow 15 kilograms (roughly 35 pounds) of luggage per person.

Fares vary for these short internal flights. We asked the hotel to arrange them for us, and we ended up being booked on AirKenya Express for $400 per person round-trip.

These internal flights are operated by a range of (aging) turboprops, so don't expect much in the way of amenities during the flight, though they are nicely maintained.

Flights from Wilson to Keekorok take just 30 minutes, but note that many of these trips are operated as "milk runs," which stop at multiple airstrips in the nature reserve to pick up and drop off additional passengers.

You don't really know what route you'll take until just a few hours before the flight, but you'll definitely want to allow plenty of time if you're making a connection at NBO.

The Keekorok airstrip (really just a gravel runway in the middle of the bush) also doesn't have too many amenities other than a bathroom (with running water, on some days), so don't arrive here too early before your flight back to Nairobi.

Your all-inclusive rate with the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge begins once you arrive at the airstrip, as your 45-minute car transfer from the plane to the lodge is included with your rate. (Keep your eyes peeled on the road during this drive, since it won't take long to catch your first sight of wildlife.)

While I took a plane from Wilson to Keekorok, I might consider the drive in the future, especially if I'm traveling with lots of luggage (or with a large group).

Flying can no doubt be the fastest way in and out of the park (when things operate on schedule), but it's also the most expensive, and it comes with a few restrictions that could sway you to book a car transfer instead.

JW Marriott Masai Mara check-in and lobby

Once you pull up to the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge — a true oasis within the Masai Mara reserve — you'll immediately start forgetting about the trek that it took to get there.

When we arrived at around 12 p.m., we were greeted by a traditional welcome dance from members of the local Masai ethnic group who are employed by the hotel.

The Masai invited us to join in on the dance, and by the end, smiles replaced the exhaustion on our faces from the nearly 24 hours of nonstop travel it took to get there.

Once the dance concluded, it was time to check in and freshen up.

To enter the hotel, guests cross the so-called dancing bridge, aptly named because it "dances" (moves up and down) as you walk on it.

The bridge is suspended over the Talek River, which runs adjacent to the property. (The river wasn't really flowing during our July stay in the dry season, but I imagine that the current is much stronger during the reserve's rainy season.)

After crossing the bridge, you'll find yourself in the main common areas of the property, which are all elevated from the ground on a wooden deck.

We were ushered into the beautifully decorated welcome tent, where we were provided with warm towels and a choice of Champagne or fresh fruit juice.

Our bags were taken directly to our room, and Thelma, our check-in concierge, invited us to take a seat on the terrace to complete some formalities.

This process took just a few minutes, and Thelma then gave us a brief property overview before dropping us off at our tent.

All in all, it was a flawless check-in process, and it turned out to be a harbinger of what was to come with our stay.

JW Marriott Masai Mara tented suites

While you might be familiar with JW Marriotts that have thousands of rooms in major business destinations, this property couldn't be more different.

There are just 20 individual tented suites at the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, all overlooking the Talek River. The suites are arranged in a single line from west to east, with the lodge's common areas dividing the 20 tents into two sections.

The suites on the western side go from 1 to 11 and those on the eastern side go from 12 to 21 (you won't find an unlucky Tent 13 at this JW). As such, if you have a preference between sunrise and sunset views, let the hotel know beforehand and hopefully, it can accommodate you with an east- or west-facing suite, respectively.

Our suite, No. 20, was a standard king-bed suite that had been turned into a triple room.

The suites themselves are elevated freestanding structures with plenty of privacy and space to spread out — after all, they measure around nearly 1,100 square feet of indoor and outdoor space.

Before you enter the room itself, you'll be greeted by a large terrace facing the river featuring two chairs, a small circular table and a built-in Jacuzzi (just be sure to let the hotel know three hours in advance if you want the Jacuzzi filled and heated.)

I enjoyed spending time each evening on the terrace, but I just wish that the Jacuzzi got a bit warmer than the 93 degrees that my Apple Watch measured.

As for the suite itself, well, it was simply stunning. From the spare, modern design and neutral palette to the locally inspired touches (like the "Do Not Disturb" sign that was a Masai spear) to the sloping roofs, the tents at the JW most definitely fit into the glamping aesthetic.

You'll find many of the modern conveniences that you'd expect from a newly built hotel, including universal power outlets, an ergonomic desk with a chair, two comfortable couches and a well-stocked complimentary minibar.

What you won't find, unfortunately, is air conditioning or televisions. While I had no trouble forgoing the latter during my stay, I was a bit uncomfortable during the day without air conditioning due to high midday temperatures.

The tents each feature two powerful ceiling fans, and the hotel is happy to arrange additional portable fans, but no matter how many blades are spinning, it gets hot in the room during the day. (That was one reason why we stayed out on full-day game drives throughout the stay.)

When the outside temperature drops at night and in the morning, it's a very different story. I had no trouble getting comfortable and snuggling under a thick duvet at night.

In fact, the hotel even placed padded hot water bottles in our beds during turndown service to warm us up each night. If you are too warm at night, you can also ask the hotel to open one or more of the tent's flaps.

Speaking of the beds, they're some of the most comfortable I've ever experienced on safari.

To convert our king tent into a triple, the hotel placed two individual beds just in front of the two dressers. That made the room a tiny bit cramped, but unless you're also a group of three, you'll have plenty of space to spread out and unpack your items into the wardrobes.

While many aspects of the suite were impressive, the highlight was the spacious dual-vanity bathroom.

Not only did I appreciate the wood paneling and fixtures and the dramatic lighting, but I also loved the cornucopia of amenities waiting for us, such as dental kits, liquid and bar hand soap and more from Rituals and Healing Earth.

In addition to a walk-in shower, each suite also features an outdoor shower. My one complaint about the bathroom is that there isn't a door separating it from the bedroom, which might not be private enough if you and your traveling companions are on different sleep schedules.

As far as safari hotels in Africa go, I found the water pressure and water temperature to be the best I've experienced. There was never a lag for a strong stream of hot water.

Moreover, I found the monogrammed JW Marriott towels to be incredibly thick and absorbent, and I'm already missing them.

All in all, the suites at the JW Marriott Masai Mara are some of the best I've seen in all of my safaris (I've been on five of these trips, ranging from mid-tier to ultra-luxury). As a new property, the suites boast many of the modern amenities that you'd expect from a top hotel, even though you're in the middle of the bush.

The lack of air conditioning could be a deal breaker for some travelers, and while I thought it would ruin my sleep, I was pleasantly surprised that I woke up chilly five nights in a row.

JW Marriott Masai Mara amenities

Even if you never venture out for a game drive, there are plenty of amenities to keep you busy at the JW Marriott Masai Mara.

It starts with the pool, spa and gym area, which is just a few steps from the lobby via a tree-lined path that stretches all the way to the end of the property.

The central part of this area is the infinity pool, which is surrounded by a handful of comfortable loungers and chairs, some of which are shaded by a wooden pergola.

I never saw another guest at the pool throughout our five-night stay, possibly because the infinity pool isn't heated. That said, the strong African sun brought the temperature up to 73 degrees, which was quite refreshing in the hot afternoons.

Though the pool has an infinity edge, it doesn't really overlook much. That's likely to change in the coming years, as I saw the groundskeepers planting new shrubbery and plants near the pool (and throughout the property, too).

Next to the pool is the lodge's spa, which features a few common-use areas, such as a sauna, a steam room, showers and a cold plunge pool flanked by two loungers.

Thanks to some small water fountains and a pleasing aroma, I found myself relaxing here on some evenings.

The spa has two treatment rooms, one of which is designed for couples. Treatments aren't included in the nightly rates, and they start at $170 for a 60-minute massage (before tip) — right around what I'd expect to pay at a luxury hotel.

Opposite the spa in a separate tent is the gym, which is a bit spartan. Inside, you'll find just a simple treadmill, a bike and a rowing machine for cardio exercise.

There's also a bench, a rack of free weights up to 20 kilograms and a NOHrD exercise wall that can be used for multiple strength exercises.

I used the gym three times during my stay — a must with all the gourmet meals I was eating — and found it perfectly fine but unmemorable.

Note that the gym doesn't feature any TVs and it's completely open-air, so the temperature inside is at the mercy of Mother Nature. That said, I did enjoy a cool breeze in the morning, afternoon and evening when I used the gym.

The rest of the amenities are near the lodge's welcome area.

Here you'll find a game room (with classics such as Scrabble and chess) that can theoretically double as a conference room, as well as the hotel's gift shop stocked with Masai-made souvenirs.

There are gender-specific public restrooms with African design accents next to the small reception desk.

Many visitors, myself included, make sure to bring their fancy big cameras on safari. After all, you really need a powerful long lens to capture many of the sights along the way.

While these cameras often cost over $1,000, the JW Marriott Masai Mara has an innovative amenity that I'd never seen before: a Canon-branded camera studio.

Moses, the hotel's photographer, can loan you a Canon EOS R6 Mark II with a 100-to-500-millimeter lens for free for the duration of your stay. These are very powerful cameras, so if you'd like a tutorial, Moses can show you all the basics in the photography studio and can also join you on a game drive for an additional fee.

The rental cameras come with an SD card, so if you'd like to save your photos easily to your own device, be sure to bring a laptop on the trip. (I imagine that Moses could load your photos onto a USB thumb drive or potentially to the cloud, but I'm not sure if there's a fee associated with that.)

Speaking of internet, Wi-Fi is available in the room and throughout the resort, but the speeds are not great – they measured just about 8Mbps download and upload for me. That's fast enough to stream TV and maybe make a FaceTime call, but it wasn't speedy enough to upload my pictures and videos after each day in the bush.

This performance might be expected due to the lodge's location in the middle of a nature reserve, but it was interesting that my phone's five-bar Airtel LTE roaming network provided faster speeds than the hotel's Wi-Fi.

As an animal and nature enthusiast who wanted to be out in the bush all day, if there's one downside to having all of these amenities, it's that I wish there were more time during the day to enjoy all the lodge facilities.

