Choosing the right place to stay can transform your Masai Mara safari from good to unforgettable. The Mara offers some of Africa’s most spectacular lodges — from ultra-luxury camps perched on escarpments to eco-friendly riverside retreats immersed in wildlife.
Below are the 10 best lodges in the Masai Mara, ranked by overall guest experience, wildlife access, comfort, and value.
1. Angama Mara
Location: Oloololo Escarpment, Mara Triangle
Category: Ultra Luxury
Angama Mara is one of the most iconic properties in the Masai Mara — a lodge literally “suspended in mid-air.” Set high on the Great Rift Valley escarpment, it offers sweeping 180-degree views over the plains. Floor-to-ceiling glass-fronted suites put the entire Mara at your feet, especially at sunrise.
Guests enjoy personalized service, private hot tubs, a photographers’ studio, and direct access to areas rich in lions, elephants, and seasonal migration herds.
Best for: Honeymoons, exclusive getaways, photographers.
2. Mahali Mzuri (Sir Richard Branson’s Camp)
Location: Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Category: Ultra Luxury
Mahali Mzuri blends futuristic design with classic safari luxury. The tented suites are perched along a valley that funnels wildlife right through camp. With year-round big cat sightings, gourmet dining, heated infinity pool, and impeccable service, this lodge consistently ranks among Africa’s best.
Best for: Luxury travelers, couples, guests seeking top-tier guiding.
3. Mara Bushtops
Location: Siana Conservancy
Category: Luxury
Mara Bushtops offers an indulgent, peaceful safari experience. Each tent features a private deck, personal hot tub, and sweeping views of the conservancy. The lodge’s spa is one of the best in the Mara, and guests enjoy both conservancy flexibility and direct access to the national reserve.
Best for: Romantic safaris, relaxation lovers, premium comfort seekers.
Recommended read: The Best time to visit masai Mara
4. Saruni Mara
Location: Mara North Conservancy
Category: Luxury Boutique
Saruni Mara stands out for its intimate character. With only a handful of individually themed cottages, it delivers a boutique feel surrounded by untouched wilderness. The conservancy is quiet, exclusive, and ideal for travelers who prefer fewer vehicles and more connection with nature and culture.
Best for: Couples, nature lovers, guests wanting something unique and quiet.
5. Olare Mara Kempinski
Location: Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Category: Luxury
Olare Mara Kempinski is known for its huge, elegant tented suites, spacious common areas, and a fantastic location in one of the Mara’s best wildlife conservancies. Predator sightings — especially lions and cheetahs — are frequent here. Expect high-end dining, outstanding service, and a comfortable, lodge-like feel.
Best for: Families, honeymooners, guests wanting both space and style.
Recommended read: Best Packages for Masai mara Safari
6. Basecamp Masai Mara
Location: Talek River, near reserve entrance
Category: Mid-range Eco-Lodge
Basecamp Masai Mara delivers incredible value without compromising comfort. Tents sit along the riverbank, shaded by fig and acacia trees, giving you constant views and sounds of wildlife. The lodge is also deeply connected to the local Maasai community and is known for sustainability-focused operations.
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers wanting quality, cultural experiences, and eco-friendly stays.
7. Ashnil Mara Camp
Location: Inside the Masai Mara National Reserve (Mara River)
Category: Mid-range
Ashnil Mara Camp sits close to key migration crossing points, making it a top pick during July–October. Spacious tents, delicious meals, and unbeatable location make it one of the most convenient camps inside the reserve. Perfect for travelers who want to maximize time inside the park.
Best for: Groups, families, migration-focused safaris.
8. Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Location: Mara Triangle
Category: Upscale Lodge
Mara Serena is a classic hilltop lodge with spectacular panoramic views of the savanna below. Its design blends traditional African motifs with contemporary comfort. With its strategic location in the Triangle — known for excellent roads and low vehicle density — it offers premium game viewing.
Best for: First-time safari guests, families, and travelers who prefer lodge-style rooms over tents.
9. Governors’ Camp
Location: Along the Mara River
Category: Classic Luxury
Governors’ Camp is one of the oldest and most respected camps in the Mara. The riverfront setting provides nonstop wildlife activity — hippos, elephants, and birds right outside your tent. It combines timeless safari charm with professional guiding and a strong heritage of conservation.
Best for: Repeat safari travelers, river lovers, classic safari enthusiasts.
10. Mara Explorer Camp
Location: Talek River
Category: Luxury Tented Camp
Mara Explorer is a romantic, intimate camp known for its stunning riverside tents with outdoor bathtubs and private decks. Wildlife passes through the area frequently, making it easy to enjoy sightings right from your veranda. A perfect blend of privacy, comfort, and location.
Best for: Honeymoons, couples, and photography lovers.
Which Masai Mara Lodge Is Best for You?
For Ultra Luxury
- Angama Mara
- Mahali Mzuri
- Mara Bushtops
For Best Wildlife Access
- Olare Mara Kempinski
- Governors’ Camp
- Mara Serena
For Boutique & Privacy
- Saruni Mara
- Mara Explorer
For Best Value (Mid-range)
- Basecamp Masai Mara