The Masai Mara, Kenya

Kenya’s best known National Reserve, famous for the herds of wildebeest that congregate around the Mara River as part of the annual migration.

The Reserve is also home to the BBC Big Cat Diaries and comprises around 1500 square kilometres of open plains, woodlands and permanent river systems between the Loita Hills in the east and the Oloololo escarpment to the west. 

There's a small selection of lodges and camps offering first class guides, hosting and locations in the Mara - available on a first-come-first-served basis only.

Mara Group Ranches - This is a much larger expanse of Maasai lands abutting most of the Masai Mara Reserve itself.  There are 4 main group ranches (Koyiaki, Lemek/Ol Chorro, Olkinyai and Siana) which make up the conservation area. 

Still a wild area in which there's a fairly delicate balance between Maasai grazing their cattle side by side with resident game.  Predators are generally scarce but there's still good resident game and the "Loita Migration" moves down from the north-east during June/July. 

Outfits in the greater Mara see fewer crowds, are known for their excellent guides and the freedom to explore on foot from excellent camps and lodges.

• Rekero - Rekero Camp nestles in a ravine forest close to the confluence of the Talek and Mara rivers, in the southern section of the Masai Mara, close to many of the migration river crossings. Rekero is owned and run by the Beatons, a small tented camp in the style of a smart mobile camp with six large tents set on the edge of the river.

• Governors’ Camp - Governors’ Camp is set amongst a forest along the winding banks of the Mara River. Some of the 37 tents line the riverbank with uninterrupted views over the Mara River whilst others have views across the sweeping plains. Everything is under canvas, all tents have en suite bathrooms with hot and cold running water and flushing loos.

• Little Governors’ is further along the Mara River with just 17 tents tucked around a large watering hole, approached by a boat ride across the Mara River.

• Il Moran – Part of the Governors’ Camps portfolio, Il Moran is their premier, luxury camp in the Mara. Il Moran Camp is small and intimate with just 10 tents set on the banks of the Mara River.

• Cottars 1920s Camp – Cottars offers a return to the original spirit and essence of ‘safari’, reminiscent of a golden era. The camp is situated in the south east of the Masai Mara, bordering the Serengeti and Loliondo reserves in an untouched exclusive concession guaranteeing privacy and an abundance of wildlife.

• Serian – Serian is the charismatic bush home of Alex Walker, filmmaker and guide in the Masai Mara. An exclusive wilderness camp set alongside a secluded valley flanking the Mara River, close to the Siria Escarpment.

• Richard’s Camp - Originally built as the Roberts’ family home, Richard’s Camp is a small and exclusive tented camp where the pioneer traditions of hospitality and comfort continue. Guests are hosted by Richard Roberts and his partner Liz Fusco in eight large and spacious tents, each individually designed.

• Kicheche - Kicheche is located on the Aitong Plains in the northern Koiyaki Lemek region of the Masai Mara. The camp is a classic, intimate, luxury bush camp, completely unfenced.

• Elephant Pepper Camp - Elephant Pepper Camp is located in the middle of the 3600 sq km Koiyaki Community Ranch, away from other lodges. In order to preserve this special area the camp is seasonal and is dismantled for three months of the year. The spacious canvas tents have en suite dressing room, eco-friendly flush loos and safari showers.

• Saruni - Saruni is a deluxe and intimate lodge set in a private conservation area outside the Masai Mara National Reserve. There is accommodation for only 12 guests in six spectacular cottages.

• Campi ya Tembo is Saruni’s luxury tented camp with three double rooms, located 10 km from the main lodge. The activities here focus on elephant tracking, learning bush-craft, walking and fabulous night game drives.

• Ol Seki - Set on a rocky promontory, overlooking the Ilsupukioi River, north of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, Ol Seki Mara Camp enjoys panoramic views in an area teeming with game but not tourists. This luxury camp is seasonal with six spacious tents affording panoramic views.