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Map of the Maasai Mara: Where We Camp

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Map of the Maasai Mara: Reserve, Conservancies and Where We Actually Camp

The Maasai Mara is not one block of land, and that shapes where a camping safari can actually happen. The public reserve and the private conservancies to its north are separate areas with different rules and different camping access. This map draws each one as its real shape, gates and airstrips included, so you can see exactly where our mobile tented camps sit before you book.

Interactive map of the Maasai Mara

Gold is the national reserve, terracotta shapes are the conservancies, and the grey block across the Sand River is Tanzania’s Serengeti, the same ecosystem under a different name. Dark pins mark the gates, blue pins the airstrips. Tap any shape for the details.

The interactive map could not load on this connection.

You can still use the guide and tables below, or open the area on Google Maps.

Reserve vs. conservancy: where camping actually happens

The reserve itself is public land run by Narok County. Anyone with a park ticket can drive in, which means fixed vehicle numbers, day-visitor traffic, and no mobile camping allowed inside its boundary. North of the reserve sit the private conservancies — Mara North, Naboisho and Olare Orok — leased directly from Maasai landowners. They cap guest and vehicle numbers, and this is where mobile tented camping is actually possible.

AreaCamping accessFeel
Maasai Mara National ReserveDay visits only, no mobile campsBusy in peak season
Mara North ConservancyMobile tented camps, low densityPrivate, uncrowded
Naboisho ConservancyMobile camps plus walking safarisSome of the highest lion density in Kenya
Olare Orok ConservancyMobile camps, guests-only drivesSmall, exclusive, on the reserve’s northern edge

We run our standard mobile tented camps across Mara North and Naboisho, and a dedicated star-bed camp inside Naboisho itself. The wildlife does not read the boundary lines; it moves freely between the reserve and the conservancies, which is why a conservancy camp still puts you in range of the migration crossings without the reserve’s daytime crowds.

Gates, airstrips and getting here

Road transfers to a conservancy camp typically route through Sekenani or Talek gate before continuing onto private land. Flying in from Wilson Airport takes 40 to 45 minutes and lands on one of the airstrips shown on the map; your camp’s transfer team will meet you there. Whichever way you arrive, build in a full day either side for the drive or flight — this is not a stop you rush.

Access pointServes
Sekenani GateMain road entrance from Narok, eastern reserve and Naboisho
Talek GateCentral camps, Mara North and Naboisho transfers
Musiara GateMarsh area, northern reserve
Ol Kiombo / Musiara airstripsClosest strips to the northern conservancies

The migration usually holds in the Mara from late July to October, with resident game — the big cats especially — present all year. See how the Mara connects to our other circuits on the Map of Kenya.

Maasai Mara camping questions

Where exactly does BestCamp camp in the Maasai Mara?

In the private conservancies north of the reserve, mainly Mara North and Naboisho, plus a dedicated star-bed camp inside Naboisho. The public reserve itself does not permit mobile tented camping.

Can you camp inside the main reserve?

No. The reserve is day-visitor land managed by Narok County; overnight camping there is not permitted. All of our Mara camps sit in the conservancies, which allow it and keep vehicle numbers low.

What’s the difference between Mara North, Naboisho and Olare Orok?

All three are private conservancies leased from Maasai landowners with guests-only access. Naboisho has some of the Mara’s highest lion density and allows walking safaris; Mara North and Olare Orok are quieter still, with fewer camps per square kilometre.

Which gate or airstrip should I use?

Sekenani or Talek gate for road transfers, Ol Kiombo or Musiara airstrip if you’re flying from Wilson Airport. Your camp will confirm the exact pickup point once your dates are set.

When is the best time to camp in the Maasai Mara?

July to October for the migration and river crossings; January and February for a quieter, greener alternative with strong resident game. Naboisho’s lions are a year-round draw regardless of season.

Ready to camp in the Mara conservancies?

Tell us your dates and we’ll place your mobile tented camp in Mara North or Naboisho, timed to the season you’re after.

Plan Your Maasai Mara Safari

Park and reserve boundaries © OpenStreetMap contributors, licensed under ODbL. Basemap © OpenFreeMap, © OpenMapTiles, data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Satellite imagery © Esri. Terrain tiles by Mapzen and AWS Open Data.