JW Marriott Masai Mara safaris and activities

While the lodge has plenty to keep you occupied, you shouldn't come to the Masai Mara National Reserve simply to relax by the pool. (I can recommend plenty of resorts for that vacation vibe.)

Instead, the highlight for guests will likely be the game drives each day. Like most lodges, the JW Marriott Masai Mara offers two daily game drives, one in the morning and another in the afternoon.

To maximize your chance of seeing animals while they're most active, game drives depart about 30 minutes before sunrise and then return to the lodge once the heat of the day sets in. Guests depart again late in the afternoon and return to the lodge about 30 minutes after sunset.

If you'd like to customize a safari schedule that works better for you, the lodge is happy to accommodate. We wanted to do a few full-day game drives to maximize our wildlife sightings, for instance. Not only did the lodge happily oblige, but it also packed us breakfast and lunch to go.

If this is your first safari, expect to be transported around the park in a four-by-four Toyota Land Cruiser. The JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge operates a fleet of about 10 vehicles, some of which feature four seats and some six. All are branded with JW Marriott logo decals around the car and on the seat headrests.

Our vehicle had a removable roof to allow you to stand up when you spotted something interesting.

In each vehicle, you'll find a few amenities to make bouncing around the park more comfortable. These include a fridge stocked with complimentary drinks, universal power outlets and USB-A ports, complimentary sunscreen, hand sanitizer and Vortex Viper binoculars.

The lodge also provided blankets designed in Masai prints for the cool mornings and evenings. (This allowed me to wear shorts during the day, but also stay warm before and after the sunrise and sunset, respectively.)

Whether it's your first or hundredth safari, there's always lots of anticipation about what you'll see in the park. In my case, I was eager to see the Great Migration of wildebeests, one of the largest movements of animals in the world.

In the Masai Mara, this typically happens around July and August, and we saw some incredible migration crossings during our drives.

Some days were more exciting than others, but that's how it goes in the bush. This isn't a zoo — prepare for an hour or two at a time without seeing any of the "Big Five" animals (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo).

That said, the guides do generally communicate via the radio when they see something interesting, so you may end up sharing a viewing of a pride of lions with other safari vehicles. (Also note that the Masai Mara National Reserve isn't a private conservancy like you might find near other luxe African lodges, and there is no off-roading allowed in the park.)

A good guide can also make or break your experience, and this is another area where we lucked out with Albert. He took us around the park, and I'd highly recommend asking for him if you stay at the JW Marriott Masai Mara. His knowledge of the park and its inhabitants was impressive, and he did a great job spotting some impressive game (without the help of the radio).

Just scroll through some of my highlights below.

Other guides that come highly recommended by family and friends who recently visited the property include Nicholas and Philip. I've heard that the JW lured some of the best guides away from top nearby lodges, including the Kempinski and andBeyond.

Just note that the JW Marriott Masai Mara doesn't guarantee private game drives for your party (that costs $450 extra per day), so you might have to spend them with other guests. However, the lodge does seem to try to provide private drives, assuming that there are spare guides. (We didn't pay extra for a private vehicle, but we got one anyway.)

In addition to game drives, there are two other optional activities that the lodge recommends.

The first is a visit to a nearby Masai village, where you can learn about the group's culture, practices and way of living. It costs $30 per person paid in cash to the village elder upon arrival.

I visited a Masai village on a previous safari, but I went back with my friends this time and thoroughly enjoyed seeing one again. Just prepare to be ushered through a gift shop at the end of your tour, and note that prices are negotiable.

The second activity is a hot air balloon safari, which costs $400 per person when booked through the hotel.

I did a hot air balloon safari in Tanzania during my honeymoon two years ago, and while I enjoyed it, I didn't think it was worth an additional $400 and a very early morning wakeup this time around.

JW Marriott Masai Mara food and beverage

At some all-inclusive resorts, it feels like the food and drinks are an afterthought. But at the JW Marriott Masai Mara, the dining experience is an integral — and delectable — part of your stay.

You certainly won't go hungry for more than a few minutes; there's tasty, fresh and wholesome food wherever you turn.

When you wake up in the morning, the hotel sets up a small coffee and pastry bar. I don't drink coffee, but my friends said that the local coffee was some of the best they've ever had.

You have two options for breakfast and lunch. You can eat at the lodge or out on a game drive, weather permitting.

If you choose the former, you'll enjoy your meal in either the Fig Tree Bar and Lounge or the Sarabi restaurant, both of which are in the lodge's central welcome area.

They're both tastefully designed with African art sourced from nearby villages and feature a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, some of which is shaded.

Meanwhile, if you choose a to-go meal, the chef will pack a fancy picnic box for you to enjoy while on a game drive. Your guide will set up a makeshift dining area, complete with a table and folding chairs, under a tree somewhere in the park.

There's no doubt that the picnic meals (think sandwiches, salads, breads and desserts) are more basic than the multicourse meals back at the lodge, but it's pretty special to enjoy a meal or two out in the middle of the park.

Also, this way you don't need to drive back to the lodge each time you want to eat.

If you do elect to eat at the lodge, you'll be in for a treat. The breakfast, lunch and dinner menus rotated daily. There was typically a choice of a vegetarian soup or salad, followed by one of four entrees and then a daily dessert selection. (Don't be scared to order multiple entrees or refills — the servers were always more than happy to accommodate any requests.)

We ate our way through the menus during our stay, and looking back at my notes and pictures, I can't even pinpoint one dish that I would've done differently. This was some of the best and freshest food I've ever had at a resort, no less on safari in the middle of a game reserve.

Perhaps the dish that stood out most was the red snapper that we had for lunch on the first day. It was prepared with just the right amount of flakiness and seasoning.

Suffice it to say, you will not find a massive and unappealing all-inclusive buffet at this 20-tent property.

If there is one area of improvement, it's with the bread basket, which included the exact same types of bread every lunch and dinner. It got quite stale after a while (no pun intended).

However, the kitchen does bake fresh naan bread on some nights, and it was always a highlight.

The complimentary alcohol selection included a wide range of wines from all over the world, as well as some top-shelf liquor, including Grey Goose vodka and Hendrick's gin.

The lodge provides a wine and cocktail menu during each meal, but you're also encouraged to ask the bartender to whip up your favorite drink.

Speaking of cocktails, I enjoyed some refreshing and balanced drinks throughout my stay, including the Mara Garden and the African Bee's Knees.

Alternatively, you can opt for room service, which is included in your room rate. I couldn't find a printed menu anywhere, but we didn't even bother inquiring since the restaurant food was so good.

Finally, the lodge is growing its own "JW Garden" near Tent 17. The garden itself is already quite impressive, and its produce will soon be used as ingredients in different dishes.

The garden also features a wooden pergola under which you can enjoy breakfast or lunch.

Every afternoon, the restaurant prepares sundowners (drinks and some light bites) around a fire underneath the big fig tree on the main terrace.

While this was always a great way to unwind at the end of the day, the lodge took the sundowner experience to the next level on our last night, when it set up a bonfire, makeshift bar and lawn chairs underneath a tree in the middle of the reserve with a front-row view of the sunset.

This proved to be a magical way to end our trip.

JW Marriott Masai Mara service

While the lodge's "hard product" (tents, amenities and property) greatly exceeded my expectations, what really set the JW Marriott Masai Mara apart was the service.

For one, the staff-to-guest ratio felt like it greatly exceeded 3:1, even when the lodge was fully booked during some of the nights we were there.

Wherever we turned, an employee was there to greet us, ask how we were doing and see if they could get us anything. Furthermore, by our second day, every single employee addressed us by name. That's some impressive service that I've only seen before in top Four Seasons and Aman resorts, among a handful of other top-tier luxury brands.

While we enjoy personalized service at every interaction, the restaurant waiters really went above and beyond to ensure that we were doted on as if we were eating in their own homes.

Speaking of the restaurant, my friends and I have some unique dietary restrictions, but executive chef Rajiv Ranjan, who came to the hotel with 15 years of experience at various luxury hotels, couldn't have been friendlier or more accommodating.

During and after every meal, he asked for feedback and helped plan a menu that worked with our preferences. Chef Ranjan specializes in Indian food, and after we told him we enjoyed his signature dishes on the second night, he happily cooked us some more Indian delicacies on the other nights.

His thoughtfulness extended right until checkout, when he showed up as we were leaving with some nibbles (freshly made energy bars, macarons, doughnuts and more).

Our guide, Albert, struck the perfect balance between being professional and friendly, exactly what we were looking for during our game drives.

And then there's Fairman Muhingi, the lodge manager. Fairman oversees the entire property, but he's not leading from some back office. He is out helping guests and staff every single day.

Fairman checked in with us multiple times during the day, and he even shared his WhatsApp details to contact him directly if we needed anything.

No matter how small the request, it was handled with a "yes" and a smile — the real mark of a world-class resort.

Bottom line

It's finally here: Marriott's long-awaited luxury safari lodge is now open in Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve.

Though the world's largest hotel chain is branding this property as a JW Marriott, it couldn't feel more different from what I tend to think of as a typical JW Marriott.

If you've ever stayed at a JW Marriott in the U.S., you've likely experienced a cookie-cutter business-focused resort in a major city with a high room count and amenities that can feel generic.

But the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge couldn't be further from this image. The stunning, tented, all-suite property with top-notch food, impeccable service and impressive amenities went beyond even my high expectations and is even more exciting because you can earn and redeem points while experiencing it.

Coupled with its prime location in the heart of the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, this camp is bound to be considered one of Marriott's most distinctive properties yet.

Between Heaven and Earth

About Angama

More than a place, Angama is the simple belief in looking after one another — our guests, our team and our neighbours, both human and wild.

Swahili for ‘suspended in mid-air’, Angama offers high-touch safari experiences in one-of-a-kind locations across East Africa.

