With top-class safaris, wilderness, and scenic landscapes, this country should be on every traveler’s bucket list. One of the many highlights of this country among the many is its exclusive accommodation, especially Kenya’s Masai Mara tented camps. Living in these authentic safari accommodations guarantees true adventure in savannahs.
Wild Voyager offers authentic African beast safaris that are best experienced in Kenya. This East African country is one of the best destinations to explore Africa’s untamed wilderness. Due to its growing flora and fauna, Kenya attracts tourists every year from all over the world and that’s why Wild Voyager provides luxury Kenya safari vacation packages too.
Kenya’s Stunning Game Reserve – Masai Mara
There are many popular and wildlife-rich parks in Kenya such as Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Tsavo, Aberdare, and more. The Maasai Mara is one of the premium wildlife reserves of Kenya.
Located in the southwest Kenyan region, this reserve boast rolling savannah plains, measuring 1510 sq kilometers. In such an expansive area thrives a plethora of wildlife, birdlife, and plant life.
The reserve borders Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and forms the Mara- Serengeti ecosystem. This park is a unique wildlife conservation and a haven for diverse species of animals. Its conservation efforts have helped various animal populations to thrive in natural habitats. In this vast area, animals are free to roam the unending wilderness without any confinement.
This reserve is the land of the indigenous Maasai tribe found predominately in Kenya. The native people and the animals live harmoniously in this park. The word ‘Masai’ comes from the Maasai language, honoring the tribe who are the original inhabitants of the land.
The word ‘Mara’ is also taken from Maasai’s local language which means spotted. It refers to the flat acacia trees, bushes, and shrubs that dot the landscape across most of the park.
The animals are the top highlight of the Mara. This reserve is the best place in Kenya to spot the African Big Five animals. This iconic group consists of the African lion, leopard, cape buffalo, African elephant, and endangered rhinos.
In the park, you can spot these animals frequently. A healthy population of giraffes, cheetahs, hippos, and zebras is also observed. A large collection of mammals is seen in Masai Mara.
These include various species of hoofed animals like wildebeest, impalas, gazelles, Topi, aardvark, aardwolf, mongoose, monkeys, and more. In the Masai, Mara River resides dangerous Nile crocodiles, Tented camps and lodges in the reserve are built in various game viewing areas to make wildlife spotting easier.
As much as the reserve is a paradise for wildlife lovers and naturalists, it is also appealing to birders. With almost 500 species of birds living in the park, the colorful birds are a treat to spot.
The Great Migration
Masai Mara’s Park is the top place to witness the annual great migration. Also known as the wildebeest great migration safari, it involves thousands of wildebeest herds along with a smaller number of zebras, gazelles, and other plain animals.
These animals embark on the journey together, starting from Serengeti to the Mara, ranging across two countries. They depend on the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. This migration takes place every year and showcases the best of survival.
The migration is best seen in this huge reserve from July to October. The migratory animals have to face various obstacles during their journey. Many predators like big cats follow the herds and so, a lot of predator-prey action is seen.
The main event of the migration is the Mara River crossing. The animals have to cross the river while crocodiles lurk in its water. The crossing is a significant part of their journey as, after the crossing, they can enter the Masai Mara, Many tented camps are strategically located so that the crossing becomes accessible.
The Top Accommodation in Masai Mara for Your Wildlife Adventure
Incredible wildlife, majestic migration, and year-round game viewing are best experienced in Masai Mara’s reserve. However, one of the best ways to enjoy your travel experience is through exclusive accommodations.
Kenya’s warm hospitality is well-known all over the world. In fact, the camps, lodges, and villas found inside the park usually offer an authentic safari experience. The range of accommodation is found not only in the main park but also in the luxury conservancies. Accommodations in these private conservancies are much more luxurious and provide high-end facilities and services.
Here are the top 8 tented camps and lodges to reside in Masai Mara:
Olgatuni Camp
If you are looking for comfort, luxury, sustainability, and a rustic safari experience all at the same
time, Olgatuni is your best choice. It offers the perfect homestay in the wild savannahs of the
reserve.
