Where to Stay in the Masai Mara

Planning your dream safari in the Masai Mara? Look no further. From posh lodges to glamping sites and budget hotels, here are the best options for every travel style.

Luxury Safari Lodges

  1. Mahali Mzuri: Tucked in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, this place offers just twelve safari tents, so you know it’s exclusive! Starting at $1,100 per person per night, Mahali Mzuri delivers high-end wilderness vibes. See what makes it special at Mahali Mzuri.

  2. Angama Mara Lodge: Perched atop the Oloololo Escarpment, with views that will leave you speechless, Angama Mara’s glass-fronted tents redefine luxury. Prices start from $1,650 per night. Get a taste of the experience at Angama Mara.

  3. Mara Plains Camp: Also in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, this spot is a hidden gem in a wildlife-rich area. Rates start at $1,445 per night. Peek at the magic of Mara Plains Camp.

  4. Sarova Mara Game Camp: Right in the heart of Masai Mara Reserve, they’ve got Club Tents, Deluxe Tents, and even Family Tents. Dive into the lodge’s offerings at Sarova Hotels.

  5. JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge: This all-inclusive lodge in the Masai Mara National Reserve screams premium safari experience. Nightly rates start at $1,400 for singles and $2,342 for doubles in the off-season, with points redemption options from 98,000 points per night. Discover the perks at The Points Guy.

Glamping Adventures

  1. Mahali Mzuri: Same place, same luxury, but let’s call it glamping to feel different. With only twelve safari tents starting at $1,100 per night, check it out at Mahali Mzuri.

  2. Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp: Nestled in Mara North, this camp offers an intimate setting among fig and pepper trees, starting at $600 per night. Dive in at Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp.

  3. Offbeat Mara Camp: Positioned in the Mara North Conservancy, Offbeat Mara Camp offers an authentic experience starting at $519 per person per night. Take a walk on the wild side at Offbeat Mara Camp.

Budget-Friendly Options

For those watching their pennies, safari experiences in Kenya can be as low as $30 to $100 per night. Think tents, tented camps, and simpler lodges. Explore budget-friendly tips at Ella McKendrick.

In Masai Mara, accommodation is all about variety. Whether you’re splurging on luxury or sticking to a budget, there’s a cozy spot for you among the captivating landscapes and majestic wildlife of Kenya. Plan it right, and the memories will be priceless.

Exclusive Experiences

Thinking of exploring the wild beauty of Masai Mara? Step away from the usual and dive into some experiences that not only make your stay memorable but also support local communities and conservation efforts.

Cool Features

In the heart of Naboisho Conservancy, check out Basecamp Wilderness, an eco-luxury retreat. They’re all about sustainability and community-led conservation. You stay in the wild while knowing you’re helping the local environment. Prices kick off at $399 a person per night.

Then we have Mahali Mzuri in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, where next-level glamping really means something. Only twelve safari tents are there, making it a tiny, exclusive setup. Situated at the northern edge of Masai Mara National Reserve, this place offers jaw-dropping views and luxury like no other. Rates begin at $1,100 a person per night for an unforgettable trip.

Community-Led Conservation

Saruni Samburu, located in Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve, isn’t just a fancy stay. They’re deeply involved in community-based conservation. Through their land management policies, controlled cattle grazing, and low-impact tourism, they’re making a difference. Programs like ‘Adopt an Acre’ and partnerships with Seedballs Kenya for regrowing indigenous trees show their dedication. You can even pitch in by buying a box of seedballs for $3 to help reforestation.

Kicheche Mara Camp in Masai Mara is an authentic tented camp dedicated to community and wildlife conservation. They work closely with the Kicheche Community Trust to support wildlife monitoring and community empowerment projects. By focusing on waste management, wildlife conservation, and community projects, they’re shaping a sustainable future for the area.

Porini Rhino Camp, part of the Porini Camps collection, shines with its eco-friendly practices in Kenya’s exclusive conservancies. Partnering with local communities, it provides a unique safari while promoting sustainable land management. They use no permanent structures and rely on solar power for electricity, keeping their ecological footprint light. Guests can see the first-hand impact of their stay on the environment and local communities.

These spots in Masai Mara offer more than just a place to sleep. They give travelers a chance to enjoy nature, support conservation, and make memories in a way that’s good for the planet.

Wild Times in Masai Mara

Ready for an adventure that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy? Then you’re going to love a stay at one of the safari lodges in Masai Mara. Imagine watching some of the world’s most incredible animals up close! We’re talking about the Big Five and so much more. Let’s dive into what makes this experience truly out-of-this-world.

Spot the Big Five

The Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo—are the celebrities of the safari world. Masai Mara isn’t just a good place to see them; it’s like the Hollywood Walk of Fame for wildlife.

  • Lions: Picture this: a pride of lions lounging around, looking like they own the place. You’ll get to see them being their majestic selves—socializing, napping, and if you’re lucky, catching dinner.

  • Leopards: Leopards are the introverts of the Big Five. They like chilling in trees or sneaking around, showing off their top-notch climbing and hunting skills. It’s like watching a secretive ninja in action.

  • Elephants: Head over to Amboseli National Park, and you’ll see elephants galore with Mount Kilimanjaro in the backdrop. Picture-perfect, right? These giants are pretty much the gentle giants of the animal kingdom.

  • Rhinoceros: Both black and white rhinos are hanging out in conservation areas around Masai Mara. Catching a glimpse of these mighty beasts is like seeing a piece of living history.

  • Buffalo: These bad boys roll in big groups, especially where there’s water. Watching a herd of buffalo hanging out or trudging through the landscape is a sight you won’t forget.

More Wildlife Awaits

But wait, there’s more! Masai Mara isn’t just about the Big Five. This place is teeming with other amazing creatures that’ll make you go, “Did you see that?”

  • Cheetahs: If you’ve ever wanted to see the fastest land animal in action, this is your spot. Cheetahs use termite mounds as lookout points before they burst into full speed. Watching them hunt is like seeing a live-action Nat Geo documentary.

  • Hippos: The rivers and lakes around the lodges are prime real estate for hippos. These hefty creatures can be seen lounging in the water, occasionally showing off how territorial they can get. Just don’t get too close—they like their personal space.

So, you see, a trip to Masai Mara isn’t just a vacation; it’s a story you’ll tell for years. Whether you’re marveling at a leopard’s stealth or having a staring contest with a hippo, you’ll leave with a sense of awe and plenty of bragging rights. If you’re curious about more ways to make your trip impactful, check out the wildlife conservation projects in Kenya and see how you can be a part of something bigger.

Booking Information

Ready for a stunning Masai Mara safari but want to do it in style? Here’s the lowdown on booking luxury stays and using those precious points.

Rates and Packages

Let’s talk about the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge. If you like your lions with a side of luxury, this is your spot. Prices for this paradise in the wild start at about $1,400 per night for singles and $2,342 for couples during the off-season. These are all-inclusive, but heads up – extra fancy bits might cost you more. Mix and match to fit your dream trip!

Points Redemption Option

Got a stash of Marriott Bonvoy points? You can cash in 98,000 points per night to stay at the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge. It’s a fantastic way to turn your points into an unforgettable African adventure.

Whether you’re paying in cash or using points, make sure to explore everything the JW Marriott has to offer. This is your chance to soak in the magic of the Masai Mara and create memories that last a lifetime.