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Trustpilot Rating : Five Stars

Reviews 132 • Excellent

Where to Stay

Mara Plains

from $3,405 per person per night for 2026/27

The ultimate luxury out in the bush

As you walk over a wooden bridge to Mara Plains, the first glimpse of the camp is a very luxurious and sleek one. Sat directly from the main area - as if straight out of The Lion King- is a huge Acacia tree, which has slowly become the 'icon' of the camp. The camp has an emphasis on photography, as the position of the camp, the design of the vehicles and the available cameras and lenses provide a great opportunity.

Outstanding views, private concession, exquisite dining and service

The price for luxury is high!

About the location

On the northern border of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, Mara Plains is located inside the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, which boasts being just one of five camps operating in the conservancy!

Its position just outside of the reserve does not effect the game, as prides of lion, leopard and cheetah have established territories on the savannah nearby the main mess tent!

Do see Parks & Regions on this page.

hotel Layout

The main mess tent is on a raised deck, radiating an elegant and contemporary feel. With only seven tents, it is intimate and personal camp, with a great deal of open space and communal rooms to lounge and dine in.

The library has a very cosy ambience, full of safari books, large eye-catching African art and photography tips and ideas. The seven rooms (including one family unit with adjoining two tents), are positioned in a row along the small river, spread out for complete privacy and peace.

Do see our new Mara Plains Picture Gallery further down this page.

Mara Plains Accomodation

The tents are individually set on raised decks, and all have extensive views across the plains from the tent and the seating area on the private verandahh.

There has been no expense spared as the airy and open-plan tents each home a large desk and seating area, a large and soft bed and the free standing bronzed bathtub. Additionally, under the same enormous canvased tent, the en-suite consist of a double basin vanity and a modern shower.

Do see Best Safaris & Holidays on this page.

Wildlife & Activities at Mara Plains

Game drives are done in the conservancy and the reserve, along with bush breakfasts, lunches and classic sundowners. Mara Plains also lends cameras and lenses for photography, and can provide small workshops on how to use them and get the perfect shots! Each night, manager Hattie goes the extra mile and downloads the photos taken from the day and gives you a copy.

Don’t miss our Mara Plains Wildlife Guide on this page.

How to book Mara Plains

Please call us in the UK on the usual +44 1525 840 149 or email info@theafricaspecialists.com to check availability, best prices and what adventures you have in mind. We can plan and arrange it all for you and have been for over 20 years!

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Where on the map is Mara Plains?

Mara Plains

Mara Plains, The Masai Mara map

Mara Plains Highlights

Just some of the highlights of this hand-picked The Masai Mara hotel. Do call us direct for any other details or to help with planning and logistics.

Luxury Accommodation

7 huge tents

4WD Drive Game Safaris

game drives, bush meals & sundowner options

Photography

photography workshops available

Private Dining

private dining available

Wifi Internet

internet connection available

All ages welcome

all ages aged 8 years & above welcome

Please go to either of our Tailormade Safari Trips pages to see a lot more safari trips, ideas and budgets.

What kind of wildlife should you expect to find around Mara Plains for 2026/27?

For 2026/27, we expect you’ll be able to find the following wildlife around the Mara Plains bearing in mind the quality of guiding, budgets, time of year and duration of stay all affect your chances of finding or seeing any of the following outstanding wildlife that dwell in this part of the The Masai Mara…

Don't miss our full Africa Wildlife Guide right here.

What are your best safari trips & itineraries to Mara Plains’s The Masai Mara for 2026/27?

