Staying inside the Masai Mara National Reserve provides guests with immediate access to some of the world’s most incredible wildlife viewing, including the Great Migration, abundant predators, and stunning savannah landscapes. The reserve offers several high-quality accommodation options, ranging from historic lodges to luxury tented camps, each providing unique experiences and amenities. This guide focuses on the best-known lodges and camps that are situated within the boundaries of the reserve itself, ensuring guests are in the heart of the action throughout their safari.
1. Keekorok Lodge
Overview
- Keekorok Lodge, established in 1962, is the oldest lodge inside the Masai Mara National Reserve. Located in the central part of the reserve, this historic lodge offers easy access to key wildlife areas and is particularly well-placed during the Great Migration.
Accommodation
- Keekorok Lodge features 99 rooms, including standard rooms, suites, and chalets. Each room is tastefully furnished, blending modern amenities with African-inspired décor. The lodge’s rooms and cottages are spread out across large, well-maintained grounds, allowing guests to enjoy a tranquil environment while staying in the middle of the wildlife-rich reserve.
Key Features
- Hippo Pool: One of the main attractions of Keekorok Lodge is its raised walkway that leads to a hippo pool, where guests can observe hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat.
- Swimming Pool and Spa: The lodge offers a swimming pool and spa services, allowing guests to relax after a day of game drives.
- On-site Bar: The Elephant Bar offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal spot for evening relaxation.
Safari Experience
- Guests at Keekorok Lodge are treated to daily game drives in the central parts of the Masai Mara, where lions, cheetahs, elephants, and buffalo are commonly sighted. The location also provides great access to the Mara River during the Great Migration months (July to October), allowing guests to witness dramatic river crossings.
2. Sarova Mara Game Camp
Overview
- Sarova Mara Game Camp is one of the most popular luxury tented camps located within the Masai Mara National Reserve. Situated near the Sekenani Gate, this camp offers a great combination of comfort, excellent service, and proximity to wildlife hotspots.
Accommodation
- The camp consists of 75 luxury tents, including club tents and family tents, each equipped with en-suite bathrooms, large beds, and private decks. The tents are spacious and are designed to give guests a classic yet comfortable safari experience. The lush gardens surrounding the camp add to the sense of seclusion and relaxation.
Key Features
- Swimming Pool: Sarova Mara Game Camp boasts a large swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers, providing a perfect place to unwind.
- Wellness Spa: The camp offers a wellness spa, where guests can enjoy massages and other treatments after a day of game drives.
- Dining Experiences: Sarova is known for its exceptional dining options, including bush dinners and outdoor meals under the stars.
Safari Experience
- Sarova Mara Game Camp offers game drives within the reserve, giving guests access to some of the best wildlife viewing areas, especially during the Great Migration. In addition to game drives, the camp provides optional balloon safaris for a unique aerial view of the Masai Mara.
3. Ashnil Mara Camp
Overview
- Ashnil Mara Camp is a luxury camp located along the Mara River in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Known for its proximity to key wildlife areas, including the famous Mara River crossing points, Ashnil offers an authentic safari experience with the convenience of luxury accommodation.
Accommodation
- Ashnil Mara Camp has 50 luxury tents, each with en-suite bathrooms, private verandas, and large beds. The tents are designed for maximum comfort and are set on the riverbanks, providing excellent views of wildlife, especially hippos and crocodiles.
Key Features
- Riverside Views: The camp’s location along the Mara River allows guests to observe wildlife from the comfort of their tents, with frequent sightings of hippos, elephants, and bird species.
- Swimming Pool: The camp features a swimming pool, providing a relaxing escape during the heat of the day.
- Bush Dining: Ashnil offers bush dining experiences, where guests can enjoy meals in scenic outdoor locations, surrounded by the wilderness.
Safari Experience
- The camp is strategically located to give guests quick access to some of the best wildlife viewing areas during the Great Migration, including the Mara River crossings. Ashnil Mara Camp offers morning and afternoon game drives, led by experienced guides, and it is well-positioned for predator sightings, particularly lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
4. Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Overview
- Mara Serena Safari Lodge is situated on a hill overlooking the Mara Triangle within the Masai Mara National Reserve. The lodge offers panoramic views of the savannah and the Mara River, providing a front-row seat to the wildlife below. Its elevated location offers a distinct vantage point for viewing the Great Migration and wildlife year-round.
