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Travel Guides

Mara Expedition Camp - Your Boutique Safari Base in Kenya’s Maasai Mara

Mara Expedition Camp -

Your Safari in Maasai Mara with Great Plains Conservation

“Mara Expedition Camp is positioned in a grove of typical East African acacia trees overlooking a valley in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.”

Situated in the Maasai Mara National Reserve and with access to the Mara North Conservancy, this camp is ideally placed for those hoping to see iconic big cats like leopards, lions, and cheetahs - sometimes within your first game drive (this happened to us!).

This is the most pared-back of the Great Plains Kenya camps, but don’t let that fool you. 

. From its classic East Africa explorer style, to personalized guiding, gourmet meals, and small, considered touches throughout your stay, Mara Expedition Camp is the epitome of 

Writing desk corner in the tented suite at Mara Expedition Camp

JP (camp manager), Richard (night guard), Kimani (chef), Risa (naturalist), and Anastasia (housekeeping)

. From the moment we arrived, we felt genuinely cared for - greeted with hand-written welcome notes, personalized water bottles, a safari kit, and a fridge stocked with our favorite drinks.

Each morning we were gently woken with coffee or tea delivered to our tent, and at night, we returned from game drives to find our beds turned down and warm 

Between safaris, we were offered refreshing iced tea, home-baked snacks, and always a kind smile. Each game drive started with a personalized snack box and a sweet note from Chef Kimani, often with a Swahili word of the day.

Energy boost in the lounge before each game drive

Our first game drive rewarded us with a lion and a leopard, a rare treat, made possible thanks to our guide 

 remarkable ability to spot animals from afar. His deep knowledge and instinct made every drive unforgettable.

 begin at 06:30 with coffee and breakfast en route (or by return to camp around 09:00, completely up to you as a gues).

 start around 16:30 and include a scenic sundowner stop with drinks in the wild.

The vehicles are fully open for unobstructed views and come stocked with field guides, systemcamera, snacks, and binoculars for every guest.

Morning safari at 6:30 AM followed by a bush breakfast set up by our guide, Alex, at 9:00 AM.

Tent Accommodation – Timeless, Understated Luxury

Each of the five canvas tents sits on a raised wooden deck and features:

En-suite bathroom with flush toilet, safari shower, and double brass basins

A two-bedroom family tent is available for those traveling with children or in small groups.

Accommodation in tented suites at Mara Expedition Camp.

Cuisine with a Garden-to-Table Philosophy

All meals are crafted on-site using fresh, organic produce from the camp’s own garden - which also supplies ingredients to other Great Plains lodges in Kenya.

, where the chef prepares meals live over open fire, accompanied by stories, music, and laughter

All drinks are included. From premium wines and spirits to herbal teas and ginger ale.

Game drives in Maasai Mara National Reserve and Mara North Conservancy

Garden visits and foraging walks with the naturalist

 built into a repurposed Land Cruiser - blending into nature without disturbing it, with stunning views of the savanna

Mara Expedition Camp is deeply rooted in the philosophy of 

 and its mission to protect ecosystems, empower communities, and preserve endangered species.

 promote reforestation and food security through indigenous planting. The women’s cooperative projects help local artisans gain skills and income through beadwork and crafts sold at the camp.

Naboisho Women's Group supported by the Great Plains Foundation.

Flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport: ~1 hour

45-minute drive from Ol Kiombo Airstrip (or 3 mins from private Weavers Airstrip)

$1,125 to $1,590 USD per person per night, 

All meals and drinks (including champagne and premium spirits)

The amazing staff at mara Expedition Camp

 is not just a holiday, it’s a conscious investment in conservation, local communities, and wildlife protection.

Here’s why premium safaris come with a higher price tag:

, often with university degrees in ecology or tourism, who understand animal behavior and conservation ethics.

 and custom itineraries ensure an exclusive and respectful wildlife viewing experience.

Remote locations mean extensive logistics to offer guests safety, comfort, and high-quality amenities.

, supporting projects like Rhinos Without Borders, Conservation Roots, women’s empowerment programs, and education.

Budget safari operators may ignore park rules, overcrowd sightings, or disrupt wildlife habitats. At Great Plains, every experience is centered on 

 - minimizing impact while maximizing meaning.

Mara Expedition Camp is ideal for travelers seeking connection, comfort, and purpose. Every moment is designed with intention - to help you feel, learn, and give back.

Start your journey with Great Plains Conservation

Read more about the other Great Plains Camp we visited:



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