Mara Plains Camp

Mara Plains Camp is one of Kenya’s most exclusive safari retreats, set in a private conservancy bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Part of the renowned Great Plains Conservation portfolio, this intimate camp blends barefoot luxury with a deep commitment to wildlife conservation and community partnerships. With just a handful of tents tucked beneath the shade of riverine forest, Mara Plains offers an experience that feels both secluded and deeply connected to the wilderness. Its position within the Olare Motorogi Conservancy ensures guests enjoy abundant wildlife viewing, low vehicle density, and private access to one of Africa’s richest ecosystems.

Access & Location

The camp is located in the 35,000-acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy, adjacent to the Maasai Mara. Guests typically arrive by a one-hour scheduled flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Ol Kiombo Airstrip, followed by a short drive to camp. The conservancy borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve, allowing easy access to both areas while keeping the camp itself tranquil and away from the crowds. The setting along the Ntiakitiak River provides shade, privacy, and a sense of timeless Africa.

Accommodation & Facilities

Mara Plains Camp hosts just seven lavish tents, including one suite that is perfect for families. Each tent is raised on a deck and features canvas walls combined with wooden accents and Swahili-inspired décor. Floor-to-ceiling netted windows open onto private verandas with sweeping views over the plains. The interiors are designed with understated elegance — leather accents, antique furnishings, and handcrafted touches that reflect East Africa’s history.

Facilities at the camp include:

• An open-sided mess area with dining and lounge spaces
• A wine cellar and fine dining experiences
• A library and media room for relaxation and photography editing
• A boutique safari shop with locally made crafts

Meals are an occasion in themselves, with menus crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can choose to dine communally, privately in their tent, or out in the bush under the stars.

Activities

The camp’s location in a private conservancy allows for a more exclusive safari experience, with activities that go beyond those typically offered in the Maasai Mara Reserve. Highlights include:

• Day & Night Game Drives: Explore both the conservancy and the Maasai Mara, with opportunities to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and during the season, the wildebeest migration. Night drives offer a chance to spot nocturnal wildlife.
• Walking Safaris: Guided bush walks with expert trackers and naturalists.
• Cultural Experiences: Visits to nearby Maasai villages and community projects supported by Great Plains Conservation.
• Photography: With professional photographic equipment available for guests, the camp is a haven for wildlife photographers. Personalized guidance can also be arranged.
• Hot-Air Balloon Safaris: Sunrise balloon rides (organized through nearby operators) provide breathtaking aerial views of the Mara.

Mara Plains Camp combines exclusivity with immersion, offering a safari experience that feels both deeply personal and authentically wild.