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#27 of 105 campgrounds in Maasai Mara National Reserve
Location
5.0
Rooms
4.9
Value
4.8
Cleanliness
4.9
Service
4.9
Sleep Quality
4.8
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Located in the world famous Masai Mara, Mara Explorer Camp is set on its own private peninsula, with each of its ten luxurious tents opening to the Talek River and the stunning savanna. The tents, equipped with all mod cons are set on wooden decks opening out to a private verandah where you can enjoy time alone in the wild away from it all.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
River View
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English
Location
C14 Keekorok, Maasai Mara National Reserve 00200 Kenya
It was our 10th wedding anniversary and we wanted to do something special to celebrate it and that’s when we decided to go on our first African safari experience. We watched a lot of videos on Youtube and finally decided on the Mara Explorer Camp. We tried booking the dates on various travel booking websites, but couldn’t get the dates we wanted, so took a chance to write to Mara Explorer Camp. They were able to accommodate us for the dates we wanted in August and the whole booking experience was seamless. We spent 3 nights/4 days at the Mara Explorer Camp in August’23 and it was a wonderful experience (it’s an adult only camp and limited tents so gets booked quick). Right from our arrival till our last day we were made to feel special and were looked after very well. The team at the camp comprising of Joshua, Mary, Joseph, the Chef and our driver/guide, Simon were all so knowledgeable and caring. They took every effort to make our anniversary day special, right from a surprise sundowner to an anniversary cake to a Masai dance and decorating our tent on our anniversary! All our meals were very delicious during the entire course of our stay – including the bush dinner. The facilities were near flawless – laundry, security, food, preparing our beds & camp, game drives just about everything. I highly recommend this camp if you were planning to go to Masai Mara and yes, don’t forget to ask for Simon as your driver/guide. If we decide to go to Kenya again, we know where to book our stay – it’s a home away from home!!
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gregory Wabuge, General Manager at Mara Explorer Camp
Responded Oct 3, 2023
Dear Guest, Thank you so much for staying at our camp during your most recent visit to Mara. Thank you too for this amazing review and for commending our services, especially the very tasty food, housekeeping, friendly staff and amazing game viewing experience. I will be sure to commend Joshua, Mary, Simon and the kitchen team for going out of her way to deliver a special experience to you. It's truly the ultimate accolade when guests choose to return again and again - as well as refer friends and family. This certainly contributes to the sense of home and hospitality you describe in your own words "The amazing experience" We thank you again for staying at the Mara Explorer Camp and can’t wait to have you back for another memorable experience in the not so distant future. Kind Regards Mara Explorer Team
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We stayed for 4 nights/5 days and enjoyed every single minute to the fullest! The lovely setting of the camp by the river, where you can hear and observe a large family of hippos all day long is absolutely wonderful. The romantic and very clean tents, each with a privat porch nesteled along the river offer everything you need and are perfectly comfortable and very clean (thank you Nelson), the kitchen staff is very creative and motivated to surprise and delight their guests day by day with new menus, Geoffrey, Pauline and the entire team are very kind hosts and fullfilling every wish they can at any time (thank you again Pauline for the Sultanins ;-). And Joab our fantastic guide drove us safely around with "once in a live time" sights of everything the Masai Mara! The perfect spot for those who prefer a charming, compassionate and relaxed camp in a heartwarming setting. Thank you to the entire staff for making our stay so unforgettable. Hope to be back rather sooner than later!
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Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gregory Wabuge, General Manager at Mara Explorer Camp
Responded Jan 24, 2023
Dear Ursula, Thank you so much for having chosen The Mara Explorer Camp for your stay and for highlighting the pleasant experience you had with us from arrival through to departure, through such an amazing review on the Trip Advisor. It gives us immense pleasure to note that you thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality shown by the entire team. It is truly a huge compliment for us. Your special feedback about the product, the team and our services is much appreciated. Thank you for recognizing Nelson, Pauline, Geoffrey, and Jpab, your guide. I have shared the review with them and they are truly humbled. I am honored to be working with such passionate individuals who always put their guests first. The team and I thank you for your gracious feedback once again and we look forward to your continued patronage of our Camp and welcoming you back with us in not too distant future. Kind Regards Mara Explorer Team
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There are so many wonderful things to say about this camp and its staff! To start with, the rooms are in luxury tents that all have balcony’s facing the river, so you can watch the wildlife even when you’re not out on a game drive. The beds are soft and comfortable, and you get all the comforts you’d expect at a luxury hotel (Wi-Fi, charging stations, comfortable bathrooms, private outdoor bathtub, etc.). They wake you up at any time you request to freshly brewed coffee, tea and cookies. They serve you gourmet 5 and 7 course meals, with beer and wine included. You have a choice of having breakfast overlooking the river and a family of hippos, or you can take your breakfast as a picnic with you on a morning game drive. They’re happy to drive you to the beautiful pool at their sister camp that’s only 10 minutes away. I can’t say enough good things about this camp, but most importantly the staff was incredible. They were thoughtful, kind, responsive, informative and proactive. They even called the airline to make sure our flight was on time so we weren’t sitting at the landing strip in the sun. Specifically I want to mention Geoffrey, Dominic, Chef Sheldrick, Nelson, John, Pauline and Collins. If you’re luck enough to have this crew around while you’re on your safari you’re in wonderful hands! 5 stars all the way!!!
