The Camp

Location: Olare Motorogi Private Conservancy, Maasai Mara, Kenya
Number of Tents: 7

Mara Plains Camp, completely upgraded in 2013, is a small, luxurious wilderness retreat in the 35,000-acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy, a private concession on the edge of Kenya’s legendary Maasai Mara. Set among shady trees edging the Ntiakatek River, the camp is centered around open-air marquis-style tents. The octagonal canvas rooms on raised decks open on three sides to the outdoors. Floor-to-ceiling net walls and marquis ceiling lend a light, airy atmosphere. Rooms have a separate dressing area and en suite bathrooms with double basin vanity, flush toilet and shower. Private verandas have plush seating and magnificent views over the sprawling plains. Common areas include two warmly furnished lounges, a small library and writing area, and a main dining room with a grand wood table and chandelier. Unwind between nature drives in the cool shade along the river, enjoy sundowner cocktails under the acacia trees, and savor superb meals in private dining areas under a canopy of stars.

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Facilities & Amenities

• En suite bathroom with tub and shower
• Soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotion
• Room fan
• 240v charging outlets in room
• In-room safe
• Canon digital SLR camera kits provided for guest use
• Swarovski binoculars provided for guest use
• Yoga mats and bands provided for guest use
• Wi-Fi in guest tents
• Laundry included
• Local drinks included (house alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)
• Credit cards accepted (Visa and MasterCard)
• No air conditioning, hair dryer or telephone

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Wildlife Viewing & Activities

Olare Motorogi Conservancy, a strategic buffer zone for the Maasai Mara National Reserve and wildlife migration corridors, offers some of Kenya’s most outstanding wildlife viewing. Mara Plains is one of just five camps in the conservancy, with the lowest visitor density in the region, only one guest bed per 350 acres. Typically guests have a quick bite and head out at first light, when large predators are at their most active. The camp offers day and night wildlife drives in open Land Cruisers seating just 4-5 passengers each, guided safari walks and bird watching along the river as guides help identify trees and local plant species. In the late afternoon, as the sun wanes, twilight safari drives may reveal lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena and wildebeest sprinting across the plains. Camp guests also have access to the Maasai Mara National Reserve and newly formed Mara North Conservancy—80,000 acres of prime, unspoiled wildlife terrain. Hot-air Balloon rides and cultural visits to local Maasai villages are also available.

The Maasai Mara is home to an abundance of resident wildlife year-round. The great migration of nearly two million wildebeest and zebra is at its peak between late July and early October, while the local Loita wildebeest migration typically arrives in June. Other typical sightings may include a number of antelopes, endemic birds and reptiles. Exact sightings will depend on rain patterns and wildlife movements.

Click here to view our Great Migration Map

Climate

Conservation

Mara Plains Camp is located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, which acts as a buffer zone for the Maasai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya. The Conservancy is based and run on a low-impact but high-yield model of conservation, and Mara Plains Camp upholds the highest standards of sustainable tourism within such a context. Mara Plains is one of the few camps in the Mara that have been constructed without any cement, making it possible for the entire camp to be removed, leaving no trace. All of the existing structures in the camp are on raised decks, limiting covered surface area. The tented rooms all have only three ‘feet,’ each resting on a flat river stone lying on the ground. Mara Plains tries to minimize any impact on the surrounding ecosystem by utilizing eco-friendly measures such as water conservation, and moving toward 100-percent solar power.

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