Mara Plains Camp
Experience the Pinnacle of Safari Luxury at
Imagine a safari that feels like stepping into a bygone era of exploration. The wilderness is untamed, the service is impeccable, and the wildlife encounters are second to none.
Welcome to Mara Plains Camp. It is the flagship property of Great Plains Conservation and a proud member of the Relais & Châteaux group.
📊 At a Glance
| 🦁 | 🏕️ | ✈️ | 🌍 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest big cat density in Africa | Only 6 tented suites | 1hr 15min from Nairobi | Relais & Châteaux member |
🏆 A Benchmark for Excellence in the Heart of the Mara
Mara Plains is more than a destination; it is a benchmark for luxury safari experiences in Africa. Consistently rated as a favorite by top safari operators, this intimate tented camp is celebrated for its exceptional guiding, exquisite cuisine, and an unwavering commitment to conservation.
| Recognition | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏅 National Geographic | Named a Unique Lodge of the World |
| 🌿 Conservation Model | Participating in a model that actively preserves the natural world for future generations |
📍 An Unbeatable Location: The Exclusive Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Nestled within the private 13,300-hectare (35,000-acre) Olare Motorogi Conservancy, on the northern boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Mara Plains offers an extraordinary safari advantage.
| Advantage | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚙 Lowest Vehicle Density | In the entire Mara region |
| 🦁 Highest Concentration of Big Cats | In Africa |
| 🐆 Private, Exclusive Setting | Incredible sightings of lions, leopards, and cheetahs without the crowds |
✈️ Getting There
📸 [IMAGE PLACEHOLDER — Scenic flight / airstrip arrival]
Your adventure begins the moment you land.
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | Scenic 1-hour 15-minute flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Olare Motorogi airstrip |
| 🚙 Transfer | Short 30-minute game drive to the camp |
Luxurious Accommodations & Refined Comfort
Tucked away in a lush forest on the meandering bends of the Ntiakitiak River, the camp evokes the spirit of a classic African safari. With only six luxurious tented suites, Mara Plains guarantees an intimate and personalized experience for a maximum of around 14 guests.
The Suites: Rustic Elegance
Each suite offers a blend of rustic elegance and modern comfort, providing a serene retreat after a day of adventure.
Communal Areas & Amenities
- Main Area: A stylish lounge, dining room, and an outdoor dining deck.
- Relaxation: A well-stocked wine cellar, a library, and a central firepit for evening storytelling under the stars.
- Wellness: A boutique and rejuvenating massages are available for ultimate relaxation.
The Exclusive Jahazi Suite
For families or groups desiring the ultimate privacy, the two-bedroom Jahazi Suite offers a dedicated butler, private vehicle, and personal guide for a completely tailored experience.
An Unmatched Gastronomic Journey
Dining at Mara Plains is an experience in itself. The camp prides itself on exceptional cuisine, frequently lauded by guests. All meals are included, and the chefs are skilled at preparing gourmet dishes that cater to various dietary preferences. Enjoy your meal in the elegant indoor dining area, on the veranda overlooking the bush, or as a spectacular bush breakfast or dinner in the wild.
Unforgettable Activities & Wildlife Encounters
Every activity is led by expert guides passionate about the local ecosystem, ensuring an adventure that is both thrilling and enriching.
- Expertly Guided Game Drives: Morning and afternoon drives in custom-built, open-sided Toyota Land Cruisers. With a maximum of 4-6 guests per vehicle, you are guaranteed a personalized experience. Sightings of lions, leopards, and cheetahs are almost guaranteed.
- The Great Migration (July–October): Enjoy a front-row seat to one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth as millions of wildebeest and zebras thunder across the plains.
- Night Drives: A rare opportunity in a private conservancy to spot elusive nocturnal animals.
- Bush Walks: Connect with nature on a more intimate level, learning about the smaller wonders of the savannah.
- Cultural Experiences: Visit a traditional Maasai village and support the Naboisho Women’s Group by purchasing authentic crafts.
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Rise with the sun for a silent flight over the plains, capped with a champagne bush breakfast (at an additional cost).
- Family-Friendly Fun: The Young Explorers Programme engages children aged 6+ with activity packs, tracking, and educational fun.
