Mara Plains Camp

Mara Plains Camp is a one-of-a-kind camp located in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy, just on the Maasai Mara National Reserve’s northern boundary. This intimate camp, one of Kenya’s only three Relais & Chateaux properties (other being sister properties ol Donyo Lodge and Mara Nyika Camp), blends the finest in wildlife viewing with the absolute best of safari hospitality and guiding.

Guests staying at Mara Plains Camp enjoy access to private conservancy land in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy as well as the world-renowned Maasai Mara Reserve.

Each guest at Mara Plains Camp contributes considerably to the success of the Olare Motorogi Conservancy’s flourishing ecosystem; conservation fees paid to safeguard this habitat while supporting over 1,000 Maasai families. This partnership agreement ensures the survival of an astounding volume and variety of wildlife.

The camp is nestled in a lush forest on the meandering bends of the Ntiakitiak River, with careful thought given to every detail. The camp is not an imposition on the landscape, but rather a subtle refuge among the wild. Its presence does not detract from the ecosystem’s visual beauty but incorporates it with sweeping views across the plains and careful position among the riverine forest. It is captivating on arrival.

Each of the suites has deep canvas canopied ceilings, rough-hewn wood floors and accents of East Africa’s rich safari history. Thick Lamu wood doors, deep reds, and brass accents – these small details transport guests to a time and land far away. The well-appointed en-suite facilities (including a deep copper bath) and extensive private verandah complete what is genuinely a stunning concept. These stylistic elements and thoughtful environmental elements such as solar power and no cement make Mara Plains a modern-day safari retreat.

The Jahazi Suite at Mara Plains, an intimate, two-bedroom exquisite, tented suite, is built entirely under canvas and is a perfect partner to the safari experiences at Mara Nyika Camp and ol Donyo Lodge. It is on raised, recycled railway sleeper decking and offers guests incredible views of the steady stream of wildlife parading past whilst discreetly tucked away under the tree canopy. Central to the Jahazi Suite at Mara Plains is an indoor dining area leading out to a prominent private outdoor verandah and flanked by two large bedrooms with en-suite facilities consisting of a flush loo, double basins and indoor and outdoor showers and luxurious baths. A short walkway leads off the main area to a private swimming pool. Ceiling fans in the guest’s bedroom and careful tented suite design maintain a comfortable climate for rest and relaxation. When residing at the Jahazi Suite at Mara Plains, guests automatically enjoy the services of a private safari vehicle and guide.

The Olare Motorogi Conservancy is reputed to have the lowest vehicle density in the Maasai Mara region, while also having the highest concentration of big cats anywhere in Africa. The camp is a sanctuary for resident species by day and night, including many of the Maasai Mara’s 300 bird species. After dark, larger mammals frequent the camp and Maasai warriors escort guests to and from their rooms. Hippos snorting and leopards barking often provide the night’s chorus.

But most of all, Mara Plains is a showcase for one of the world’s most magnificent wildlife havens. We believe in keeping the safari experience intimate and personal, so there is no set camp schedule or set mealtimes. The guest’s preferences wildlife opportunities of the moment tailor the day’s activities and dining arrangements. Each guest suite has a set of professional camera and lenses available to them. Add to it the pair of high-quality binoculars, and it is impossible not to see and capture the region’s incredible wildlife scenes.