10 Best Luxury Masai Mara Safari Lodges & Camps.

A popular safari site in southwest Kenya is the Masai Mara, which is known for its distinctive tree-dotted grasslands. There are 95 species of mammals living there. Thus, be prepared for an abundance of animals throughout the year, including big cats, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, topi, and more.

The yearly big migration of zebra and wildebeest, which takes place in the Mara from July or August to October or November, is another well-known event. Watch them kick up dust as they pursue pasture while being pursued by predators. Witness the spectacle of river crossings when they must contend with ravenous crocodiles.

It should come as no surprise that the Masai Mara National Reserve and the private conservancies that surround it have a large number of safari lodges given the richness of wildlife. To be near the action, you can stay at one of these lodges. These are ten of the top safari lodges in the Masai Mara.

There is no set order of quality for the hotels listed below.

1. Sarova Mara Game Camp Sarova Mara Game Camp is a first-rate camp situated in a prime location within Masai Mara National Reserve.

Sarova Mara Game Camp is all about subtle luxury that isn’t hard to spot. Earth tones create a soothing color scheme, and light African hardwoods predominate in the furnishings, which also highlight the natural light.

A semi-outdoor wellness and spa center, a resort-style pool, leafy grounds, and a sophisticated bar all contribute to the tranquil atmosphere. The resort offers a low-key yet wildlife-rich safari experience since, while being near Sekenani Gate, it has its own game-drive region where other animals hardly ever venture. Additionally, you’re in a good position to explore the reserve and beyond.

2. Safari Lodge Mara Serena

In the center of the Masai Mara, Mara Serena is perched above a hill.

Mara Serena is just amazing, situated atop a hill in the center of the Masai Mara National Reserve. From the terraces of the rooms, the swimming pool, or other areas of the property, few other Masai Mara safari lodges can compare to spectacular views.

The list of potential highlights is endless. Massed herds of zebra and wildebeest appear to fill the earth during the migration. It can feel like Africa at its most untamed when massive storm clouds gather over the far escarpment.

And there is undoubtedly magic in the air as a family of elephants traverses the plains below. The huge rooms are filled with safari flavor, and the staff strikes the perfect balance between being informal and professional, providing for an enjoyable stay.

3. The luxurious tented camp known as Ashnil Mara Camp is located deep within Masai Mara National Reserve.

Ashnil Mara has a strong connection to the wild Mara that surrounds it, living in a forest that rises from a bend in the Mara River. The stunning and incredibly cozy safari tents here have polished wooden floorboards, wooden tables, and chests that open out onto the spacious private terraces, some of which have views of the river. There is a fantastic deck restaurant with a view of the river, a spa with a vast list of potential treatments, and an attractive swimming pool.

The camp’s location in a secluded area of the Mara, with few neighboring camps and lodges, is another attraction. This implies that you have lion and elephant sightings to yourself and that there aren’t many other cars nearby, which is becoming less common in the Mara these days.

4. Camp Entim Mara

This opulent designer camp is located in a Masai Mara region that is abundant in animals.

Here’s something unique now. The best safari décor, including brass bathroom fixtures, wrought iron, and wood, appears to have been chosen by a designer for Entim Mara, who then let the Mara do its magic.

The camp is situated on a modest hill, and you can easily recline in bed and gaze out over the savannah thanks to the muted color scheme, which has a soothing, almost relaxing effect. During the night, try counting the stars on your private terrace or lie awake and listen for lions.

Known for its knowledgeable guides, Entim is well-positioned for when the migration is in the Mara and offers excellent eating options with views.

5. Emayian Luxury Camp Near Masai Mara National Reserve, Emayian is a posh camp encircled by woods.

Emayian, surrounded by trees and offering magnificent views from its lofty perch just beyond the eastern edge of the Masai Mara National Reserve, is enduringly popular for all the right reasons. A swimming pool, a few bars and restaurants, and even a kids’ adventure playground are among the amenities you would anticipate from a camp with this kind of reputation. Additionally, the rooms are pleasantly well-spaced, so you’re much more likely than your neighbors to hear animals at night.

