Our View
Mara Plains Camp operated by the renowned Great Plains is in a great location in the Olare Motogori Conservancy, just a short distance from the Mara Reserve and Mara North Conservancy boundaries (although there are no fences!). It is arguably the best places lodge to explore all three areas and with just seven luxury tents, it is among the finest lodges in the Mara ecosystem. Aptly named as its dining area and rooms all overlook the never-ending plains, the camp is tucked away on the shady Ntiakitiak River.
The Mara Plains Camp - The Details
Unrivalled in luxury for a tented camp, Mara Plains is in fact the only camp that can traverse both the Olare Motogori and Mara North Conservancies, which during peak migration season is full of animals without the vehicle crowds seen within the National Reserve.
In the conservancies clients can enjoy night drives in open-sided vehicles, walking safaris and bush breakfasts or sundowners. Guests wanting to see a river crossing in peak season are also well placed and as game drives and timings are entirely at guests wishes where they can have a whole day out without returning to camp.
The game viewing in the Olare Motogori conservancy has gone from strength to strength in recent years and spectacular sightings of the resident lion, cheetah and leopard never fail to amaze guests.
Accessed by a wooden bridge, the camp is secluded and tucked away, nestled into the banks of the Ntiakitiak River where resident hippos and crocodiles can be viewed from above on the safety of the walkway. Each tent is huge and extremely lavish. Each guest has access to top of the rang binoculars and a Canon DSLR with a variety of lenses. Each meal is an event in itself with multiple starters and options, all of which tantilize the tastebuds. The honeymoon tent has its own access bridge offering ultimate privacy away from the main camp.
For larger groups or families, the Jahazi Suite is a two-bedroom suite that operates as its own seperate entity. With your own host, chef, private guide and vehicle, days are truly tailored to exactly how you wish them to be.
Mara Plains was one of the founding camps to introduce a new system of paying Maasai stakeholders a flat fee, regardless of bed-night occupancies, which has not only improved their lives but also in return improved the environment and wildlife in these new conservancies.
As with most East African safaris, it is between the months of June and September that attract most visitors, however the resident big cats, buffalo, elephant and other mammal species are so prevalent that a visit during any month of the year will leave you impressed and thrilled.
Whilst the short rainy season in November and December provide clear mornings and dramatic cloudy skies in the afternoon, a short deluge should certainly not put anyone off visiting during this time of the year. The short dry season of January and February is also very rarely utilised, but for those wishing for a more intimate safari experience which also includes the migratory birds returning, it is the perfect time for a vivid and brightly coloured safari.
Mara Plains Rates: $1930 per person Price guarantee