Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts
In a great position, this camp offers very natural and relaxed hosting
Location: Porini Lion Camp is nestled in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, a private wildlife area adjoining the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. This location offers a truly exclusive safari experience, away from the crowds that often gather inside the park itself. The conservancy’s vast open plains and acacia woodlands provide excellent lion sightings - hence the camp’s name - as well as opportunities to see a broad range of other wildlife in a more intimate, natural setting. The views are classic East African savannah, with wide horizons and that iconic Mara sky stretching above.
Rooms: The camp consists of just 12 spacious tents, each designed to blend seamlessly with the environment. These luxury tents have comfortable beds, private bathrooms with hot showers, and outdoor decks that look out onto the bush. The interiors are stylish but understated, focusing on natural materials and earthy tones to keep the feel authentic and connected to the surroundings. The tents are raised slightly above the ground, offering privacy and great vantage points for wildlife watching right from your doorstep.
Amenities: Porini Lion Camp embraces a simple yet refined approach to guest comfort. There’s a central mess tent for dining and relaxation, and evenings are often spent around the campfire sharing stories under the stars. Meals are hearty and freshly prepared, often incorporating local ingredients. The camp has reliable solar power and provides clean drinking water, all while maintaining a low environmental footprint. The staff are deeply knowledgeable and passionate, offering genuinely warm hospitality that enhances the overall experience.
Activities: Game drives within the conservancy focus on lions and their prides, as well as tracking other iconic Mara species such as elephants, cheetahs, and buffalo. Because the conservancy operates under a strict ‘no more than two vehicles per sighting’ policy, sightings feel private and unhurried. Walking safaris and night drives add another dimension, allowing guests to connect with the landscape on foot and discover nocturnal wildlife. Birdwatching is excellent here too, with over 400 species recorded. This is an ideal camp for those who want an immersive, authentic Kenyan safari experience.
Sustainability: Porini Lion Camp is part of the Porini network, which is at the forefront of community-led conservation in Kenya. The camp is fully solar powered and carefully manages its water and waste. Importantly, it exists within a community-owned conservancy that benefits the Maasai people through tourism revenue and employment, helping to secure land for wildlife and support local livelihoods. Staying here means contributing directly to the protection of key wildlife corridors and the long-term sustainability of the region’s ecosystems.
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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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