Mara Plains Camp
Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Kenya
An intimate Great Plains Conservation camp on the forested banks of the Ntiakitiak River with the highest big cat concentration in Africa and access to both the private conservancy and the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Location
Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Greater Maasai Mara, Kenya
Camp Style
Luxury tented, intimate
Best For
Big cats, Great Migration, photography, exclusivity
Accommodation
5 canvas suites · 1 two bedroom Jahazi Suite
Season
Year-round; Great Migration July–October
Our Take
Why We Recommend Mara Plains
Our Take
Why We Recommend Mara Plains
The Olare Motorogi Conservancy allows only five camps within its borders. Mara Plains is the reason you’d choose this conservancy over any other in the Mara ecosystem. The lowest vehicle density in the greater Maasai Mara region, the highest big cat concentration in Africa, and access to both the conservancy and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in a single stay there are very few places on the continent that can offer that combination.
What sets it apart from the camps we’ve seen at similar price points is the design. Dark wooden floors, copper bathtubs, Lamu wood doors and sweeping canvas verandahs it’s not trying to be a hotel in the bush. It feels entirely of the place.
- Lowest vehicle density of any conservancy in the greater Maasai Mara
- Highest concentration of big cats anywhere in Africa
- Access to both Olare Motorogi Conservancy and the Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Off-road driving and night drives permitted not allowed in the reserve
- Five suites only no camps feel less crowded than this in the Mara
- Relais & Châteaux member Great Plains Conservation flagship Mara camp
- Personally visited and recommended by Pranav & Anita
Camp Experience
A First Night That Doesn't Feel Like a Layover
The Camp
Canvas, Copper and a Footbridge Over the River
Five canvas suites + 1 two-bedroom Jahazi Suite are suspended on wooden decks above the forest floor, spread evenly on either side of the camp’s signature footbridge over the Ntiakitiak River. Arrival is by escort across the bridge to the main lounge a first impression that sets the tone for everything that follows. Interiors carry Great Plains’ signature design: copper bathtubs, rich red carpets, dark timber and canvas that catches the morning light. The main area opens to an outdoor dining deck, a fire pit, a wine room and a library. Hippos inhabit the river; raised walkways are not decorative
The Setting
Where the Conservancy Meets the Reserve
The Olare Motorogi Conservancy covers 13,300 hectares on the northern boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Only five camps are permitted within its borders by agreement which is why the plains here feel uncrowded even in August. Mara Plains sits on the conservancy’s southern edge, directly on the reserve boundary, giving guests reach into both ecosystems on a single game drive. The Ntiakitiak River runs alongside camp, lined with riverine forest that thins quickly into open grassland exactly the habitat that keeps the big cats resident year-round.
Firsthand
Our Firsthand Experience
Firsthand
Our Firsthand Experience
We took a direct flight from Wilson Airport to the conservancy airstrip, arriving around 11am. The footbridge greeting is one of those small touches that lands well — it signals immediately that this is a different kind of camp arrival.
Our suite was reached along a raised walkway, which we quickly understood was practical rather than scenic hippos graze the river banks after dark. The main lounge sweeps over the conservancy with the kind of view that makes it genuinely hard to leave for a game drive.
The big cat sightings were not as prolific as we’d hoped, but the conservancy delivered in other ways. A hot air balloon over the Mara at dawn, a private champagne breakfast by the river bend, a young giraffe watched over two days and then the news the following morning that a local lion pride had taken it. The circle of life doesn’t announce itself. The staff are among the most caring we’ve encountered at any Great Plains property, and the meals were genuinely good. We recommend requesting a top tier guide to fully unlock what the conservancy offers on the vehicle.
Pranav & Anita
Founders, Travel Africa & More
Accommodation
Stay at The Mara Plains
Five canvas suites and one private two bedroom suite, all set on raised wooden decks along the Ntiakitiak River.
Canvas Suite
The core room type at Mara Plains canvas walls, copper bathtub, dark timber floors and a private veranda looking directly over the conservancy. Spacious, thoughtfully designed.
Private veranda · Copper bathtub · Dark timber floors · En-suite bathroom
The Jahazi Suite
A standalone two bedroom suite with a private plunge pool, dedicated safari vehicle and private guide. No fixed schedule, no shared drives every hour of the day built around your group’s preferences.
Two en-suite bedrooms · Private pool · Dedicated vehicle & guide · Exclusive use
Family Suite
Two connecting canvas suites sharing a veranda, suited to families or two couples travelling together. Children eight years and older are welcome at Mara Plains.
Connecting suites · Shared veranda · Children 8+ welcome
Safari Experiences
What You Can Actually Do Here
The conservancy’s rules open up activities that the Maasai Mara National Reserve does not permit off-road tracking, night drives and walking safaris. Combined with reserve access, the result is one of the most complete game-viewing programmes available in Kenya.
Game Drives
Night Drives
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Walking Safari
Photography
Maasai Cultural Visits
Game Drives
Morning and evening drives into both the Olare Motorogi Conservancy and the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Off-road tracking permitted in the conservancy so a lion sighting is followed, not watched from a distance. One full day in the reserve is included per stay.
Night Drives
Permitted within the conservancy after dark. Leopard, hyena, aardvark, genet and other nocturnal wildlife inaccessible during daylight drives. One of the strongest arguments for choosing a conservancy camp over a reserve property.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
A sunrise balloon flight over the Mara, drifting south toward the plains. Ends with a champagne breakfast or, as we did, a private breakfast beside the river bend. Booked in advance and charged separately from the rate.
