Campsites in Maasai Mara National Reserve
Campsites in Maasai Mara National Reserve : Camping is an overwhelming, thrilling, and profoundly kenya safari experience which awaits you when you camp in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Nothing can be compared to laying in a tent bed and listening to an unknown sounds of nature breathing just inches away from your head. Isn’t that part of the reason we go on safari tour in kenya? Of course, you can drive safely along the tourist route and enjoy game drives safaris. Alternatively, you may spend the night lying down with the lions, nose to tail, and attempting to identify whether that is an elephant crashing through the jungle, a hyena sniffing about the campfire, or a leopard. A list of places to camp in the Maasai Mara includes some safer options outside the Maasai Mara National Reserve as well as some wild campsites in the Mara Triangle.
Talek Bush Camp
My favourite place to camp in the Maasai Mara is Talek, which is located at Talek Gate two minutes outside the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Talek Bush Camp’s appeal lies in its quick access to the reserve, which also offers the added security of being outside. Please understand that while there are many wild animals outside the reserve and that the only physical barrier separating the camp and the Mara reserve is the shallow Talek River, the likelihood is greatly reduced. For those who are new to camping in the Maasai Mara, Talek Bush Camp is a great option. If you would prefer to sleep in huts with sturdy walls, there is a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a banda on the property. Details of the campsite: The camp is partly fenced in part ,it has grass with a little bit of tree shade Askaris warm showers Toilets on-site eatery Pool.
Oldarpoi Camp
Outside the Maasai Mara National Reserve is another camp called Oldarpoi. The nearest gate to Nairobi and the shortest commute is Sekanani Gate, which is ten minutes away by car. The camp, which is safely situated for inexperienced campers, is built up on a mountainside and has extensive fencing. Oldarpoi over years has undergone renovations and updates. The beautifully landscaped pool, modern restaurant, and reasonably priced Bandas and safari tents are all there. There are hot showers, cooking facilities, and a covered sitting area available on the level lawn that serves as the campsite’s centrepiece. Details about the campsite is that it is entirely fenced, grassy area with a little bit of tree shadow Askaris Hot Showers Restrooms on-site dining establishment A swimming pool.
Olakira Maasai Mara Campsite
This is a privately managed camp in Maasai Mara national reserve with a big expanse of level grass and some tree shade. Along with bringing your firewood and a grill for the fireplace, staff will set up a long drop toilet and a portable hot shower. Specifics of the campsite is that the camp is not fenced ,grass is usually levelled and maintained and the camp is partially shaded by trees. The camp charges Ksh 3000 Per Person Per Night.
Campsites in the Maasai Mara National Reserve and Mara Triangle
Mara Triangle and larger Maasai mara national reserve has eleven campsites. The Mara River, which borders the Mara Triangle, is the point at which the Great Migration herds cross into the Maasai Mara from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. The Mara Triangle is located in the southwest of the Maasai Mara. It boasts an abundance of wildlife year-round and is among the greatest spots in the Maasai Mara National Reserve to witness a “crossing.” There is a higher chance of a predator breaking into your camp as a camper because of this. There are three categories for campsites at Maasai Mara: Special Private, Public, and Private. Only June through December are all of the campsites open for business. The Mara Triangle campgrounds, which are Public and Private, are located next to the Mara River, while the Special Private campsite is situated in a wilderness area far from the river.
The following camps are not enclosed by fences. If you are camping in a private area, you will need to rent an Askari. Although hiring a guard is not necessary for public campgrounds, I strongly advise it if you are camping alone. The daily fee for the private Askari will be approximately twenty dollars, or Kshs 2000. Public Maasai Mara campsites cannot be reserved and if you arrive and discover that they are full, you may need to locate another location to camp. I advise trying to make reservations in advance for a private camping.
Options for Public Camping in the Maasai Mara and Mara Triangle.
The prices shown below are for public campsites; reserve fees not included.
East Africa Resident – KSH 1000 / Children KSH 200
East Africa Citizen – KSH 1000 / Children KSH 200
Non-Resident – USD 30 / Children USD 20
Eluai campsite
This is a Public campsite with lots of acacia tree shade.
The Campsite has the following details
- 15 campers
- No fence
- No water
- No bathroom or facilities
Oloololo Campsite
This is a public campsite with the most incredible flat view across the savannah. Oloololo campsite has sheltered area for cooking and shade. Toilets and showers.
The Campsite has the following details
- 30 campers
- No fence
- No water
- Kitchen shade with no cooking utensils
- Long-drop toilets
- Showers
Iseiya Campsite
This is one of the public campsite which is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. This campsite has wooded and shaded area with a long drop toilet.
This Campsite accommodates
- 10 campers
- No fence
- No water
- Long-drop toilets
Private KWS Campsites
In private campsites, it is required that all campers hire two rangers to provide security at night. Each ranger you are required to pay Ksh 2,000 every night for their services. A non-refundable Ksh10,000 booking charge applies to non-professional visitors (one campground, one group, maximum one week). Please send us an email if you need to cancel your reservation for a campground. A cancellation made less than six months before the scheduled arrival date will cost you $1,000. The prices for each campsite are listed below, in addition to the 10,000 KES booking charge and reserve fees. Residents in East Africa: KSH 1500; children: KSH 500 Citizens of East Africa: KSH 1500; Children: KSH 500 Children: USD 20; Non-Resident: USD 40.
Olarro Campsite
Olarro Campsite is a small private campsite with a great shade. It is located along the Mara River, near a renowned wildebeest crossing.
Campsite Can host the following
- 12 campers
- No fence
- No water
Kijito Campsite
Kijito Campsite is a Special Private Campsite, this campsite has a grassed area with shade from acacia trees.
This Campsite has:
- 20 campers
- No fence
- No water
- No bathroom or facilities
- Campfire area
- 2 x askaris are mandatory
Kishanga Campsite
Kishanga Maasai Mara campsite is a Special Private Campsite which must be booked in advance. It has enough shades and a large open area for camping. At this campsite there is a nearby salt lick attracting a lot of animals. The campsite has;
- 30 campers
- No fence
- No water
- 2 x mandatory Askari
Is it safe to camp in Maasai Mara
The Maasai Mara national reserve has one of the largest concentration of predators in the world, consequently there are risks to camping in the Maasai Mara. Remember to observe the following camping safari rules:
- Do not collect Firewood from inside the park – bring firewood with you.
- Make sure to Extinguish fires after use and never leave the fire unattended
- Bury your toilet.
- No bathing in the river is prohibited.
- Do not feed the animals or lay bait.
- Keep your food and equipment away from animals.
- Night game drives are not allowed
- Make sure you stay within 25 metres of your camp.
- Loud music is not allowed
