Imagine a safari that feels like stepping into a bygone era of exploration, where the wilderness is untamed, the service is impeccable, and the wildlife encounters are second to none. Welcome to Mara Plains Camp, the flagship property of the renowned Great Plains Conservation and a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux group

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Who is Mara Plains Camp?

Mara Plains is not merely a place to stay; it is a benchmark for luxury safari experiences in Africa. Consistently rated as a favourite by top safari operators, this intimate tented camp is celebrated for its exceptional guiding, exquisite cuisine, and an unwavering commitment to conservation tourism . Its reputation is so distinguished that it has been included in National Geo graphic’s list of Unique Lodges of the World

Operated by Great Plains Conservation, a leader in the field of “conservation tourism,” your stay directly supports the protection of critical wildlife habitats and empowers local Maasai communities.

When you choose Mara Plains, you’re not just booking a holiday; you are participating in a model that actively preserves the natural world for future generations.

A Commitment to Conservation

Mara Plains Camp is guided by the core philosophy of “conserving and expanding natural habitats” . The camp is built on a low environmental footprint, seamlessly blending into its surroundings. It actively partners with the conservancy on vital wildlife monitoring initiatives, including the Mara Predator Project and the Mara Cheetah Project, ensuring that your safari experience contributes directly to critical scientific research and the protection of these magnificent animals

An Unbeatable Location: The Olare Motorogi Conservancy

Where is Mara Plains Camp located? The camp is nestled within the private 13,300-hectare (approximately 35,000-acre) Olare Motorogi Conservancy, on the northern boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

This prime location offers an extraordinary safari advantage.

The Exclusive Olare Motorogi Conservancy

Olare Motorogi is renowned for having the lowest vehicle density in the entire Mara region while simultaneously boasting the highest concentration of big cats anywhere in Africa . This means you can enjoy incredible sightings of lions, leopards, and cheetahs in a private, exclusive setting without the crowds often found in the main national reserve . The conservancy model, funded by tourism levies paid directly to Maasai landowners, has been instrumental in restoring predator populations and keeping vital migration corridors intact

Getting There

The camp is easily accessible by air. Guests typically take a scenic flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Olare Motorogi airstrip (flying time is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes), followed by a short 30-minute game drive to the camp

This means your safari adventure begins the moment you land.

Mara Plains Camp offers a refined and elegant retreat, tucked away in a lush forest on the meandering bends of the Ntiakitiak River . The camp is designed to evoke the spirit of a classic African safari, reminiscent of the era of Hemingway

The Suites: A Blend of Rustic Elegance and Comfort

With only a handful of suites, the camp guarantees an intimate and personalized experience for a maximum of around 14 guests . There are six luxurious tented suites, including one exclusive two-bedroom suite

• Spacious Design: Each suite is a masterpiece of design, raised on wooden platforms and wrapped in canvas. The interiors feature rough-hewn wooden floors, rich colours, plush beds, leather trim, and vintage travelling trunks that reflect East Africa’s fascinating safari history
• Luxurious Amenities: The attention to detail is extraordinary. Guests can expect high-thread-count linens and opulent en-suite bathrooms featuring a gorgeous copper bathtub perfect for a relaxing soak after a day of game drives . The water is heated using solar power, aligning with the camp’s sustainable ethos
• Unique In-Suite Extras: Mara Plains goes above and beyond to enhance your stay. Each suite is equipped with a pair of Swarovski binoculars and a professional Canon camera set, including a Canon 7D body and 100-400mm and 24-70mm lenses, for guest use throughout their stay . Yoga mats are also provided for those who wish to stay active

The Exclusive Jahazi Suite

For families or groups desiring an extra level of luxury and privacy, the two-bedroom Jahazi Suite offers a dedicated butler, vehicle, and guide, ensuring a completely personalized experience

Communal Areas and Amenities

The main camp area is a sanctuary in itself, with a stylish lounge and dining room, a well-stocked wine cellar, a library, and an outdoor dining deck . Guests can gather around the central firepit in the evenings to share stories of the day’s adventures under a canopy of stars. The camp also features a boutique and offers rejuvenating massages for those seeking ultimate relaxation

A stay at Mara Plains Camp is an adventure waiting to unfold. The camp offers a diverse range of activities, all led by expert guides passionate about the local ecosystem.

Expertly Guided Game Drives

The primary activity at Mara Plains is game viewing. Morning and afternoon game drives take you into the heart of the Olare Motorogi Conservancy and can also venture into the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the Mara North Conservancy . The camp’s safari vehicles are custom-built for the ultimate safari experience. These open-sided Toyota Land Cruisers are equipped with fold-down screens, raised roofs, photographic bars, and multi-plug inverters, making them perfect for capturing stunning images . With a maximum of four to six guests per vehicle, you are guaranteed a personalized experience. Your guide will track the incredible wildlife, and with the highest density of big cats on the continent, sightings of lions, leopards, and cheetahs are almost guaranteed . You’ll also cross paths with plenty of buffalo, elephant, giraffe, hippo, eland, and zebra

