Mara Plains Camp stands as a flagship property within Great Plains Conservation's portfolio, distinguished by its Relais & Châteaux designation—one of only three such accreditations in Kenya. Tucked within the private 35,000-acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy at the northern boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the camp marries refined luxury with unparalleled wildlife access. The property's most compelling attribute lies in its remarkable traversing rights—guests enjoy entry to both the world-renowned Maasai Mara and an expansive 98,000 acres of private conservancy land, a combination rarely offered by competing properties. Every stay contributes directly to conservation fees that sustain this thriving ecosystem while supporting over 1,000 Maasai families, creating a seamless union between exceptional travel experiences and meaningful ecological impact.
Awarded: Silver
Location
Mara Plains Camp nestles in lush riverine forest along the meandering Ntiakitiak River, where thoughtful architectural integration ensures the property enhances rather than imposes upon its environment. This positioning places guests at the heart of what experts consider Africa’s premier predator territory—the Olare Motorogi Conservancy maintains both the lowest vehicle density in the Maasai Mara region and the highest concentration of big cats on the continent.
The location transforms twice daily with the rhythms of wildlife. By day, the camp hosts numerous resident species, including many of the Maasai Mara’s 300 bird varieties. After darkness falls, the property becomes a thoroughfare for larger mammals, their movements often audible from within the accommodations. Hippo snorts and leopard barks provide nature’s nocturnal soundtrack, while traditional Maasai warriors escort guests between central areas and their suites during evening hours.
The camp’s position near the national reserve boundary creates perfect staging for wildlife viewing during both migration periods, with the dramatic river crossings accessible during the famous southern movement from the Serengeti. Meanwhile, the conservancy’s strict vehicle limitations ensure an exclusive safari experience—a genuine luxury in an increasingly popular destination.
Rooms
Mara Plains Camp offers five individually designed guest suites measuring approximately 700 square feet each, plus the exclusive two-bedroom Jahazi Suite with its own private pool, vehicle, and guide. Each accommodation floats above the landscape on recycled railway sleeper platforms, draped in olive-green canvas with deep canopied ceilings and netted windows that create light-filled, airy interiors.
The suites showcase deliberate design choices that reveal the camp’s attention to historical detail—rough-hewn wood floors, thick Lamu wood doors, and accents in deep reds and brass transport guests to another era of East African exploration. Each suite features a copper bathtub, indoor shower, double vanity basins, desk and dressing area, small lounge space, and private veranda overlooking the surrounding wilderness. Thoughtful touches include overhead and standing fans, mini bars stocked with preferred beverages, and complimentary professional camera equipment (with camera body, 100-400mm and 24-70mm lenses) for guest use.
Communal Areas
The communal spaces elevate the experience further with a dining room, dedicated wine room, library, and main lounge all positioned on raised decks that uniquely frame the landscape. The design philosophy extends here as well—an emphasis on thoughtful environmental elements like solar power and cement-free construction creates a property that honors its setting through both aesthetics and ecological responsibility.
Activities
Mara Plains Camp structures its activities around immersive wildlife encounters. Game drives take place in some of the region’s most sophisticated vehicles—open-sided Toyota Land Cruisers custom-modified for photographers with fold-down screens, raised roofs, photographic bars, and multi-plug inverters. Each vehicle comes equipped with a refrigerator stocked with refreshments for extended explorations.
The standard configuration accommodates four guests per vehicle, though family groups can seat up to six. The camp’s schedule remains deliberately fluid, with options ranging from sunrise-to-sunset expeditions to full-day excursions deep into the Maasai Mara Reserve or neighboring conservancies. The private location permits night drives within the conservancy—a significant advantage over national reserve properties—revealing nocturnal mammals and occasionally even lion and hyena hunts.
Beyond traditional game drives, the camp offers hot air ballooning (arranged with advance booking at additional cost), cultural experiences through the Naboisho Women’s Group partnership, and photography opportunities enhanced by the provision of professional equipment. Photography enthusiasts appreciate the option of specialized tuition arranged with prior notice, available for both the camp’s cameras and guests’ personal equipment.
The kitchen reflects the property’s Relais & Châteaux standards with world-class meals prepared by executive chefs, ranging from intimate private dining on suite verandas to shared experiences in the main areas. Schedule flexibility remains paramount—picnic breakfasts and lunches are readily arranged for extended wildlife viewing, often delivered directly to prime locations in the bush.
Each guest suite comes equipped with yoga mats, light weights, and resistance bands for personal fitness routines, complemented by the availability of stationary exercise bikes and in-room spa treatments featuring locally inspired wellness protocols.