Accommodation
- The lodge offers 74 rooms, including standard rooms and suites. Each room features modern amenities, en-suite bathrooms, and private balconies that provide uninterrupted views of the rolling plains and wildlife-rich landscapes.
Key Features
- Infinity Pool: The lodge boasts an infinity pool with breathtaking views of the Mara plains, providing a tranquil spot to relax between game drives.
- Spa and Fitness Center: Guests can enjoy spa treatments and access to the lodge’s fitness center, making it ideal for those who want to combine luxury with safari adventures.
- Fine Dining: The lodge offers a range of dining options, including a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, along with options for bush dining and sundowner experiences.
Safari Experience
- Mara Serena Safari Lodge is well-positioned for game drives in the Mara Triangle, an area known for excellent predator sightings, including lion prides and cheetah hunts. The lodge also offers hot air balloon safaris, providing guests with a unique perspective of the Mara and its wildlife from above.
5. Little Governors’ Camp
Overview
- Little Governors’ Camp is a luxury tented camp located in a secluded part of the Masai Mara National Reserve. It offers an intimate safari experience with just 17 tents situated around a watering hole that attracts a variety of wildlife, including elephants and buffalo. Access to the camp is via a short boat ride across the Mara River, followed by a short walk through the bush, making it feel truly remote and connected to nature.
Accommodation
- The camp’s tents are spacious and well-appointed, each with en-suite bathrooms and private decks. The tents overlook the camp’s private watering hole, providing excellent wildlife viewing from the comfort of your tent.
Key Features
- Waterhole: The camp’s central waterhole attracts elephants, warthogs, and other wildlife throughout the day, creating exciting viewing opportunities without leaving camp.
- Eco-friendly: Little Governors’ Camp operates with eco-friendly practices, using solar power and minimizing its environmental impact.
- Quiet and Secluded: With fewer tents than other camps, Little Governors offers a more intimate, quieter safari experience.
Safari Experience
- Guests can enjoy game drives in the reserve, with a focus on big cat sightings and the Great Migration. Bush walks with Maasai guides are also available, offering an immersive experience on foot. The camp’s proximity to the Mara River means easy access to migration crossings during the season.
6. Sand River Masai Mara by Elewana
Overview
- Sand River Masai Mara by Elewana is a luxury tented camp located along the Sand River in the southern part of the Masai Mara National Reserve, close to the Tanzanian border. The camp is known for its colonial-inspired elegance and prime location, which provides guests with a front-row seat to the Great Migration without the crowds often found in other areas of the reserve.
Accommodation
- The camp features 16 luxury tents, including one family tent, all designed to evoke the glamour of the 1920s safari era. Each tent has en-suite bathrooms, plush beds, and private verandas with views over the Sand River and the surrounding plains.
Key Features
- Colonial-era Design: The tents are beautifully furnished in a classic colonial style, with Persian rugs, antique furniture, and copper bathtubs.
- Secluded Location: Located far from the more frequented parts of the reserve, Sand River offers an exclusive, tranquil setting for safari-goers.
- Swimming Pool: The camp has a stunning pool where guests can relax while overlooking the river and savannah.
Safari Experience
- The camp offers morning and afternoon game drives led by experienced guides, focusing on the southern part of the Masai Mara, which is rich in wildlife. Sand River is ideally located for witnessing the Great Migration as herds cross into the Masai Mara from the Serengeti, especially from July to October. Private bush dinners and sundowners are also offered for a more intimate wilderness experience.
7. Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Overview
- Mara Serena Safari Lodge is one of the most well-known accommodations within the Mara Triangle, the northwestern part of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Perched high on a hill, the lodge offers sweeping panoramic views of the Mara River and plains, making it a perfect base for travelers seeking a luxury stay with direct access to some of the best wildlife viewing in the reserve.
Accommodation
- The lodge offers 74 rooms, including standard rooms and suites, all with en-suite bathrooms and private balconies. The rooms are designed in a Maasai-inspired style, blending traditional culture with modern comfort. Each room offers stunning views of the Mara plains, allowing guests to observe wildlife from the privacy of their rooms.
