Nestled in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy, bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Mara Plains Camp offers an unparalleled safari experience. This exclusive camp, one of Kenya’s prestigious Relais & Châteaux properties, combines exceptional wildlife viewing with top-tier hospitality and guiding. Set within 13,300 hectares of pristine wilderness, Mara Plains Camp grants access to 40,000 hectares of private conservancy land, making it an ideal location to witness the Great Migration and encounter Africa’s famed Big Five.
The camp is along the Ntiakitiak River, blending seamlessly into its lush surroundings. It boasts an intimate and unobtrusive presence, offering breathtaking views of the plains and riverine forest. Each suite features deep canvas ceilings, handcrafted wood floors, and elements of East Africa’s safari heritage. En-suite facilities include luxurious copper baths and private verandahs with stunning vistas that complete the experience.
Accommodation and Suites
The Jahazi Suite, a highlight of Mara Plains, is a two-bedroom, tented retreat elevated on recycled railway sleeper decking. It offers uninterrupted wildlife views and features an indoor dining area, expansive private verandah, and en-suite bathrooms with both indoor and outdoor showers, plus a private swimming pool. Guests in the Jahazi Suite enjoy the exclusive service of a private game drive vehicle and guide.
Activities at Mara Plains Camp
Cultural Experience
Immerse yourself in local culture with the Naboisho Women’s Group, supported by the Great Plains Foundation. This initiative allows the group to purchase materials and hire artisans, with all profits from their handcrafted items—such as beaded and leather products, coasters, bracelets, necklaces, belts, dog collars, earrings, and decorated dawa sticks—reinvested into their business training. This program helps ensure women’s long-term sustainability and self-sufficiency.
Hot Air Ballooning (Additional Cost)
For a truly unforgettable experience, consider a hot air balloon ride over the Maasai Mara. Departures are early in the morning and require advance booking, as well as an additional cost. This serene adventure offers stunning aerial views of the vast landscape and wildlife.
Photography
Capture the magic of the Maasai Mara with the professional camera set provided in each guest suite, complete with a camera body and lenses. Photographs will be transferred to a memory stick for guests to take home. Suites also include high-quality binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing. Photography tuition is available upon request at an additional cost, with options for instruction on camp cameras or personal equipment.
Safari Drives (Day & Night)
Experience the Maasai Mara’s wildlife on expertly guided safari drives in custom-built Toyota Land Cruisers designed for optimal photographing. Day safaris typically start at sunrise, with the option to extend into the night. The latter is particularly exciting in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, where night drives reveal elusive nocturnal mammals and dramatic lion and hyena hunts. Each guest is entitled to one safari drive per 3-night stay, with additional drives available subject to park fees.
Price Per night
At Mara Plains Camp, the focus is on providing a personalized and immersive safari experience. With no set schedules or fixed meal times, guests tailor their activities and dining to their preferences. Professional camera equipment and high-quality binoculars are available in each suite. The camp’s sustainability and low vehicle density commitment ensures a pristine and intimate wildlife experience. Rates typically starts $1,000 per night, varying with season and room type. For more information, please visit the camp’s main website.