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Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gregory Wabuge, General Manager at Mara Explorer Camp
Responded Feb 8, 2023
Dear Beth, Thank you so much for the amazing Review . It was a great pleasure hosting you at Mara Explorer Camp. The warm compliments to my team members is highly appreciated especially to Geoffrey, Dominic, Shadrack, Nelson, Pauline, John and Collins and i will ensure they are recognized for their good efforts. Am delighted to know that we exceeded your expectations. We sincerely thank you for the continued support and we look forward to welcoming you back again in the very near future. Kind regards Mara Explorer Team
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We used Safarilink to fly to the camp from Nairobi, it should of been a direct flight but landed half way to drop someone off at another camp, it was fun landing and taking off on another strip. We were met by one of the camp safari vehicles, before you leave the airstrip you have to pay your park fees, $70 a day per person, so keep your credit card handy. The camp is a short drive from the airstrip. On arrival you are met by Geoffrey, the manager who gives you a 10 minute chat about the camp while you are having a welcome drink, then it is off to your tent where your bags are already waiting. We arrived early in the morning @ 8.30am so we missed the morning drive but had a lovely breakfast overlooking the river with the hippos. There are 3 drives a day included in the package. 6.30-9.00 am then breakfast, 10.00-13.00 back for lunch and then off again about 15.30 then back for about 18.30 for shower and dinner, the food is very good, they have a few little surprises for you but you will have to wait and see what they are, I don’t want to spoil it 🤔
The tents are very comfortable all over looking the river, we had hippos and crocodiles outside ours but don’t worry they are not that close. The bed is very comfortable. The shower is good, there is also an outdoor bath, we didn’t have time to use it.
The food is of a good standard, you will not go hungry !! Beer and wine is included but not spirits.
Our guide was called Ezekiel, he was very knowledgeable and managed to find us all of the big 5 plus lots lots more.
All of the staff at the camp are very friendly and helpful, most of our meals were served by Pauline ( aka Paulina 😂) she is super efficient and a good laugh, as are all the rest of the staff. Hello Collins and Kaka 👋
Geoffrey the Manager (aka Godfrey 😘) is very helpful and nothing was too much trouble for him.
The only thing that I would give a miss is the visit to the Maasai village, it has nothing to do with Explorer but is a trip offered, for $20 per head we didn’t think it was worth it.
I would have no hesitation recommending Mara Explorer camp and if we were ever to go back it would be the only place we would consider staying.
Thank you everyone for making our stay so special, sorry we drank all your white wine.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gregory Wabuge, General Manager at Mara Explorer Camp
Responded Feb 26, 2023
Dear Guest, Thank you so much for having chosen our Camp for your stay and for highlighting the pleasant experience you had with us through such an amazing review on Trip Advisor. It gives us immense pleasure to note that you thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality shown by the entire team. It is truly a huge compliment for us. Your special feedback about the product, the team and our services is much appreciated. I have shared your compliments with the team members especially with Geoffrey, Pauline, Collins, Kaka and Ezekiel who are humbled by your praise. I am honored to be working with such passionate individuals who always put their guests first. The team and I thank you for your gracious feedback once again and we look forward to your continued patronage of our Camp and welcoming you back with us in not too distant future. Thank you and Warm regards, Mara Explorer Team
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We had an amazing time at this beautiful place. Right outside are hippos who certainly keep you entertained along with hyenas at night adding to the atmosphere ! The tents are certainly 5 star snd food was fabulous (thanks to the chefs Josephat and Shadrack ). Food exceeded our expectations for every meal with 5 and 7 course meals, all freshly prepared and menus covering every choice. We were looked after by Joseph and Lawrence who made every moment in Camp just perfect- attending to everything we could possibly need. Always there with another beer.