A Different Style of Safari

Breathtaking views, warm Kenyan service, contemporary African design and intuitive guiding are just some of Angama’s signatures. Meet our lovely properties below:

Angama Mara

The flagship lodge sitting 1,000 feet in the air overlooking the Maasai Mara, where days are spent exploring its incredible wildlife diversity and guests are always spoiled for choice. Each of the Tented Suites are perched along the Great Rift Valley’s edge, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls providing unparalleled views.

Angama Amboseli

An intimate lodge of just 10 suites in a private sanctuary, renown for its density and diversity of wildlife. Set in a Fever Tree forest against the famed backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak, here is where some of the last Super Tusker elephants roam.

Angama Safari Camp

Find yourself amidst the action of the Great Migration and the Mara’s abundant wildlife in this light-footprint tented camp. With a 13-member private staff — a Camp Host, Butler, Chef, two Guides — including two private vehicles. Staying in the park means two hours of extra game drives at times when the animals are most active (before sunrise and just after sunset).

Featured Videos

Making Angama Amboseli

Signature Video

Endless Ways to Spend Your Days

Days at Angama are as action-packed or as gentle as you prefer. Home to Africa’s great mammals, guests in the Mara can experience everything from hot-air ballooning to beading with the Maasai Mamas. In Amboseli, Kimana Sanctuary is yours to explore whether on foot, at night — or simply stare at the mountain and watch the clouds float by.

ANGAMA MARA & ANGAMA SAFARI CAMP

ANGAMA AMBOSELI

ANGAMA MARA

The Perfect Stay

We’re often asked, ‘How many days should one stay’? The truth is, there is never enough time, but the perfect stay might look something like this:

Touchdown at Angama Mara’s private airfield where a warm Kenyan welcome awaits you. Enjoy a delicious lunch out on the baraza while taking in the breath-taking view of the Mara below and the endless sky. After you settle into your tent, meet your Guide and descend into the Mara Triangle and begin your adventure.

Head out early on a full-day exploration of the Triangle. Enjoy a picnic breakfast or lunch — or both — under a desert date tree somewhere in the middle of nowhere, along the Tanzanian border. After an exciting day out, return to the lodge just in time for the sundowner Boma, as you sip on a gin and tonic while enjoying a Maasai warrior performance.

Join one of our Maasai naturalists and discover the Great Rift Valley on foot, learning about the flora, fauna through a traditional Maasai perspective. Back at your tent, enjoy a pampering massage on your private deck then spend the afternoon on a long lazy lunch in Shamba, or head out for a delightfully slow safari.

A very early start to catch a sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the Mara plains. Toast the morning’s flight with bubbles and a delicious breakfast in the heart of the Triangle, before a gentle safari back to camp in time for lunch and an afternoon at your leisure by the swimming pool. Tonight, experience Angama Mara’s lantern-lit signature Forest BBQ.

Head off on a morning drive followed by breakfast on the deck of your tent. Lunch is a romantic affair, recreating the magical picnic scene from the classic movie, Out of Africa, on the very site it was filmed. Later, join the Maasai Mamas in the Beading Studio and try your hand at their craft or ask them to bead something for you.

How to Get Here

Both Angama Mara and Angama Safari Camp are just a short 45-minute flight from Kenya’s capital of Nairobi. Guests can travel on the multiple daily scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, or opt for a private charter straight to Angama’s airfield from Nairobi’s main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International.

Angama Amboseli is also reachable by daily scheduled 45-minute flights from Nairobi or by private charter directly to its airfield.

Various international airlines, as well as the national carrier, Kenya Airways, offer direct flights to Jomo Kenyatta International from hubs all over the world.

Guest Reviews

“out of africa“.

We stayed for 5 nights at Angama Mara and we were so sad to leave. Apart from the wonderful wildlife including predators, the ambience of the camp was remarkable. Most important, the staff here couldn’t have been more attentive. Our butler Caroline was a real sweetheart and couldn’t do enough for us. Our guide Jackson showed great skill in discovering elusive predators. I am writing t …

The most amazing place!

Where to begin? My Husband and I found ourselves out of words to describe how amazing our stay at Angama Mara was. It was truly the most amazing trip we have ever been on. Especially thanks to the staff! We just kept saying we couldn’t believe what we were experiencing. We booked a signature stay which included a hot air balloon ride, massages, an Out of Africa lunch & private saf …

Remarkable!

This place is incredibly special. Our group of 4 ladies visited over the summer and had a wonderful time. The property is exceptional, as are the views. We enjoyed every aspect of our stay, but our favorite part was the people. The staff go above and beyond to make the entire experience extraordinary. We made such special memories and I can’t wait to bring my family and kids bac …

Incredible honeymoon

Wow where to even begin…. We had the most incredible time at Angama for part of our honeymoon. From the moment we were picked up at the airstrip to the second we left on our plane, the service, hospitality, and every little detail of our trip far exceeded any of our wildest dreams or expectations. Truly the best trip we have ever been on, and my husband and I are pretty seasoned trave …

Absolutely Stunning, incredible experience

Not sure where to start, but this lodge is fantastic and the whole experience truly memorable, I couldn’t recommend enough. From getting picked up from the Mara airstrip by our Guide for the week Jeremy, who I can’t praise enough, nothing was too much and his knowledge was incredible, plus his obvious and clear love of nature was enduring…This is such a special place, we was planning …

This place is heaven on earth!!!

It is hard to find words to convey the beauty of Angama Mara. High up on the escarpment overlooking the Mara, the views are just incredible. Add to that the warmth of welcome and care from all of the Angama staff, slick modern dining spaces, beautiful luxury tented rooms, amazing food and all the delights of the Mara on the doorstep, it really is a taste of heaven on earth. The highli …

Latest Stories

Evans Ondara | 7 June 2024

Kwaheri and Asante to the Family Chef

The Photographic Studios | 7 June 2024

This Week at Angama #330

The Photographic Studios | 31 May 2024

This Week at Angama #329

Travel + Leisure

World's Best Awards

Condé Nast Traveler

Readers' Choice Awards

National Geographic

Best Outdoor Escape

Subscribe for weekly stories

• Necker Island - British Virgin Islands
• The Branson Beach Estate - British Virgin Islands
• Kasbah Tamadot - Morocco
• Mahali Mzuri - Kenya
• Mont Rochelle - South Africa
• Ulusaba - South Africa
• Son Bunyola Hotel & Villas - Mallorca
• The Lodge - Switzerland
• Book a tent

Welcome to Mahali Mzuri, Sir Richard Branson’s Kenyan safari camp. Located in the world-famous Maasai Mara ecosystem in the path of the annual Great Migration, the camp is within the Olare Motorogi Conservancy. With endless opportunities for game viewing, you can sit back and let the wildlife come to you.

Discover the highlights.

Your tent is your window onto some of the world’s most spectacular scenery. Sleeping up to 24 guests across 12 luxurious tents, each is designed to be your home away from home, and unlike any you’ve ever experienced.

Game drives

Every game drive is different and exciting. Safaris in Kenya are filled with wildlife sightings, romantic scenery and dramatic views.

Where we are

Mahali Mzuri is located within the Olare Motorogi Conservancy. The camp is perched on the side of a lush valley overlooking rolling plains.

Mahali Mzuri, Maasai Mara

Discover our experiences

#mahalimzuri.

• Auction Bids
• Auction Watchlist

Travel news, tips, reviews & videos of luxury hotels to help plan your vacation.

Bid & win a luxury hotel stay or travel item for your next vacation.

• Accessories
• Accommodation
• Experiences

Book a room with us for complimentary upgrades & VIP benefits like breakfast for two at your favorite luxury hotel.

• Find Out More

Recents Clear

10 Best Maasai Safari Lodges

popular post today

1. Original Maasai Lodge

2. cottars 1920’s safari camp, 3. ol sekis hemingways, 4. karen blixen camp, 5. il moran, masai mara national reserve, 6. bateleur camp, masai mara national reserve, 7. governors’ camp, masai mara national reserve, 8. mahali mzuri, 9. porini lion camp, 10. sand river masai mara.

Tanzania’s best luxury safari camps include Original Maasai Lodge, Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp, Ol Sekis Hemingways, Karen Blixen Camp, Il Moran Masai Mara National Reserve, Governors’ Camp, Sand River Masai Mara, Porini Lion Camp, Mahali Mzuri.

Maasai Mara National Reserve is an area of preserved savannah wilderness in southwestern Kenya along the Tanzanian border. Enjoy the grassy savannah wilderness of the Masai Mara, home to the Big Five and the Great Migration. We focus on the best Maasai Safari Lodges with stunning scenery overlooking the mountains, plains, or perhaps busy waterholes.

Original Maasai Lodge offers nature, culture, and relaxation with a view of Mount Kilimanjaro. Get to know the Maasai through stories around the campfire, throwing a javelin, or doing traditional dances.

Your stay at this lodge can generate income for the social, educational, and medical projects of Africa Amini Alama. Funds go to the medical center, schools, and orphanages to support local communities such as the Maasai or Meru.

Set high on a plateau between Mount Merial and Kilimanjaro, the rooms here are based on a traditional Maasai Manyara with wattle and daub walls, rustic furniture, comfy beds, and modern plumbing.

This Hillside Retreat consists of two different-sized holiday homes and a pool. The terraces with a view of Mount Meru are ideal for recharging your batteries, and with a little luck, you will spot the giraffes that walk by.

Cooks prepare excellent fresh meals, and a driver and guide are on call for excursions in the area. The pool, massage rooms, sauna, and relaxation areas ensure that you unwind, and with just 14 bungalows, you are guaranteed exclusivity, individuality, and authenticity.

Countless acacia trees surround each Nature Home. Days are filled with dancing and singing while you relax in a hammock and enjoy the serene landscape and views of the holy mountain Mukuru.

The stunning, multi-award-winning Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp lies right next to the Maasai Mara game reserve in Kenya in an unspoiled setting of its own 7,000-acre private Olderkesi Conservancy. Here, sunset views stretch to distant horizons of the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti plains.

Cottars were one of the first permanent luxury tented camps to take guests out on safaris in Kenya, and little has changed since the glory days of the 1920s. It remains a magnificent place to spot cheetahs, lions, leopards, elephants, and the annual Migration in refined luxury.

