7 Types Of Accommodation In Maasai Mara

The Maasai Mara national reserve is the most iconic wild life spot in the world, drawing thousands of visitors each year with its breath taking and rich land scapes and the experience of the Great Migration. When planning a trip to this remarkable place, where you stay is key. The Maasai Mara offers a wide range of stay options to suit various budgets and likes. In this guide, we will explore the different types of stays available in Maasai Mara, helping you make an informed choice for your safari adventure.

1) Luxury lodges Maasai Mara

For those seeking a rich experience, luxury lodges in Maasai Mara provide the perfect blend of comfort and nature. These lodges often feature large rooms with bathrooms, private patio, and pretty views of the land scapes. Many luxury lodges come with swimming pools, spas, and fine dining restaurants, offering a calm retreat after a day.

Top luxury lodges in Maasai Mara

1. 1. Mara Serena Safari lodge: Situated on a hilltop with views of the Mara River, this lodge is known for its exceptional service and dining options. Guests can enjoy game drives, hot air balloon safaris, and visits to Maasai villages.
   2. Angama Mara: Inspired by the iconic Out of Africa, Angama Mara offers luxury tented hotel with breath taking views of the Great Rift Valley. Its dining and bespoke safari experiences make it a top choice for visitors.
   3. Elewana Sand River Masai Mara: Nestled along the Sand River, this lodge blends rich tented stays with access to wild life. With luxury service and gourmet meals, it ensures a good stay.

2) Tented camps

Tented camps in Maasai Mara offer a unique experience that blends the thrill of camping with the comforts of a hotel. These camps feature big canvas tents with comfortable beds and bathrooms. Tented camps often have a common dining area where guests can share their safari experiences over meals.

Why choose tented camps?

Tented camps are perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying a bit of luxury. Many of these camps are located in prime wild life viewing areas, so guests to wake up to the sounds of t he plains. They often provide a more close experience with fewer guests.

Popular tented camps in Maasai Mara

1. 1. Kichwa Tembo tented camp: Located near the Mara River, this camp offers pretty views and easy access to wild life. Guests can enjoy guided game drives and night safaris, along with fine dining under the stars.
   2. Mara Expeditions camp: This camp focuses on comfort and style. With luxury service and a range of activities, including walking safaris, it appeals to all guests.
   3. Cottar’s 1920s camp: With a rich history and a vintage safari theme, Cottar’s Camp offers a real experience. The camp is set in a place for private game viewing chances.

3) Mid-range lodges

For guests seeking a balance between luxury and budget, these lodges in Maasai Mara provide comfortable accommodations with essential amenities. These lodges often feature well-appointed rooms, dining facilities, and guided safari experiences, making them a great choice for families and couples.

Features of mid-range lodges

Mid-range lodges typically offer spacious rooms, often with en-suite bathrooms and private balconies. Guests can enjoy communal areas for socializing, as well as organized activities such as game drives and cultural tours. The atmosphere is usually welcoming and family-friendly.

Notable mid-range lodges in Maasai Mara

1. 1. Sarova Mara Game camp: This camp is known for its lush gardens and serene ambiance. It offers spacious tents, a swimming pool, and a range of safari activities, ensuring a well-rounded experience.
   2. Olumara Tented camp: Located on the edge of the Maasai Mara, Olumara provides comfortable accommodations and a friendly atmosphere. Guests can partake in morning and evening game drives, as well as cultural visits.
   3. Mara Leisure camp: Set along the banks of the Talek River, this camp combines comfort with stunning scenery. Guests can enjoy river views from their tents and access to various safari experiences.

4) Budget accommodation

Traveling on a budget does not mean sacrificing the safari experience. Maasai Mara has numerous budget accommodations, including guesthouses and basic campsites, making it accessible for backpackers and those looking to save.

Benefits of budget accommodation

Budget accommodations often provide a more authentic experience, allowing travelers to connect with fellow adventurers. These options typically offer basic amenities, communal areas for dining, and organised activities, ensuring that guests can still enjoy the wonders of Maasai Mara without breaking the bank.