The game drives with Dom were superb. He made sure we got to see everything and his experience and expertise ensured that every possible sighting was followed up by being “in the right place” to capture the moment. We even got to see a Leopard hunt and make her kill, seeing animals right up close in their habitat was certainly special. Had a massage in camp snd Ana was also fabulous - certainly recommend. Evenings by the fire with Jonathan also added to our experience and as a Masai himself, we gained a first hand experience of life in Masai Mara. Finally, but not least - Sammy and Kaka with John Lelo ensured we were safe in the open site, patrolling and taking us back to our tent each evening. A special note to Jambo for his singing ! All in all a really memorable time with great people. If you choose to come here you will have the best time !!!
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gregory Wabuge, General Manager at Mara Explorer Camp
Responded Dec 28, 2023
Dear Paul, Thank you so much for staying with us and for highlighting the pleasant experience you had through such an amazing review on Trip Advisor. It gives us immense pleasure to note that you thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality shown by the entire team. It is truly a huge compliment for us. I will recognize Lawrence, Joseph, Josephat, Shadrack, Dominic, Ana, Jonathan, Sammy, kaka and John Lelo for going an extra mile to ensure you had an impeccable stay.. I am honored to be working with such passionate individuals who always put their guests first. The team and I thank you for your gracious feedback once again and we look forward to your continued patronage of our Camp and welcoming you back with us in not too distant future. Kind Regards Mara Explorer Team
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Our family (three generations) recently spent three nights at Mara Explorer Camp and it was a marvelous experience. The Mara is a massive park and full of wonderful animal viewing. Our drivers, Dennis and Paul, were excellent. They were very knowledgable about all the animals and tried hard to find the big 5. Some highlights were watching a lioness chase down and catch a zebra only to lose it when the two of them rolled down a hill. Another highlight was watching a cheetah and her cub with a kill while the jackals and vultures circled waiting for their turn for dinner. Sadly, we never could find the rhinos that were hiding in the bushes. I guess we will need to return some day and try again. The food was excellent thanks to the chefs, Josaphat, Shadrack and Stephen. Every plate was beautifully presented! Kennyrojers, our waiter, was there to cater to our every need or want. The dinner in the "bush" one night was a surprise and so much fun! The one man band was great entertainment. It is a small camp and located right on the edge of a river that was full of hippos. We enjoyed listening to the hippos and watching the Mom and baby when they came out of the water. The tents are spacious and comfortable with a private bathroom. The "turn down" service included putting a hot water bottle in your bed. It wasn't cold, but the hot water bottle sure felt good when you got into bed. Each tent had an outdoor bathtub in a private setting. Many of us took advantage of that and had a good soak. One granddaughter felt a little "off" one morning and decided not to go on the morning game drive. The staff were so attentive to her - refiling her hot water bottle, making her a breakfast of her choice, etc. Where else can you get that kind of service? All in all, a wonderful place to stay.
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Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gregory Wabuge, General Manager at Mara Explorer Camp
Responded Jan 10, 2023
Dear Eunice, Thank you so much for having chosen our Camp for your stay and for highlighting the pleasant experience you had with us through such an amazing review on the Trip Advisor. Sad that you were unable to see the elusive Rhino, but there is always a next time. It gives us immense pleasure to note that you thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality shown by the entire team. It is truly a huge compliment for us. Your special feedback about the product, the team and our services is much appreciated. Thank you for recognizing Dennis, Paul, Josephat, Shadrack, Stephen and Kennyrodgers who are humbled by your praise. I am honored to be working with such passionate individuals who always put their guests first. The team and I thank you for your gracious feedback once again and we look forward to your continued patronage of our Camp and welcoming you back with us in not too distant future. Thank you and Warm regards, Mara Explorer Team
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We spent 3 nights in this luxurious tent room in the breathtaking savannah. This unique accommodation offered an extraordinary blend of rustic luxury immersed in nature, providing an unforgettable experience that exceeded our expectations. The tented room offered such a serene oasis where time was still, and connected with the wilderness. The porch is right over the river where the hippos lazily and nonchalantly spend their day inside the water and during the night they calmly wonder around. The service provided by the staff was exemplary. The attentive and knowledgeable team went above and beyond to ensure that every need was met. The chef provided every day a different, delicious menu. This experience left us with beautiful, cherished memories for a lifetime.