Spot the big five and choose your season carefully, as the camp is on the path to the great migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra. In the evening, bathe in your outdoor bathtub, and have a fantastic dinner under the stars (greens from the camp’s vegetable garden). There is also a lovely swimming pool to cool off in. The camp also offers massages at their spa, and internet access is available.

Cottars 1920’s Safari Camp is a member of our Near Far Collection , which means that when you book a room via our luxury travel concierge you get brilliant extra benefits at no extra cost.

Ol Sekis Hemingways sits on top of a rocky hill in the Naboisho Conservancy, part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, and a small number of luxurious and spacious safari tents make the most of the views.

This is where you share drinks and stories with fellow guests around a campfire, or if you want to escape, the camp will deliver food to eat in your lodge while taking in views over the tree-scattered savannah below. Romantic candlelit meals can also be arranged hidden away within the camp.

The tents are round and bright with plenty of privacy. At the hottest time of the day, the early afternoon, you will probably want to relax on your patio, cool off in the infinity pool, or try a massage in the spa.

To see the animals, you can join game drives with experienced guides with comprehensive knowledge of the area’s vegetation and fauna. Known for its lion prides, the conservancy sees far fewer vehicles than the main reserve, and only a small number can be present at a wildlife sighting. Other activities include walking safaris, Maasai village visits, dawn hot air balloon rides, and horse-riding safaris.

Karen Blixen Camp in the Mara’s North Conservancy offers tents and lounges on the banks of the Mara River, where you will probably hear the snorts and splashes of the resident hippo pod.

There are 22 canvas tents in this exclusive camp with spacious decks overlooking the river, a large en suite bathroom, and an outdoor shower. Twenty-two canvas tents might sound like a lot, but this camp still offers great privacy and peace. Meals are served on individual tables in the dining area, in front of the river, or in the bush. In the evening, a campfire is lit, and you can share stories of your day with fellow guests.

Il Moran is located on the Mara River, near grunting hippos and noisy baboons. Vultures eye you up from the top of the trees around this camp and lion are also in the area.

Il Moran has ten tents with a spacious stone veranda facing the river. Inside are king-sized beds, hand-carved wardrobes, luggage chests, and wicker chairs. The spacious en suite bathroom offers a shower, claw-footed bath, twin basins, and a flush toilet (hurrah!).

The main dining room and living room offer comfortable sofas and rugs on the floor. Meals are delivered here by lanterns and candlelight as there is no electricity in the camp.

Bateleur Camp is located just outside the Olololo gate to the park, in a Maasai concession area. This small, luxury camp is hidden within dense vegetation connected by windy paths between tall trees that house blue monkeys. The plains by the camp attract warthog, zebra, and wildebeest.

This camp is split into two camps, Bateleur North and Bateleur South, each with a private lounge and dining areas and an electric fence that runs around the boundary of the whole camp. A shady pool area joins the two camps, perfect for cooling off.

Each tent is raised with a wooden deck and has a four-poster bed and a large en-suite bathroom. The lounges have leather sofas, rugs, and an open fireplace. The glamorous atmosphere is perfected with evening drinks around the campfire.

While at the camp, you must take advantage of the morning and afternoon 4WD game drives, nature walks, and night drives.

Governors’ Camp was the first tented camp to be established in the Masai Mara National Reserve. It first opened in 1972 on Teddy Roosevelt’s Mara Camp site.

Although Governors’ is one of the larger camps in the Mara, it feels tranquil as the 38 tents are hidden away in the bush. Your tent will be located on the high banks of the looping Mara River, with views of the river or the vast plains of the Mara. Larger animals sometimes wander into camp, and it is quite normal to enjoy hippos feeding on the grass outside your tent.

The bar lounge is open on three sides and is truly inviting, with its bar built of logs. Nearby is a spacious decking area that overlooks the river, an ideal spot for breakfast and lunch. The camp also offers a range of massage and spa treatments.

Designed almost entirely for the views, the situation of the 12 luxurious tents at Mahali Mzuri in the majestic Maasai Mara, means you have a large viewing deck perfectly appointed for an exceptional front-row seat of the annual Great Wildebeest Migration.

Mahali Mzuri is Sir Richard Branson’s East African ultra-exclusive property in Kenya’s Maasai Mara ecosystem. Cool down in the beautiful 12-meter-long infinity pool between game drives, and then stargaze at this gorgeous property until late into the night.

The award-winning, eco-friendly Porini Lion Camp offers a unique opportunity to take guided walks with Maasai Warriors and experience day and night safari game drives within the Olare Motorogi Conservancy – a pristine and exclusive 33000-acre wilderness set aside for wildlife conservation and low-impact tourism.

Porini Lion Camp is in a unique and stunning setting on the banks of the seasonal Ntiakatiak River. This large area borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve and is home to many animals, including the Mara’s renowned Big Cats.

The high-quality, spacious tents are tastefully furnished, and each has solar-powered lighting, ensuite facilities (with hot shower and flush toilet), and a private veranda. Porini Lion Camp is an ideal base to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration.

Located on the banks of a river from which it has taken its name, Sand River Masai Mara is located within the Masai Mara National Reserve, close to the Tanzanian border.

Situated on a secluded and picturesque site, Sand River Masai Mara replicates the heyday of exclusive permanent tented camps of the late 1920s. The interior fixtures and furnishings mirror this period perfectly, reminding all who visit of those countless Hollywood movies that have paid homage to a classic era of African adventure.

Sand River Masai Mara is an ideal destination for those wishing to enjoy exceptional game viewing at any time of the year. The National Reserve is best known for its large concentrations of big cats, such as leopards, cheetahs, and lions. Even the dramatic arrival of the Annual Migration merely adds to an already abundant resident wildlife that awaits discovery.

Copyright Luxury Travel Diary 2014 - 2024. Duplication outside of luxurytraveldiary.com is forbidden.

Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing but may be amended at discretion of the vendor. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.

Featured By

Join our mailing list

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Receive news on auctions & our most popular posts. Opt out at any time. See our Privacy Policy for details.

Welcome to the Masai Mara

Royal mara safari lodge.

The Royal Mara is located in the Mara North Conservancy which is the richest and most varied wildlife section of the Masai Mara wildlife ecosystem. Join us and play witness to the spectacle of the annual Great Migration, One of the New Seven Wonders of the world, a vision beyond belief. Watch over two million wildebeest and zebra brave the waters of the Mara River – and her gauntlet of crocodiles. but with one unflinching resolve: to reach the lush plains of the Masai Mara and the Mara North Conservancy. Here, eagerly awaiting, are the big cat predators

This is a land of high drama, of epic struggle and perpetual rebirth. To see the Mara is to stare life head on and be humbled by its savage beauty. We hope the one day you will join us and share in the splendor of this majestic paradise. – Royal Mara Staff

Our Happy Customers

Welcome to the Masai Mara of Kenya, recently designated as one of the new seven wonders of the world. The Royal Mara safari lodge is situated directly on the annual wildebeest “great migration” route, near the two world famous wildebeest migration Mara river crossing points and near leapord gorge, all made internationally known by the BBC’s big cat diary television program.

Getting around

Share your experience, manage cookies, managing cookies.

• € EUR

Where to Stay in the Maasai Mara: 11 Best Safari Camps and Lodges

Published on: December 20th, 2018

Last modified: March 20th, 2024

The Maasai Mara is one of the best destinations in Africa for an unforgettable safari. Located on the southwest side of Kenya , it’s the setting of the legendary Great Migration and an ideal place to spot the Big Five . Although July to October is the peak season to witness the famous river crossings, it’s also full of spectacular wildlife all year round.

The Maasai Mara has a wide range of excellent accommodation, from luxury lodges to tented safari camps. Whether you’re planning a romantic honeymoon or a fun family trip , there’s something here for everyone. Each place offers exclusive activities like game drives, walking safaris, hot air balloon rides and cultural excursions – just to name a few.

Which Part of the Maasai Mara Is Best?

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, known for its expansive plains and the Maasai people who inhabit them. You can choose to stay within the reserve itself to be at the centre of all the action, or in one of the surrounding Mara Conservancies for a more exclusive experience. 

The southwestern region of the reserve, known as the Mara Triangle, is the first place that animals arrive during the Great Migration. It’s a less-crowded and quieter area that still provides privileged access to wildlife, making it a top choice amongst our travel designers.

How Many Days Do You Need in the Maasai Mara?

If you’re only staying at one safari camp, four nights is usually enough time to enjoy the area. However, we highly recommend visiting a couple of different camps for the full experience. If you want to stay at two or more places, we suggest spending at least three nights at each.

The Best Luxury Safari Camps and Lodges in the Maasai Mara

To help you get inspired and plan your perfect trip, we’ve asked our team of expert travel designers to share their favourite places to stay in the Maasai Mara. Here are our top picks, including details about who they’re best for and the reasons why we love them.

1. Sala’s Camp

Set on the banks of the Sand River, Sala’s Camp provides the perfect balance between privacy and proximity to wildlife. This tranquil corner of the Maasai Mara reserve is a short drive away from the iconic river crossings. The camp offers exceptional views and luxurious tents designed for both couples and families, plus plenty of activities for kids. 

2. Angama Mara

For unparalleled views of the plains, Angama Mara is the place to be. Perched atop an escarpment overlooking the reserve, it provides direct access to the Mara Triangle. Honeymooners and families alike will enjoy the minimalist suites and panoramic views from private viewing decks and floor-to-ceiling windows.

3. Angama Safari Camp

There’s something incredibly special about staying right in the heart of the Maasai Mara, with nothing but canvas walls separating you from the wilderness. That’s what you’ll experience at Angama Safari Camp , a sole-use space that’s best for small groups or couples. It operates seasonally from July to late September.

4. Mara Plains Camp

For a truly exclusive safari experience, consider a stay at Mara Plains Camp in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy. Its opulent elevated suites offer breathtaking views of the surroundings, and the food and service are top-notch. Our travel designers recommend it for couples and photographers, although it also has a wonderful family suite.

