Camping in The Maasai Mara – 14 Incredible Campsites

Camping in the Maasai Mara National Reserve is a sensory experience that leaves you overwhelmed, exhilarated, and fully aware of your humanity. There’s nothing quite like lying on a camp bed listening to some unnamed beast breathing a foot away from your head. Isn’t fear and fascination part of why we safari? Sure, you can follow the tourist trail and experience sedate game drives from the safety of your vehicle… or you can lie down with the lions, nose to tail, and spend the night trying to work out if it’s a hyena or a leopard sniffing around the campfire, a buffalo or an elephant crashing through the bush.

I’ve created a list of campsites in the Maasai Mara, including some wild campsites in the Mara Triangle and some safer options outside the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

NB: As of 2024, self-driving is restricted in the Maasai Mara (see below). Visitors are also required to book their park permits in advance via the citizen portal.

Self Drive Maasai Mara

As of July 2024, you are no longer allowed to self-drive within the main Maasai Mara park unless you are transiting to a Maasai Mara Camp or lodge. However, you are still allowed to self-drive within the Mara Triangle, where most of the wild campsites below are situated.

For those camping outside of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, most camps, lodges, and campsites can arrange a driver or driven tour of the Maasai Mara for you. The change in the laws is a huge blow to those of us who enjoyed self-driving in the Maasai Mara for its freedom and cost savings. However, in terms of wildlife, the decision is a good one. The actions of tourists within the Maasai Mara are often hard to stomach, with inconsiderate actions and overcrowding at crossings and major sightings.

Chief Park Administrator Alex Nabaala stated that:

The Masai Mara National Game Reserve in southwestern Kenya has placed a ban on private vehicles within its boundaries. This move, aimed at preserving the reserve’s delicate ecosystem and ensuring sustainable tourism, is a step toward curbing tourism in the region.

I’ve added a widget to Qeeq below. They work with brand-name and local suppliers to offer reliable car hire.

Camping in the Maasai Mara – Camping Options Outside the Reserve

Talek Bush Camp in the Maasai Mara

Talek is my favourite option for camping in the Maasai Mara; it lies 2 minutes outside the Maasai Mara National Reserve at Talek Gate. The beauty of Talek Bush Camp is that you can be in the reserve in a few minutes, but as you are outside, you are safer. Don’t get me wrong; there are plenty of wild animals outside the reserve, and only the shallow Talek River separates the camp from the Mara reserve. However, the likelihood is hugely diminished. Talek Bush Camp is an excellent campsite for a beginner who wants to camp in the Maasai Mara. 

There is an onsite restaurant, a swimming pool and Bandas (huts) if you decide you’d rather sleep surrounded by solid walls.

Campsite details:

• Partly fenced
• Flat lawn with some thin shade from trees
• Askaris
• Hot showers 
• Bathrooms
• Onsite restaurant 
• Swimming pool 

Oldarpoi Camp Maasai Mara

Oldarpoi is another campsite that is situated outside the Maasai Mara. It is a ten-minute drive from Sekanani Gate, the closest gate to Nairobi and the shortest drive. Set up on the mountainside, the camp is fully fenced and is a safe option for novice campers. Oldarpoi has been renovated and updated since we last visited; there is a new restaurant, a gorgeous-looking pool and very reasonable Bandas and safari tents.

The campsite is a flat lawn in the centre of the site, with access to hot showers, cooking facilities and a sheltered sitting area.

Campsite details 

• Fully fenced
• Flat lawn with some thin shade from trees
• Askaris
• Hot showers 
• Bathrooms
• Onsite restaurant 
• Swimming pool 

Olakira Maasai Mara Campsite 

Privately run option for camping in the Maasai Mara, large flat grass area, some shade from trees. Staff will erect a portable hot shower and a long drop toilet and bring you firewood and a grill for the fireplace.

