Masai Mara Campsites - Masai Mara National Reserve

The Mara Triangle is home to a variety of campsites, allowing visitors to experience the beauty and wildlife of the Masai Mara while staying close to nature. There are both public and private campsites available, catering to different types of travelers. Whether you’re a budget camper or looking for a more exclusive, private camping experience, the Mara Triangle has options to suit your needs. Additionally, special campsites are available during peak migration season, offering prime locations for game viewing.

This guide provides detailed information on the available campsites, fees, and the process for booking private campsites.

1. Public Campsites

The Mara Triangle has three public campsites, which are open to visitors year-round. Public campsites do not require prior booking, making them an accessible option for last-minute travelers or those on a budget. These campsites are ideal for groups, families, or solo travelers who want a simple and affordable camping experience.

Camping Fees (Per Person/Per Day):

Kenyan Citizen: KSH 1000 (Adults), KSH 200 (Children 9-17 years), KSH 200 (Students)
East African Citizen/Resident: KSH 2000 (Adults), KSH 1000 (Children 9-17 years), KSH 1000 (Students)
Non-Resident: USD 40 (Adults), USD 20 (Children 9-17 years), USD 20 (Students)

Public Campsites:

Eluai Campsite: A beautiful public campsite where the landscape and wildlife inspire a deep connection with nature. Max campers: 15.
Iseiya Campsite: Known for its breathtaking wildlife views, this campsite is perfect for those wanting a peaceful retreat in the Mara Triangle. Max campers: 10.
Oloololo Campsite: Located on the northern escarpment, this campsite offers stunning views of the Mara’s sunrise and is often dotted with hot air balloons in the distance. Max campers: 30.

Eluai Campsite

Location: Nestled in the heart of the Mara Triangle, Eluai Campsite offers campers a serene environment surrounded by the Mara’s vast savannahs.
Unique Features: This campsite provides a simple, no-frills camping experience, perfect for travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature without the need for prior booking.
Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts who want easy access to game drives and are keen to explore the central Mara region. It’s an ideal base for independent travelers who enjoy more freedom and flexibility.
Capacity: Max 15 campers.

Iseiya Campsite

Location: Situated within one of the Mara Triangle’s most scenic wildlife areas, Iseiya is known for its proximity to key game-viewing spots.
Unique Features: Iseiya offers stunning views of the Mara plains, providing an excellent base for observing wildlife in their natural habitat. Its location makes it particularly convenient for early morning and late afternoon game drives.
Best For: Families or groups who want to experience the Mara’s wildlife up close while enjoying the comfort of a well-positioned campsite.
Capacity: Max 10 campers.

Oloololo Campsite

Location: Perched on the Oloololo Escarpment, this campsite offers spectacular panoramic views of the Mara Triangle.
Unique Features: Famous for its sunrise views, where you can witness hot-air balloons floating across the sky, Oloololo Campsite is the perfect location for those who enjoy scenic vistas and photography.
Best For: Adventure seekers and photographers who want to capture breathtaking landscapes and wildlife against the backdrop of the escarpment.
Capacity: Max 30 campers.

2. Private Campsites

For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the Mara Triangle offers eight private campsites, five of which are available year-round. Private campsites must be booked in advance and are ideal for groups, families, or professional campers who prefer more privacy and personalized service. Private campsites require the hiring of two rangers for nighttime security at a rate of KSH 2,500 per ranger, per night.

Private Campsite Booking Fees:

Non-Professional Visitors: Non-refundable booking fee of KSH 15,000 per group, per week.
Professional Campers: Non-refundable booking fee of KSH 50,000 per group, per two weeks.

Private Campsites:

Dirisha Campsite: Located along the northern part of the Mara River, Dirisha offers stunning views of the river and nearby wildlife. Max campers: 20.
Hornbill Campsite: This tranquil site is located near a river bend and offers elevated views of the Mara River, ideal for watching wildlife along the water’s edge. Max campers: 15.
Ndovu Campsite: Positioned along the northern part of the Mara River, this campsite provides spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities with beautiful river views. Max campers: 30.
Olarro Campsite: A peaceful spot offering a view of the Mara River and frequent sightings of buffaloes mud-bathing nearby. Max campers: 12.
Kiboko Campsite: Situated near some of the best wildebeest crossing points, Kiboko offers a prime location for observing the Great Migration. Max campers: 30.

Dirisha Campsite

Location: Situated along the northern bank of the Mara River, Dirisha Campsite provides campers with stunning river views and proximity to wildlife.
Unique Features: The Mara River is famous for hosting the Great Migration river crossings, making this campsite an excellent choice for those visiting during migration season. The wildlife viewing from this campsite is unparalleled, with chances to spot predators and prey alike.
Best For: Visitors who want to be close to the river crossing points and enjoy a more private, intimate camping experience.
Capacity: Max 20 campers.

Hornbill Campsite

Location: Tucked away near a bend in the Mara River, Hornbill Campsite offers campers a peaceful environment with elevated views of the water below.
Unique Features: The location of this campsite provides a quiet and private atmosphere while offering a unique vantage point for wildlife sightings along the river. Expect to see hippos, buffaloes, and occasionally, elephants.
Best For: Wildlife lovers and birdwatchers who enjoy staying close to the river with a tranquil environment that’s perfect for observing both large mammals and birdlife.
Capacity: Max 15 campers.

