Mara Plains is a lovely bush camp situated in the unfenced Olare Orok, or Olare-Motorogi, conservancy in the central Masai Mara. It's a very small camp, especially by the standards of the Mara, where large camps predominate, with just seven tents loosely scattered along the banks of the Ntiakitiak River overlooking a huge expanse of savannah. The camp's small size, combined with the fact that the Olare-Motorogi conservancy boasts the lowest density of guests/vehicles in the Mara (no mini buses, and only one guest room for every 700 acres of land), ensure a very intimate, very personal safari, away from the crowds but still within the heart of the Mara.
The overall aesthetic at Mara Plains could be described as "bush-luxury". The camp has the off-the-beaten track location of a remote bush camp, but provides a level of comfort comparable to a top-end safari lodge. It's been set-up in the style of a classic safari camp, with large marquis tents at its centre, surrounded by large canvas bush tents with canopied ceilings – there are some really unique touches, too, like the tent decks made of old railway sleepers, which give Mara Plains a unique appearance without detracting from the 'classic safari' ambience.
It's the game-viewing experience that's the real highlight at Mara Plains, however. Mara Plains has the privileged position of being located on the boundary between the private Olare-Motorogi and Mara North conservancies, and the public Masai Mara reserve, and is the only camp to enjoy access to all three, giving it an absolutely huge territory in which to conduct game drives (not that you'd ever cover it all!) During the migration it's a wonderful camp to stay at, as it provides access to the main Masai Mara reserve where the spectacle is often at its best, but allows you to retreat to the quiet of the Motorogi conservancies at the end of the day.
Mara Plains Camp is open all-year.
Accommodation
At the heart of Mara Plains Camp are three expansive open-air marquis tents on raised wooden decks, which enclose the lounge/library, bar, and an inviting dining area. All overlook the savannah plains, and are generously furnished with bright rugs and leather lounge furniture, making for a warm and inviting environment in which to relax.
The seven guest tents are located a short distance from the public guest areas. Each is hugely spacious and raised on wooden decking. They have been generously furnished, the interior decor similar to that of the lounge and dining areas. Each has a dressing area, bathroom en-suite – with flush loo, shower and brass Victorian bathtub – and a private verandah with comfy furniture.
Dining
In a welcome change of pace, Mara Plains doesn't operate to the fixed meal (or activity) schedules that are common at most safari camps. Guests have a great deal of flexibility about when they take their meals, and where—either in camp or in a private bush setting for two close to the camp.
Breakfast at camp is a light buffet of cereals and cooked meals to order, but you'll likely prefer to set off early on a game activity taking a breakfast basket with you. Lunch is typically taken in camp unless out on a full-day game drive. Tables are set up on the plains under the cover of trees and selection of salads, cold meats and other dishes served buffet-style. Dinner is usually served around the communal table, and is a set menu.
Facilities
- Lounge and bar
- Dining room
- Campfire
Activities
- Day and night game drives
- Balloon safari (at extra cost)
- Masai village visit
Environmental Policy
Mara Plains Camp is run by Great Plains Conservation, a company that specialises in low-impact, low-volume tourism. Most of their camps are small and designed to blend in easily with their surrounding environment, and are typically powered by renewable sources (in the case of Mara Plains, solar power). A significant portion of their profits – we are told – go towards conservation and supporting the local communities in which their camps are based. You can find more information about the conservation and community work that Great Plains supports on the conservation pages of their website.