Some of our most-popular tailor-made trips for the The Masai Mara that could include a stay at Mara Plains include...
Days10Days13

Duration

$4,000$6,000

Price Brackets (USD)

1 Honeymooners Delight

Africa, Kenya

Visits : Amboseli National Park, Southern Beaches, The Masai Mara Africa, Kenya

This itinerary contains a collection of remote and romantic camps in three Kenya’s best parks and coast resorts…… More…

12 Nights

FROM $5,500pp/pn

Honeymoons at Naibor Camp

2 Lions and Elephants

Africa, Kenya

Visits : Amboseli National Park, Nairobi, Southern Beaches, The Masai Mara Africa, Kenya

This well priced itinerary takes in two of Africa’s most famous parks…the Masai Mara and Amboseli. Witness the raw power of the Acacia studded Masai Mara and the famous wildebeest herds and… More…

12 Nights

FROM $4,500pp/pn

Lions at Governors Camp, Masai Mara

3 The Discerning Safari

Africa, Kenya

Visits : The Laikipia Plateau, The Masai Mara, Zanzibar and islands, Zanzibar beaches Africa, Kenya

This exciting trip, just short of two weeks, will start up in the Laikipia Plateau where a wealth of safari activities and culture awaits! The next stop is the Masai Mara, where… More…

13 Nights

FROM $6,000pp/pn

The Laikipia Plateau, Kenya, Ol Malo Lodge

4 Plateaus and Plains

Africa, Kenya

Visits : The Laikipia Plateau, The Masai Mara Africa, Kenya

Fill your time with a wealth of safari activities in Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau, from a choice of horse and camel riding, game walks, mountain biking, hiking… you name it! After that, fly… More…

13 Nights

FROM $5,500pp/pn

Laikipia Plateau, Kenya, Sosian

5 Short and Sweet

Africa, Kenya

Visits : Southern Beaches, The Masai Mara Africa, Kenya

This itinerary gives you a short and sweet taste of an African safari! Spend the first three nights in Kenya’s famous Masai Mara, a national park renowned across all of Africa for… More…

10 Nights

FROM $4,000pp/pn

The Masai Mara

Don't miss our new Africa Safari Finder to find safari ideas by destination, region and type...

What are the other best hotels in The Masai Mara for 2026/27?

We highly recommend the following hotels for The Masai Mara for 2026/27. These are all tried and tested by The Africa Specialists™ so don’t hesitate to call us with any queries over them or to check availability.

NB. All prices for properties exclude applicable park fees and are guide prices.

$675$2,750

Price pp pn (USD)

Stars3Stars5

Our Rating

4 Nights

Naibor Camp

The Masai Mara

From $1,110 per person per night
See the camp now
Naibor Camp, Masai Mara, Kenya

4 Nights

Angama Mara

The Masai Mara

From $2,750 per person per night
See the camp now
Angama Mara

4 Nights

Ol Seki Hemingways Mara

The Masai Mara

From $1,305 per person per night
See the camp now
Ol Seki Hemingways Mara

4 Nights

Naboisho Camp

The Masai Mara

From $2,250 per person per night
See the lodge now
Naboisho Camp, The Masai Mara, Kenya

4 Nights

Rekero Camp

The Masai Mara

From $1,450 per person per night
See the camp now
Rekero Camp, Dining with a view, Masai Mara, Kenya

3 Nights

Kicheche Mara Camp

The Masai Mara

From $995 per person per night
See the camp now
Kicheche Mara Camp

3 Nights

Offbeat Mara Camp

The Masai Mara

From $950 per person per night
See the camp now
Offbeat Mara Camp

4 Nights

Bateleur Camp

The Masai Mara

From $2,595 per person per night
See the camp now
Bateleur Camp

3 Nights

Saruni Mara

The Masai Mara

From $900 per person per night
See the hotel now
Saruni Mara

3 Nights

Richard’s River Camp

The Masai Mara

From $1,320 per person per night
See the camp now
Richard’s River Camp, sundowners, Masai Mara, Kenya

3 Nights

Kichwa Tembo

The Masai Mara

From $1,335 per person per night
See the hotel now
Kichwa Tembo

2 Nights

Saruni Wild

The Masai Mara

From $900 per person per night
See the hotel now
Saruni Wild

3 Nights

Sand River Camp

The Masai Mara

From $1,275 per person per night
See the lodge now
Sand river camp 3 masai mara kenya

