A safari in the Masai Mara is often viewed as a luxurious experience, but travelers on a budget can still enjoy this incredible wildlife destination without breaking the bank. From simple tented camps to basic lodges, the Mara offers a variety of affordable accommodations that provide excellent value for money. These options allow travelers to focus on what matters most—immersing themselves in the spectacular landscapes and wildlife, including the Great Migration and the Big Five.
This guide highlights the best cheap accommodations in and around the Masai Mara, catering to backpackers, solo travelers, groups, and families looking for a more economical safari experience.
1. Kambu Mara Camp
Overview
- Kambu Mara Camp is a budget-friendly camp near the Sekenani Gate, offering self-catering options and eco-friendly camping. The camp is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want affordable rates but still enjoy comfort and easy access to the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Accommodation
- The camp offers basic tents with en-suite or shared bathrooms, equipped with comfortable bedding and mosquito nets. Guests have access to a communal kitchen where they can prepare their own meals, significantly reducing overall costs.
Key Features
- Self-Catering Facilities: The option to cook your own meals makes Kambu Mara Camp one of the cheapest accommodation options in the Mara.
- Affordable Rates: The camp offers rates under fifty dollars, making it a great choice for budget travelers.
- Eco-Friendly: The camp incorporates sustainable practices, including waste management and minimal environmental impact.
Safari Experience
- Kambu Mara Camp offers game drives with experienced guides, ensuring budget travelers still have access to excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
2. Lenchada Tourist Camp
Overview
- Lenchada Tourist Camp is a popular budget camp located near the Sekenani Gate, offering basic yet comfortable accommodations at low rates. Known for its affordability and convenient location, the camp provides easy access to the reserve.
Accommodation
- The camp offers permanent tents with en-suite bathrooms and basic amenities. The tents are furnished with comfortable beds and mosquito nets, offering simple but adequate comfort for travelers on a budget.
Key Features
- Low-Cost Accommodation: Lenchada Tourist Camp is known for its very affordable rates, which include full-board options.
- Communal Dining Area: The camp’s communal dining setup offers freshly prepared local and international meals, making it easy to manage food expenses.
- Proximity to Sekenani Gate: Located just a few minutes from the gate, this camp ensures quick and easy access to the Masai Mara.
Safari Experience
- The camp organizes game drives into the Masai Mara, led by knowledgeable guides. This includes affordable packages to view the Great Migration and the Big Five.
3. Rhino Tourist Camp
Overview
- Rhino Tourist Camp is located near the Oloolaimutia Gate, offering affordable accommodation for budget travelers. With its simple amenities and proximity to the reserve, it is a popular option for backpackers and travelers looking for no-frills accommodation close to the action.
Accommodation
- Rhino Tourist Camp provides basic safari tents and budget rooms with shared or en-suite bathrooms. The tents are equipped with comfortable beds, mosquito nets, and hot showers, ensuring a comfortable stay without the luxury price tag.
Key Features
- Budget-Friendly: Rhino Tourist Camp is one of the cheapest options near the Masai Mara, with very competitive rates.
- Social Atmosphere: The camp’s communal areas, including a dining hall and bar, provide a relaxed setting for meeting fellow travelers.
- Cultural Experiences: Rhino Camp also organizes visits to nearby Maasai villages, offering insight into Maasai culture at an affordable price.
Safari Experience
- The camp provides affordable game drives with guides who are well-versed in the local wildlife. The camp’s location near the Oloolaimutia Gate gives easy access to the eastern regions of the Masai Mara.
4. Enchoro Wildlife Camp
Overview
- Enchoro Wildlife Camp is a well-known budget camp near the Sekenani Gate, offering affordable accommodation for travelers who want to experience the Masai Mara without high costs. It’s ideal for backpackers, solo travelers, and small groups.
Accommodation
- The camp offers permanent tents with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and basic furnishings. The tents are spacious enough for comfort, but the focus here is on affordability and proximity to the reserve.
Key Features
- Low-Cost Packages: Enchoro offers some of the lowest rates in the area, with both full-board and self-catering options available.
- Simple but Comfortable: While basic, the camp provides all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay, including clean bedding and mosquito nets.
- Cultural Tours: Guests can opt for cultural tours of nearby Maasai villages, making it a great place for travelers interested in the local culture.
Safari Experience
- Enchoro offers guided game drives into the Masai Mara, with affordable packages designed to cater to budget travelers. The close proximity to the Sekenani Gate ensures that guests have easy access to key wildlife areas.
5. Mara Sidai Camp
Overview
- Mara Sidai Camp is an affordable camp located close to the Sekenani Gate, providing a convenient base for travelers looking to explore the Masai Mara on a budget. The camp offers basic amenities with comfortable accommodation.
Accommodation
- The camp offers tents with en-suite bathrooms and hot showers. The tents are simple but comfortable, with enough space to relax after a day of game drives.
Key Features
- Budget-Friendly Rates: Mara Sidai Camp offers very affordable rates, making it one of the best options for travelers on a tight budget.
- Proximity to the Reserve: Being near the Sekenani Gate allows guests to quickly enter the Masai Mara for game drives.
- Simple and Basic: The camp provides all the basic amenities required for a pleasant stay, with a focus on affordability.
Safari Experience
- Mara Sidai offers daily game drives, with packages tailored for budget travelers. The camp’s close proximity to the Sekenani Gate ensures early access to key wildlife areas, including migration routes and big cat territories.
6. Crocodile Camp Masai Mara
Overview
- Crocodile Camp is a budget accommodation option located near the Sekenani Gate, offering cheap accommodation with easy access to the park. This camp is designed for travelers looking for a no-frills, budget safari experience.
