Where you stay in the Masai Mara shapes your safari as much as how long you stay. Options run from budget camps outside the gates to mid-range tented camps, permanent lodges and luxury camps inside the reserve and in the surrounding conservancies.
The key choice is reserve or conservancy. Camps in or next to the reserve give easy access to the main game areas and the Mara River. Conservancy camps cost more but cap vehicle numbers and allow night drives, off-road driving to sightings and guided walks. Our camping vs lodge guide explains the levels.
Budget camps just outside the reserve gates
Mid-range tented camps with en-suite tents, in or near the reserve
Permanent lodges with pools and full facilities
Conservancy camps with night drives and walking safaris
Seasonal mobile camps placed near the migration
Wildlife sometimes visible from camp, especially at unfenced properties
Staff escorts after dark in unfenced camps
Higher prices and limited availability from July to October - book early
Big cat viewing all year, and the migration river crossings from roughly July to October.
Around 5-6 hours by road from Nairobi via Narok, or about 45 minutes by scheduled flight from Wilson Airport to a Mara airstrip.
Malaria-risk area - take medical advice
Conservancy camps usually have fewer vehicles at sightings
We can split your stay between the reserve and a conservancy
Tell us your dates and budget and we'll take care of the rest.
