Mara Explorer

5.0 star property
Riverwalk tentalow with free breakfast and airport shuttle service

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Mara Explorer

Balcony
Interior
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; alfresco dining
Bathroom sink
1 bedroom, Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free airport shuttle
  • Bar
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Breakfast included
  • Room service
  • Laundry

Explore the area

Map
Masai Mara, Maasai Mara, 74888-00200
  • Maasai Mara National Reserve
  • Oloololo Gate
  • Musiara Gate
  • Maasai Mara (ANA-Angama Mara)

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Room options

Luxury Tent (3 Safaris included)

  • 374 sq ft
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Maasai Mara

Mara Explorer places you 5.8 mi (9.3 km) from Mara River and 6.5 mi (10.4 km) from Mara Triangle. This 5-star tentalow welcomes guests with 10 rooms and conveniences like free in-room WiFi, free self parking, and a free airport shuttle.

Getting around

  • Maasai Mara (OLX-Olkiombo) - 2 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Barafu Lounge - ‬22 min drive

About this property

Mara Explorer

Riverwalk tentalow with free breakfast and airport shuttle service
At Mara Explorer, guests have access to free WiFi in public areas, coffee in a common area, and a library. There's free parking, as well as a free airport shuttle (available 24 hours). The 24-hour front desk has staff standing by to help with luggage storage, securing valuables, and tours or tickets. Other amenities at this luxury tentalow include express check-in, express check-out, and free newspapers.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Pillowtop beds sport Egyptian cotton sheets and down comforters, and bathrooms offer deep soaking tubs, rainfall showers, hair dryers, and free toiletries. Patios, coffee makers, and safes are also standard.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

English

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour free roundtrip airport shuttle at scheduled times
  • Free extended parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Restaurants on site

  • Talek Lounge

Things to do

  • Ecotours
  • Game drive
  • Library

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • On the riverwalk
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Spa

  • Deep-tissue massages
  • In-room massages
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • Art Deco architecture
  • Built in 2001
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Fireplace in lobby

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Down comforter
  • Egyptian cotton sheets
  • Pillowtop mattress

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Desk
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 12:30 PM; Check-in end time: 6 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport; guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 7:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Renovations and closures

This property is closed from May 14 2025 to January 31 2026 (dates subject to change).

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Children and extra beds

  • This property doesn't allow children 12 and younger (only guests older than 12 are allowed)

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Destination fee: USD 70 per person, per night. This fee does not apply to children under 1 year of age.

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 12:30 PM—-6 PM
  • Check-out: 10 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking in and out are easy with express services. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the free airport shuttle (available 24 hours). Driving? This property offers free self parking, along with free extended parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Reservations need to be made in advance for massage services. Contact the tentalow at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • Noise-free rooms can't be guaranteed.

Property is also known as

Mara Explorer
Mara Explorer Masai Mara
Mara Explorer Safari
Mara Explorer Safari Masai Mara
Mara Explorer Camp Hotel Maasai Mara National Reserve
Mara Explorer Camp Kenya/Maasai Mara National Reserve
Mara Explorer Safari/Tentalow Masai Mara
Mara Explorer Safari/Tentalow
Mara Explorer Maasai Mara
Mara Explorer Safari/Tentalow
Mara Explorer Safari/Tentalow Maasai Mara

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Mara Explorer?

Mara Explorer offers free cancellation on select room rates. For more details, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What's there to do around Mara Explorer?

This tentalow is located in Maasai Mara, close to Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Is there parking available at Mara Explorer?

Yes, self parking and long-term parking are offered for free at the tentalow.

Is a spa located at Mara Explorer?

Spa services at the tentalow include deep-tissue massages.

Does Mara Explorer feature a casino on the premises?

No, Mara Explorer doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Mara Explorer?

No, there is no indoor pool at this tentalow.

Is Mara Explorer good for couples?

This boutique tentalow offers many amenities for couples, including in-room massages as well as a bar and a restaurant with al fresco dining.

Are there hot tubs at Mara Explorer?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this tentalow.

Does Mara Explorer have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Yes, Mara Explorer serves free buffet breakfast at Talek Lounge each morning.

Does Mara Explorer allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at Mara Explorer.

How close is the airport from Mara Explorer?

The closest major airport to Mara Explorer is Maasai Mara (OLX-Olkiombo), which is within a mile. Another top airport is Maasai Mara (MDR-Musiara Airstrip), which is located 10.9 mi away (59-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies at Mara Explorer?

Yes, every accommodation at Mara Explorer comes with a patio with some featuring river views.

Does Mara Explorer have a wedding venue?

If wedding bells are in your future, take advantage of the wedding venue at Mara Explorer.