Campsite details 

• Not fenced 
• Flat lawn with some thin shade from trees
• showers 
• Long drop toilet 
• Cost 3000 PPPN

Campsites in the Maasai Mara & Mara Triangle Camping

There are 11 campsites in the Mara Triangle and wider reserve. The Mara Triangle lies in the southwestern part of the Maasai Mara; the Mara River borders it and is where the herds of the Great Migration enter the Maasai Mara from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. It’s one of the best places in the Maasai Mara National Reserve to spot a ‘crossing’ and has a high concentration of animals all year round. As a camper, this means an increased likelihood of a predator entering your camp.  

The Maasai Mara campsites into three; Private, Public and Special Private Campsites. All the campsites are only open from June to December. The Public and Private Mara Triangle campsites run alongside the Mara River, and the Special Private are in a wilderness area, away from the water. None of the following camps are fenced. You must hire an askari if you are on a private campsite. The public campsites do not require a guard, but if you are camping alone, I strongly suggest you hire one. The cost is approximately 2000 KSH / 20 USD per day.

Public Maasai Mara campsites cannot be booked, and if you arrive and it is at capacity you may need to find an alternative camp. I recommend you try to book a private campsite in advance, which you can do by visiting the marabookings.com website. 

Public Options for Camping in the Maasai Mara & Mara Triangle Camping

Costs for Public Campsites are below (excluding Reserve fees)

East Africa Resident – KSH 1000 / Children KSH 200

East Africa Citizen – KSH 1000 / Children KSH 200

Non-Resident – USD 30 / Children USD 20

Eluai campsite

Public campsite with lots of shade from acacia trees.

Campsite details

• 15 campers 
• No fence
• No water
• No bathroom or facilities 

Oloololo Campsite

Public campsite with the most incredible flat view across the savannah. Sheltered area for cooking and shade. Toilets and showers.

Campsite details

• 30 campers 
• No fence
• No water
• Kitchen shade with no cooking utensils
• Long-drop toilets
• Showers

Iseiya Campsite

This public campsite is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. As it only sleeps ten should get here early to guarantee yourself a spot—a wooded and shaded area with a long drop toilet.

Campsite details

• 10 campers 
• No fence
• No water
• Long-drop toilets

KWS Private Campsites in the Maasai Mara

Costs and Rules for private camping in the Maasai Mara.

RULES FOR BOOKING A PRIVATE MAASAI MARA CAMPSITE

• It is mandatory for all campers in private campsites to hire two rangers for nighttime security. The ranger fee is 2,000 KES per ranger per night.
• For non-professional visitors, there is a non-refundable 10,000 KES booking fee (one campsite, one group for a maximum of one week). 
• If you are cancelling your campsite booking, please notify us by email. Bookings cancelled within six months of arrival will incur a $1,000 cancellation fee.

In addition to Reserve fees and the 10,000 KES booking fee the costs for each campsite are below

East Africa Resident – KSH 1500 / Children KSH 500

East Africa Citizen – KSH 1500 / Children KSH 500

Non-Resident – USD 40 / Children USD 20

Olarro Campsite

Olarro Campsite is a small private campsite with lots of shade. It is located along the Mara River, near a renowned wildebeest crossing. 

Campsite details

• 12 campers 
• No fence
• No water

Kiboko Campsite

Private campsite with great Mara River views, flat area, less shaded than some. There is a campfire area but no other facilities. 

Campsite details

• 30 campers 
• No fence
• No water
• Mandatory askari

Ndovu Campsite

Ndovu Private Campsite is one of the largest campsites available, and it has the most incredible views across the Mara River. Lots of shade for trees and flat patches throughout. 

Campsite details

• 30 campers 
• No fence
• No water
• Mandatory askari

Hornbill Campsite

This private campsite is located on a bend in the river and a central island that attracts many hippos and crocodiles. Lots of forested areas for shade during the day. 