3 Nights

Mara Ngenche Camp

The Masai Mara

From $715 per person per night
See the camp now
Mara Ngenche Camp, The Masai Mara, Kenya

3 Nights

Mara Expeditions Camp

The Masai Mara

From $675 per person per night
See the camp now
Mara Expeditions Camp, The Masai Mara, Kenya

3 Nights

Little Governors’ Camp

The Masai Mara

From $1,830 per person per night
See the camp now
Little Governors' Camp

3 Nights

Karen Blixen Camp

The Masai Mara

From $825 per person per night
See the camp now
Karen Blixen Camp

3 Nights

Governors’ Il Moran Camp

The Masai Mara

From $1,595 per person per night
See the camp now
Governors' Il Moran Camp

3 Nights

Elephant Pepper Camp

The Masai Mara

From $1,125 per person per night
See the camp now
Elephant Pepper Camp

3 Nights

Cottar’s 1920s Camp

The Masai Mara

From $2,000 per person per night
See the camp now
Cottar's 1920s Camp

3 Nights

Governors’ Camp

The Masai Mara

From $1,000 per person per night
See the camp now
Governors' Camp

When is the best time to stay at Mara Plains in 2026/27?

Generally speaking, as the Mara Plains is in The Masai Mara, we recommend booking stays here with us any time on the following timescales — depending on your preferences and wildlife/safari viewing plans — but if you want to avoid peak season or aim to get the timing “just right” then do call us any time to check your plans, costs and best options for a fantastic Mara Plains stay in the 2026/27 season…

January fair

Visiting in January 2026/27

The front end of the year is the first clear month of weather after the short rains of November and December and, as such, is a great time to head to Kenya for a safari. Dry, clear days offer excellent game viewing and, as it not the season of the wildebeet migration, properties are not running at their fullest.

Activities & Events

Head to the Masai Mara for great resident game viewing, in particular in the Greater Mara Concessions.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Clear skies and mid-20s temperatures
  • + Parks are quieter without the migration herd visitors
  • + Often well priced properties
  •   Migration herds are not in the Masai Mara

Top Tips for January 2026/27

  • + Look to combine a couple of parks for the best experience

February fair

Visiting in February 2026/27

February is another great month to head to Kenya if you are looking to experience great game without the wildebeest migration visitors. With good weather, good grass cover and plenty of predator action, Kenya offers an excellent winter safari and beach option.

Activities & Events

The Mara is still the main focus for game viewing with other parks such as Amboseli and the Laikipia Plateau also offering a good quality safari.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Dry and warm weather
  • + Really good game viewing
  • + Fewer tourists at this time of year
  •   Game numbers aren’t near the migration herd season

Top Tips for February 2026/27

  • + A lovely time to visit some of the less known areas

March mixed

Visiting   in March 2026/27

March is the last of the months with good weather before the main rains of April and May break. Temperatures and humidty tend to start creeping up as the month goes on with rain coming at the back end. This being said, game viewing is still very good.

Activities & Events

Very good and reliable game viewing across the country as the last month of the short dry season pushes animals to the water sources.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Warm and dry weather in the main
  • + Camps are running at 50% occupancy in some cases
  • + Good value for money
  •   The end of the month can bring rains

Top Tips for March 2026/27

  • + A superb Easter holiday break for the family!

April mixed

Visiting in April 2026/27

April heralds the start of the main rains in Kenya and, as such, many of the properties close their doors for maintenance and to give staff a deserved break. This being said, the early part of the month is a photographers delight with stormy skies and moody vistas.

Activities & Events

Game driving in the Mara is still possible although viewing can be sporadic amongst heavy downpours.

