Top 10 Safari Camps in the Masai Mara

The Masai Mara—Kenya’s most iconic safari destination—needs little introduction. Stretching across rolling savannahs, acacia-dotted plains, and winding rivers, this breathtaking reserve is where the African wild still reigns supreme. Home to the legendary Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests and zebras thunder across the plains in search of greener pastures, the Mara is one of the most dramatic wildlife theaters on Earth.

But beyond the thrill of game drives and lion sightings lies another layer of magic—the places where you rest your head after a day in the wild. The Masai Mara’s safari camps are experiences in themselves, combining comfort, intimacy, and immersion in nature. Whether you seek luxurious seclusion, eco-conscious simplicity, or authentic bush charm, there’s a camp in the Mara perfectly suited to your adventure.

Here are the top 10 safari camps in the Masai Mara, each offering something unique, yet all sharing the same heartbeat of the African wilderness.

1. Angama Mara—Where Heaven Touches Earth

Perched high on the Oloololo Escarpment, Angama Mara offers one of the most breathtaking views in Africa. The name “Angama” comes from the Swahili word “suspended in midair,” a fitting description for its floating position above the endless Mara plains.

This ultra-luxury camp redefines safari living. Each tented suite features floor-to-ceiling glass walls opening onto sweeping views of the Great Rift Valley, with private decks that invite guests to watch the sunrise in absolute tranquility. The interiors blend contemporary design with safari nostalgia—polished wooden floors, canvas walls, and handcrafted décor.

Angama is also famous as the filming location for scenes from Out of Africa, and every detail pays homage to that cinematic romance. Expect exceptional service, gourmet dining, and seamless access to wildlife experiences below the escarpment.

2. Mara Plains Camp – A Jewel of the Conservancy

Tucked away in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Mara Plains Camp offers exclusivity, elegance, and raw wilderness. With only seven canvas suites, it ensures intimate privacy and front-row access to some of the best predator sightings in Africa.

The camp’s design combines Kenyan woodwork with colonial-era charm—brass fittings, leather furnishings, and flowing drapes that open onto private verandas overlooking the savannah. What makes it extraordinary, however, is its commitment to sustainability.

Guests enjoy access not only to the Masai Mara Reserve but also to the private conservancy, where off-road driving and night safaris are allowed. Whether you’re tracking big cats or sipping sundowners by the river, Mara Plains captures the essence of wild luxury.

3. Governors’ Camp – The Classic Safari Legacy

Established in 1972, Governors’ Camp was Kenya’s first permanent tented camp inside the Masai Mara and remains one of the most authentic safari experiences available. Nestled along the meandering Mara River, it offers a blend of nostalgia and comfort that recalls the golden age of exploration.

The tents, shaded by fig trees, overlook hippos basking in the water below. Inside, plush bedding, private verandas, and en-suite bathrooms ensure that rustic charm doesn’t come at the expense of comfort.

Governors’ Camp also has a fascinating history—it was once reserved exclusively for Kenya’s colonial governors, hence the name. Today, it welcomes travelers from around the world who seek traditional safari style with impeccable hospitality and prime wildlife viewing.

4. Sand River Masai Mara – Elegance by the Water

Located on the banks of the scenic Sand River, near the Tanzanian border, this luxurious camp by Elewana Collection pays tribute to the 1920s era of grand safari expeditions. Canvas tents with vintage trunks, copper bathtubs, and Persian rugs evoke a sense of timeless adventure.

Each of the 16 tents overlooks the flowing river, where elephants, wildebeests, and giraffes often wander past. The camp’s position also means guests can witness parts of the Great Migration right from their verandas.

With gourmet dining, exceptional guiding, and romantic ambiance, Sand River is perfect for couples and honeymooners seeking both style and solitude in the heart of the Mara.

5. Little Governors’ Camp – Intimate and Wild

Accessible only by boat across the Mara River and a short walk escorted by armed rangers, Little Governors’ Camp is a haven of tranquility. Its setting, in a lush marsh frequented by elephants and warthogs, offers a truly immersive bush experience.

The camp has just 17 luxury tents arranged around a watering hole, ensuring that wildlife is always close by. Watching animals from your private deck or the open-air bar feels like being inside a living documentary.

Sustainability is at the heart of Little Governors’, which operates entirely on solar power and avoids single-use plastics. It’s ideal for travelers who want to experience close wildlife encounters while supporting eco-friendly tourism.