Managed by the travel company Wild Voyager which specializes in Luxury Masai Mara Safari vacations.
Olgatuni is among the best-tented camps located in the heart of the reserve. Its ideal location is just
a few distances away from two lion pride and famous cheetah territories.
This accommodation is easily accessible as it sits just 5 minutes away from Olkiambo airstrip.
Olgatuni is well-known for providing an authentic and experiential stay in the park. It is run entirely
by the local Maasais which gives you a chance to experience the local hospitality. Olgatuni, housing
only 14 camps, takes care of your every need and comfort in the middle of the wilderness.
Offering utmost privacy, each unit is fitted with plush beds ranging in different sizes, and various amenities and displays beautiful earthen designs. Each tent has a zip enclosure to provide the original camping experience.
With Olgatuni, guests can enjoy a plethora of activities in the reserve. Sundowners, hot air balloon
rides, game drives, village visits, and bonfires are some of the activities offered by Olgatuni.
Governors Camp
Since 1972, Governors Camp has been the first ever permanent camp in Africa which remains in its original site to date. It is nestled along the riverine forest of the Mara River in the heart of the reserve. It occupies the best location and offers excellent wildlife viewing. This accommodation is ideal for families, honeymooners, and friends wanting to spend ultimate time in Africa’s wilderness.
Governors Camp is a sustainable accommodation. The entire camp is made of canvas yet offers all the luxuries of a hotel. Providing utmost privacy, it has only 25 canvas tents including safari tents, family tents, and one suite.
Each unit is sophisticated and spacious, coming with its own private verandah. From the tent itself, guests can enjoy uninterrupted views across the sweeping plains of the park and the river. All the tents are safari-style, offering an authentic ambiance.
It also has a bar tent that overlooks the river, a dining tent offering vistas of the plains, a spa tent, and a souvenir shop. Guests can enjoy up to three game drives with Governor. Guests can also enjoy hot air balloon rides, and visits to neighboring villages.
Mara Intrepids
Mara Intrepids is situated near Talek, overlooking the serene river. It is located at the very junction of the four-game viewing areas.
Among the tented camps, Intrepids provides incredible wildlife viewing, Since this camp is also located close to the Masai Mara River, guests can easily witness wildlife congregating near it. Guests can also observe the wildebeest migration from this accommodation.
The units are constructed on elevated platforms that offer stunning views of the nearby Masai mara region, Its 30 tented camps were also the site for BBC’s popular Big Cat Diary television series. Each unit is furnished in colonial style with elegant wooden furniture, and large private verandahs opening up to the plains of the reserve.
For safety, the accommodation is fenced. Its dining spaces overlook the river but guests can also opt for bush meals. The accommodation also has a swimming pool and a bar which has an exclusive game-viewing platform.
Guests can enjoy several activities offered by Intrepids. It offers outstanding open-vehicle game drives in the rivers thrice a day. Alongside balloon rides, guests can enjoy beautiful sundowners.
The camp also offers the adventurers club, highly recommended for families with children. This family program offers fun and adventurous opportunities to learn about Masai’s wilderness from expert guides. Photographic safaris are also offered here.
Entumoto Safari Camp
Raised in the hills of the scenic Great Rift Valley, Entumoto is a private tented camp, It is located in the private Siana Conservancy in Eastern Masai Mara. This exclusive conservancy is an excellent game viewing site with lots of big cats, plenty of elephants, and smaller species of plain animals.
In Siana, Entumoto is a luxury accommodation offering breathtaking plains of the park. This conservancy gives a much more intimate experience of safaris as well as direct access to the reserve.
During the great migration, guests can observe wildlife as there are no fences between the park and the Siana conservancy. The accommodation of Entumoto is divided into two tiers, the main Entumoto and the Entumoto Toto.
It houses only 25 guests at a time, guaranteeing ultimate privacy. All tents are constructed with multilayered canvas which is further custom designed. Each unit is set at least a hundred meters apart to offer seclusion. Entumoto also offers mobile camps which can be set up anywhere in the conservancy. This is a great option for those wanting to explore the conservancy adventurously.