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRY SEASON
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains. The migration will be located within the southern regions of the Serengeti during this period. The resident (non-migratory) wildlife in the Masai Mara is however superb throughout the year, so still well worth consideration as a safari destination. Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Masai has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,435 to 2,143m or 4,708 to 7,031ft) moderate these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F. The mornings can, however, be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
DRY SEASON
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains. The migration will be located within the southern regions of the Serengeti during this period. The resident (non-migratory) wildlife in the Masai Mara is however superb throughout the year, so still well worth consideration as a safari destination. Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Masai has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,435 to 2,143m or 4,708 to 7,031ft) moderate these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F. The mornings can, however, be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
DRY SEASON
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains. The migration will be located within the southern regions of the Serengeti during this period. The resident (non-migratory) wildlife in the Masai Mara is however superb throughout the year, so still well worth consideration as a safari destination. Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Masai has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,435 to 2,143m or 4,708 to 7,031ft) moderate these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F. The mornings can, however, be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. On the plus side, rates are at there cheapest, and visitor numbers to the park are incredibly low, offering a more private safari experience for those who don’t mind taking their chances!
During this period the great migration starts to make its way north towards the Western Corridor of the Serengeti ecosystem, in Tanzania. The resident (non-migratory) wildlife in the Masai Mara is however superb throughout the year, so still well worth consideration as a safari destination. Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Masai has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,435 to 2,143m or 4,708 to 7,031ft) moderate these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F. The mornings can, however, be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. On the plus side, rates are at there cheapest, and visitor numbers to the park are incredibly low, offering a more private safari experience for those who don’t mind taking their chances!
During this period the great migration starts to make its way north towards the Western Corridor of the Serengeti ecosystem, in Tanzania. The resident (non-migratory) wildlife in the Masai Mara is however superb throughout the year, so still well worth consideration as a safari destination. Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Masai has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,435 to 2,143m or 4,708 to 7,031ft) moderate these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F. The mornings can, however, be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
DRY SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. On the plus side, rates are at there cheapest, and visitor numbers to the park are incredibly low, offering a more private safari experience for those who don’t mind taking their chances!
During this period the great migration starts to make its way north towards the Western Corridor of the Serengeti ecosystem, in Tanzania. The resident (non-migratory) wildlife in the Masai Mara is however superb throughout the year, so still well worth consideration as a safari destination. Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Masai has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,435 to 2,143m or 4,708 to 7,031ft) moderate these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F. The mornings can, however, be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
DRY SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. On the plus side, rates are at there cheapest, and visitor numbers to the park are incredibly low, offering a more private safari experience for those who don’t mind taking their chances!
During this period the great migration starts to make its way north towards the Western Corridor of the Serengeti ecosystem, in Tanzania. The resident (non-migratory) wildlife in the Masai Mara is however superb throughout the year, so still well worth consideration as a safari destination. Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Masai has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,435 to 2,143m or 4,708 to 7,031ft) moderate these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F. The mornings can, however, be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
During this period the great migration will be making its way into the Masai Mara from the Serengeti. Game viewing will, therefore, be exceptional, this the perfect time of year to visit!
Its location so close to the equator means that the Masai has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,435 to 2,143m or 4,708 to 7,031ft) moderate these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F. The mornings can, however, be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
During this period the great migration will be making its way into the Masai Mara from the Serengeti. Game viewing will, therefore, be exceptional, this the perfect time of year to visit!
Its location so close to the equator means that the Masai has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,435 to 2,143m or 4,708 to 7,031ft) moderate these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F. The mornings can, however, be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
During this period the great migration will be making its way into the Masai Mara from the Serengeti. Game viewing will, therefore, be exceptional, this the perfect time of year to visit!
Its location so close to the equator means that the Masai has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,435 to 2,143m or 4,708 to 7,031ft) moderate these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F. The mornings can, however, be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
WET SEASON – ‘SHORT RAINS’
A rather unpredictable time of the year with the occasional heavy shower or thunderstorm, but usually plenty of sunshine in between. While technically the wet season the rains are not as intense during this period as the ‘long rains’, it can therefore still be a great time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Masai has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,435 to 2,143m or 4,708 to 7,031ft) moderate these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F. The mornings can, however, be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
WET SEASON – ‘SHORT RAINS’
A rather unpredictable time of the year with the occasional heavy shower or thunderstorm, but usually plenty of sunshine in between. While technically the wet season the rains are not as intense during this period as the ‘long rains’, it can therefore still be a great time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Masai has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,435 to 2,143m or 4,708 to 7,031ft) moderate these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F. The mornings can, however, be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
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What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