6. Mahali Mzuri – Richard Branson’s Safari Vision

Meaning “beautiful place” in Swahili, Mahali Mzuri is Sir Richard Branson’s award-winning safari camp, part of his Virgin Limited Edition portfolio. Located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, this 12-tent luxury camp blends futuristic architecture with natural harmony.

Each tent is a sleek, elevated pod offering panoramic views of the valley below. Inside, vibrant African fabrics meet contemporary luxury—complete with king-size beds, soaking tubs, and spacious lounges.

The camp offers top-tier amenities, including an infinity pool, spa, and fine dining with locally inspired menus. But the real magic lies in the wildlife—Olare Motorogi is home to some of the highest densities of lions in the Mara ecosystem.

7. Sala’s Camp – Where the Migration Crosses

Nestled at the confluence of the Sand and Keekorok Rivers, Sala’s Camp occupies one of the best positions in the Mara for viewing the Great Migration between June and September. Wildebeests and zebras often cross right in front of camp, offering front-row seats to nature’s greatest spectacle.

This elegant yet understated camp features luxury canvas tents with plunge pools and outdoor showers, blending intimacy with adventure. At night, you can dine under a canopy of stars, the crackling fire punctuated by distant lion roars.

Sala’s Camp is renowned for its warm, family-run atmosphere and dedication to conservation. It’s a true gem for travelers who want to witness the migration in comfort and privacy.

8. Entim Camp – The Heartbeat of the Mara

If location is everything, Entim Camp wins without question. Situated inside the Masai Mara National Reserve, just minutes from the Mara River crossings, it’s a favorite among wildlife photographers and migration enthusiasts.

The camp’s 12 river-facing tents are stylish yet unpretentious, allowing guests to feel fully immersed in nature. From your veranda, you might spot wildebeests crossing, hippos wallowing, or herds of elephants drinking at sunset.

Entim’s guiding team is exceptional, offering expertly led drives and photography safaris. It’s the perfect base for those who want to be at the very heart of the Mara action.

9. Rekero Camp – A Legacy of Guiding Excellence

Located near the famous Rekero Crossing Point on the Talek River, this Asilia Africa camp offers a quintessential Mara experience infused with history and intimacy. Rekero was founded by legendary guides who grew up in the region, and their deep connection to the land shapes every safari here.

The camp’s nine tents blend seamlessly into the bush, combining traditional canvas elegance with eco-conscious design. You can often watch river crossings from the comfort of your deck, while the campfire evenings invite storytelling under the stars.

Rekero’s strength lies in its guiding—each drive feels personal, insightful, and tailored to your interests, ensuring every guest leaves with a deeper understanding of the ecosystem.

10. Basecamp Masai Mara – Community and Conservation

For travelers seeking a balance between comfort, sustainability, and cultural immersion, Basecamp Masai Mara offers an unforgettable experience. Co-founded with the local Maasai community, this camp has pioneered eco-tourism in the region, emphasizing conservation and empowerment.

Tents overlook the Talek River and feature spacious decks, open-air bathrooms, and handcrafted décor made by local artisans. The camp’s partnership with nearby villages allows guests to engage in authentic cultural visits and tree-planting initiatives that support reforestation efforts.

Basecamp isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a philosophy of responsible travel, proving that luxury and sustainability can coexist beautifully.

The Spirit of the Masai Mara

Each of these camps offers its own take on the safari experience, but all share a common spirit—intimacy with nature, respect for culture, and love for the wild. Whether you choose the timeless elegance of Governors’, the exclusivity of Mara Plains, or the cinematic romance of Angama, your stay in the Masai Mara will be more than a vacation—it will be a memory carved into your soul.

Here, dawns break with the sound of distant roars, evenings fade into symphonies of crickets and laughter around the fire, and every sunset feels like a personal gift from the savannah. The Masai Mara doesn’t just show you wildlife—it teaches you the rhythm of life itself.

Plan Your Masai Mara Safari with Moreen Tours & Travel

The magic of the Masai Mara is best experienced with experts who know its heart and hidden corners. Moreen Tours & Travel specializes in crafting tailor-made safaris that combine luxury, adventure, and cultural immersion. Their team of professional guides ensures that every moment in the Mara is meaningful—whether you’re watching a lion hunt, floating in a hot air balloon, or sipping coffee as the sunrise paints the plains gold.

From choosing the perfect camp to organizing transfers, park permits, and exclusive game drives, Moreen Tours & Travel handles every detail with care and local expertise. With their personalized itineraries, you’ll experience the Masai Mara not just as a tourist, but as a privileged guest in Africa’s greatest wilderness.