The Top Luxury Camps in the Masai Mara – Our Expert’s Picks

Mara Expeditions Camp – an authentic bush experience

Mara Expeditions Camp delivers an unpretentious yet luxurious safari experience in a prime wildlife corridor. This intimate camp is renowned for its stylish canvas tents set under shady acacia trees, providing expansive views of the surrounding plains. Unique among Masai Mara camps, it features a mobile swimming pool ingeniously mounted on a truck for a fun dip in the wilderness!

A stay at Mara Expeditions Camp fosters a deep connection to nature. You can embark on walking safaris in the bush or enjoy classic game drives guided by expert conservationists. The camp’s vintage safari-style decor, complete with antique trunks, brass bucket showers, and leather armchairs, evokes the romance of a bygone era. With just five tents, each carefully positioned for privacy, this camp is ideal for those seeking both adventure and exclusivity in the Masai Mara.

Angama Mara – luxury above the Masai Mara plains

Perched on an escarpment high above Africa’s Great Rift Valley in southwestern Kenya, Angama Mara offers breathtaking panoramic views of the sprawling savannah below. Spanning 700 hectares, the site borders the Mara Triangle and boasts 1.2 km of Rift Valley frontage, complete with its own forests and plentiful wildlife. This luxury tented camp is known for its contemporary design, with floor-to-ceiling glass-fronted tents providing uninterrupted vistas of the endless grassy plains below and blazing African sunsets. Your party will feel like you have the whole area to yourselves, looking out across the reserve and into Tanzania on clear days.

The lodge blends modern sophistication with warm Kenyan hospitality, creating an inviting atmosphere for honeymooners, families, and photographers alike. Your party can enjoy gourmet dining, relaxing spa treatments, and curated safari experiences tailored to your preferences. Whether you prefer to glimpse Africa’s diverse wildlife on a game drive, take a morning hot-air balloon ride, or stroll along the edge of the Great Rift Valley, there are plenty of options to become immersed in this magnificent setting. 

Roca River Camp – a rustic yet refined safari retreat

Roca River Camp embraces the essence of a truly authentic safari experience, combining simplicity with comfort. Situated along the banks of the Mara River in a private conservancy right next to Paradise Plains, this family-run camp offers a true back-to-nature experience. The luxury you’ll experience here is through the spectacular location of the camp (with access to the Masai Mara National Reserve and the Mara Triangle), providing proximity to some of Kenya’s iconic wildlife, and the excellent guiding. 

The camp’s classic canvas tents are thoughtfully decorated with handcrafted furnishings and earthy tones, blending into the natural surroundings. Embark on guided bush walks, game drives, and cultural excursions to interact with the local Maasai community. With only 10 classic safari tents, including a family suite, Roca River Camp is perfect for travellers looking for a personalised and eco-conscious stay at one of the most original luxury tented camps in the Masai Mara.

Cottar’s 1920s Camp – timeless elegance in the wild

For those who dream of the romance of classic safari expeditions, Cottar’s 1920s Camp offers an unparalleled journey into the past and is considered one of Kenya’s finest safari properties. The camp provides a blend of natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and innovative conservation efforts. Cottars is renowned for its variety of high-impact conservation activities – from a cheetah educational experience to foraging bush walks and an immersive raptor experience with the Kenya Birds of Prey Trust (KBOPT).

Situated within the 7,000-acre private Olderkesi conservancy bordering the Masai Mara Reserve, this iconic camp exudes vintage charm with its cream canvas tents, antique furnishings, and Persian rugs. At Cottar’s, enjoy expertly guided game drives, night safaris, and bush walks led by experienced conservationists. The camp’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and community-driven conservation sets it apart from other Masai Mara safari camps.

As you explore, encounter birds and butterflies fluttering through the trees, elephants roaming through camp at night, and hear the distant calls of leopards. Whether you’re unwinding in the luxurious mess tent, soaking in a canvas bathtub on the verandah, or taking a conservation helicopter flight with the Mara Elephant Project (MEP) over the Masai Mara, Cottar’s 1920s Camp is the epitome of refined luxury in the heart of the wild.

For those seeking an even more exclusive experience, Cottar’s Private Bush Home, located just a short distance from the main camp, offers an intimate retreat perfect for families.

Why choose a luxury tented camp in the Masai Mara?

Luxury tented camps in the Masai Mara provide an extraordinary safari experience, blending comfort, exclusivity, and immersion in nature. Unlike traditional lodges, these camps offer an intimate connection to the wilderness while maintaining the highest levels of luxury and personalised service.

One of the greatest advantages of staying at luxury camps in the Masai Mara is the exclusivity they offer. Many are located in private conservancies, allowing for off-road driving, night safaris, and walking excursions – experiences not permitted in the national reserve. This provides an experience with fewer vehicles and uninterrupted wildlife encounters.

These properties embody the essence of the classic Kenyan safari, from elegant canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms to open-air lounges overlooking vast savannahs. You can enjoy the finest hospitality with expertly prepared gourmet meals, attentive staff, and private game drives tailored to your interests.

These luxury camps also go beyond comfort – they are deeply committed to sustainability, working hand-in-hand with local communities and conservation initiatives to promote ethical tourism. Expert guides bring the wilderness to life, offering fascinating insights into wildlife behaviour, Maasai traditions, and ongoing conservation efforts. 

The appeal of private tented camps in the Masai Mara

For families, couples, or multi-generational groups seeking complete privacy, private safari camps in the Masai Mara offer an exclusive retreat. These smaller camps provide an experience away from crowds, ensuring that each Kenya safari is personal and immersive. Luxury camps in private conservancies also offer flexible schedules and provide a truly bespoke adventure with dedicated expert guides and private game-viewing vehicles.

Tailor-made safaris with the Explorations Company

At the Explorations Company, we create bespoke safaris that align with your unique interests, ensuring an experience that is both personal and extraordinary. With a deep commitment to conservation, our Kenya safaris directly support local communities and protect Africa’s wildlife.

Whether you dream of witnessing the Great Migration from a private vantage point, seeking big cats with expert guides, or enjoying a private dinner in the heart of the bush, we design every detail to match your vision. 

When is the best time to visit the Masai Mara?

The best time for a Masai Mara safari depends on what you want to experience. 

The Great Migration season, from July to October, offers spectacular river crossings and abundant wildlife. For fewer crowds and lush landscapes, the green season (November to June) provides excellent game viewing and lower rates at Masai Mara camps.

Regardless of the season, the Masai Mara safari experience is rewarding year-round, with exceptional wildlife sightings and luxurious accommodations.

Speak to a safari specialist

Your dream Kenya safari begins here. With firsthand knowledge of the Masai Mara’s most exclusive experiences, we’ll design a bespoke adventure that’s uniquely yours.