Where to Stay in the Masai Mara: Camps and Lodges by Area
Choosing where to stay in the Masai Mara comes down to two things: which part of the reserve you want to be near, and the comfort level you are booking. This guide from Trunktrails Safaris maps the main camps and lodges by area so you can match your Masai Mara safari to the right base. For our flagship reviews, see the linked camp pages throughout.
The Masai Mara breaks down into a handful of access areas. Camps near Talek and Oloolaimutia gates suit road safaris from Nairobi. The western Mara Triangle and the private conservancies are quieter and better for fly-in trips. Whatever your budget, Trunktrails Safaris arranges the tours and safaris that connect these camps with game drives, transfers and park fees.
Indicative nightly guidance across the Mara: budget camps run about $80 to $150, mid-range lodges about $150 to $350, and luxury and conservancy camps from roughly $500 upward per person. Park and conservancy fees are charged on top and are the same whichever camp you choose.
Talek Gate and Talek River
Easiest road access from Nairobi and close to the main reserve gates. A mix of mid-range and budget tented camps along the Talek River.
| Camp or lodge | Style |
|---|---|
| Ilkeliani Camp | Mid-range |
| Mara Leisure Camp | Mid-range |
| Mara Maisha Camp | Budget |
| Mara Ngenche Safari Camp | Luxury |
| Matira Camp | Mid-range |
| Olengoti Eco Safari Camp | Budget |
| PrideInn Mara Camp | Mid-range |
| Tipilikwani Mara Camp | Mid-range |
| Aruba Mara Camp | Budget |
| Aruba Mara Camp (Talek River) | Budget |
| Basecamp Masai Mara | Mid-range |
| Basecamp Adventure | Budget |
| Basecamp Adventure (near Talek Gate) | Budget |
Oloolaimutia Gate (Sekenani side)
Budget and mid-range camps near the south-eastern Oloolaimutia and Sekenani gates, handy for road safaris.
| Camp or lodge | Style |
|---|---|
| Manyatta Camp | Budget |
| Olmoran Tented Camp | Budget |
| Rhino Tourist Camp | Budget |
| Sidai Camp | Budget |
| Simba Oryx Camp | Budget |
| Topi Lodge | Budget |
| Sekenani River Camp | Mid-range |
Ololaimutiek Village
A cluster of value camps just outside the south-eastern boundary, popular with group road safaris.
| Camp or lodge | Style |
|---|---|
| Elangata Olerai Camp | Budget |
| Jambo Mara Safari Lodge | Mid-range |
| La Maison Royale Mara Camp | Mid-range |
| Mara Chui Camp | Budget |
| Orngatuny Mara King Camp | Budget |
| Sentrim Mara Lodge | Mid-range |
Inside the National Reserve (value camps)
Lower-cost camps within or on the edge of the reserve itself.
| Camp or lodge | Style |
|---|---|
| Azure Mara Haven | Budget |
| Cheetah Tented Camp | Budget |
| Mara Eden Safari Camp | Mid-range |
| Nkorombo Camp | Budget |
| Osero Camp | Budget |
Mara Triangle, Oloololo and Siria Escarpment
The quieter western Mara Triangle and the escarpment above it.
| Camp or lodge | Style |
|---|---|
| Emayian Luxury Camp | Mid-range |
| Mara River Camp | Mid-range |
| Mara Engai Lodge | Mid-range |
Surrounding conservancies and river camps
Camps in the Lemek, Mara North and other conservancy fringes, plus riverside options.
| Camp or lodge | Style |
|---|---|
| Olarro (Mara North) | Luxury |
| Fig Tree Camp | Mid-range |
| Mara River Lodge (Lemek) | Mid-range |
| Soroi Mara Bush Camp | Mid-range |
| Ashnil Mara Camp | Mid-range |
| Destiny Eco Camp | Budget |
| Enchoro Wildlife Camp | Budget |
| Enkorok Mara Camp | Budget |
| Mara Crossings Camp | Mid-range |
| Salas Camp | Luxury |
| Naserian Mara Camp | Budget |
| Topi House | Mid-range |
Conservancy and luxury camps worth a closer look
Beyond the value camps above, the Mara North, Naboisho, Olare Motorogi and Mara Triangle conservancies hold the region’s premium camps, from Governors’ Camp and Mara Plains to Angama Mara and the Kicheche and Porini camps. Each has its own detailed review on this site, and Trunktrails Safaris can build a tailored itinerary around any of them.
The Trunktrails Advantage
As a native Kenyan-owned operator, Trunktrails Safaris knows these camps first hand, books them at fair rates, and matches each guest to the area and comfort level that fits their trip. We handle the vehicle, the guide and the logistics so your tours and safaris run smoothly from arrival to your final game drive.
Plan your Masai Mara stay
Tell us your dates, budget and travel style and we will recommend the right Masai Mara camp and build the safari around it. Message Trunktrails Safaris on WhatsApp at +254 113 208888, email info@trunktrailssafaris.com, or visit trunktrailssafaris.com to start planning your tours and safaris today.