Key Features
- Hilltop Location: The lodge’s elevated position provides a vantage point for watching the Great Migration and other wildlife movements across the Mara Triangle.
- Infinity Pool: Guests can enjoy the large infinity pool, which overlooks the savannah, offering an extraordinary backdrop for relaxation.
- Dining: The lodge’s restaurant serves a mix of local and international cuisine, with options for bush dining and sundowners to enhance the safari experience.
Safari Experience
- Mara Serena Safari Lodge offers game drives across the Mara Triangle, known for its large prides of lions, cheetah sightings, and seasonal river crossings of wildebeest and zebras. The lodge also offers hot air balloon safaris, providing guests with a unique aerial view of the Mara landscape. Night drives and walking safaris can be arranged for a deeper exploration of the area.
8. Mara Intrepids Camp
Overview
- Mara Intrepids Camp is a luxury tented camp located near the Talek River in the central part of the Masai Mara National Reserve. The camp is particularly known for its family-friendly atmosphere and its proximity to some of the key wildlife areas in the reserve, including migration routes and predator territories.
Accommodation
- The camp features 30 luxury tents, each with en-suite bathrooms and private decks overlooking the river. The tents are well-appointed with comfortable beds, modern amenities, and a traditional safari atmosphere.
Key Features
- Riverside Location: The camp is located along the Talek River, providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly for hippos and crocodiles.
- Family-friendly: Mara Intrepids offers a kids’ adventure program, making it an excellent choice for families traveling with children. Activities include educational bush walks, cultural visits, and wildlife lessons.
- Swimming Pool: The camp has a swimming pool, where guests can cool off between game drives.
Safari Experience
- Mara Intrepids Camp offers daily game drives that explore the central part of the Masai Mara, one of the best areas for spotting big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The camp also organizes cultural visits to nearby Maasai villages, offering an authentic cultural experience. Hot air balloon safaris can also be arranged for a unique aerial perspective of the reserve.
9. Mara Ngenche Safari Camp
Overview
- Mara Ngenche Safari Camp is an intimate, luxury tented camp located at the confluence of the Mara and Talek Rivers. Known for its exclusive location, the camp provides guests with an up-close view of resident wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles in the rivers, while offering a tranquil and luxurious retreat.
Accommodation
- The camp features 10 luxury tents, each with en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers, and private plunge pools. The tents are designed with a blend of traditional safari style and modern luxury, offering sweeping views of the rivers and plains.
Key Features
- River Views: Every tent offers unobstructed views of the Mara and Talek Rivers, allowing guests to observe wildlife like hippos and crocodiles directly from their verandas.
- Private Plunge Pools: Each tent comes with its own plunge pool, providing a luxurious touch and a place to cool off after game drives.
- Dining: The camp offers a variety of dining experiences, including bush dinners and meals served by the riverbank.
Safari Experience
- Mara Ngenche Safari Camp offers game drives in the central part of the reserve, focusing on predator-rich areas and migration routes. The camp’s location makes it ideal for witnessing dramatic predator-prey interactions, especially during migration season. Walking safaris and night game drives are also available, providing a more immersive experience in the Mara’s wilderness.
10. Mara Crossing Luxury Camp
Overview
- Mara Crossing Luxury Camp is located along the banks of the Mara River, close to key river crossing points that are central to the Great Migration. The camp offers a classic, luxury tented experience with a focus on delivering the best possible migration viewing experience.
Accommodation
- The camp consists of 8 luxury tents, each with en-suite bathrooms and private decks overlooking the river. The tents are spacious and elegantly furnished, offering an authentic safari atmosphere combined with modern comforts.
Key Features
- Migration Viewing: The camp’s prime location near the Mara River allows guests to witness river crossings of wildebeest and zebras during the Great Migration, often directly from the camp.
- Exclusive and Small: With only 8 tents, Mara Crossing Luxury Camp offers an intimate, personalized experience in the heart of the reserve.
- Luxury Amenities: The camp features high-end amenities, including a fine-dining experience and bush breakfasts by the river.
Safari Experience
- Guests can enjoy game drives with expert guides who focus on getting close to the migration crossings and predator hotspots. The camp’s location also provides excellent opportunities to view lion prides and cheetahs. Private dinners, sundowners, and cultural visits can be arranged to enhance the safari experience.
