Top 7 Private Camps in Masai Mara

In Kenya’s legendary Masai Mara, safaris take on many forms, but few compare to the experience of staying at a private camp. Unlike the larger lodges or budget options, private camps in Masai Mara focus on the personal: fewer guests, more flexible activities, deeper access to wildlife, and the kind of service that feels as natural as the setting.

For travelers who value authenticity, privacy, and a stronger connection to the land, these camps deliver something special. Whether you’re booking with a trusted outfitter like Arswan Tours and Travel, or just exploring what’s out there, these seven standout private camps in Masai Mara offer some of the best ways to experience the Mara.

1. Governors’ Il Moran Camp

Il Moran Camp is one of the quieter corners of the Mara. It’s part of the well-known Governors’ group but offers the most private and upscale experience within that family. With only ten tents spaced out near the Mara River, the atmosphere is calm, and the wildlife activity nearby is constant.

Each tent has hardwood floors, a big bed, and an old-fashioned bathtub where you can hear hippos grunting nearby. It’s relaxed, not flashy, and perfect for couples or anyone who prefers a more laid-back kind of luxury.

2. Saruni Mara

Saruni Mara is built on a hill in the Mara North Conservancy and gives you a lot of space and freedom. The camp has just seven cottages, each one designed with its own theme. There’s even one styled like a writer’s room, complete with a desk and books.

Because it’s located inside a private conservancy, you can do things like night drives and walking safaris — experiences that aren’t allowed inside the national park. You also get the bonus of being far from other tourists. The staff here have strong ties to the local Maasai community, and that shows in how respectfully they guide and share the land.

3. Sala’s Camp

Sala’s Camp is right on the border between Kenya’s Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti. During migration season, it’s one of the first places in Kenya to see the wildebeest arrive, which makes it an exciting base if you’re chasing that experience.

The tents are simple but comfortable, with lots of light, wooden furniture, and small plunge pools that overlook open grassland. The staff keeps things flexible, letting guests shape their days depending on how they feel. Whether it’s heading out early for game drives or spending a quiet afternoon watching the plains, Sala’s doesn’t rush anything — a hallmark of many private camps in Masai Mara.

4. Sanctuary Olonana

If you like the idea of safari but prefer a more modern feel, Sanctuary Olonana delivers. The camp sits right by a river where you can often spot hippos while having lunch. The suites are large and airy, with floor-to-ceiling glass and wide decks.

It’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning on a game drive, then come back for a massage or a drink by the water. The camp also focuses on sustainability — solar power, locally grown food, and community projects are all part of how they operate. It’s well-suited for people who want comfort and quiet but still care about impact.

5. Mara Plains Camp

Mara Plains Camp stands out for its attention to detail. Every part of the experience — from the tents to the vehicles to the food — feels intentional and high quality. It’s in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, which has great wildlife and fewer vehicles, so you’re more likely to have sightings all to yourself.

Each guest here gets a private guide and their own vehicle, which makes the entire trip feel custom-made. The camp only has seven rooms, but they’re huge, with decks that look out over open savanna. If you’re into photography or just want space to do things your way, Mara Plains is worth a serious look among private camps in Masai Mara.

6. Naibor Camp

Naibor Camp is set along the Talek River, in a shady area surrounded by trees. The style is clean and minimal — canvas, wood, neutral tones with plenty of open space to relax and watch animals wander past.

There are three parts to the camp: Main Naibor, Little Naibor (for guests who want more privacy), and Naibor Wilderness (a simpler but still well-run version). It’s a good pick for couples or small groups who want something simple and tasteful, without a lot of noise or crowding.

7. Elephant Pepper Camp

If you’re hoping for a classic safari that doesn’t feel overly polished or artificial, Elephant Pepper Camp is a solid choice. It’s based in the Mara North Conservancy, one of the best areas for wildlife and one of the quietest places to stay.

The camp uses traditional canvas tents, but they’re fitted with solar lights, cozy beds, and private bathrooms. It’s the kind of place where you sit by the fire in the evening, talk about the day’s sightings, and fall asleep to the sound of lions calling in the distance. This is a favorite among seasoned safari travelers who care more about feeling part of the wild than being wowed by high-end extras.

A Better Way to Safari

What makes these camps different isn’t just their size or style — it’s the entire way they operate. With fewer guests, they can give you more personalized service. With access to private conservancies, they’re able to offer bush walks, off-road drives, and night safaris. And because they’re smaller, they often work more closely with local communities and take a softer approach to the environment.

For anyone looking to explore the best private camps in Masai Mara, booking through someone who understands this difference — like Arswan Tours and Travel — can be a huge advantage. Based in Westlands, Nairobi, Arswan has helped travelers find safari options that actually match what they want, not just what’s popular. They know which camps are better for photographers, which ones work well for couples, and which spots are best if you’re bringing kids or planning a longer trip that includes beach time or other parks like Amboseli.

They also help sort out the local flights, transfers, and little things that make the trip smoother from start to finish.