The remarkable Maasai Mara National Reserve is exceptionally one of the most dramatic wilderness paradises that Kenya offers the world. The Maasai Mara is situated in southwestern Kenya and its fame lies mainly in the great wildebeest migration. Before taking a trip to a popular destination like the Maasai Mara National Reserve, several factors have to be put into consideration as they impact a lot more on your experience thereafter and the kind of accommodation that you will choose for your overnight stay and its location matter a lot if you are to have a memorable experience while on safari in Kenya. Note that the central part of this reserve attracts most visitors especially during wildebeest migration season; however numerous safari lodges and hotels are available for you to make a choice while the Northern sector also features a number of up market tented camps and excellent safari suite. The eastern side of the reserve lies close to Nairobi and there are equally several accommodation options for you to spend your night while on safari in Kenya. With variety of accommodation facilities at this reserve, your choice should therefore revolve around the following;
The Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Mara Serena Safari Lodge is a large, resort style lodge which is set for you to realize your dreams in this spectacular wilderness area that is filled with rolling landscapes of acacia and large herds of migrating wildebeests. This five star lodge consists of a pool complex, gym and unlike the rest of safari lodges at the reserve; the Mara Serena Safari Lodge offers the most breathtaking views of the reserve itself and the surrounding areas. It is constructed on small most stunning hill with most of its rooms offering the best views to about 2 migration crossing points. The Mara Serena Safari Lodge is situated at the heart of the Mara Triangle in the Maasai Mara National reserve and it overviews the wilderness African savanna and the Mara River. Its rooms are fully equipped with tea and coffee making facilities, mosquito nets, bathroom with shower, TV. It also consists of restaurant and fully stocked bar plus other facilities like fitness center, spa and outdoor pool. If you are interested in game drives and hot air balloon safaris, they can still be planned for you but at an extra charge.
Keekorok Lodge
Keekorok Lodge was built in 1962 which makes it the oldest safari lodge in the Mara region and the 101 modern and brightly decorated rooms with tribal arts and crafts equally make it the lovely safari lodge for you to spend a night while on safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve. The lodge is set within an 80 acre land and it features gardens and wooden boardwalk which direct visitors up to the gazebo over viewing the hippo pool. The whole area looks as if it is an expensive country club but it is not due to its size and the 4 walled rooms other than the canvas tents. Visitors who spend a night at this lodge have opportunity to enjoy lots of wildlife from the outdoor pool or the sundeck. All its luxurious rooms consist of a balcony, over viewing the garden and reserve/pool. The rooms are equipped with a ceiling fan, allergy free bedding and mosquito nets and for those who would like to enjoy traditional dishes, then the Hippo bar is the best option for you to enjoy your meal while over viewing the Lake. The Elephant deck on other hand offers the best setting for you to have a bush dinner. It also serves best for those visitors who wish to explore more about the Keekorok Nature Reserve. For those of you who come with children, there is a children’s playground for your children to engage in various activities. Besides, this lodge is conveniently located near Keekorok airstrip about 10 minutes’ drive.
Ol Moran Tented Camp
If you are looking for the most exclusive tented camp that rewards you with amazing wilderness experiences then look no further than the Ol Moran Tented Camp. The camp is set on the Ololaimutiek River banks and its safari tents feature 2 flavors, the superior are large with a wooden deck and a smart bathroom, whereas the 14 standard tents are smaller and simpler although they are all presentable. Its balcony offers the best garden views and continental breakfast is also served each morning at any of the luxury tents. You can even choose to chill around the garden or on the shared lounge area. Ol Moran Tented Camp also consists of parking space, fully stocked bar, restaurant and many other amenities.
Mara Ngenche Safari Camp
Mara Ngenche Safari Camp is set at the center of the Maasai Mara National Reserve and overviews the Mara River. It comprises of an open sided lounge bar with free Wi-Fi access and a modern African décor, 10 luxurious and well appointed tents which come with a 4 poster king size bed with a mosquito net. Each of the tents has an outside shower and an en-suite bathroom equipped with a stand alone bath. Visitors who spend a night at this camp have opportunity to enjoy their meals in the dinning rooms, continental breakfast, lunch and dinner inclusive. Interestingly, there are several exciting activities for you to enjoy especially safaris with local guides and explore more about the Maasai cultures, enjoy their dances. There is also a free private parking, internet services, gift shop, restaurant, bar, spa, massage room and others.
Sekenani Camp
This camp is located at the source of Sekenani River in Maasai Mara National Reserve. For those of you who are interested in wilderness experiences, then this is the best accommodation option for you in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Sekenani camp features about 15 tents, an outdoor pool and the best restaurant. The balcony overviews the bush, each tent features a wooden floor and an en-suite bathroom which consists of a bathtub. It also consists of front desk, ironing and laundry facilities, parking space, Wi-Fi, gift shop, garden and many others.
Mara Crossing Camp
This is an eco friendly tented camp in Musiara campsite and it is strategically situated along the Mara River banks. This luxury camp features a free Wi-Fi, full English or Irish breakfast is also offered each morning, garden, lounge, family rooms, bar, restaurant, massage room, free parking and many others. The Mara Crossing Camp is 17 minutes walk from the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the Hippo pool is found five kilometers away.
Royal Mara Safari Lodge
The Royal Mara Safari Lodge is located directly along the annual wildebeest-Great Migration path. It consists of 8 luxury en-suites and built in mahogany wood decks with private verandas.
