Mara Plains Camp Maasai Mara: Exclusive Wildlife Access

Mara Plains Camp, Mara North Conservancy

Set within the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, just north of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Mara Plains Camp is widely regarded as one of the most refined safari camps in the entire Mara ecosystem.

Operated by Great Plains Conservation, the camp combines classic East African safari style with meticulous guiding and exceptional wildlife access. Its position in the conservancy allows guests to enjoy an exclusive safari experience with far fewer vehicles than inside the main reserve.

For travellers seeking a truly luxury safari camp in the Maasai Mara, Mara Plains offers a combination of outstanding wildlife viewing, sophisticated accommodation, and some of the finest guiding standards in East Africa.

Location & Landscape

Mara Plains Camp lies in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, a 35,000-acre private wildlife area bordering the northern edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

The conservancy forms part of the greater Mara ecosystem and supports remarkable densities of wildlife, particularly large predators. Lions, leopards and cheetahs are frequently encountered here, and the conservancy’s rolling plains and river valleys provide a dramatic setting for game viewing.

During the Great Migration, enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra pass through the surrounding plains as they move between the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara.

Accommodation & Design

Mara Plains Camp sits on the edge of the iconic Maasai Mara, nestled in a lush forest on the meandering bends of the Ntiakitiak River. This luxury safari camp in Kenya offers guests rare access to both the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy and the Masai Mara National Reserve. Exquisite design meets unmatched big cat viewing, with just seven canvas suites suspended on wooden decks above the savannah. This camp is a haven for photographers, adventurers, and those seeking the epitome of Kenya luxury safaris.

Mara Plains Camp is not an imposition on the landscape but rather integrated into it as a quiet refuge among the wild. Its presence does not detract from the ecosystem’s visual beauty but incorporates it with sweeping views across the plains and its careful position among the riverine forest.

The suites feature:

large verandas overlooking the plains
spacious en-suite bathrooms
elegant interiors inspired by traditional safari design
private sitting areas with sweeping views of the conservancy

The small scale of the camp ensures an intimate atmosphere and highly personalised service throughout a stay.

Safari Experience

The safari experience at Mara Plains is built around exceptional guiding and access to both the Olare Motorogi Conservancy and the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Activities typically include:

expertly guided game drives
wildlife photography experiences
seasonal migration viewing
bush walks with experienced guides
night drives within the conservancy

The conservancy’s restricted visitor numbers allow for quieter wildlife encounters and more flexible game viewing than inside the main reserve.

Insider Tips for Staying at Mara Plains Camp

1. Request a vehicle with the photographic setup

Mara Plains is famous among wildlife photographers because the camp provides custom photographic safari vehicles with camera mounts and beanbags. Even if you are not a professional photographer, these vehicles make wildlife viewing far more comfortable.

2. Spend time inside the Olare Motorogi Conservancy

Many visitors rush into the Maasai Mara Reserve, but the Olare Motorogi Conservancy often delivers quieter and more intimate wildlife sightings. With limited vehicles allowed, predator encounters here are often calmer and more rewarding.

3. Night drives are a major advantage

Because Mara Plains sits in a private conservancy, guests can enjoy night game drives, which are not permitted inside the national reserve. This is when you may encounter nocturnal species such as:

servals
aardwolves
bush babies
hunting lions

4. Early morning drives can begin immediately

Wildlife frequently moves through the plains surrounding the camp. Guides often start early drives directly from camp and sightings can occur within minutes of departure.

5. The migration can pass through this area

During the Great Migration season, enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra may pass through the conservancy. The open plains around Mara Plains sometimes produce dramatic wildlife scenes with far fewer vehicles than the reserve.

6. Combine it with a contrasting landscape

Mara Plains works particularly well when combined with a safari in Laikipia or Amboseli, allowing travellers to experience different ecosystems within the same itinerary.

Oloi Shorua Recommendation

Mara Plains is one of the finest safari camps in the Mara ecosystem, particularly for travellers who appreciate exceptional guiding and quieter wildlife encounters in the conservancies.

Best Time to Visit

Wildlife viewing around Mara Plains Camp is excellent throughout the year, but certain seasons offer particularly memorable experiences.

July – October
The period of the Great Migration when vast herds of wildebeest and zebra move through the Mara ecosystem.

December – March
A beautiful season with clear skies and excellent predator sightings.

April – June
The greener months of the year when the landscape is especially lush and visitor numbers are lower.

Mara Plains Camp consistently ranks among the finest safari camps in the Maasai Mara ecosystem.

Its combination of superb guiding, access to a private conservancy, elegant accommodation and remarkable wildlife sightings makes it an exceptional choice for travellers seeking a refined safari experience.

For many guests, the ability to explore both the Olare Motorogi Conservancy and the wider Maasai Mara National Reserve provides the best of both worlds.

Plan Your Safari

Mara Plains Camp works beautifully as part of a broader safari through Kenya.

Many journeys combine the Maasai Mara with:

You can also explore:

At Oloi Shorua we design bespoke safari journeys that combine the finest lodges across Africa’s most remarkable wildlife landscapes. Speak with us to begin planning your safari.