💰 Mara Plains Camp Rates 2027
5 Guest Suites + 1 × 2-Bedroom Private Suite (The Jahazi Suite) + Pilot/Guide Tent
🛏️ Accommodation Overview
| Suite Type | Quantity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 🏕️ Guest Suite | 5 | Intimate tented suites · Classic safari elegance |
| 🏡 The Jahazi Suite ⭐ | 1 | 2-Bedroom Private Suite · Exclusive use |
| ✈️ Pilot/Guide Tent | 1 | Dedicated accommodation for guides and pilots |
🏕️ Guest Suite
| Category | 🟢 Low | 🟡 Shoulder | 🔴 Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Sharing | $2,565 | $1,930 | $3,800 |
| Single Supplement* | $1,283 | $965 | $1,900 |
| Child Sharing (6–15 yrs) 👨👩👧 | $1,283 | $965 | $1,900 |
🏡 The Jahazi Suite ⭐ Exclusive Use
| Category | 🟢 Low | 🟡 Shoulder | 🔴 Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per Night | $12,315 | $9,265 | $18,240 |
📅 Seasons (2027)
| Season | Dates |
|---|---|
| 🟢 Low | 11 Jan – 31 Mar |
| 🟡 Shoulder | 1 Apr – 14 Jun · 1 Nov – 19 Dec |
| 🔴 Peak | 15 Jun – 31 Oct · 20 Dec – 10 Jan |
💰 Common Charges
| Item | Rate |
|---|---|
| ✈️ Pilot / Guide | $390 per person per night |
| 🚙 Private Vehicle | $980 per vehicle per night |
| 🌿 Foundation Contribution | $100 per person per night |
✅ Includes
| 🏕️ | Accommodation |
| 🎟️ | All national park & reserve conservation fees |
| 🦁 | Scheduled wildlife viewing on the Maasai Mara National Reserve (one day per stay) & Olare Motorogi Conservancy |
| 🍽️ | Meals |
| 👕 | Laundry |
| 🚙 | Return Olare Motorogi airstrip road transfers |
| 🍾 | Beverages including premium spirits & champagne |
❌ Excludes
| 🌿 | Foundation levy |
| 💆 | Spa treatments |
| 🎭 | Cultural experiences |
| 🎈 | Hot air ballooning (book in advance) |
✈️ Air Transfer Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| ✈️ Included Transfers | Return scheduled seat-in-plane transfers from Nairobi Wilson or greater Maasai Mara properties included (minimum 2-night stay) |
| 🛫 Scheduled Flights | Twice-daily scheduled flights Nairobi Wilson ↔ Olare Orok airstrip |
| 👥 Minimum Guests | Min. 2 guests per flight |
👨👩👧 Child Policy
| Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 6 years |
| Triple in Standard Suite | On request at additional cost |
| Jahazi Suite | 4 adults or family of 5 (children 6–15) |
| Private Vehicle & Guide | Included in the Jahazi rate · Child rates/private vehicle requirements do not apply (exclusive-use only) |
🕘 Check-Out
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🕘 Check-Out Time | 09:00 |
🇰🇪 KENYA OFFERS
🎁 Offer 1 — Stay 4, Pay 3
🦁 Free Night on Us
Experience the best safari destinations Kenya has to offer. Stay for 4 nights at any of our Maasai Mara camps or the magnificent ol Donyo Lodge in the Chyulu Hills and only pay for 3.
💚 Combine & Save Even More
Extend your ultimate Kenyan safari experience by combining 4 nights at either Maasai Mara camp with 4 nights at ol Donyo Lodge and only pay for 6 nights — that’s 2 free nights!
📸 [IMAGE PLACEHOLDER — Collage: Maasai Mara camp, ol Donyo Lodge, safari vehicle at sunset]
🏕️ Eligible Camps
| Camp | Location |
|---|---|
| 🦁 Mara Plains Camp & The Jahazi Suite | Olare Motorogi Conservancy |
| 🦁 Mara Nyika Camp & The Sambuk Suite | Naboisho Conservancy |
| 🏕️ Mara Expedition Camp | Maasai Mara |
| 🌳 Mara Toto Tree Camp | Maasai Mara |
| 🐘 Shompole (opening December 2026) | Chyulu Hills |
| 🏔️ ol Donyo Lodge | Chyulu Hills |
📅 Validity
| Camp | Travel Window |
|---|---|
| 🦁 Mara Nyika · Mara Toto · Mara Expedition | 1 Oct – 19 Dec 2026 · 11 Jan – 14 Jun 2027 · 1 Oct – 19 Dec 2027 |
| 🦁 Mara Plains · ol Donyo Lodge · Shompole | 1 Nov – 19 Dec 2026 · 11 Jan – 14 Jun 2027 · 1 Nov – 19 Dec 2027 |
📋 Terms & Conditions
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| 🛏️ Minimum Stay | Minimum 4-night stay at one eligible camp |
| 🚫 Exclusions | Not available at Zamara Private |
| 💵 Rate Basis | Valid on standard guest US$ rate accommodation reservations |
| 🧭 Additional Costs | Guide rates and private safari drive vehicle rates are additional |
| 🌿 Fees Apply | Conservation, park fees and levies apply to all free nights |
| ✈️ Air Transfers | Return scheduled air transfers from Nairobi Wilson Airport included |
| 🔗 Combinability | Offers cannot be combined · Offered on a stand-alone basis per reservation |
💍 Offer 2 — Honeymoon & Anniversary
💖 25% Off Accommodation
Strengthen and renew your vows in Africa. When staying on honeymoon at any Great Plains camp, the celebrating couple each receive 25% off their Great Plains accommodation costs.
Thinking of celebrating your nuptials on a Kenyan safari? Talk to us about arranging a special and unique Maasai blessing ceremony to cement those vows.