Entim Mara camp
This is located in Talek and consists of 10 tents, free Wi-Fi and offers perfect views of the River. It lies 5 kilometers away from the main wildebeest crossing. Some of its units have seating area and English or Irish breakfast is served. This luxury tent provides a sun terrace and visitors can even chill around the garden. Entim Mara is located 6 kilometers away from the intrepid Mara Hippo Point. It also consists of garden, parking space, library, internet services, restaurant, bar, 24 hour front desk and other amenities.
Julia’s River Camp
Julia’s River Camp is a true hidden camp along the Talek River Banks and features about 3 distinct camps. The Buffalo camp-basic camp which consists of 12 dome tents, Hippo camp-luxury camp with approximately 12 savanna tents and the VIP camp which comprises of four additional large savanna tents that are perfect for honeymooners and private groups.
Maji Moto Eco Camp
The Maji Moto Eco Camp is set on the hilltop in the Loita Hills over viewing the open savanna plains in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Maji Moto is a village within Loita Hills, three hours’ drive away from Nairobi and approximately an hour drive from the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Mara Kima Tented Camp
This is situated next to Talek Gate in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. This camp features six en suite twin tents, 20 square meters away from one another. All its tents feature simple safari furniture, a veranda and thatched root. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all offered in the open dinning room. It also has fully stocked bar with soft drinks, all kinds of beers and wines.
Kichakani Camp
This classic camp lies within the big figs of the Mara and provides the best views of the Burrungat and Posee plains on its sides. It is strategically situated along the Talek River Banks near the main wildebeest crossing point. A fact that Talek River is the only physical boundary between the reserve and camp, visitors are rewarded with dramatic views of reserve’s game. Its luxurious tents comprise of en suite washrooms, twin, queen sized beds, luggage racks, floor mats and about 33 visitors can be accommodated.
Ashnil Mara camp
Ashnil Mara Camp is situated within the Maasai Mara National Reserve and consists of 40 luxury tents. It is closely situated next to the Mara River the most popular wildebeest migration point. The Ashnil Mara Camp is set along the 25 million year pre historic land. This camp consists of luxury tents, situated within the Maasai Mara National Reserve just next to the Olkeju and Mara River. The tented camps comprise of en suite bathrooms, sun deck for visitors to chill while catching a glimpse at variety of wildlife species.
Paradise Villas
The Paradise Beach Villas are set behind Bazaar shopping center Diani beach road approximately half a kilometer from Dian Barclays Bank and 900 meters from Diani beach. Its compound is electrically fenced which guarantees you with maximum security. The Paradise Villas consist of 12 independent private cottages and for those of you who are planning to spend a night at this accommodation facility, you are advised to inquire more about the monthly costs, as there are discount offers of about 10 percent especially from the 3rd week and 20 percent from the 4th week of your stay. These villas feature facilities like a fully stocked bar, restaurant, swimming pool, massage room, DSTV, TV and others.
Maisha Marefu Villa
The Maisha Marefu Villa features among the very few most comfortable and exclusive houses set for you to spend a night on while on safari in Maasai Mara. It has 3 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, ocean view room and separate dinning room. This villa lies about 50-200 meters away from Diani beach and features facilities like tropical garden, internet services, flat screen TV, L Shaped swimming pool with Jacuzzi.
Maweni Capricho Beach Cottages
These cottages are located amidst Tiwi Beach, about 20kilometers south of Mombasa. They range from 1 to 4 luxurious bedroom cottages and mainly consists of swimming pool, bar and restaurant, beach barbeques with bonfires, laundry services, salon and massage parlor, conference and board meeting facilities, internet services.
The Rainbow apartments
Rainbow Apartments are set about 30 kilometers south of Mombasa and comprises of 5 spectacularly appointed self contained residential units. They are located along the coastline, right within Diani. The Rainbow Apartments are true tropical paradise and offers the best atmosphere for one to chill and have the most enjoyable vacation especially at the Diani Beach. These apartments provide mainly self catering accommodation options making them the best area for visitors who love exotic experiences. They comprise of facilities like swimming pool, barbeque grill, TV, VCD and DVD players.
Acacia Camp
Acacia Camp Mara is located within few minutes’ drive from Ololaimutiek gate and 15 kilometers away from Sekenani gate. It is set within a 6 acre land and features acacia trees and its surrounding flora is spectacularly unique. This camp consists of 2 divisions one with about 34 permanent tents each with twin beds and private porch.
Mara Manyatta Camp
The Maasai Mara Manyatta Camp is set at Maasai Mara National Reserve and comprises of luxurious tents which are built on hard surface and covered by Makuti to avoid harsh conditions especially heat and rain. It features a double or twin beds and single occupancy can also be planned for up on visitor request. All its tents are en suites with built toilets, hot shower, mosquito nets, power sockets, electric lighting and others. A stay at this tented camp allow you to engage in activities like game viewing, visiting the Maasai village, guided nature walks and others. It can be reached within a few meters from the Oloolaimutia gate and it is 12 kilometers off the Sekenani gate.
Other accommodation facilities for your overnight stay at the Maasai Mara National Reserve include the Nyumbu camp, the Mara Buffalo Camp (Mara Wildebeest Resort), Riverside Camp, Salt Springs Mara Camp, Mara Springs Budget Camp, Mara Sidai camp, the Sunshade Tented Camp, Flamingo Camp, Mara Bush Town House, Impala Wildlife Lodge, Spurwing Camp, Rhino Tourist Tented Camp, Mara Nubian Camp, Oldarpoi Mara Camp, Mara Sun Lodge, Osero Enarau Camp, Dorobo Bush Camp, Mara River Lodge, Olarra Camp, Simba Camp, Mara House Private Guest Home, Kandili Camp, Aruba Camp a mention but a few.