lodge
Mara Intrepids

Mara Intrepids

Remote and untamed wilderness camp near the BBC’s Big Cat Diary location
Masai MaraKenya· 30 Rooms · $$$

located in the Mara Confluence sector of the Masai Mara

In a well-known leopard spotting area, close to the famous Mara River that’s crossed during the great migration.

Location: Mara Intrepids enjoys a prime position inside Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, right on the banks of the Talek River. This central location places the camp close to some of the reserve’s richest game-viewing areas, including the key Mara River crossing points during the Great Migration. It’s an ideal base for those wanting front-row access to the action, with the added bonus of beautiful river views, daily wildlife right on your doorstep, and direct flights to its own airstrip just a few minutes away.

Rooms: The camp offers 30 classic safari tents, all raised on wooden decks and positioned to overlook the river or the surrounding savannah. Inside, the tents are spacious and well-appointed, with four-poster beds, polished wood floors, writing desks, and en suite bathrooms with hot showers and flush toilets. Though it’s a relatively large camp by Mara standards, the layout and greenery ensure a good sense of privacy, and the décor reflects a classic safari style that’s both comfortable and authentic.

Amenities: Mara Intrepids is well-equipped for families and first-time safari-goers, with a large central dining area, a swimming pool, a well-stocked bar, and a lovely riverside deck where meals and sundowners are often served. One standout feature is the Adventurers’ Club - a thoughtful programme designed specifically for children and teenagers, with fun and educational activities led by experienced naturalists. The service is warm and professional, and the camp strikes a good balance between laid-back comfort and well-run efficiency.

Activities: Game drives at Mara Intrepids take full advantage of the camp’s location in the heart of the reserve, with morning, afternoon, and evening drives offered in open-sided 4x4s. The area is famous for its predator populations, particularly big cats, and sightings are excellent year-round. Guests can also take to the skies in a hot-air balloon (at extra cost), visit nearby Maasai villages, or learn about wildlife and ecology through the camp’s guiding team. The camp is especially well suited for families, thanks to its educational focus and access to varied wildlife experiences.

Sustainability: Mara Intrepids is operated by Heritage Hotels, which runs several conservation and community support initiatives across Kenya. At this camp, there’s a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship and education - including their long-running involvement with the Mara Predator Conservation Programme. Waste is managed responsibly, and the camp draws much of its staff from surrounding communities, supporting local employment and knowledge-sharing. Their children’s programme also includes a conservation strand, helping to foster a deeper connection to Kenya’s wildlife from a young age.

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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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