A small, intimate camp in the Masai Mara
The Mara expedition camp has five traditional tents in the path of the migration
Location: Mara Expedition Camp sits tucked into a grove of riverine forest beside the Ntiakitiak River, right on the edge of Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve and the private Mara North Conservancy. It’s a wonderfully secluded setting, shaded by ebony trees and alive with birdsong, yet ideally placed for exploring both the national reserve and surrounding conservancies. The area is renowned for its exceptional big cat sightings, and during the migration season (typically July to October), it’s within reach of key river crossing points. This is classic Mara territory - wild, dynamic, and richly rewarding.
Rooms: The camp is small and intimate, with just five explorer-style tents, designed to evoke the spirit of early safari with a dash of timeless elegance. Each tent is light and spacious, with large netted windows, writing desks, campaign furniture, and rich textiles. En suite bathrooms have hot-water showers and flush loos, while the verandas provide a peaceful perch for early morning tea or wildlife-watching between game drives. It’s the kind of place that feels quietly luxurious without losing its connection to the bush - thoughtful, not flashy.
Amenities: Mara Expedition Camp is run by Great Plains Conservation, and it reflects their signature style - understated design, outstanding service, and a strong conservation ethos. Meals are fresh and creative, often enjoyed communally under the stars or in the mess tent. The camp operates off-grid, using solar power for lighting and hot water, and has a small library and lounge area for downtime. What sets it apart is the attention to detail - from the hand-stitched leather chairs to the personalised hosting - all designed to make you feel completely looked after in the heart of the wild.
Activities: Game drives here are excellent, with access to both the Masai Mara National Reserve and the quieter Mara North Conservancy, allowing for a wider range of sightings and experiences. The area is known for lion, leopard, and cheetah, as well as large elephant herds and the full supporting cast of plains game and predators. Drives are led by top-quality guides, with the option to book a photographic vehicle if that’s your focus. Walking safaris and cultural visits can also be arranged. This is a camp that appeals to seasoned safari-goers who value flexibility, freedom, and serious wildlife.
Sustainability: Mara Expedition Camp is part of Great Plains Conservation, a company built on a strong commitment to protecting Africa’s wild spaces through low-impact tourism and high-value conservation. The camp is 100% solar powered and built using reclaimed hardwoods and canvas, with minimal environmental footprint. By operating in partnership with local landowners and employing staff from nearby communities, the camp supports both livelihoods and long-term conservation goals. Staying here directly contributes to the protection of Kenya’s Masai Mara ecosystem and the wildlife that depends on it.
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Best places to stay in Masai Mara
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When to go to Kenya
Find out the best time to visit Kenya with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a great time for wildlife viewing. The landscapes are lush and green after the 'short rains' and newborn animals can been seen. It is hot, but brief afternoon or evening showers cool things down, without compromising your safari. Over on the coast the sea is clear, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling, and the days are warm and bright.
February
February is an ideal time to visit Kenya, and great for game viewing. The landscapes are green and thriving thanks to the short rains, and newborn animals will be hopping around the plains. There maybe a few afternoon showers which are welcome in the heat, and don't impact on wildlife viewing. Water clarify is excellent at the moment, which is good news for watersports enthusiasts. And if you want to spot a whale shark, now is the time to try.
March
Still a good option for wildlife viewing and diving, although with the 'long rains' just around the corner, expect wetter and hotter weather.
April
April brings the start of the 'long rains' which means game reserves and national parks become muddy and harder to drive around. Over on the coast it's hot and wet, so it isn't the best time of year to travel. Some camps and lodges close during this period.
May
The 'long rains' continue into May, making park tracks difficult to navigate in the mud, and the coast very warm and wet. There will be less accommodation choice at this time as several lodges and camps during this period.
June
June is a beautiful time of year to visit Kenya, with the rains receding to just light showers, and the long dry season not far ahead. The high grasses can sometimes make it more of a challenge to spot game, but the landscapes are lush and some animals may begin arriving early for the migration. At altitude nights can be cool, but elsewhere the temperature is pleasant.
July
July marks the beginning of the great migration into the Masai Mara, and with warm and generally dry weather, this is a great time of year to visit. Days are sunny, skies are blue and there isn't too much dust around, so it's a great time for photography.
August
The migration is now in full swing in the Masai Mara, with lots of river crossing action, so if you want to see those massive herds of wildebeest and zebra, now is the time to come. Game viewing in general is excellent and it's one of the most popular times of year to visit, so some of the main parks do become crowded. Temperatures are warm and dry.
September
Game viewing continues to be excellent, and the weather is generally dry so this is another ideal month to visit Kenya's parks. The bush is less dense and as animals gather around waterholes and rivers it makes wildlife spotting much easier.
October
October is a great time if you want to avoid the crowds and don't mind the temperature slowly starting to rise. There may be a few short showers, but game viewing remains excellent with the end of the migration, and it's a good time to holiday anywhere in Kenya.
November
November heralds the start of the 'short rains' and with hotter temperatures some camps are closed. The Mara however is still open, and despite sometimes stormy skies, game viewing is still good. Fewer crowds and lower prices make this an attractive month to visit. Over on the coast water clarify is good for snorkelling and diving.
December
The 'short rains' are bringing the landscapes back to life, and as the plains start to become green again, wildlife viewing remains good, and it's a great time for birding. Some camps are closed (mainly in the north of Kenya) but many others remain open. The showers tend to fall in the afternoons and don't impact greatly on a safari. Take advantage of reduced visitor numbers and lower prices.
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