Budget Camps In Masai Mara

Budget Camps In Masai Mara

Best camps in the Maasai Mara for less than 20 USD

Osim Country Lodge

Unfortunately, Osim Country Lodge is the only available place for less than 20USD.

Located just 17 kilometers after Narok, this is the cheapest campsite in the Maasai Mara and the reason is that it is a bit far from the main gates to the park, around 70 kilometers but, given the poor condition of the road, it takes 2 hours to reach them.

Still, the location is beautiful and, if you book a safari with them, the game drive will include transportation to the park, no problem.

Moreover, this lodge has all the comforts that some budget campsites in the Maasai Mara would not be able to offer you, as it also offers real beds in real rooms, with a private bathroom, hot shower, and a restaurant, of course.

The best: Price, comfort

Not good if: You care about location

Best Maasai Mara campsites between 60USD and 90USD

Mara Explorers Backpackers camp

This is one of the most popular Masai Mara camping sites for backpackers, as it is really close to the Sekenani gate and offers pretty competitive prices, for both tents and game drives.

If you are just looking for simplicity and a backpacker-friendly place, this might be your ideal spot.

By the way, Mara Explorers is just a few kilometers away from Sekenani Gate.

The good: Price, backpacking-friendly

Not good if: You are looking for something less simple

Aruba Mara Camp & Safaris

With super awesome tents, Aruba Campsite is another relatively cheap option which might be ideal for families, as it offers very large tents.

A great hanging out area and serving delicious food compared to other Maasai Mara camping sites, Aruba is also very close to Talek, a famous Maasai village where you can go to see the daily life of the Maasai people.

The best: Large tents, location

Not good if: Some people complain about the mattresses

Maasai Village & Safari

If you are looking for a different experience, this is the house of a local Maasai, so it is basically a homestay.

Here, you will have the comfort of a real room and, despite not being a campsite, the house is kind of located in the middle of nowhere so, at night, you may also be able to hear some animals in action.

Moreover, the owner is a very kind man and the location is good, close to Sekenani.

The good: Maasai culture, the comfort of a house

Not good if: You prefer to stay in a camp to experience the wilderness during the night

Crocodile Camp

Crocodile Camp is the top-rated tented camp in the Maasai Mara among the most budget options.

With incredible views of the park itself, where you can even see animal activity from your tent, Crocodile Camp brags about having the most comfortable tents at the best price.

Besides, people claim that it serves some of the best food in the park, sometimes serving real African dishes, which many other camps don’t, as Western food tends to be the preferred choice for most travelers.

The staff are amazing as well and the location very good, next to the village of Talek.

The good: Best quality at the best price

Not good if: You are looking for top quality

Semadep Mara Camp

Very close to Sekenani, Semadep is another good budget option, even though its tents and rooms are simpler than other campsites with similar prices.

In my most honest opinion, I think you should stay here only if the other campsites within the same price range are booked, which is quite likely unless you book well in advance.

However, don’t panic. Semadep is quite all right and it is located in Sekenani, the main gate to park.

The good: Location

Not good if: You are a bit picky about quality

Mama Safi Guest House

This is not really a campsite but a budget guest house from a lovely local woman named Kelley, so it is the ideal place for those looking for the comfort of a real bed, rather than a tent, besides experiencing the Maasai Mara culture a bit closer.

Mama Safi is really close to Sekenani gate, has a kitchen, a BBQ place and, every night, they set a fire camp.

Overall, given the overall prices in Maasai Mara, this is a great place.

The best: Comfort, kitchen, location, Maasai culture

Not good if: You prefer to stay in a camp to experience the wilderness during the night

Enchoro Wildlife Camp

A real safari campsite, Enchoro Wildlife Camp is located next to Ololaimutiek Gate, very close to a lake which they like to call a beach.

The tents of this campsite are, definitely, more comfortable than other, cheaper, options but some travelers claim that the facilities are getting a little bit old. However, if you are not very picky, the place is great because it is surrounded by beautiful nature and the tents have a private bathroom.

The best: Comfy tents, beautiful surrounding

Not good if: You are a bit picky about quality

Best budget Maasai Mara tented camps between 90USD and 130USD

Fisi Camp

Among the budget options, Fisi camp is one of the most expensive, and for good reason.

With some of the best reviews on Booking.com, this campsite is super well maintained, offering tents with very warm beds, besides excellent views of the Maasai Mara plain and the most amazing staff ever.

It is located in Ololaimutiek, just 5 minutes’ walk from the gate to the park.

The best: Super comfort, location, amazing staff

Not good if: Price is a real issue for you

Maji Moto Eco Camp

Another super well-rated campsite, Maji Moto has simple but super comfortable facilities, like nowhere else in the area.

The staff are real tribal Maasai people and they can even offer you goat blood to drink.

Everything is super well-maintained and works optimally. A great place for families and couples.

However, it is a bit far from the main gates, which means that you will have to wake up extra early to go on a safari but, if this is not an issue for you, you will be all right.

The good: Facilities, the staff

Not good if: You care about location

Jambo Mara Safari Lodge

Jambo lodge is right in the area between budget and mid-range, but its quality is closer to luxury than anything else.

With beautiful wooden lodges, everything is just really neat, including the super cozy rooms and comfy beds.

Everybody claims that Jambo Lodge is an exceptional campsite and a must-try experience when you visit the Maasai Mara.

The good: Everything

No good if: Price is an issue for you