Ndovu Campsite

Location: Located along the northern section of the Mara River, Ndovu Campsite is ideal for campers who want to wake up to incredible wildlife views.
Unique Features: This campsite is known for its proximity to key river points, offering excellent opportunities to see elephants, buffaloes, and large predators. The combination of river views and wildlife access makes Ndovu a popular choice for professional photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Best For: Serious wildlife enthusiasts who want a private campsite that gives them access to some of the best wildlife viewing areas in the Mara.
Capacity: Max 30 campers.

Olarro Campsite

Location: Overlooking the Mara River, Olarro Campsite offers a beautiful riverside setting that is also close to popular wildlife viewing areas.
Unique Features: Olarro provides a quieter, more secluded camping experience. Its position near the river makes it an excellent spot for watching buffaloes as they mud-bath and for observing hippos in the water.
Best For: Campers who prefer a more serene and tranquil camping experience, but still want to be close to the action during game drives.
Capacity: Max 12 campers.

Kiboko Campsite

Location: Set near some of the best wildebeest river crossing points, Kiboko Campsite is ideally positioned for those hoping to witness the drama of the Great Migration.
Unique Features: The campsite offers spectacular views of the Mara River and is close to several crossing points where wildebeest and zebras face predators like crocodiles. It’s one of the best campsites for migration season.
Best For: Migration enthusiasts, photographers, and wildlife lovers who want front-row access to the Mara’s greatest natural spectacle.
Capacity: Max 30 campers.

3. Special Private Campsites

For a truly exclusive wilderness experience, the Mara Triangle has three special private campsites that are open for booking from July to October. These campsites are situated in remote areas, offering unparalleled privacy and immersion in nature. Visitors can enjoy unique activities such as guarded walking safaris and extended game drives until 7:30 PM.

Special Campsite Booking Fees:

Non-refundable fee of $1,000 USD per day for a group.

Special Campsites:

Kijito Campsite: Located on the western side of the Mara Triangle, Kijito offers serene views of the Siria Escarpment and accommodates up to 20 campers.
Kishanga Campsite: This spacious campsite, set in a cool and serene area, is perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape on the western side of the Mara Triangle. Max campers: 30.
Kampi ya Mungu Campsite: The largest of the special campsites, accommodating up to 40 campers, Kampi ya Mungu is known for its vast, tranquil setting and proximity to wildlife.

Kijito Campsite

Location: Located on the western side of the Mara Triangle, Kijito offers stunning views of the Siria Escarpment and the surrounding wilderness.
Unique Features: This special campsite offers a prime location for those looking for a more remote and exclusive camping experience. It’s ideal for photographers or visitors who want to enjoy the Mara without the crowds.
Best For: Groups seeking a more exclusive experience and a base from which to explore the less-visited areas of the Mara Triangle.
Capacity: Max 20 campers.

Kishanga Campsite

Location: Located in a serene area on the western side of the Mara Triangle, Kishanga is known for its cool, quiet environment, providing a sense of isolation.
Unique Features: With its large capacity and tranquil location, Kishanga is perfect for larger groups looking for a peaceful and exclusive camp away from the busier campsites. The area offers excellent wildlife sightings with fewer vehicles.
Best For: Large groups or families who want an exclusive, private setting while still enjoying the best of the Mara’s wildlife.
Capacity: Max 30 campers.

Kampi ya Mungu Campsite

Location: This campsite is the largest of the special campsites, located on the western side of the Mara Triangle in a quiet, remote area.
Unique Features: Known for its vast, open space and serene setting, Kampi ya Mungu is ideal for large groups seeking privacy in the Mara. The site is spacious, and its location offers peace and seclusion while still being close to key game-viewing areas.
Best For: Larger groups or professional campers looking for an expansive, private space with excellent access to wildlife.
Capacity: Max 40 campers.

Booking and Rules for Private and Special Campsites

Booking a private or special campsite in the Mara Triangle requires prior planning. Here are the key rules to follow when booking:

Ranger Requirement: It is mandatory to hire two rangers for nighttime security. The fee is KSH 2,500 per ranger, per night. The Mara Conservancy provides transport and food for the rangers.
Non-Refundable Booking Fees: Private and special campsites have non-refundable booking fees, and cancellations made within six months of the arrival date incur a $1,000 USD cancellation fee.
No Block Booking: Block booking (reserving multiple campsites under different names or leaving booked campsites empty) is not permitted. Violation of this rule may result in the cancellation of all bookings.
Valid Booking Period: Campsite bookings are valid for the time the site is occupied, including the setup and breakdown of the camp.

Final Thoughts

Camping in the Mara Triangle offers an immersive and affordable way to experience the beauty of the Masai Mara. Whether you choose a public campsite for its simplicity, a private campsite for added privacy, or a special campsite for an exclusive wilderness adventure, the Mara Triangle has a camping option for every traveler.

From watching the Great Migration at prime river crossing points to enjoying tranquil views of the Siria Escarpment, camping in the Mara brings you closer to nature and provides unparalleled access to Kenya’s rich wildlife.