5. Mahali Mzuri

With 12 comfortable tents scattered across a scenic hillside, Mahali Mzuri is a modern oasis in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy. Two of its tents are designed specifically for travellers age 6–15, making it a fantastic choice for family trips. We highly suggest a tour of a nearby Maasai village to meet the residents and learn about their culture.

6. Little Governors’ Camp

This was one of the first camps established in the Maasai Mara, lending it a classic feel to complement its cosy atmosphere. Little Governors’ Camp boasts a prime location for observing wildlife and the Great Migration, plus its own launch site for hot air balloon safaris – an experience you’ll remember forever.

7. Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

Located just outside of the reserve in a private concession, Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp offers incredible views of the Maasai Mara and up-close access to the Great Migration. It’s an especially good choice during the early part of the migration season in July and August. It’s also one of our travel designers’ favourite spots for a family vacation.

8. Naboisho Camp

If you’re after an exhilarating adventure, Naboisho Camp will be a dream come true. This classic tented camp is off the beaten track in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy, and offers thrilling activities like off-road drives and fly camping. After an exciting day, you can relax in a sumptuous suite with outstanding personalised service.

9. Richard's River Camp

With just five tents – each outfitted with modern comforts and antique touches – Richard’s River Camp is an optimal choice for couples or friends travelling together. It provides an incredibly intimate experience in the remote Olare Orok Conservancy, where you’ll be surrounded by lions, hippos and many other majestic species.

10. Serian ‘The Original’

At Serian ‘The Original’ it’s all about the details. This renowned safari camp in the Mara North Conservancy provides a private vehicle and guide for every group of guests, and is known for its exceptional walking safaris. Its five tents are spacious, simple and elegant. According to our travel designers, this is an especially great spot for photography enthusiasts.

11. Rekero Camp

It’s hard to imagine a better place to experience the Great Migration than Rekero Camp , which is located right in the middle of the Maasai Mara. Even outside of the peak season it’s still a prime destination for wildlife viewing. This camp is particularly well known for its highly trained expert guides, who will happily share their extensive knowledge of the land and the wildlife.

Trip Inspiration

Whatever you want from your Maasai Mara safari, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

3 DAYS LUXURY MASAI MARA SAFARI

Crafted for the discerning traveler, our 3 days luxury Masai Mara safari offers an exclusive experience of touring this premier wildlife reserve in East Africa with accommodation in exceptional, award winning luxury Tented Camps located at prime spots in Masai Mara National Reserve, ideal for the wildebeest migration season. Exclusive camps in Masai Mara are rated as luxury properties based on the rating of their location within the reserve, standard of service and quality of their meals, accommodation and camp facilities.

A typical Safari Itinerary is listed below. Note that prices vary depending on the month or season of travel, with July to October being peak season while April to mid June is low season.

2 Nights Masai Mara

Day 01: Start of your luxury Masai Mara Safari from Nairobi

Your Driver-Guide reports to your hotel for Start of the safari, with a 8am departure for a picturesque drive descending the Great Rift Valley and onwards to Masai Mara, Kenya's famous game reserve. ( Drive time 5.5 hours). You will be in your own private and exclusive 4x4 Landcruiser Safari vehicle. You will stop briefly enroute at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint to enjoy the stunning views of the largest Valley in the world, said to be visible from outer space. Arrive at your camp in Masai Mara for a leisurely lunch. Your afternoon game drive starts at 3.30pm, allowing spotting of the amazing wildlife in the reserve ranging from the Big Cats such as Lion, Leopard & Cheetah to Rhino, Elephant and Wildebeest. Our Driver-Guide will try his best to show you not just the ''Big Five'' animals but the ''Big Nine'' as well. Return to your tented camp by 6.30pm. Dinner and overnight at Mara Intrepids Camp [ Option of Governor's Camp, And Beyond Kichwa Tembo or similar, in case of unavailability ].

Day 02: Enjoy Full day in Masai Mara

You will be taken on two gamedrives today, one in the morning from 6.15am to 9am, before breakfast and the other in the late afternoon after lunch from 3.30pm to 6.30pm. As your safari is private your gamedrive timings are flexible, useful if you are travelling with children, or are on a honeymoon. You may also choose to have a full day game drive ( one for most of the day from 10am to 4pm ) with a packed picnic lunch at no extra cost. Return in the evening for dinner and overnight at the camp. Dinner and overnight at Mara Intrepids Camp [ Option of Governor's Camp, And Beyond Kichwa Tembo or similar, in case of unavailability ].

Day 03: Return to Nairobi

After a relaxed breakfast and Check out by 8:30am. Proceed with return road transfer back to Nairobi with a brief morning game drive en-route. You are expected to exit the park by 10am. Arrive in Nairobi by early afternoon ( typically by 3pm ) . Drop off at your hotel, or free onward transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

Rates are per person sharing in US Dollars.

Rates depend on number of people travelling together in one vehicle hence 2 [two people] , 4 and 6 persons.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What's included.

• Accommodation as specified in the itinerary on Full board* basis in the camp.
• Exclusive transport in a 4x4 Landcruiser Jeep Safari vehicle
• 03 Private Safari gamedrives for the tour
• Services of a certified Professional, English-speaking Driver~Guide including all his expenses & allowances
• Fuel, driver and car park fees, driver's allowance
• All Park Entry fees for clients (yourselves), Driver~guide and Vehicle
• 24 hour Back Up support if required

What's not included

• International flight tickets and visa costs.
• Tips, drinks, laundry, calls, and all such costs of a personal nature.
• Credit Card Surcharge of 5 to 7% will apply or Bank Transfer Fees of USD 50.

Contact us using the form below to book the tour or any for questions We reply immediately

Add an Experience

Maasai Village Visit

US$ 40 per person

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Starting from US$ 485 per person

Dinner at the Carnivore Restaurant

The best safari lodges in East Africa for every type of traveller

By Scott Campbell

Whether it’s witnessing herds of wildebeest flooding through the savannah in the awe-inspiring Great Migration, getting up close with majestic mountain gorillas or relaxing in old-world luxury surrounded by giraffes, the Middle East is remarkably close to the wild wonders of East Africa.

In six hours or less, flights take off from the UAE to renowned safari hotspots like Kenya and Tanzania, plus emerging destinations including Uganda and Rwanda. Once there, the best way to experience the adventure (and spot the all-important Big Five: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) is by booking into a safari lodge.

There’s something for everyone, from big-group private tented camps to family-friendly luxury lodges with private pools and budget bunks tucked into forests — here are our picks of the best lodges for travellers from the Middle East.

Best for ultra-luxury

Rustic but luxurious suites at Singita Kwitonda Lodge

Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Rwanda

Flight time from UAE: 6 hours direct

Singita’s high-end, all-inclusive camps across sub-Saharan Africa hold legendary status and the crown jewel is the eternally popular Kwitonda Lodge, three hours drive from the Rwandan capital Kigali. On the edge of Volcanoes National Park, which is home to over a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas , this resort features eight rustic suites brimming with locally handcrafted details. Each suite boasts private heated plunge pools, wellness treatment areas, fireplaces, and timber-framed windows that showcase the breathtaking scenery. Room rates include all meals and beverages (including premium wines and spirits) plus complimentary laundry.

Address: Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Ruhengeri, Rwanda

Best for up-close encounters

The famously friendly, long-necked guests at Giraffe Manor

Giraffe Manor, Kenya

Flight time from UAE: 5 hours direct

Wake up to resident Rothschild giraffes poking their heads through the windows at Giraffe Manor, an ivy-clad historic gem in Nairobi's leafy suburbs. Built in 1932 and inspired by a Scottish hunting lodge, the stately manor offers high-ceilinged, four-poster rooms named after the giraffes that roam the grounds and travellers who visited East Africa in the 1930s. Enjoy stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro from your room or indulge in relaxing treatments at the open-plan Retreat spa, complete with steam rooms and saunas. It's a wildlife lover's dream with a touch of old-world luxury.

Address: Giraffe Manor, Gogo Falls Road, Nairobi, Kenya

Best for affordable luxury

A wild beauty

Elephant Plains Lodge, Uganda

Flight time from UAE: 5 hours 30 minutes

Among 80 acres of wild beauty, Elephant Plains Lodge offers spacious private cottages with free-standing bathtubs that overlook the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park in the country’s west. Starting at $400 a night for a double room, the resort still has all the top-class amenities and freshly prepared international cuisine usually found in pricier properties. Wake up to spectacular sunrises in deep reds, oranges and blues, best savoured with a hot Ugandan rolex cooked by the in-house chef — then as the day winds down, grab a cocktail from the well-stocked bar and enjoy sunset by the pool.

Address: Elephant Plains Lodge, Bunyaruguru, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Best for gorillas

In the foothills of Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park sits One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Rwanda

Float among swaying eucalyptus trees in the secluded treehouses of One&Only Gorilla’s Nest in the foothills of Rwanda 's Volcanoes National Park. Each comes with a private pool and viewing deck plus a pair of binoculars for spotting the country's rare mountain gorillas without compromising on luxury. Start your adventure with a fireside briefing session led by resident "gorilla whisperer" Francois Bigirimana, who has more than four decades of experience. He'll guide you through treks to meet one of the park's 12 primate families, including the Agaysha, which is home to two silverbacks — although only one reigns supreme.

Address: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Nyonirima, Kinigi, Ruhengeri, Rwanda

Best for elephants

Pull up a chair to admire the view at Buffalo Safari Lodge

Buffalo Safari Lodge, Uganda

Flight time from UAE: 5 hours 30 minutes direct

Get up close and personal with the elephants at Buffalo Safari Lodge, perched behind small fishing villages on the banks of the scenic Kazinga Channel, which is home to wallowing hippos, vast musters of long-legged storks and pods of pelicans. Sunbathe by the elevated pool while elephants, Ugandan kob antelopes and buffalo wander by. The undoubted star of the show is Bufulu, the de facto resident elephant, who wanders in and greets guests at breakfast then hangs out for a few hours each morning near the double-storey terracotta honeymoon suites. As night falls, you’ll need a flame-wielding security guard to escort you safely past any lions that are known to stalk the dense bushes around the resort.