Cheat Sheet

  • + The country is at its quietest for visitors
  • + Low season rates for the few properties that remain open
  •   Heavy rains disturb the game viewing

Top Tips for April 2026/27

  • + Ideally it is worth considering an alternative time of the year

May mixed

Visiting in May 2026/27

The second of the main rainy months in Kenya is normally avoided if at all possible as the game viewing and lodge availability can be very mixed. One of the upsides is that, due to the low visitor numbers, the properties that are open sell at a much lower price point.

Activities & Events

For the intrepid few the open grasslands of the Mara can still offer some game viewing…mainly of grumpy lions!

Cheat Sheet

  • + Temperatures are still warm albeit humid
  • + Still a good time for photographers
  •   Heavy rains can spoil the game viewing potential

Top Tips for May 2026/27

  • + Another month to avoid if possible

June great

Visiting in June 2026/27

The arrival of June brings an end to the long rains in Kenya and, with it, the promise of the arrival of the great migration herds from the Serengeti. While the high grasses make game viewing harder, it is a very picturesque time to travel with healthy animals and cool temperatures.

Activities & Events

Game viewing in the Masai Mara and across in Amboseli is particularly rewarding.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Clear skies and mild temperatures
  • + Healthy and happy game viewing
  • + Low season rates and fewer visitors make for good value
  •   Just a little early for the great migration herds

Top Tips for June 2026/27

  • + June is a good time to visit on a budget

July best

Visiting in July 2026/27

July is the start of Kenya’s “main” season…when the great migration herds arrive from the Serengeti and mingle around the rivers and waterways of the Mara grasslands. This is to witness one of the largest gatherings of mammals on the planet…and it is quite a sight! 

Activities & Events

Migration viewing is the main event at this time of the year with river crossings, predation and wildebeest everywhere.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Mostly clear, dry weather
  • + Outstanding game viewing in the Mara with the wildebeest
  • + Areas such as Laikipia and Amboseli are also very good
  •   This is the Mara at its busiest for visitors as well

Top Tips for July 2026/27

  • + You will need to get in early for the best properties

August amazing

Visiting in August 2026/27

The second of the busy months in Kenya, August is probably the Mara at itse very fullest as far as both animals and visitors are concerned…it is mayhem! This being said, there are still pockets of privacy to be had such as in the conservancies or down on the Serengeti borders.

Activities & Events

For many, the migration is the only reason to head to this area of the world but it is worth considering Lewa Downs for a more private and less frantic safari as well.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Right in the heart of the dry season for weather
  • + Animals are everywhere!
  •   Prices are at their peak in the month

Top Tips for August 2026/27

  • + Consider booking in a couple of areas

September great

Visiting in September 2026/27

September is often the pick of the months to travel almost anywhere in Africa as the weather is always warm and stable, the game viewing is excellent and the prices and visitor numbers tend to fall after the bun fight that is August.

Activities & Events

Game viewing in the Masai Mara is as good as it gets with wildebeest starting to consider their move south once more.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Clear and dry weather with temperatures starting to rise
  • + Outstanding game viewing in the Mara and throughout
  • + Fewer visitors in this window when compared with July/August
  •   Prices are still pretty elevated

Top Tips for September 2026/27

  • + Look to book towards the end of the month

October still good

Visiting in October 2026/27

October, along with September, is a great time to travel to the Masai Mara if you are looking to see the great migration herds without the high visitor numbers in July and August. The temperatures are starting to rise and rains at the back end of the month can trigger the herds’ movement south again.

Activities & Events

Game viewing in the Masai Mara Reserve and up in the Laikipia Plateau are still highly recommended.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Temperatures are creeping upwards
  • + The last month for the great migration herds
  • + Fewer visitors result in lower prices
  •   Rain arrives at the end of the month

Top Tips for October 2026/27

  • + Aim to visit in the first half of the month for the migration

November fair

Visiting in November 2026/27

November is the start of the short rains in Kenya and, as the rains arrive, so the migratory wildebeest herds start their long walk to the southern grasslands of the Serengeti once again. This is still a good time for seeing the resident herds that remain.