On every game drive, you can start searching for animals shortly after you leave camp because of the reserve’s proximity.

6. Bush Camp Soroi Mara Bush Camp

In Olare Orok Conservancy, Soroi Mara Bush Camp features eye-catching safari tents beside the river.

Soroi Mara is located within the Olare Orok Conservancy, which is renowned for its amazing predator sightings, and is surrounded on three sides by the Olare Orok River in a magnificent tree-filled landscape. Both the larger communal spaces and the smaller safari tents have a lot of individuality thanks to handcrafted furnishings.

With so many trees, you almost immediately find yourself on the riverside as soon as you step outside, giving you the impression that you are in one of the Masai Mara’s woodlands. Additionally, there aren’t many other camps or safari vehicles close by because you’re in a reserve.

7. Masai Mara’s Elewana Sand River

In a serene yet animal-rich region near Tanzania, Elewana Sand River offers a luxurious vacation.

The Elewana Sand River is excellent, almost as far as you can get in the Mara without crossing into Tanzania. Situated distant from neighboring Masai Mara safari lodges, this is the Mara at its finest. The savannah is covered with tents, and you will adore the sense of belonging to this breathtakingly gorgeous habitat. Elephants and other wildlife frequently roam the camp, and the only sound to break the stillness at night is the roar of lions.

This lovely location offers the best Mara experience with its luxurious tents with outdoor showers, amazing views of the river and grasslands, great wildlife sightings that are probably very close to camp, a restaurant, and a pool.

8. & Beyond Tented Camp at Kichwa Tembo & Beyond Luxury safari tents with views of the Mara Triangle’s savannah may be found at Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp.

The exquisite Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, one of the most prestigious Masai Mara safari camps, is located on a private concession that borders the Masai Mara. It boasts expansive views of the plains and is situated on the brink of the Oloololo Escarpment (also known as the Siria Escarpment) in a woodland section along the Sabaringo River.

Unwind in settings that combine modern (nearly minimalist Scandinavian) African design with romantic elements. Outside your opulent tent, see the warthogs as they feed. Enjoy expansive views of the Mara while swimming in the rim-flow pool.

Take pleasure in a relaxing massage. Take a hot-air balloon ride over the Mara River’s horseshoe-shaped bends. During the Great Migration, see a river crossing. Take guided nature hikes and game drives to stoke your passion for animals. Engage in conversation and dancing with the local Maasai for a change of pace.

9. Camp Amani Mara

Amani Mara is located next to the river in the Olare Orok Conservancy, northeast of the main reserve.

Located in Olare Orok Conservancy, slightly northeast of the main reserve, Amani Mara Camp features earthy color palettes and rooms made of stone and canvas that give off an African vibe. Watching animals on the plains and enjoying the panoramic view are perfect activities for your private terrace.

Watch crocodiles and hippo in the river or cool down in the camp’s swimming pool during the hottest part of the day. Savor a bush breakfast or lunch prepared using fresh produce grown in the organic gardens of the camp. Take a nighttime drive to see nocturnal animals like civets, spotted hyenas, lions, leopards, and porcupines.

Discover the Mara environment while walking safely under the guidance of a Maasai guide. See how the locals coexist peacefully with animals by visiting a Maasai manyatta (village). For a bird’s-eye perspective of the Mara’s grasslands and fauna, treat yourself to an early morning hot-air balloon ride.

10. Camp Karen Blixen

Karen Blixen Camp is remote and private, set in a woodland on the banks of the Mara River.

Deep within a forest, with views of the Oloololo Escarpment, Karen Blixen Camp is situated in a breathtaking location beside the roaring Mara River. Additionally, it is a part of the Mara North Conservancy, one of East Africa’s most abundant wildlife habitats. Only a short distance from camp are some of the best places to watch animals.

This place has excellent massage services and very polite staff. While hippos graze on the distant bank, you can eat along the river. The tents, which have a writing desk and a wooden chest that harken back to the time when Karen Blixen went on safari in Kenya, are delightfully roomy and face the river.