Address: Buffalo Safari Lodge, Katunguru, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Best for budget

A dream safari need not leave you out of pocket

Budongo Eco Lodge, Uganda

A steal at as little as $60 a night for a private cabin tucked among the trees or $20 for a bed in the shared dormitories, this recently renovated lodge near the entrance to Murchison Falls National Park is a popular launching-off point for chimp treks — expect to see dozens of the dextrous creatures, including cute bug-eyed babies, right by the roadside on your way in. Accommodation at this former base of world-renowned, primate expert Jane Goodall is basic but comfortable, with netted open windows letting you fall asleep to the soothing sounds of chirping insects and cooing birds. Just don’t forget to lower those mosquito nets.

Address: Budongo Eco Lodge, Budongo Forest National Reserve, Murchison Falls National Park, Kinyanga, Uganda

Best for big groups

Watching the sunset at Mahali Mzuri

Mahali Mzuri, Kenya

Billionaire entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson has opened his small-scale Kenyan safari camp for bookings, giving guests a front-row seat to the Great Migration in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy. The lodge features 12 luxurious tents with sweeping roofs, large private verandas, and four-poster beds, accommodating up to 24 guests, with full buy-outs available for groups seeking a more intimate safari experience. Twice-daily game drives with expert guides provide ample opportunities to spot the Big Five, as well as wildebeest, zebra, cheetah, giraffe, impala, and gazelle. After an exhilarating day in the bush, unwind at the on-site spa with treatments inspired by the African sun and the soothing flow of water.

Address: Mahali Mzuri, Masai Mara, Motorogi Conservancy, Kenya

Best for families

A once-in-a-lifetime family getaway

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania

The Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti is a once-in-a-lifetime family getaway packed with adventure, offering endless fun for little ones . Kids can set up remote camera traps, join nature walks, and enjoy storytelling with Maasai warriors — they even get a special passport to track all the animals they spot. Teenagers will love the Discovery Centre, where they can learn about local wildlife and cultures and contribute to ongoing research projects. Game drives in the surrounding Serengeti National Park with local tribespeople and hot air balloon safaris are the highlights, available respectively to all guests aged two and seven and above.

Address: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Four Seasons Road, Serengeti, Tanzania

Best for convenience

A retreat just 30 minutes from Uganda's main airport

Entebbe Forest Lodge, Uganda

Ditch the long drives and get straight to the heart of nature at Entebbe Forest Lodge, just 30 minutes away from Uganda's main airport. This eight-cabin hideaway offers contemporary comforts with floor-to-ceiling windows and free-standing bathtubs that bring you eye-to-eye with red-tailed monkeys and colourful exotic birds like the African Fish Eagle and Kingfisher. For a more unique adventure, take a 45-minute speedboat or private helicopter transfer to the 100-acre Ngamba Island to meet free-roaming orphaned chimps living their best wild lives after being rescued from the illegal pet and bushmeat trades.

Address: Entebbe Forest Lodge, Garuga, Bukaya, Entebbe, Uganda

Mara Simba Lodge

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 373
• Very Good 143
• All languages ( 555 )
• English ( 464 )
• Chinese (Sim.) ( 28 )
• Chinese (Trad.) ( 27 )

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Mara Simba Lodge - Kenya Lodge

7-Day All-Inclusive Fly-In Samburu to Masai Mara Safari

Related regions :

Experience the essence of Kenya's wilderness with the "Kenya Wings over the Wilderness Safari." Departing from Nairobi, this thoughtfully curated safari immerses you in the untouched beauty of Kenya's wild landscapes. From the rugged terrain of Samburu to the vast expanses of the Maasai Mara, each day unfolds a new adventure. Travel by scheduled light aircraft, allowing the sky to guide you as you explore nature's rhythm. This journey promises a safari and an unforgettable flight into the heart of Kenya's pristine beauty.

Day 1 - 4: Destination - Samburu National Reserve

Your journey starts at Wilson Airport, where you'll board a scheduled light aircraft to the Samburu Game Reserve.

Upon landing, you will be transferred to Soroi Larsens Camp, arriving just in time for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on an exciting game drive to discover the untamed beauty of Samburu. Afterward, return to camp for a peaceful night beneath the African sky.

For the next two days, immerse yourself in the tranquil wilderness of Samburu with morning and afternoon game drives. Traverse the rugged terrain and encounter the diverse wildlife unique to this region.

The Game Drive Experience

Samburu National Reserve is famous for its distinctive "Samburu Special 5" species, which are native to Northern Kenya. These species include the rare Grevy's Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, and the stunning reticulated giraffe. Choose a morning or afternoon game drive to witness the uniqueness of this wildlife.

Sundowner Experience

After an exciting evening safari, you will be escorted to a raised viewing platform near Larsen's Camp. From there, you can enjoy the sunset behind the Koitogo Hills while indulging in a cocktail of your choice and healthy canapés.

Birdwatching in Camp

With over 400 native bird species, Samburu is a haven for birdwatchers. Accompanied by our knowledgeable local bird guide, you will explore the Ewaso Nyiro river forest line to spot unique northern species like the Somali bee-eater and Somali ostrich, among others. This excursion offers a perfect opportunity to expand your birding list.

Day 4 - 7: Destination - Masai Mara

Bid farewell to the enchanting Samburu as you embark on a scheduled light aircraft transfer to the Maasai Mara, where the elegant Soroi Luxury Migration Camp awaits. As the late afternoon unfolds, indulge in an exquisite game drive through the heart of the Mara, with the sun casting its golden hues across the plains.

For the next two days, immerse yourself in the unparalleled luxury of the Maasai Mara, exploring its vast and majestic landscapes on exclusive game drives. Encounter the illustrious Big Five and, if your visit coincides with the season from July to October, marvel at the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Great Migration.

Samburu National Reserve is celebrated for its distinctive "Samburu Special 5," species unique to Northern Kenya. These rare animals include the Grevy's Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, and the striking reticulated giraffe. Choose a morning or afternoon game drive to fully appreciate these exceptional species.

Dinner in the Bush

Indulge in the evening's finest meal, served in the bush under the star-studded Samburu sky.

Last Day: End of Itinerary

As the dawn breaks on your last day, take in the wilderness for one final moment before boarding your scheduled light aircraft back to Wilson Airport in Nairobi, concluding your "Kenya Wings over the Wilderness Safari" with a peaceful finale.

Location and getting there

Rates & pricing, let's start planning.

Every detail, we're available 24/7

Meet your travel advisor

What our guests say about Kelby

Jun 11, 2024

Sara Van Coillie has been extremely…

Sara Van Coillie has been extremely helpful in making our Namibia trip fantastic! We have emails up on emails of Sara answering all my (many) questions months and months before our trip. I've had last minute questions and requests right before and during our trip and she always responds with record time and helps us out. I feel all of our needs have been met and I couldn't be happier with Sara as our travel representative! Highly recommend her! :)

Jun 10, 2024

Pascal John extremely helpful,efficient and knowledgeable

Pascal John was very helpful with recommendations for our Safari Booking. He responded to all our emails and txt messages extremely quickly, especially given the time difference. He also sent videos of his recent experience at the lodges which was especially helpful.

Leche was very responsive and really…

Leche was very responsive and really helpful. She found a reserve in the Sabi Sands that is perfect for our budget and our dates. We are very excited for our trip!

Jun 9, 2024

South Africa Trip

Shann was very helpful and was always quick to respond to any questions that I had. She provided with multiple options for each stage of our trip, and overall provided a great service. Would highly recommend!

Jun 8, 2024

Thanks Pascal you are amazing!

From the moment we arrived in South Africa, our safari adventure was nothing short of extraordinary. Nestled in the heart of the African wilderness, we found ourselves surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Kruger National Park, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Our accommodation was luxurious yet seamlessly integrated into the natural environment, offering us stunning views of the savannah from the comfort of our private deck. Each day began with an exhilarating sunrise game drive, where our expert guide shared his deep knowledge and passion for the local wildlife. Witnessing the "Big Five" was an awe-inspiring experience that left us in complete awe of nature's magnificence. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable and made sure we felt safe while immersing ourselves in the wilderness. Evenings were equally enchanting, with sundowner drinks enjoyed against the backdrop of a fiery African sunset, followed by sumptuous dinners under the starlit sky. The cuisine was a delightful fusion of local flavors and gourmet dishes, perfectly complementing the day's adventures. The sense of community at the lodge was heartwarming. The staff were attentive, ensuring every need was met with a smile, and fellow travelers quickly became friends as we shared stories around the campfire. Our South African safari was more than just a holiday; it was a transformative journey that connected us with nature and left us with lasting memories. For anyone seeking an adventure that combines luxury, education, and unparalleled wildlife encounters, a safari in South Africa is an absolute must. We left with hearts full of gratitude and a profound appreciation for the natural world, eagerly planning our return to this magnificent land.

A great experience

Pascal was wonderful to work with! When one camp option fell through he quickly found an equal alternative for our group. He was always very responsive to my many emails and texts. I would highly recommend Safari.com.

Jun 7, 2024

Leché was fantastic - thank you!

Leché was fantastic - super helpful and so patient with me. Provided all the options and was so quick responding to any questions (of which I had many!). So grateful and I can't wait for our holiday!

Top notch service

Catherine was very helpful and responsive. Our trip was postponed due to the pandemic and she efficiently advocated for us with the game reserves to rebook our trip. Also, the SA embassy in our region required additional police certification of our reservation, the Safari.com team went to the police station and sent us the certified documents on the same day. Amazing service. Highly recommend!