Recommended budget options in Maasai Mara

1. 1. Enchoro wildlife camp: This budget-friendly camp offers simple yet comfortable accommodations, with options for both camping and tented lodging. It provides access to various safari activities at competitive rates.
   2. Mara river lodge: Located near the Talek River, this lodge offers affordable rooms with essential amenities. Guests can enjoy guided game drives and explore the surrounding area without straining their wallets.
   3. Mara bush camp: A small, intimate camp that focuses on providing an authentic experience, Mara Bush Camp offers budget accommodations with a personal touch. The camp is eco-friendly and aims to provide a sustainable safari experience.

5) Eco-friendly lodges

As eco-tourism gains traction, many accommodations in Maasai Mara are prioritizing sustainability and environmental conservation. Eco-friendly lodges and camps use renewable energy sources, implement waste reduction practices, and engage in local community initiatives.

Why choose eco-friendly accommodation?

Staying in an eco-friendly lodge allows travelers to enjoy their safari while minimizing their impact on the environment. These accommodations often provide educational experiences, helping guests learn about conservation efforts and the importance of protecting wildlife.

Leading eco-friendly lodges in Maasai Mara

1. 1. Basecamp Maasai Mara: This camp emphasises sustainable tourism and community engagement. It offers comfortable accommodations and eco-friendly practices while providing unique safari experiences.
   2. Kicheche Bush camp: Set in a private conservancy, Kicheche Bush Camp focuses on responsible tourism. With spacious tents and a commitment to conservation, it provides a fantastic base for exploring the Maasai Mara.
   3. Rekero camp: Nestled along the banks of the Mara River, Rekero Camp combines comfort with a commitment to sustainability. The camp supports local communities and offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.

6) Family-friendly accommodations

Traveling with family? Maasai Mara offers several accommodations that cater specifically to families, ensuring everyone has a memorable experience. Family-friendly lodges provide spacious rooms, activities for children, and guided safari experiences tailored to all ages.

Features of family-friendly lodges

These accommodations typically offer amenities such as swimming pools, family rooms, and organized activities for children. They often provide special packages for families, making it easier to plan your safari adventure together.

Top family-friendly lodges in Maasai Mara

1. 1. Mara Sopa lodge: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Mara Sopa Lodge offers spacious accommodations and a variety of activities for kids, ensuring a fun-filled safari experience for the entire family.
   2. Keekorok lodge: Located at the entrance of the Maasai Mara, Keekorok Lodge provides family rooms and a range of activities suitable for children. Its proximity to wildlife makes it an ideal choice for families.
   3. Tented Safari camp: Many tented camps offer family-oriented services, providing spacious tents and family packages that include meals and guided activities tailored to young explorers.

7) Unique accommodation experiences

For those looking to step outside the traditional safari experience, Maasai Mara offers unique accommodations that provide extraordinary experiences. From treehouses to luxury mobile camps, these options allow travelers to enjoy a different perspective on the African wilderness.

Types of unique accommodations

1. 1. Treehouses: Some lodges offer treehouse accommodations, providing a unique vantage point to observe wildlife from above. Waking up to the sounds of the bush from a treehouse is an unforgettable experience.
   2. Mobile safari camps: For adventurous travellers, mobile safari camps follow the migration patterns, allowing guests to experience wildlife in different areas of the Maasai Mara. These camps offer comfort in remote locations, giving a true sense of adventure.
   3. Private villas: Exclusive private villas in the Maasai Mara provide a luxurious escape with personalised services, private chefs, and dedicated safari guides, perfect for those seeking a more personalised experience.

Range of Mara accommodations

Maasai Mara is not just a wildlife paradise. It also offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs and preferences. From luxury lodges and tented camps to budget-friendly options and eco-friendly lodges, the choices are abundant. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or as part of a group, the right accommodation can enhance your safari experience, providing comfort and unique perspectives on this incredible land scape.

As you plan your journey to Maasai Mara, consider the various stay types available. Each option presents its own charm and benefits, to make sure that your stay in this breath taking reserve is nothing short of extraordinary. With the right base, you can fully immerse yourself in the wonders of the Maasai Mara, creating memories that will last a lifetime.