Accommodation
- The camp offers basic safari tents with shared or en-suite bathrooms, providing simple but comfortable accommodation at very affordable rates.
Key Features
- Lowest Accommodation Rates: Crocodile Camp is one of the cheapest accommodation options near the Masai Mara, ideal for backpackers and budget travelers.
- Communal Dining and Social Spaces: The camp’s communal areas offer budget meals and a relaxed atmosphere for travelers to meet and share experiences.
- Simple Amenities: Although basic, Crocodile Camp offers all the essential amenities for a budget stay.
Safari Experience
- The camp provides affordable game drives into the Masai Mara, ensuring budget travelers can experience the reserve’s wildlife, including the Big Five. The camp also offers cultural visits to nearby Maasai villages.
7. Miti Mingi Eco Camp
Overview
- Miti Mingi Eco Camp is an eco-friendly, budget camp located near the Oloolaimutia Gate. This camp focuses on providing affordable accommodation while minimizing environmental impact, making it a great option for eco-conscious travelers on a budget.
Accommodation
- The camp offers basic safari tents with en-suite bathrooms and eco-friendly amenities. The tents are simple but functional, offering a comfortable stay in a natural setting.
Key Features
- Eco-Friendly Practices: Miti Mingi uses sustainable practices, including solar energy and water conservation, making it an environmentally responsible choice.
- Affordable Rates: The camp offers very competitive rates for accommodation, with a focus on keeping costs low.
- Cultural Engagement: The camp works closely with local Maasai communities, offering cultural tours and experiences.
Safari Experience
- Miti Mingi provides guided game drives into the Masai Mara, with affordable packages tailored to budget travelers. The camp’s location near the Oloolaimutia Gate ensures quick access to the reserve’s eastern regions.
8. Greenwood Safari Camp
Overview
- Greenwood Safari Camp is a budget-friendly, eco-conscious camp located near the Talek Gate, just outside the Masai Mara National Reserve. Known for its serene, wooded setting and commitment to sustainability, Greenwood is a great option for budget travelers who want a peaceful retreat with easy access to the Mara.
Accommodation
- The camp offers basic safari tents, some with en-suite bathrooms and others with shared facilities. The tents are simple but comfortable, with beds, linens, and mosquito nets provided. The camp also has self-camping options for travelers bringing their own gear.
Key Features
- Eco-Focused: Greenwood Safari Camp operates with a strong commitment to eco-friendly practices, using solar energy and promoting responsible tourism.
- Natural Setting: The camp’s location in a forested area offers a quiet, peaceful environment, allowing guests to enjoy the sounds of nature.
- Budget Rates: Greenwood offers very affordable rates, making it an ideal choice for budget travelers and backpackers.
- Self-Camping: For those looking to save even more, the camp offers self-camping options where guests can set up their own tents.
Safari Experience
- Greenwood Safari Camp organizes guided game drives into the Masai Mara, with experienced guides who know the best wildlife viewing spots. The camp’s proximity to the Talek Gate ensures easy access to migration routes and wildlife-rich areas. Cultural visits to local Maasai villages are also available, giving guests a chance to learn about Maasai traditions and culture.
Comparison
Here is an expert comparison table of the cheap accommodations in the Masai Mara, summarizing their key features, accommodation details, and why they are ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
| Camp | Accommodation | Key Features | Safari Experience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kambu Mara Camp | Basic tents, en-suite/shared bathrooms | Self-catering, eco-friendly, budget rates under $50 | Affordable game drives from Sekenani Gate | Budget travelers seeking self-catering and eco-camping |
| Lenchada Tourist Camp | Permanent tents with en-suite bathrooms | Low-cost, full-board options, communal dining | Game drives from Sekenani Gate | Backpackers, budget-conscious solo travelers |
| Rhino Tourist Camp | Basic tents and budget rooms | Budget-friendly rates, social atmosphere, cultural tours | Game drives near Oloolaimutia Gate | Budget travelers and backpackers |
| Enchoro Wildlife Camp | Permanent tents with en-suite bathrooms | Affordable packages, simple but comfortable, cultural tours | Game drives from Sekenani Gate | Budget travelers and small groups |
| Mara Sidai Camp | Basic tents with en-suite bathrooms | Budget-friendly, close to Sekenani Gate | Daily game drives from Sekenani Gate | Budget-conscious travelers looking for proximity to the park |
| Crocodile Camp Masai Mara | Basic safari tents with shared/en-suite bathrooms | Lowest rates, communal dining, basic amenities | Game drives and cultural visits from Sekenani Gate | Backpackers, no-frills budget travelers |
| Miti Mingi Eco Camp | Basic eco-friendly tents with en-suite bathrooms | Eco-friendly practices, affordable rates, cultural engagement | Game drives and walking safaris near Oloolaimutia Gate | Eco-conscious budget travelers |
| Greenwood Safari Camp | Basic tents with en-suite/shared facilities | Eco-friendly, natural setting, self-camping options | Game drives from Talek Gate, cultural visits | Eco-conscious travelers and backpackers looking for tranquility |
Final Thoughts on Budget Masai Mara Accommodations
The Masai Mara offers a range of cheap accommodations that make it possible for budget-conscious travelers to experience the wonders of this iconic safari destination. Whether you choose to stay at the eco-friendly Miti Mingi Eco Camp or the social Rhino Tourist Camp, these budget-friendly options provide comfortable stays and easy access to the wildlife-rich areas of the Masai Mara. From self-catering camps to basic tented lodges, there is an affordable option for every traveler looking to make the most of their safari experience without breaking the bank.