5 Best Masai Mara Safari Lodges & Camps

5 Best Masai Mara Safari Lodges & Camps

Ranked among the best wildlife destinations in the world, Masai Mara National Reserve, also known as The Mara has countless accommodation options ranging from designer lodges suspended in the air to family-oriented tented camps and anything in between.

Masai Mara National Reserve is a remarkable Kenya safari destination teeming with wildlife and promising unforgettable viewing opportunities throughout the year. To witness the grand Wildebeest Migration, plan your Masai Mara Safari visit during the dry season (between July and October). When the wildebeest herds cross over the Serengeti into the Mara, predator action is prevalent, and thrilling encounters will blow your mind.

In this blog, we explore the 5 Best Masai Mara lodges & Camps to stay at while on your Masai Mara Safari.

1. Porini Lion Camp

Porini Lion Camp is an award-winning, eco-friendly camp located in a unique and stunning setting on the banks of the seasonal Ntiakatiak River within the Olare Motorogi Conservancy. While on your stay, head out on three game drives into the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy, renowned for its superb big cat sightings.

The camp has a prestigious Gold Eco rating from Eco-tourism Kenya and, with just nine tents and one family unit, ensures guests have a genuine away-from-it-all experience deep in the African bush.

Highlights at Porini Lion Camp

• Intimate and eco-friendly Masai Mara lodging
• Situated in exclusive and private Olare Motogori Conservancy
• Excellent game viewing and guides
• Notable big cat sightings of lions and leopards
• Optional hot-air balloon safaris

Best Suited For: Couples and honeymooners, families and small groups.

2. Sand River Masai Mara by Elewana

Sand River Masai Mara by Elewana replicates the heyday of exclusive permanent tented camps of the late 1920s, situated on a secluded and picturesque site. The camp is located on the banks of a river from which it has taken its name, in Masai Mara National Reserve, close to the Tanzanian border.

The interior fixtures and furnishings mirror this period perfectly, reminding all who visit of those countless Hollywood movies that have paid homage to a classic era of African adventure. Sand River Masai Mara is an ideal place to stay at any time of the year and perfect for those wishing to enjoy exceptional game viewing.

Sand River Masai Mara comprises of 16-tented accommodations, including 1 family tent—each divided into two separate but adjoining campsites, with each area possessing its own designated dining and public areas, thereby creating an increased sense of exclusivity and privacy.

Highlights at Sand River Masa Mara by Elewana

• Private riverside setting
• Eco-friendly Masai Mara lodging with glamorous 1920s aesthetic
• Private butler service
• Superb Big 5 Viewing year-round
• Well-sited for the Wildebeest Migration.

Best Suited for – Couples, honeymooners and families

3. Mara Bush House

Mara Bush House offers an exclusive, private escape within the world-renowned Masai Mara ecosystems. Situated on the banks of the Talek River, these intimate homes provide a personalized safari experience, ideal for families or small groups seeking privacy and seclusion. Each house combines modern comfort with authentic African design, featuring spacious bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, and open-plan living spaces with panoramic views of the savannah.

Sink into a comfortable armchair on the veranda right outside your room, observing elephants and giraffes amble by, or stretch out on the lush lawns with a tipple and good book under the shady canopy of an acacia tree.

Highlights at Mara Bush House

• Private farmhouse bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve
• Personal chef, house manager and wildlife guide
• You decide your own schedule—dining and safari activities tailor-made around your wishes
• Mara—inspired East African Cuisine
• Stone’s throw away from annual wildebeest Migration route
• Visit the Koiyaki Guiding School for young Maasai men and women.

Best Suited For – Families and Groups

4. Saruni Mara

Saruni Mara is a community-focused Saruni Mara, hidden in a secret valley of olive and cedar trees.

Saruni Mara is a small luxury lodge in Masai Mara, nestled amidst rolling hills and surrounded by indigenous forest. The lodge seamlessly blends traditional charm with elegant comfort, while its thoughtful design captures inspiring views of the savannah. As a premier luxury safari lodge in the Mara North Conservancy, Saruni Mara provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable family safari experience.

Settle into your luxurious cottage boasting antiques, Persian carpets and wide cedarwood beds. Join Maasai warriors on a guided bush walk to explore the surrounding hills, followed by a relaxing spa treatment in the tranquil Maasai Wellbeing Space.

Saruni Mara is a classic luxury lodge offering three distinct accommodation styles, five beautifully upgraded safari cottages, a dedicated family villa, and an exclusive-use private villa. Each option has been extensively refurbished to deliver the exceptional comfort and luxury expected from one of the Masai Mara’s finest lodges.

Saruni Mara is one of the best Masai Mara Safari Lodge & Camps for discerning travelers.

Highlights at Saruni Mara

• One of the only ten Masai Mara Lodge in a 74,000 acre private conservancy
• Great base for a Wildebeest Migration Safari
• Game drives to exclusive, sole-use areas
• Walking safaris guided by Maasai warriors
• Spa treatments at the Maasai Wellbeing Space.

Best Suited For – Families, couples and honeymooners.

5. Sala’s Camp

Set in the heart of the northern corridor of the Masai Mara National Reserve, Sala’s Camp is one of the first Masai Mara Lodges ideal for witnessing the Wildebeest Migration from the Serengeti plains into the Masai Mara.

Sala’s Camp first hosted guests in 2004 and has become renowned for delivering an authentic Masai Mara safari experience with exceptional personalized service and fine dining. Seamlessly combining a traditional “under canvas” safari experience with contemporary comfort, including private plunge pools and grass-fronted tents.

Sala’s Camp offers an unforgettable and magical Mara retreat.

Highlights of staying at Sala’s Camp

• Watch wildebeest herds pass your tent
• Excellent wildlife sightings on game drives and guided nature walks
• Romantic Kenya hot air balloon safaris
• Babysitting services for children of all ages
• All tents have private plunge pools overlooking the Sand River and Northern Serengeti

Best Suited For: Families, couples and honeymooners.