Activities & Events

Game viewing in the Masai Mara plains is still possible and, if you are lucky, the herds may feint to the south and return north at the start of the month.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Mild if wetter weather arrives
  • + Rain arrives to bring life and greenery to the parched landscape
  • + Low season rates kick in
  •   Wildebeest herds will have left by the middle of the month

Top Tips for November 2026/27

  • + Book at the start of the month for herds and low prices

December fair

Visiting in December 2026/27

The end of the year brings the short rains in earnest to the Kenya plains and, as such, many of the properties close for the month to repair and renew after the main season. Game is still very good, however, in the Mara and other main areas of the country for those willing to tollerate the sporadic downpours.

Activities & Events

The December period is a great time for birding in particular as the migratory species arrive from Europe.

Cheat Sheet

  • + The parks are empty in the front end of the month
  • + Fantastic birding
  •   Can be muggy and hot at this time of the year
  •   Rain can spoil a game drive on occasion

Top Tips for December 2026/27

  • + A good month for some winter sun on the coast
Don’t miss our full When to Visit kenya guide on our main kenya page.

Why travel with The Africa Specialists™?

1

100% tailormade

We help plan your trip from start to finish
We make sure to include all your interests
We offer a range of accommodation types
It is your trip, made to suit you

2

Expert knowledge

We have over 40 years of destination know how
We all spend time in our destinations annually
Local contacts give us unique insight
We are true specialists

3

We have you covered!

We have full ATOL bonding for your financial peace of mind
We provide 24/7 emergency backup as you travel
We make sure that the properties and guides are the best!

4

A trusted service

Established in 2010, you can totally rely on us.
The Africa Specialists trust logos

Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.

It is the people, the animals and the unique experiences that bring people back to Africa time and time again.”

Nick French, The Africa Specialists™

Nick French signature shot in Africa

What to do next...

Begin Your Journey (French's Safari Map)
Begin Your Journey

Step with us into a world where every detail is curated, every moment considered, and every horizon feels like it was reserved exclusively for you.

Craft Your Bespoke Safari (icon)
Craft Your Bespoke Safari

Tell us what inspires you — and we’ll shape an African journey like no other — right down to the smallest detail.

Your adventure tailormade (icon)
Your Adventure, Tailored to Perfection

From private conservancies to remote luxury lodges, let us help you design your perfect safari adventure.

Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.

Old Main Content

Nick/FiFi : This is the ‘old’ (imported) main content. Fi : This is what we’re copying up to the new hotel accordions.

Location

On the northern border of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, Mara Plains is located inside the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, which boasts being just one of five camps operating in the conservancy! Its position just outside of the reserve does not effect the game, as prides of lion, leopard and cheetah have established territories on the savannah nearby the main mess tent!

Layout

The main mess tent is on a raised deck, radiating an elegant and contemporary feel. With only seven tents, it is intimate and personal camp, with a great deal of open space and communal rooms to lounge and dine in. The library has a very cosy ambience, full of safari books, large eye-catching African art and photography tips and ideas. The seven rooms (including one family unit with adjoining two tents), are positioned in a row along the small river, spread out for complete privacy and peace.

Rooms

The tents are individually set on raised decks, and all have extensive views across the plains from the tent and the seating area on the private verandahh. There has been no expense spared as the airy and open-plan tents each home a large desk and seating area, a large and soft bed and the free standing bronzed bathtub. Additionally, under the same enormous canvased tent, the en-suite consist of a double basin vanity and a modern shower.

Activities

Game drives are done in the conservancy and the reserve, along with bush breakfasts, lunches and classic sundowners. Mara Plains also lends cameras and lenses for photography, and can provide small workshops on how to use them and get the perfect shots! Each night, manager Hattie goes the extra mile and downloads the photos taken from the day and gives you a copy.

MORE PHOTOS >>

Mara Plains