Campsite details

• 15 campers 
• No fence
• No water
• Mandatory askari

Dirisha Campsite

Dirisha Private campsite neighbours Olarro so you can use both campsites for bigger groups. This has a slightly raised flat area with excellent Mara River views. 

Campsite details

• 20 campers 
• No fence
• No water
• Mandatory askari

KWS Special Private Campsites in the Maasai Mara

KWS run three Special Campsites in the Maasai Mara; Kampi ya Mungu, Kishanga and Kijito. These are set in wilderness areas, it is mandatory to have two askari/guards.

• A non-refundable booking fee of 50,000 KES or USD 500 per day (one group, one campsite for a maximum of 2 weeks )
• The campsite booking is valid for the time the site is occupied, including the time for the camp staff to put up and take down the tent.
• It is mandatory for all campers in private campsites to hire two rangers for nighttime security. The ranger fee is 2,000 KES per ranger per night. Mara Conservancy will provide transport and food for the rangers (No prior booking for rangers)
• If you are cancelling your campsite booking, please notify us by email. Bookings cancelled within six months of arrival will incur a $1,000 cancellation fee.

Kijito Campsite

Kijito Campsite is a Special Private Campsite, a grassed area with shade from acacia trees.

Campsite details:

• 20 campers 
• No fence
• No water
• No bathroom or facilities 
• Campfire area
• 2 x askaris are mandatory 

Kampi Ya Mungu

Kampi Ya Mungu is a Special Private Campsite located at the western edge of Mara Triangle, with a large, flat, open area for camping.

Campsite details:

• 40 campers 
• No fence
• No water
• No bathroom or facilities 
• 2 x askaris are mandatory 

Kishanga Campsite

Kishanga Maasai Mara campsite is a Special Private Campsite that must be booked in advance—plenty of shade and a large open area for camping. Nearby salt lick means a high abundance of animals. 

Campsite details

• 30 campers 
• No fence
• No water
• 2 x mandatory Askari 

Is It Safe to Camp in Maasai Mara?

The Maasai Mara National Reserve has one of the highest concentrations of predators in the world; invariably, there are risks to camping in the Maasai Mara. Remember to follow the camping on safari rules:

• Firewood is not to be collected from inside the park – bring firewood with you.
•  Extinguish fires after use and never leave the fire unattended
•  Bury your toilet.
•  No bathing in the river.
•  Do not feed the animals or lay bait.
• Secure your food and equipment from animals.
• No night game drives.
• Stay within 25 metres of your camp.
• No loud music.

How much is camping in Maasai Mara National Reserve?

Camping in the Maasai Mara differs depending on campsite at above. Generally it costs between 1000 – 1500 KSH per person per night for residents and citizens and 30 – 40 USD for non residents. Add to this the cost of the Maasai Mara National Reserve fees as follows:

Non resident: Adult 80 USD/ Child 45 USD

Resident : 1200 KSH / Child 500

Citizen: 1000 KSH / Child 300

When to Camp in the Maasai Mara National Reserve?

You can camp in the Maasai Mara at any time of year. 

Experts will tell you that April to June is the least attractive time of year due to the long rains, and they are right. The roads can be extremely muddy and hard to drive through, and who wants to camp in the rain? However, I’ve camped here in these months many times. If travelling from abroad, I wouldn’t plan on camping between April and June, but if you are in Kenya and it’s dry, give it a bash. 

Weather in the Maasai Mara National Reserve

The weather in the Maasai Mara is temperate and fair for most of the year. Kenya is located on the equator but the Maasai Mara sits at between 1500—2000 metres high and temperatures are cooler than you might expect from an equatorial country. Summer can get very warm but winters can be frigid, especially at night. The long rains fall in April through to June and can be very heavy, turning the roads to bog and running rivers. While there will be fewer tourists at this time of year, there is a high probability of getting your vehicle stuck and its pretty miserable game viewing in an open safari vehicle. In October—November the short rains fall, but they are generally lighter and less chaotic than the May rains.  The great migration is a natural event and as such is completely unpredictable, but the best time to view river crossings and vast herds of cattle is June—August. This correlates to Kenya’s winter season so bring warm clothes for the evening’s early mornings.