📅 Validity — Aligned to the selected camp’s Green or Shoulder Season
| Region | Travel Window |
|---|---|
| 🌍 Botswana | 1 Oct 2026 – 14 Jun 2027 · 1 Oct 2027 – 10 Jan 2028 |
| 🦁 Kenya — Mara Nyika · Mara Expedition · Mara Toto | 1 Oct – 19 Dec 2026 · 11 Jan – 14 Jun 2027 · 1 Oct – 19 Dec 2027 |
| 🦁 Kenya — Mara Plains · ol Donyo Lodge · Shompole | 1 Nov – 19 Dec 2026 · 11 Jan – 14 Jun 2027 · 1 Nov – 19 Dec 2027 |
📋 Terms & Conditions
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚫 Exclusions | Not available at Zamara Private |
| 🔗 Combinability | Cannot be combined with any other specials |
| 💍 Marriage Certificate | Valid for guests holding a marriage certificate travelling within 6 months of the ceremony |
| 💖 Anniversary | Also valid for those celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary or any subsequent anniversary |
| 📄 Proof Required | Proof of marriage date must be supplied at time of reservation enquiry |
📊 Quick Comparison — Kenya Offers at a Glance
| Offer | Discount | Minimum Stay | Eligible Camps | Key Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏕️ Stay 4, Pay 3 | 1 free night (25%) | 4 nights | Mara Plains · Mara Nyika · Mara Expedition · Mara Toto · Shompole · ol Donyo | Not at Zamara Private |
| 🦁 Stay 8, Pay 6 | 2 free nights (25%) | 8 nights (4+4 combo) | Maasai Mara camp + ol Donyo Lodge | Not at Zamara Private |
| 💍 Honeymoon / Anniversary | 25% off accommodation | No minimum | All Great Plains camps | Not at Zamara Private · Marriage certificate required |
🌿 A Deep Commitment to Conservation
Mara Plains Camp is guided by the philosophy of “conserving and expanding natural habitats.” The camp is built on a low environmental footprint, seamlessly blending into its surroundings.
| Partner Initiative | Focus |
|---|---|
| 🦁 Mara Predator Project | Vital wildlife monitoring |
| 🐆 Mara Cheetah Project | Critical scientific research |
Your stay contributes directly to critical scientific research.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 🏢 Who manages Mara Plains Camp? | Owned and operated by Great Plains Conservation |
| 📍 Where exactly is Mara Plains Camp located? | Private Olare Motorogi Conservancy, on the northern boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya |
| ✈️ How can I get to the camp? | 1-hour 15-minute flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Olare Motorogi airstrip, followed by a 30-minute road transfer |
| 🦁 What types of wildlife will I see? | Famous for having the highest concentration of big cats in Africa, especially lions. Other common sightings include leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and numerous bird species |
| 🎯 What activities are available? | Morning and afternoon game drives, night drives, guided bush walks, cultural village visits, and hot air balloon safaris. A family-friendly Young Explorers Programme is also available |
🏆 Is Mara Plains Camp Worth It?
For discerning travelers seeking an unparalleled safari experience, the answer is a resounding yes. Mara Plains Camp offers a rare combination of seclusion, luxury, exceptional wildlife viewing, and a deep commitment to conservation.
| Consideration | Details |
|---|---|
| 🦁 Exclusive & Intimate | The camp’s location in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy offers an exclusive and intimate safari that the main reserve simply cannot match |
| 💎 Premium Offering | While it may come at a premium price, it truly delivers a premium offering |
| 🌟 Ultimate Destination | For those who dream of an authentic, luxurious, and transformative safari, Mara Plains Camp is the ultimate destination |
⭐ Guest Reviews
📸 [IMAGE PLACEHOLDER — Guests enjoying safari / dining under the stars]
“A Luxury Gem in the Wild”
“Our stay at Mara Plains Camp was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we arrived, we were treated to unparalleled service. The luxurious tents with their classic decor made us feel like we were on a vintage safari, yet with all the modern comforts. The game drives were amazing, with sightings of the Big Five multiple times! A must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in the ultimate safari experience.”
— Elizabeth & James
“Culinary Delights in the Serenity of Maasai Mara”
“The food at Mara Plains Camp deserves a special mention. Every meal was a culinary adventure, incorporating local flavors with gourmet finesse. Dining under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the African bush was truly magical. The chefs went above and beyond to cater to our dietary preferences, making every dish memorable.”
— The Patel Family
“Family Safari Haven”
“We brought our children aged 8 and 10 to the Mara Plains Camp, and it was a decision we’ll never regret. The Young Explorers program was both fun and educational. Our kids learned how to track animals and identify local flora. Plus, the family-friendly accommodation made our stay comfortable and worry-free. It wasn’t just a holiday; it was an invaluable learning experience for the entire family!”
— Sarah & Mike Andrews
“Solitude and Splendor at The Jahazi Suite”
“Booking The Jahazi Suite was the best decision for our honeymoon. The privacy and attention to detail in the suite allowed us to immerse ourselves in the beauty of the Mara while enjoying an exclusive and romantic getaway. The personal guide ensured we had the most intimate wildlife encounters. I can’t recommend it enough for couples seeking a once-in-a-lifetime retreat.”
— Jessica & Tom
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