Jun 6, 2024

Pascal is an outstanding Safari…

Pascal is an outstanding Safari consultant!!!  He's very personable, warm, professional, and very detailed. He made a perfect itinerary. for my trip to Victoira Falls. I would highly recommend him at Safari Travel Agency, will not be disappointed. They are a top-notch company, and Pascal is a great asset for sure. I have traveled the world and was surprised by the level of professionalism and knowledge that I gained working with him. Being a sales professional and world traveler, I'm very picky, but they checked all the boxes. Thank you so much, and all the best.

Splash Travels

20 Luxurious Safari Lodges We Can’t Wait To Visit

Posted: February 29, 2024 | Last updated: February 29, 2024

The Best Safari Lodges On The Planet

Gone are the days where going on safari meant roughing it in tents and rugged terrain. These days, the best way to see incredible African wildlife is with a stay at a safari lodge. 

With  a focus on luxury and sustainability , these are the best safari destinations on the continent.

Matetsi Victoria Falls—Matetsi Private Game Reserve, Zimbabwe

This family-owned property gets its name for the majestic Victoria Falls, a World Heritage Site that’s only 25 miles upstream. Guests can choose to stay in one of the 18 suites or the four-bedroom River House villa. 

Either way, you’ll get  your own private pool, and can rest easy knowing that proceeds from the lodge help fund efforts in the Matetsi conservation area.

Matetsi Victoria Falls—Matetsi Private Game Reserve, Zimbabwe (cont’d)

When it comes to safaris, Matetsi pulls out all the stops. Led by local guides , visitors can take boat cruises, drives, and hikes through the wilderness, offering a chance to safely view incredible wildlife like elephants, buffalo, hippos, and crocodiles. 

When you get back from your safari, Matetsi’s chefs and spa experts are ready to show you the lodge’s luxurious side.

Singita Pamushana—Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, Zimbabwe

This luxurious safari lodge provides incredible views of ancient forests and natural sandstone structures . 

But the real draw of this property is the private access that visitors get to the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, which is home to big cats, wild dogs, and herds of elephants. Drives and cruises are an excellent way to explore the reserve and visitors can take part in a number of cool activities, including tag-and-release fishing.

Singita Pamushana—Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, Zimbabwe (cont’d)

Singita Pamushana is the perfect combination of sustainability and luxury. Guests have their choice of one of the eight suites or private villa, each with their own outdoor shower and views of the Malilangwe Dam. 

Visitors can rest easy with the lodge’s elite spa treatments and knowing that the property funds conservation efforts. The staff at the lodge are also 100% local.

Wilderness DumaTau—Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, Botswana

A visit at Wilderness DumaTau means staying right in the middle of lion territory . 

In Botswana’s dry season, animals migrate to the reserve, which provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to see wildlife like hippos, elephants, antelope, and wild dogs.

Wilderness DumaTau—Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, Botswana (cont’d)

At Wilderness DumaTau, visitors have their choice of eight private suites, which all have private pools and outdoor showers that overlook the beautiful Osprey Lagoon. 

Proceeds from the lodge fund conservation efforts in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, which supports research on endangered species.

Jack’s Camp—Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana

At Jack’s Camp, visitors get the unique experience of staying in tents near the shimmering Makgadikgadi salt pans. 

Activities here cater to the more adventurous side, with game drives, rides on quad-bikes , and unforgettable encounters with meerkats.

Jack’s Camp—Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana (cont’d)

After roughing it, guests can head back to one of nine spacious suites, which feature large four-poster beds and rich burgundy trim. 

Candlelit dinner s are held at the property’s communal tent, which is decorated with art that has been collected by the Bousfield family for generations.

Jabali Ridge—Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

The eight suites at Jabali Ridge are nestled among huge boulders, and provide incredible views of the baobab forest below. 

J une to November is the best time to visit  as that’s when you can see packs of wild dogs, cheetahs, and the elusive kudu.

Jabali Ridge—Ruaha National Park, Tanzania (cont’d)

This safari lodge is also one of the best places to see lions— 10% of all the lions in Africa  call this area home. 

Guests can also see leopards and pangolin before heading back to the comforts of their private viewing deck and the lodges infinity pool.

Singita Sabora Tented Camp—Grumeti Reserves, Tanzania

Singita prioritizes nature-based tourism, which has restored the Grumeti Reserve to a thriving home for wildlife. 

All year-round, visitors are guaranteed to see wildebeest, elephants, and buffalo. The camp has also contributed to reintroducing  the eastern black rhino  to the area.

Singita Sabora Tented Camp—Grumeti Reserves, Tanzania (cont’d)

There are five different retreats at the reserve but Singita Sabora is one of the most luxurious. 

The property features a  chic, minimalist aesthetic  and guests can relax and recharge at the camp’s library, spa, fitness center, and winetasting rooms.

Mwiba Lodge—Mwiba Wildlife Reserve, Tanzania

At Mwiba Lodge, guests are given private vehicles and exclusive access to the 125,000 acres that make up the Mwiba concession. The area serves as migration corridor for animals. 

December to March is one of the better times to go as the area will be home to newborn wildebeests and influx of predators like lions and hyenas.

Mwiba Lodge—Mwiba Wildlife Reserve, Tanzania (cont’d)

Visitors at Mwiba can check into one of the lodges 10  glass and canvas suites , and relax at the spa and infinity pool. 

Helicopter tours, camping in the wilderness, and bush walks with Hadza hunters are some of the unique activities that await travelers.

Angama Mara—Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Perched 1,000 feet above the Mara triangle in Kenya’s Rift Valley is where you’ll find Angama Mara. 

In addition to its stylish design, the lodge is beloved by travelers for its support of conservation, healthcare, and education throughout the region.

Angama Mara—Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya (cont’d)

The property is separated into two sections, each with 15 suites that feature glass fronts and vibrant colors inspired by the Maasai Mara people. 

Big cats and large herds of elephants come to the Mara River, which make for incredible views for guests. The camp also has four tents for guests who want a closer view of the wildlife.

Segera Retreat—Laikipia, Kenya

Guests are bound to relax the moment they step onto the luxurious, grassy grounds of Segera Retreat, located on the beautiful Laikipia plateau. 

The area is home to a large elephant population  and is one of the last places to see the endangered black rhino.

Segera Retreat—Laikipia, Kenya (cont’d)

Guests at the retreat have their choice of one of six one-bedroom suites or two villas for those traveling with family. 

Many people are content to stay on the retreat grounds and indulge in the specialty spa treatments , but some daring travelers take a helicopter ride to explore the northern frontier of Kenya.

ol Donyo Lodge—Chyulu Hills National Park, Kenya

ol Donyo features nine suites, which each feature their own private plunge pool and outdoor star beds . It’s perfect for listening to lions and hyenas prowling in the night while relaxing beneath the stars.

ol Donyo Lodge—Chyulu Hills National Park, Kenya (cont’d)

Incredible views aside, travelers are drawn to ol Donyo for the cool activities here. From horseback riding to mountain biking and unparalleled views of Mount Kilimanjaro , a visit at this lodge makes for unforgettable memories.

andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge—NamibRand Reserve, Namibia

This super sustainable lodge is on the edge of the world’s oldest living desert, in the NamibRand Nature Reserve. 

The ten suites here feature glass walls and are  fully solar-powered . They create enough electricity to power everything in the lodge, from the swimming pools to the air conditioning and recycling systems.

andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge—NamibRand Reserve, Namibia (cont’d)

Guests at the lodge can indulge in foods that are inspired by the local culture, like fresh seafood from the ocean and Kalahari truffles. 

There’s also no shortage of activities at the lodge, including e-biking to see ancient rock art , climbing the world’s highest sand dunes, and take advantage of the opportunity to see stars in one of the world’s best dark sky locations.

Shipwreck Lodge—Skeleton Coast National Park, Namibia

Located in one of the most remote wilderness destinations in Africa, this lodge is inspired by the broken, marooned ships that are scattered along the coastline. 

The ten suites here are made of wood and glass, and look like they, too, were washed ashore.

Shipwreck Lodge—Skeleton Coast National Park, Namibia (cont’d)

When visiting this luxurious retreat, guests can take advantage of 300 miles of pristine beach , which is the perfect place for walks along the dunes, quad-bike rides, and game drives. 

The sea life here is incredible, though all the seal colonies get quite loud.

Waterside at Royal Malewane—Thornybush Private Reserve, South Africa

This safari lodge is one of the best place to view diverse African wildlife, and is home to huge lion prides and herds of buffalo with up to 400 animals . 

Visitors can also check out the nearby conservation center or spend the morning with an antipoaching team.

Waterside at Royal Malewane—Thornybush Private Reserve, South Africa (cont’d)

Waterside at Royal Malewane features seven grand suites, some with room for the whole family. The property has lot of amenities for guests to enjoy, including a lap pool , yoga studio, spa, and games room.

Loapi Tented Camp—Kalahari, South Africa

Located in South Africa’s largest privately protected wildlife reserve, each of the six villas at Loapi is its own private campsite. 

To get around, visitors get their own private safari jeep and guide .

Loapi Tented Camp—Kalahari, South Africa (cont’d)

Loapi specializes in giving people a customized vacation experience, so you can safari the way you want. 

Each villa has its own  private butler and chef so in between thrilling activities, you can indulge in your favorite snacks and the pampered life.

andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge—KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Phinda has some of the greatest biodiversity in South Africa, and any guests staying here are guaranteed to see buffalo herds, cheetahs, endangered rhinos, and two  rare species of antelope , the suni and red duiker.

andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge—KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (cont’d)

The lodge was recently renovated, making the suites bigger and introducing a new family suite. 

Guests can also enjoy the property’s state-of-the-art fitness center and participate in  on-site ranger training .

Garden and Forest Lodges—Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South Africa

This carbon negative property is located in the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, home to about 6,000 acres of Indigenous flora. 

There are over 900 plant species in the reserve including a 2,000-year-old milkwood forest  where guests can have lantern-lit dinners.

Garden and Forest Lodges—Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South Africa (cont’d)

Guests can also enjoy a number of fun activities, like horseback riding, driving tours, and a chance to visit ancient sea caves at nearby Walker Bay. 

And they can take in all the beauty of the area knowing that the lodge sponsors botany projects in over 50 different community-led programs.

