Overview
Among Kenya's finest
Mara Plains is a classic luxury camp tucked away in the thick forest on a bend in the Ntiakitiak River.
One of only five camps in the 35,000-acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy, prime habitat for a vast number of wildlife species, the safari is spectacular even by Kenyan standards with among the lowest vehicle density in the Mara region, twinned with perhaps the highest concentration of big cats anywhere in Africa and the Great Migration. You can also visit the neighbouring Maasai Mara National Reserve if you fancy.
An intimate place, opulent yet green, can host up to ten guests sharing in five raised guest suites, each with its own private lounge, indoor bathroom and private deck. The private two-bedroom Mara Plains Jahazi Suite accommodates four adults sharing or a family of five with children and includes the services of a private butler, chef, vehicle and guide.
As you would expect from a Relais & Châteaux property, service and cuisine is exceptional, with no set schedule for activities or meals, meaning days are yours to explore how you want.
Facts
At a glance
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Five tented suites
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Private two-bedroom Jahazi Suite
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Relais & Châteaux dining
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Flexible safari schedule
Experiences
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![Watching a Crossing]()
Game drives
Explore the private conservancy on day and night game drives to experience some of the most varied and dense wildlife viewing in Africa, especially so during the Great Migration although it is spectacular year-round. You can also venture into the neighbouring National Reserve.
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![Maasai Olympics event showing traditional sports, part of Maasai culture.]()
Cultural visits
If a chance to learn about the Maasai is of interest, then cultural visits to a nearby Maasai village are also a highlight. Guests are also able to visit the local ladies beading workshop to try your hand at beading or just to learn about how these beautiful goods are made.
Community & Culture
Great Plains Conservation exists to conserve and expand natural habitats; using sustainable eco-tourism protect and restore critical habitats, conserve wildlife, and benefit local communities.
The camp has employed approximately 90% of the staff from the local area and it also sells locally produced crafts at the camp, all proceeds of which go toward the community, particularly the women’s groups and schools. Mara Toto also supports local schools through donations, assisting with construction projects, taking pupils on game drives and more.
Conservation
Each guest contributes considerably to the success of the conservancy’s flourishing ecosystem with conservation fees paid safeguarding this habitat, while supporting over 1000 Maasai landowning families. This partnership agreement ensures the survival of an astounding volume and variety of wildlife.
Working with local communities, Great Plains Conservation’s Conservation Grows programme has seen more than 2000 trees planted in and around the Maasai Mara, helping to restore indigenous trees to the landscape and teaching the value of indigenous trees in functioning ecosystems.
Footprint
Mara Plains Camp is guided by the Great Plains Corporate Environmental policy and has achieved a ‘Gold’ rating from Ecotourism Kenya for its holistic efforts. The policy describes the company’s commitment to develop camps that utilise all existing green technology and sustainable practices, so that the impact on the environment in which it conducts business is as minimal as possible. The main source of power and hot water for Mara Plains Camp is solar energy and there are thorough water and waste management processes in place.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
