A small lodge in a prime position in the Mara Reserve
A marvellous combination of romance, adventure, discovery and exploration
Location: Mara Plains Camp is located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, a private and exclusive area adjacent to Kenya’s famous Masai Mara National Reserve. This positioning offers guests the best of both worlds: spectacular wildlife viewing with fewer crowds and the freedom to explore off-road and at different times of day, including night drives. The conservancy’s vast open plains, dotted with acacia and riverine forests, provide a classic East African safari backdrop, and the camp overlooks the Mara River, placing you right at the heart of Kenya’s iconic wilderness.
Rooms: The camp comprises 12 spacious, stylish tents set on raised wooden decks with sweeping views over the plains and river. Each tent is thoughtfully designed with floor-to-ceiling glass walls to maximise natural light and wildlife sightings from the comfort of your bed. Inside, you’ll find a blend of contemporary luxury and classic safari touches: king-size beds, generous en suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, and a private veranda for relaxing with a drink as you watch elephants or giraffes pass by. Mara Plains strikes the perfect balance between understated elegance and authentic safari spirit.
Amenities: Mara Plains offers a relaxed yet refined safari experience, with communal areas designed for comfort and connection. The main mess includes an open lounge, dining area, and a small library, all with panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. The camp also features a beautiful infinity pool that seems to merge with the horizon, creating an idyllic spot for downtime. Dining here is a highlight - locally inspired menus emphasising fresh, seasonal ingredients served in the dining tent or out under the stars. The service is discreet but attentive, adding to the overall feeling of seamless hospitality.
Activities: Game viewing at Mara Plains is exceptional, thanks to the camp’s privileged access to the conservancy’s unrestricted terrain. Expert guides and trackers take guests on morning and afternoon game drives, offering outstanding chances to spot the Big Five, prides of lion, elusive leopards, and large herds of elephants. Walking safaris are also available, giving a closer look at the flora, smaller creatures, and tracking techniques. The conservancy’s location means guests often enjoy sightings without the crowds typical of the main reserve. For bird lovers and photographers, the diversity here is a real bonus.
Sustainability: Mara Plains is owned and managed by Great Plains Conservation, a pioneer in sustainable safari tourism. The camp operates entirely on solar power, with environmentally sensitive construction and waste management practices. Crucially, it supports local Maasai communities through employment, education, and conservation partnerships that protect wildlife corridors and habitats. Guests contribute directly to these efforts, making a stay here not just a safari but a positive force for Kenya’s natural heritage and the people who depend on it.
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Best places to stay in Masai Mara
Masai Mara Trip Inspiration
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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