The main guest space consists of a dining and sitting area, a library, a game cupboard, a bar, and a verandah with open views of the neighboring game-filled plains. Its tented camps are beautifully furnished with handcrafted artifacts and antiques.
Entumoto has its own vegetable garden, a swimming pool, and a yoga terrace. With the camp, guests can enjoy various activities, especially since it is located in Saini. Many activities not permitted in the main reserve can be enjoyed in the conservancy. Day and night game drives, nature walks, culture trips, bike rides around Saini, archery for kids, horseback safaris, and more are offered by Entumoto.
Oldarpoi Camp
Located in the main reserve, Oldarpoi is one of the tented camps connected with the local community. It is well positioned in the rolling plains of the park, situated right in the middle of the migration path. This accommodation offers great views of the migration. Oldarpoi also offers authentic safari experiences in the reserve.
Oldarpoi has different categories when it comes to accommodation. Its superior and spacious cottages boast African design with private en-suite bathrooms. The superior tents are comfortable and equipped with en suite private bathrooms, offering a cozy camping stay. The VIP Wageni Camp is a luxurious accommodation, especially for families, honeymooners, and guests wanting the ultimate comfort in the wilderness.
With Oldarpoi, guests can experience a range of activities. Since the camp is associated with the local community, one can volunteer in various programs to help the Maasais. Guests can also enjoy walking trips with the Maasai warriors and visit their homestead.
Honeymooners can partake in a unique and beautiful tradition of the Maasais called Enkiama wherein Maasai elders to offer blessings to the couple. Maasai warriors also walk the couples through the stunning spots of the reserve.
Olare Kempinski Masai Mara
One of the five-star tented camps in the park, Olare Kempinski is extremely luxurious, Situated in the Olare Motorogi conservancy in Masai mara, this accommodation offers an exclusive experience in the middle of the African wilderness.
Its strategic location not only offers excellent game drives but incredible views of the migration. Olare Kempinski blends sophisticated elegance with traditional safaris to provide unforgettable memories in the reserve.
Housing only 12 luxurious tents and suites on the property, Olare Kempinski has lavish units. Guests can choose between deluxe tents and honeymoon suites. The camp also has a safari-style restaurant and a bar.
It also offers luxury spa treatment in the comfort of the guests’ tents. Olare Kempinski invites guests to plant a tree to leave their mark on this eco-friendly camp. In the private conservancy, Olare Kempinski offers ornithologist walks, horse riding, guided walks, cultural visits, night drives, and more.
Mara Crossings
The Crossings Camp is located on the banks of the Mara River. Its setting is in close proximity to different migratory crossing points. This exclusive accommodation offers personalized stays in the reserve for families, couples, and photographers.
The accommodation has eight spacious and cozy tented suites including four double and four twin or triple tents and a single suite for families, photographers, and couples. The premium tents open up to the river where guests can marvel at the views from their own private verandahs.
The suite is tucked away in the corner of Crossings and elevated on the decks. The suites offer solitude and serenity. The rustic lounge tents showcase a classic safari design furnished with African rugs, comfortable sofas, and handcrafted furniture.
The camp has a dining area, offering delicious cuisine. Along with activities like balloon safaris, and sundowners, the camp also allows guests to hire private vehicles.
Porini Lion Camp
In Maasai Mara’s Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Porini Lion Camp is situated in a unique setting in an un-spoilt area, away from the bustling crowds.
Porini is found under the beautiful Acacia trees along the seasonal banks of River Ntiakatiak. Since the conservancy is filled with an abundance of wild animals including the Big Cats, Porini offers uninterrupted wildlife viewing.
In its lush area, Porini’s nine intimate tents and one single-family unit offer an experience away in the deep African bush.
The tents are of high quality, spacious in size with en-suite facilities and private verandahs. The family unit is furnished with canvas and has private verandahs and several amenities. Porini provides excellent game drives and hot-air balloon rides.
To enjoy the best of the reserve, guests should consider staying in Masai Mara tented camps. Kenyan hospitality is best enjoyed in Mara’s accommodation. If you are planning a visit to the park anytime soon, contact a travel company that specializes in Masai Mara vacations.