What to take camping in the Maasai Mara? 

I camp in Kenya all the time, so I created a blog which details what to bring, and where to buy items that you may need.

The Maasai Mara is cold at night and hot in the day so dress accordingly.

Kenya Camping: the 2024 guide on where to buy camping equipment – Kenya

How to get to the Maasai Mara National Reserve

Flying to the Maasai Mara

Kenya’s Maasai Mara sits to the far southwest of the country, right on the border of Tanzania. There are no international airports nearby, so the best way to reach the Maasai Mara is to fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. It is also possible to fly internationally into Mombasa on the coast. It is further away but allows you to start your trip with a beach break.  

Local flights fly from various locations around the country into one of approximately 10 airstrips within the Mara.  The flights are in small planes, many of which provide a sort of taxi service, bouncing from one airstrip to another, dispersing passengers. From Nairobi, flights depart from the smaller Wilson airport. I recommend Safarilink as the airline of your choice. They operate some larger planes and have a good safety record.  Prices for flights can be very steep, often costing around 300 USD for a return ticket for a single person. Flights take approximately an hour.

Driving to the Maasai Mara

Many people choose to drive to the Maasai Mara from Nairobi. What was once a long, painful, pothole filled journey is now a smooth tarred road with little traffic. It’s possible to reach the Sekanani Gate, the closest entrance to the Maasai Mara, in 3.5 – 4 hours. Driving is definitely the preferred option and gives you the opportunity to self drive through the Maasai Mara.

Driving within the Maasai Mara requires a 4×4 vehicle. Many of the roads within the reserve are smooth and well-maintained, but those closer to rivers can cause problems even for capable drivers. Driving within the reserve requires frequent traversing of luggas (small streams). Caution is advised if it has been raining as the black cotton soil can turn into a thick bog. Come prepared with appropriate tools and equipment for getting stuck as well as water and food for a long wait for assistance. Economy cars have decent 4×4 vehicles available from Nairobi airports.

Entrance gates to the Maasai Mara Ecosystem

The greater Masaai Mara National Reserve comprises three large sections and several smaller private conservancies:

• Masai Mara National Reserve: Most visitors access the reserve through the Sekenani gate from Narok town. Additional entry points include Oloolaimutia Gate and Talek Gate, Musiara Gate, and Purungat Mara River Gate. Permits should be booked in advance using the KWS ecitizen portal.
• Mara Triangle: The primary gateway is the Oloololo Gate.
• Mara North Conservancy: Situated to the north of the Mara Reserve, this conservancy mainly offers luxurious camps

Camps and lodges in the Maasai Mara 

Where to stay in the Maasai Mara depends on budget and whether you want to stay in or out the reserve. Accommodation is usually cheaper outside the reserve, but you sacrifice the ability to be up and on your game drive before dawn and you will miss those epic sundowners. Instead, the early morning may be spent in a queue of cars waiting to pass through the gates. Inside the reserve, camps and lodges are expensive. Booking.com lists a lot of the big camps and is a good way to get an overview of what is available. Make sure you look clearly as many of the accommodations listed are outside the park. 

Some names to look out for are:

Maasai Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Mara Intrepids Camp

Sarova Mara Game Camp

Fig Tree Camp

Elewana Sand River

Basecamp Wilderness

Saruni Mara

I highly recommend the wonderful Naibor Camp – full review is here

Further Reading for Camping in the Maasai Mara

How much does a Masai Mara safari cost?

The Best Beaches in Kenya – Your Ultimate Guide

21 Incredible Family Friendly Resorts in Kenya 

Kenya Travel Guidelines – What you need to know before you get here.

The animal migration Africa : the Maasai Mara wildebeest crossing

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