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gregory Wabuge, General Manager at Mara Explorer Camp
Responded Apr 5, 2024
Dear Guest, Thank you so much for this glowing and comprehensive review of your stay with us. What a heart warming joy it is to read. The rewarding comment towards the staff, unique accommodation, delicious meals and abundant wildlife is very inspiring in our effort to deliver exquisite experiences to our guests. I will be sure to share with all staff. It is truly the ultimate accolade when guests choose to return as well as refer friends and family. We thank you again for staying at the Explorer and hope to host you for another longer memorable experience in the not so distant future. Kind Regards Mara Explorer Team
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We had an epic experience in the Mara Explorer Camp in the middle of the Maasai Mara Reserve. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The food was simply amazing! The tents were very comfortable and clean, and we loved the sounds of the nature at night, even the loud noise of hippos!!! . We will definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants to have a unique African experience! Thanks to everyone who works at the camp and makes this place so special and wonderful.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gregory Wabuge, General Manager at Mara Explorer Camp
Responded Oct 7, 2023
Dear Wilma, Many thanks for your comments on your recent stay at Mara Explorer and we are happy that we met and exceeded your expectations. Our teams go out of their way to impress our guests and we are glad you mentioned specific aspects of your stay that were really impressive. Your feedback is very valuable to our Camp in order for us to keep up the high standards we strive to achieve. We all look forward to seeing you again in the near future. Kind Regards Mara Explorer Team
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Camp location based regarding the description of Hospitality & tourism,less than 5 minutes drive from the Air strip,Check-in was greatly done,Nice Rooms sorted with amanities and amazing outside bath tap,was a pleasure to meet Nelson and Musanka our room attendants,Everything was in place during our 3 nights stay and you could tell professionalism from the quality services they offered,Delicious meals served in the fine dinning, deck along Talek river with an amazing view of Hippos, Pauline serving with passion, Amazing Bush functions,memorable Sundowner with a classic set up....Chef Mirera and Shadrack who always considered our dietary requests greatly done,Amazing safaris as well @ Paul the guide who made as proud of the nature. However, each and every remark considered as my appreciation goes to Geoffrey the camp manager, who ensured a wonderful experience. Guest name usage and all the staff were competent enough upon any request, Asante sana for your hospitality looking forward to Explore again.....
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gregory Wabuge, General Manager at Mara Explorer Camp
Responded Dec 16, 2022
Dear Brian, Thank you so much for having chosen The Mara Explorer Camp for your stay and for highlighting the pleasant experience you had with us from arrival through to departure, through such an amazing review on the Trip Advisor. It gives us immense pleasure to note that you thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality shown by the entire team. It is truly a huge compliment for us. Your special feedback about the product, the team and our services is much appreciated. Thank you for recognizing Nelson, Musanka, Pauline, Geoffrey, Chef Shadrack and Mirera and Paul, your guide. I have shared the review with them and they are truly humbled. I am honored to be working with such passionate individuals who always put their guests first. The team and I thank you for your gracious feedback once again and we look forward to your continued patronage of our Camp and welcoming you back with us in not too distant future. Kind Regards Mara Explorer Team
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This place is spectacular - tented rooms (the right way to stay); beautiful setting; hugely dedicated staff; especially the Game Drivers who are knowledgeable, attentive, kind and wonderfully enthusiastic to show you their park and animals; delicious food and served in a way to enhance the setting. I would also urge you to take advantage if the camp being right next to the small airstrip rather than drive from Nairobi. It might seem to make it more expensive, but it's worth it. This is the way to see the Mara, and this is the place to do it.
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Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gregory Wabuge, General Manager at Mara Explorer Camp
Responded Jan 10, 2023
Dear David, Thank you so much for having chosen our Camp for your stay and for highlighting the pleasant experience you had with us through such an amazing review on the Trip Advisor. It gives us immense pleasure to note that you thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality shown by the entire team. It is truly a huge compliment for us. Your special feedback about the product, the team and our services is much appreciated. I have shared your compliments with the team members who are humbled by your praise. I am honored to be working with such passionate individuals who always put their guests first. The team and I thank you for your gracious feedback once again and we look forward to your continued patronage of our Camp and welcoming you back with us in not too distant future. Thank you and Warm regards, Mara Explorer Team
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Try to look up Heritage Hotel Group in Kenya. They manage the camp and hopefully someone there will be able to answer your questions.
Good luck.
Alternately try to reach someone at Mara Intrepid Camp which is near Explorer camp. They are sister camps and jointly managed.
The Chef is wonderful. He asked if he could prepare a traditional Kenyan meal for us. There were 3 or 4 choices of meat. Beef and Chicken were 2 of the choices. We chose chicken and it was terrific! Just let the concierge at the camp know before you go of diet requests.
Colombo, Sri Lanka153 contributions48 helpful votes
You don’t see lions and cheetahs in the camp. But when you stay in a camp inside the Mara reserve there is quick access to wild life unlike when you stay outside.
Yes Mara Explorer, Mara Intrepid and Mara Eden are equally good for sightings. We saw many Lions as opposed to Cheetahs.
There are more places to choose from in the Maasai Mara National Reserve area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
mara explorer camp hotel maasai mara national reserve
LOCATION
KenyaRift Valley ProvinceMaasai Mara National Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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