11. Hammerkop Migration Camp
Overview
- Hammerkop Migration Camp is a small, seasonal camp located along the Mara River, designed to offer an authentic safari experience during the migration months. The camp is set up annually to follow the movement of the herds, ensuring guests are in the best spot to witness the Great Migration.
Accommodation
- The camp features 8 tents, each with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas overlooking the river. The tents are simple yet comfortable, designed to bring guests close to nature while providing all the necessary amenities.
Key Features
- Seasonal Setup: The camp is set up seasonally to follow the migration, offering guests a front-row seat to witness the wildebeest river crossings.
- Intimate Experience: With only 8 tents, the camp offers a quiet, personal safari experience, ideal for those who prefer smaller, more intimate camps.
- Riverside Dining: Guests can enjoy meals by the Mara River, often accompanied by the sounds of hippos and other wildlife.
Safari Experience
- Hammerkop Migration Camp offers game drives with a focus on the migration and predator-prey interactions. The camp’s location near the river ensures that guests can witness the dramatic crossings up close. Walking safaris and birdwatching are also available, allowing guests to explore the area on foot.
Comparison
Here a comparison table of the 11 notable camps and lodges inside the Masai Mara National Reserve:
| Camp/Lodge | Accommodation | Key Features | Safari Experience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keekorok Lodge | 99 rooms (chalets, suites) | Historic lodge, hippo pool, swimming pool, spa | Game drives, Mara River migration viewing, big cat sightings | Travelers seeking a classic, well-established safari lodge |
| Sarova Mara Game Camp | 75 luxury tents | Family-friendly, swimming pool, wellness spa | Game drives, balloon safaris, cultural visits | Families and luxury travelers seeking comfort and activities |
| Ashnil Mara Camp | 50 luxury tents | Riverside location, swimming pool, bush dining | Game drives, Mara River migration viewing | Luxury travelers seeking a scenic riverside experience |
| Mara Serena Safari Lodge | 74 rooms (standard, suites) | Hilltop views, infinity pool, spa, Maasai design | Game drives, Mara Triangle, balloon safaris | Luxury travelers seeking panoramic views and migration access |
| Little Governors’ Camp | 17 luxury tents | Waterhole views, eco-friendly, secluded | Game drives, bush walks, Mara River migration access | Travelers seeking privacy and eco-friendly accommodations |
| Sand River Masai Mara | 16 luxury tents (including 1 family tent) | Colonial design, private plunge pools, secluded | Game drives, private bush dinners, migration viewing | Luxury travelers seeking exclusivity and colonial charm |
| Mara Intrepids Camp | 30 luxury tents | Family-friendly, riverside location, kids’ program | Game drives, cultural visits, hot air balloon safaris | Families and wildlife enthusiasts |
| Mara Ngenche Safari Camp | 10 luxury tents with private plunge pools | Mara/Talek River views, plunge pools, exclusive | Game drives, night drives, walking safaris | Couples and luxury travelers seeking exclusivity and river views |
| Mara Crossing Luxury Camp | 8 luxury tents | Riverside location, migration viewing, bush dining | Game drives focused on migration river crossings | Migration enthusiasts seeking luxurious riverside accommodation |
| Hammerkop Migration Camp | 8 luxury tents (seasonal) | Seasonal camp, riverside dining, intimate setting | Game drives focused on river crossings, walking safaris | Migration-focused travelers seeking an intimate, seasonal camp |
| Governors’ Camp | 37 luxury tents | Iconic camp, Mara River access, eco-friendly | Game drives, Mara River migration viewing, hot air balloon safaris | Classic luxury and big game enthusiasts |
Final Thoughts
The accommodations inside the Masai Mara National Reserve offer a range of experiences, from high-end luxury lodges like Sand River by Elewana and Mara Serena Safari Lodge to more intimate camps like Mara Ngenche and Mara Crossing Luxury Camp. Staying inside the reserve ensures that guests have unparalleled access to wildlife, particularly during the Great Migration season. With the variety of camps and lodges available, every type of traveler—whether seeking luxury, adventure, or a family-friendly experience—can find the perfect accommodation to enhance their safari adventure.