Walking Safari
Guided walks through the conservancy’s forest and grassland with an armed ranger. A closer perspective on the landscape tracks, birdlife and detail that a vehicle moves past without stopping.
Photography
Canon camera bodies with 100–400mm and 24–70mm lenses are available per suite for use during your stay. The conservancy’s low vehicle density and off-road access make this one of the strongest photographic bases in the Mara.
Maasai Cultural Visits
Guided visits to neighbouring Maasai communities, covering traditions, crafts and daily life. Arranged through the camp and charged separately.
Wildlife
Wildlife You May Encounter
Olare Motorogi Conservancy offers excellent year-round wildlife viewing, with particularly rewarding predator sightings. Lion, leopard and cheetah are among the highlights, alongside elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and a wide variety of plains game. Hippos, hyenas and other nocturnal species may also be encountered, while the wider conservancy supports more than 300 bird species.
Lion
Leopard
Cheetah
Elephant
Giraffe
Buffalo
Conservation
More Than a Safari
Mara Plains operates within the Olare Motorogi Conservancy on land leased from Maasai landowners, with lease fees providing direct income to the community as an incentive for wildlife conservation over alternative land use. Conservation fees are included in the rate and support over 1,000 community members across the conservancy. The camp participates in Pack for a Purpose guests are invited to bring school supplies for a local Maasai school, using otherwise empty luggage space. A mandatory Great Plains Foundation conservation levy is charged nightly, funding ongoing conservation programmes across the Greater Mara ecosystem. Mara Plains is fully solar-powered.
Getting There
Location & Access
Getting There
Location & Access
Nearest airstrip
Olare Motorogi / Ol Kiombo Airstrip
Flight time
45 minutes from Nairobi Wilson Airport
Transfer to camp
45 minutes by road from airstrip
Return transfers
Included in the rate
By road
5–6 hours from Nairobi; 4x4 required
Access
Open all year
Best Time to Visit
Seasons at Mara Plains
January – March
Warm and dry, with short green grass and excellent wildlife visibility. The conservancy is quieter than during the peak migration season, offering rewarding game viewing with fewer vehicles.
April – May
Long rains. Lush landscape and dramatically reduced guest numbers. Some camps close; Mara Plains remains open. Best rates of the year.
June – October
Dry season and the Great Migration’s northern push into Kenya. Peak big cat activity, the busiest period, and the highest demand for the conservancy’s limited beds.
November – December
Short rains clear quickly. Green plains, strong resident game, good value and far fewer vehicles than the July–October peak.
Our Recommendation
July to October for the migration and peak big cat activity. January to March for excellent wildlife viewing and a quieter safari experience with fewer vehicles. The conservancy delivers year-round. The question is what you want most from your stay.
Rates
Indicative 2027 Rates
Starting from USD 1745 ( PPPN )
Fully inclusive of accommodation, all meals, scheduled game drives in the conservancy and one day in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, all conservation fees, laundry, return airstrip transfers and all beverages including premium spirits and champagne.
Excludes: Great Plains Foundation conservation levy, hot air balloon, spa treatments and certain cultural experiences.
Travel Africa & More
Our Take
What We Love
The location is the standout. Mara Plains sits in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve, giving guests easy access to the Reserve while retaining the advantages of a private conservancy — limited off-road driving for select wildlife sightings, night game drives, walking safaris and bush meals.
What To Know
Photographers, serious wildlife watchers, and travellers seeking a luxury setting in the African bush with an exclusive feel and exceptional service from one of Africa’s leading luxury safari operators. It’s also a strong choice for families, with the Young Explorers Programme adding a dedicated experience for children.
Who We'd Send Here
Photographers, serious wildlife watchers, and anyone for whom the Great Migration is the primary purpose of a Kenya safari. Couples and small groups who want the Mara experience without sharing it with forty vehicles. Families with children eight and older, particularly those interested in the Young Explorers Programme.
How Long We'd Stay
Three nights gives the perfect balance to experience the camp, enjoy rewarding game drives, and make time for other activities such as a walking safari or hot-air ballooning without feeling rushed.
Also Consider
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Questions
Before You Ask
The six things travellers ask us most about Mara Plains.
1. Is Mara Plains suitable for families?
Yes, for families with children eight years and older. The Jahazi Suite with its private vehicle and guide is the best option for families who want flexibility in timing and activity.
2. How many nights should we stay?
Three nights works well.
3. Can we do night drives from Mara Plains?
Yes night drives are permitted within the Olare Motorogi Conservancy because it is private land. They are not permitted within the Maasai Mara National Reserve. This is one of the clearest reasons to choose a conservancy camp over a reserve property in the Mara.
4. Is the Great Migration visible from camp?
The Great Migration typically moves through the greater Mara ecosystem from approximately July to October, although timing varies each year depending on rainfall and herd movements. Reserve access is included in the rate, with river crossings reachable by game drive. The conservancy also offers excellent resident wildlife viewing year-round, regardless of migration timing.
5. Is hot air balloon included in the rate?
No, hot air ballooning is charged separately and should be booked in advance. We recommend an early morning flight to experience the sunrise over the Mara from the balloon, followed by a game drive.
6. How do we get there?
A 45-minute flight from Nairobi Wilson Airport to the Olare Motorogi or Ol Kiombo airstrip, followed by a 45 minute road transfer to camp. Return airstrip transfers are included in the rate.
Could This Be Your Africa?
Tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll tell you honestly whether Mara Plains Camp belongs in your journey.