Mara Explorer Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 12 out of 12 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 12 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Richars

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Magical life experience

My wife and I stayed at Mara Explorer for 6 nights in September 2023. This was our third Safari in Kenya. The Mara Explorer is the most magical and enchanting location for a safari I could ever imagine. Everything was impeccable - the amazingly friendly and professional staff, wonderful hospitality, service, and beautiful food. The tents are an absolute privilege to stay in, especially being woken up to the hippo chorus at each morning! The bed was so comfy - I slept like never before. The drives were just incredible! Witnessing the migration at its peak was a humbling experience. We saw numerous spectacular crossings and the big five. A huge thank you to everyone at Mara Explorer, especially Dominic our guide. Spending several hours a day with him for 6 days was a joy and he tirelessly ensured we found a rhino (on our very last drive!). He is a true gentleman and an expert wildlife guide. I have never experienced 4x4 driving like his - we didn't get stuck once in sometimes very challenging conditions and always made us feel safe and comfortable - as did everyone at the camp. To sum up. If you want a dream 5-star Masai mara safari, choose Mara Explorer. Richard and Katie
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The Staff Extremely Welcoming, The Food Was Great, The Tours Were Exciting.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Davinder

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The tent cabins were great, dining staff was just awesome. Bush breakfast organized was absolutely great.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rita

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I can honestly say this was one of my top life experiences. The Mara Explorer Camp is the perfect Safari destination! The staff were very attentive and helpful. Pauline and Geoffrey made sure our stay was comfortable and helped us plan any extra activities. Thanks for the surprise Masai dance and cake! The tents were luxurious and comfy with beautiful decor. There was so much beautiful scenery and wildlife surrounding the camp to enjoy while having a cup of tea. The food was also amazing!! Thank you Chef! We had full board with three course lunches and dinners with plenty of variety. The Camp is perfectly located within the Masai Mara so we had a chance to see so many animals during our stay. Many thanks to our safari guide Samson who was incredible and worked so hard to spot the Big 5. We had so much fun during our game drives with Samson who was the perfect guide and amazing company! The camp is not fenced, but we felt very safe thanks to security guards Sammy and Kaka. Thank you very much to the amazing staff of Mara Explorer for making our stay unforgettable and exceptional. Can’t wait to come back!

10/10 Excellent

Jill

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Absolute Gem of a Place

Mara Explorer Camp was absolutely wonderful. The staff is warm, friendly, and attentive, especially Jane the manager, Noor the server, and Kaka the head of security. We certainly appreciated their kind hospitality all throughout our stay. Our driver/guide, James, went above and beyond every day on our game drives. He's highly experienced and knowledgable about the area, and we had a lot fun and learned a lot from him. He was able to find and teach us about so many animals; he really impressed me with his skill and knowledge. Something we really appreciated is that since the camp is small, you're not crowded into a 4x4 with a bunch of strangers; there was never more than 1 other couple with us, and most of the time we had the truck and James all to ourselves. We saw a lot of trucks from other bigger camps out in the park and they were often crowded with 8 or so people in them, and at those we were especially glad we chose Mara Explorer, because we could stop whenever we wanted and ask all the questions we had without feeling like we were burdening other guests. Inside the camp, the tent is comfortable and safe and the food is outstanding. In all, I don't have a single criticism of this place. Every single part of our trip exceeded our expectations. We'll definitely be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

LWStan, London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful Tented Camp in Masai Mara

The service at this camp is impeccable. Host Pauline and all the staff are warm, friendly and ever helpful. Our guide Sakut, was a real pleasure to be with. Not only knowledgeable and a great spotter but simply nice. The food was good with nice wines included in the package. A breakfast and lunch in the bush were nicely organised and good fun. The packaged picnic basket we tried for one breakfast was disappointing compared to the delicious breakfasts available at the camp restaurant.

10/10 Excellent

Christopher, London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Small luxury camp with great guides and food

Just arrived back from 4 nights here, can't recommend it enough. Ten luxury tents on banks of River Talek, perfect for couples wanting to experience an African safari.

10/10 Excellent

Ghada, Egypt

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Heaven on earth

I was on a business trip and decided to go on a Safari even if it meant that I go on my own. My friends advised me to stay at a lodge; which I believe takes away the charm of the experience, so I looked up my options on Expedia. I picked Mara Explorer Tented Camp based on recommendations by visitors and because of its simple yet fulfilling ambiance and location on the river. The campsite itself is a real treat…nature exemplified its softer side in the sounds of birds and waterfalls. Each and every one in the camp was more than kind, helpful, attentive and most accommodating…the food was to die for and the overall spirit of the camp was enchanting!

10/10 Excellent

Joe, Chicago

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place, great location. Service great, food outstanding, great game drives.

10/10 Excellent

Martin J., Switzerland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

The best tented safari lodge

Simply the best safari tented lodge in Kenja. Excellent food, service, game drive.

10/10 Excellent

freddy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Central Location in the heart of Mara.

Outstanding Location and Game drives. cats and elephants in the camp. Your have to feel Africa.

10/10 Excellent

Cheng, Hong kong

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent Services and Food

Excellent camp meeting all expectation of a five star hotel. All tents are exclusively by the river and have a balcony open to the river. Services and food are excellent.