• Witness the Great Migration:From July to October each year, the Maasai Mara becomes the stage for one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth: the Great Migration. Millions of wildebeest and zebras thunder across the plains, and from its prime location, Mara Plains Camp offers guests a front-row seat to this incredible event
• Night Drives:One of the unique advantages of staying in a private conservancy is the ability to conduct night drives, a rarity in national parks. These excursions offer a chance to spot elusive nocturnal animals and perhaps even witness a lion or hyena hunt under the cover of darkness
• Bush Walks and Nature Exploration:For a different perspective, guests can embark on a guided bush walk. This is an opportunity to connect with nature on a more intimate level, learning about the smaller wonders of the savannah
• Cultural Experiences:A visit to a traditional Maasai village is a deeply enriching experience. It allows guests to gain insight into the centuries-old customs and way of life of the Maasai people. The camp also supports the Naboisho Women’s Group, where you can purchase authentic beaded and leather crafts, directly empowering local women
• Hot Air Balloon Safaris:For an unforgettable experience, add a hot air balloon safari to your itinerary (at an additional cost). You’ll rise with the sun, floating silently over the sprawling plains as the wildlife awakens below. The adventure is typically capped with a delicious champagne bush breakfast in the heart of the savannah
• Family-Friendly Fun: The Young Explorers Programme:Mara Plains Camp welcomes children aged six and up and offers the Young Explorers Programme. On arrival, each child receives an activity pack with interesting information, including animal tracks, Swahili vocabulary, facts on flora, fauna, and stars, and a safari journal. Guides tailor activities to ensure an engaging and educational experience for the whole family

Mara Plains Camp Rates in US$

Guest Suites (Per Person Per Night)

Board	Mid Season	Low Season	High Seasons
Adult Sharing	2,320	1,745	3,405
Single Supplement*	1,160	873	1,702
Child (6–15 yrs)	1,160	873	1,702
Jahazi Suite (Per night exclusive use)	11,135	8,375	16,345

Seasons

• Low:-01 Apr – 14 Jun 2026 & 01 Oct – 19 Dec 2026
• Mid:-11 Jan – 31 Mar 2026
• High:-15 Jun – 30 Sep 2026 & 20 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027

Additional Charges:

• Pilot/Guide rate: $365 per night
• Private vehicle rate: $980 per vehicle per night
• Great Plains Foundation Conservation & Community Contribution: $100 per person per night

other remarkable properties by Great Plains Conservation. Your next adventure awaits!

Includes

• Luxury accommodation
• All meals and selected premium beverages
• Scheduled game drives and activities (camp-specific)
• Park & conservancy fees (where applicable)
• Laundry service
• Scheduled airstrip transfers
• Emergency medical evacuation contribution
• Professional guide & shared safari vehicle

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Excludes

• Great Plains Foundation Conservation Levy (USD 100 per person per night)
• Spa treatments
• Hot air balloon safaris
• Private vehicle hire (unless stated)
• Gratuities
• International & regional flights
• Travel insurance

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Child Policy

• Minimum age: 6 years
• Child rates apply to ages 6–15
• Children 16+ pay adult rates
• Family & private suites have specific occupancy rules
• Certain activities may have age restrictio

Great Plains Conservation – Kenya Camps Special Offers (2026)

Validity:11 January 2026 – 10 January 2027

Special Offers (Kenya)

• Stay 4 / Pay 3: Applicable at Mara Nyika Camp, Mara Expedition Camp, Mara Toto Tree Camp, on 11 January – 14 June 2026,01 October – 19 December 2026
• Stay 4 / Pay 3: Applicable at:Mara Plains Camp on 11 January – 14 June 2026,and01 November – 19 December 2026
• Stay 8 / Pay 6: Combine 4 nights in the Mara with 4 nights at ol Donyo Lodge.
• Honeymoon / Renew Your Vows: 25% off during Low & Mid seasons.

An Unmatched Gastronomic Journey

Dining at Mara Plains is an experience in itself. The camp prides itself on its exceptional cuisine, which is frequently lauded by guests in reviews . All meals are included in your stay, and the chefs are skilled at preparing gourmet dishes that cater to various dietary preferences. Meals can be enjoyed in the elegant indoor dining area, on the verandah overlooking the bush, or as a spectacular bush breakfast or dinner in the wild

Frequently Asked Questions

Who manages Mara Plains Camp?
Mara Plains Camp is owned and operated by Great Plains Conservation, a company known for its top-quality safari camps and lodges across Africa

Where exactly is Mara Plains Camp located?
It is located in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy, on the northern boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya

How can I get to the camp?
The camp is accessible via a 1-hour 15-minute flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Olare Motorogi airstrip, followed by a 30-minute road transfer in a private safari vehicle

What types of wildlife will I see around the camp?
The area is 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 at the camp?
Activities include 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

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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. Reviews from guests consistently highlight the outstanding service, exquisite cuisine, luxurious accommodations, and the incredible game-viewing opportunities

The camp’s location in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy offers an exclusive and intimate safari that the main reserve simply cannot match. While it may come at a premium price, it truly delivers a premium offering. For those who dream of an authentic, luxurious, and transformative safari, Mara Plains Camp is the ultimate destination.