Singita Kwitonda Lodge—Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

This luxurious safari lodge is located on the eastern boundary of the Volcanoes National Park, which is  important habitat for mountain gorillas . 

In addition to providing one-in-a-lifetime views of these mighty creatures, the lodge also prioritizes relaxation with spa days, local ginger tea, and your choice of vintages from the wine cellar.

Singita Kwitonda Lodge—Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda (cont’d)

Sustainability is built into the building with sustainably sourced materials such as bamboo, river stones, volcanic rock, and handcrafted clay bricks. 

Guests have their choice of eight cozy suites or a private villa, and it’s easy to let worries slip away near the properties indoor and outdoor fireplaces and private, heated pools.

One&Only Nyungwe House—Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

This beautiful retreat overlooks an incredible landscape filled with ebony and mahogany trees, waterfalls, and swamps. 

It’s also where you can find more than 300 different species of birds , including giant hornbills and blue turacos, as well as 13 different species of primates.

One&Only Nyungwe House—Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda (cont’d)

The retreat has 22 suites with cool Geometric Imigongo designs and a striking black-white-and-red color scheme. 

The king-size four-poster beds in the suites face huge floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking views of the jungle below.

Lolebezi—Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

Located on a private concession right next to the Zambezi River, Lolebezi has set the standard for luxury in Zambia’s wilderness. 

The private suites here feature green, earthy themes and there are two family villas for those traveling with a larger group.

Lolebezi—Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia (cont’d)

This area is full of game, which has earned it the nickname of “Discovery Channel”. Twice a day, guests can go on a driving tour to see the animals. 

Canoeing and walking are great ways to see more elusive creatures, like leopards, and there’s also a river cruise that offers stunning views of the channel.

Lale’s Camp—Omo Valley, Ethiopia

The Omo Valley is home to many of Ethiopia’s Indigenous communities , and there are lots of tour companies that will take you to meet some of these incredible people. 

Many travelers don’t mind roughing it with fly camping, but Lale’s Camp is the perfect place for those who want a few more creature comforts, like hot, running water.

Lale’s Camp—Omo Valley, Ethiopia (cont’d)

Lale’s Camp is made up of seven tents and the only way to get there is by taking a boat ride with the camp’s owner, Lale Biwa. Lale is a remarkable storyteller and will tell you about some of the local legends. 

In addition to hikes with the local Indigenous tribes, visitors can also take in the stunning wildlife in the Omo River Delta. All in all, a visit to Lale’s Camp makes for a great combination of rustic luxury.

More for You

Caitlin Clark's Ruthless Rejection of Young WNBA Fan is Going Viral

The Moon is slowly drifting away from Earth and it's beginning to impact us

Donald Trump Gets Worst Poll Yet in State He Has Always Won

Cracker Barrel announces changes to restaurant chain

Fact Check: What to Know About 'Otherworldly Wreckage' on Mars Spotted by NASA

Unplugged: 12 Items You Should Unplug Now To See A Drastic Change in Your Utility Bill

Amazon Prime Video’s biggest show to end after five seasons

Mountain Dew has been banned in nearly 30 countries. Here's why, plus more American favorites that are illegal elsewhere.

Population Map Shows Oldest, Youngest US States

'It’s sort of remarkable': Weissmann reveals key question Trump will be asked by probation officer

The forgotten racial history of Red Lobster

Waze co-founder fires employees for failing to pass a strict test

Caitlin Clark's Fever Teammate Trends Over Unexpected WNBA Salary

Ship on which famed explorer died found on ocean floor

Brat Packers Andrew McCarthy, Demi Moore, Jon Cryer and Ally Sheedy Reunite

Republican snaps at rival for reminding him Trump was found guilty by a jury: ‘So rude!’

What Is the Average Height for Women?

These cities have the most millionaires and billionaires in the US: See the map

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has a no one-on-one meetings rule for his 55 direct reports

Why you shouldn't throw out those DVDs and Blu-Rays

THE 10 BEST Lodges in Maasai Mara National Reserve

Maasai mara national reserve lodges, property types, distance from, neighbourhoods, traveller rating, hotel class.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveller ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
• Traveller Ranked Highest rated hotels on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
• Distance to city centre See properties located closest to the centre first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners

1. Entumoto Safari Camp

2. Olare Mara Kempinski

3. Sentinel Mara Camp

4. Mara Serena Safari Lodge

5. Masai Mara Sopa Lodge

6. Offbeat Mara Camp

7. Drunken Elephant Mara

8. JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge

9. Mara Engai Wilderness Lodge

10. Mara River Camp

11. Maji Moto Eco Camp

12. Sala's Camp

13. Spirit of the Masai Mara

14. Mara Chui Resort

15. Jambo Mara Safari Lodge

16. Royal Mara Safari Lodge

17. Mara Ngeche Safari Camp

18. Great Plains Conservation Mara Plains Camp

19. Rhino Tourist Camp

20. Mara Crossing Camp

21. Amani Mara

22. Serian - The Original

23. Osero Lodge

24. Tipilikwani Mara Camp

25. Ngare Serian

26. Mara River Lodge

27. Masai Mara Manyatta Camp

28. Olarro Lodges

29. Mara Sweet Acacia Lodge

30. Ngerende Island Lodge

Maasai Mara National Reserve Hotels Information

• Entumoto Safari Camp
• Olare Mara Kempinski
• Sentinel Mara Camp
• Mara Serena Safari Lodge
• Masai Mara Sopa Lodge
• Offbeat Mara Camp
• Drunken Elephant Mara
• JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge
• Mara Engai Wilderness Lodge
• Mara River Camp

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

Maasai Mara & beyond: 5 must-see safari parks in Kenya

As a key stop on the Great Migration, the Maasai Mara is one of Africa's biggest draws. But go beyond and you can find quieter parks for budget-friendly ways to spot big cats and more.

Few visitors to Kenya can resist the siren call of its top wildlife-watching area, the Maasai Mara. Its sweeping grasslands ­— blonde and close-cropped in the dry season, green and earthy after rain — stretch for hundreds of miles. Famous for big cats and the drama of the Great Migration, this is the kind of place where a budding interest in all things safari can develop into an addiction.

During the Great Migration, which visits Kenya between July and September, vast herds of wildebeest and zebras hover nervously on the riverbanks, waiting to cross. Their fear is well-placed: crocodiles lurk in the water, ready to snap. For visitors, witnessing such scenes can be life-changing. But with wildlife in residence all year, the Mara is compelling off-season, too. And, as a bonus, once the milling migrants have finally dispersed, prices tend to plummet.

Partly council-managed, partly community-owned, the Mara is several parks in one. While some camps charge a fortune for an all-inclusive, fly-in experience in a private conservancy, affordable alternatives also exist. If you can stretch to a group tour or a rented 4x4 vehicle, with or without a driver, head west to the delightful and relatively crowd-free Mara Triangle. Here, it’s possible to pitch a tent at a public campsite and let the wilderness work its magic.

The villages of Sekenani or Talek also make good-value bases. Located just outside the main reserve, they’re cheap to reach by matatu (public minibus) or shared taxi from Narok, which is on bus routes from the capital Nairobi. The low-cost camps and guesthouses in these villages organise group drives into the reserve. While many of them deliver an excellent experience, there’s an elephant in the room: the Narok side of the Mara is on the brink of overtourism, with some drivers speeding, jostling on the river banks and bending the official rules about crowding predators. The Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association is a good place to find a trustworthy guide who will avoid this practice.

Alternatives beyond the Mara

In Kenya’s state-run parks, close-to-nature accommodation comes cheap and shares the same territory as the high-end lodges.

1. Nairo bi Best for: a quick warm-up

No other African capital is as blessed with wilderness as Nairobi; its eponymous national park lies on its doorstep and is also an ecological education and research hub, with an exemplary record in protecting rhinos. You can see giraffes, hyenas and even lions here. The Kenya Wildlife Service has no accommodation in the park, but it’s easy to plan day trips from the many low-cost hotels — either in central Nairobi or out of town.How to do it: Park entry is US$43 (£35) per day. Swara Acacia has half-board doubles from US$94 (£75).

2. Tsavo West Best for: lions

Tsavo West National Park is half way between Nairobi and Mombasa in Kenya’s deep south, and elephants, leopards and rhinos can be found here. But it’s the lions that everyone wants to see — descendants of maneless males that once terrorised a group of construction workers.How to do it: Park entry is US$52 (£42) per day. Kenya Wildlife Service campsites cost US$20 (£16) per person. Bandas (self-catering cottages) from US$50 (£40) per person.

3. Amboseli Best for: elephants

Mount Kilimanjaro looms above the acacia-dotted grasslands of Amboseli, a national park south of Nairobi. Since 1972 the park has been home to the Amboseli Elephant Research Project — the world’s longest-running study of elephant behaviour in the wild. How to do it: Park entry is US$70 (£55) per day. Kenya Wildlife Service campsites cost US$30 (£24) per person. Bandas cost from US$90 (£71) per person.

4. Meru Best for scenery

If you’re keen to get away from the crowds, try Meru. It’s one of the country’s most under-rated national parks, around a five-hour drive northeast of Nairobi. Cooled by gushing streams, it’s a stronghold for hippos and other animals endemic to East Africa such as long-necked gerenuk antelopes.How to do it: Park entry is US$52 (£42) per day. Kenya Wildlife Service campsites cost US$20 (£16) per person. Bandas cost from US$80 (£64) per person.

Introducing Nat Geo Kids Book Bundle!

Related topics.

• TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE
• ADVENTURERS
• ADVENTURE TRAVEL

You May Also Like

The ultimate Andes road trip, from Chile to Bolivia

Free roam safari: a self-guided campervanning trip through South Africa & Eswatini

How locals are protecting the wildlife of the Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area

See Kenya’s wildlife in a different light: on horseback

What’s better than autumn at a historic inn? Here are 10 to visit.

• Environment
• Paid Content

History & Culture

• History & Culture
• History Magazine
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Destination Guide
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved