Our take
Mara Plains is a small tented camp beside the Ntiakitiak River in Olare Motorogi Conservancy. Seven canvas suites, photography equipment and access to both conservancy land and the Maasai Mara National Reserve create a safari centred on wildlife and flexible guiding.
The camp occupies riverine woodland on the northern edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Raised decks and open views keep it connected to the surrounding bush, while its scale allows a personal atmosphere. The design draws on East African safari history without relying on a hotel-style layout. Conservation fees support the private Olare Motorogi landscape and its landowners, and wildlife viewing combines that quieter setting with access to the national reserve.
Gallery
A closer look at the accommodation, atmosphere and setting.
Swipe or use the arrows to explore. Select a photo to enlarge.
01
Accommodation
Mara Plains has seven canvas suites on raised wooden decks. En-suite facilities include copper baths, while broad private verandas have wood-burning stoves for cooler evenings. Discreet cooling above the bed adds comfort in warmer periods. Professional camera equipment and binoculars are provided for use during the stay. The separate two-bedroom Jahazi Suite offers an alternative arrangement for a family or small group and should be booked by its named category.
02
Food & drink
Mealtimes are shaped around guests and wildlife opportunities, making it possible to take a longer outing without missing a fixed lunch sitting. Meals are prepared by the camp team and can be served in camp or as a picnic during safari. The intimate setting lends itself to relaxed conversation over dinner, with dietary needs advised before arrival.
03
What to do
Game drives explore both Olare Motorogi Conservancy and the Maasai Mara National Reserve, with flexibility to follow wildlife activity. Photography is a particular focus, supported by cameras, lenses and binoculars available in the suites. A private vehicle and guide can be requested as a separate arrangement. Ballooning can be included at additional cost, while seasonal migration viewing depends on herd movements rather than a fixed timetable.
Planning your stay
The two-bedroom Jahazi Suite provides a dedicated family or small-group option. Family ages, occupancy and private-guiding needs should be established against the exact category booked rather than assumed from the main camp’s suite count. Child policies and age restrictions vary between activities.
Access to both private conservancy land and the national reserve is a strong practical advantage. The small camp, photographic equipment and flexible daily rhythm make the wildlife experience central, with generous tented accommodation to return to.
This is an unfenced wildlife setting, with staff escorts after dark. Ask for the exact suite category when considering Jahazi, and separate private-guiding costs from shared scheduled activities. Included transfers and park access depend on the package and route booked.
Compare the alternatives
Explore the accommodation and setting of each property before choosing your combination.
Maasai Mara
Mara Nyika is a small luxury camp in Naboisho Conservancy, with elevated canvas suites linked by raised walkways. Large private living spaces, a two-bedroom family option and the separately bookable Sambuk Suite support an unhurried, guiding-focused Mara safari.
Explore the property
Maasai Mara
Mara Expedition Camp is a small Great Plains camp in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, with five double tents and one two-bedroom family tent. Campaign-style furnishings, an interactive kitchen and an unusual swimming pool give it a distinct, informal character.
Explore the property
Maasai Mara
Mahali Mzuri is a twelve-tent camp overlooking a valley in Olare Motorogi Conservancy. Contemporary interiors, a pool and spa complement a safari centred on resident wildlife, with private conservancy access and optional visits into the wider Maasai Mara.
Explore the propertyMake it part of a journey
Give Mara Plains several nights if photography and unhurried wildlife viewing are priorities. It can provide the main Mara element after Laikipia or before a coastal stay. Two different Mara camps should only be combined when their locations or guiding arrangements add clear value to the journey.
These journeys are starting points. We adapt the route, accommodation and length of stay around your plans.
Explore Maasai Mara or read our Kenya seasonal guide.
Your questions
Mara Plains has seven canvas suites on raised wooden decks. En-suite facilities include copper baths, while broad private verandas have wood-burning stoves for cooler evenings. Discreet cooling above the bed adds comfort in warmer periods. Professional camera equipment and binoculars are provided for use during the stay. The separate two-bedroom Jahazi Suite offers an alternative arrangement for a family or small group and should be booked by its named category.
Game drives explore both Olare Motorogi Conservancy and the Maasai Mara National Reserve, with flexibility to follow wildlife activity. Photography is a particular focus, supported by cameras, lenses and binoculars available in the suites. A private vehicle and guide can be requested as a separate arrangement. Ballooning can be included at additional cost, while seasonal migration viewing depends on herd movements rather than a fixed timetable.
The two-bedroom Jahazi Suite provides a dedicated family or small-group option. Family ages, occupancy and private-guiding needs should be established against the exact category booked rather than assumed from the main camp’s suite count. Child policies and age restrictions vary between activities.
Give Mara Plains several nights if photography and unhurried wildlife viewing are priorities. It can provide the main Mara element after Laikipia or before a coastal stay. Two different Mara camps should only be combined when their locations or guiding arrangements add clear value to the journey.
Tailor-made Kenya
We will explain how it compares with the alternatives and whether it fits your preferred dates, route and pace.
Start planning