The 10 best Campgrounds in Rift Valley Province, Kenya

Tortilis Camp has a prime location for witnessing the majesty of Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro. The camp is named after the flat-topped, umbrella thorn tree, the Acacia Tortilis, and embraces a hill in one of Amboseli’s areas of Acacia Tortilis woodland. Located in a private conservancy bordering the national park, game drives, walks, sundowners and bush meals take place both inside the national park and in the conservancy, where guests enjoy exclusivity. The tents are all spacious, with king or twin beds and elegant en suite bathrooms. There is a main lounge, bar and dining area, all exquisitely built with natural materials and thatched roofs, with magnificent views of Kilimanjaro. The Private House and Family Tent are located slightly separate to the main camp, upon the hill where they share a pool and enjoy magnificent views of Kilimanjaro. Tortilis Camp was one of the first eco-lodges of its size, and is very proudly 100% solar. Guests can rest assure they are leaving a minimal footprint during their stay.

Il Moran is widely regarded as the premiere camp in the Masai Mara, with the best game viewing right on your doorstep. This is the camp for those who want that extra bit of luxury: We’ve kept Governors’ Il Moran small and intimate, with added touches that place this camp at the top of the safari accommodation range. You’ll be the personal guest of our manager who will look after all your needs. Hidden under ancient trees deep in the forest, are just ten tents which line the winding banks of the Mara River. Dark chunky wooden tables contrast with oversized blue couches and a central, colourfully beaded chandelier, while tribal portraits and African artefacts are dotted around. Meals are served on the raised wooden decking of the main mess and dining tent which offers a birds eye view of the snorting hippos below. The main feature is a sunken fire pit which is lit in the evenings – the perfect spot to sit back with a cocktail of your choice. Il Moran is small and peaceful – the ideal camp for honeymooners and couples who are looking for a very special safari experience, or even families with older children. This camp has been awarded a Silver Eco Rating by Eco-Tourism Kenya for our sustainable tourism practices in place. We are a family with a colourful cast of characters that embodies the spirit of safari, while placing the care of the environment, community and conservation at the heart of everything we do.

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.

The setting is magical. So much so that almost a century ago it was reserved, exclusively, for Kenya’s colonial Governors. Governors’ Camp nestles in the forest along the winding banks of the Mara River, it’s waters teeming with bird-life, hippo and crocodile, in the heart of Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. Created in 1972, Governors’ Camp set new standards in luxury for a tented camp. Today it’s still Africa’s best. Governors’ Camp was the first permanent tented camp in the Masai Mara and it occupies the best wildlife viewing location in the National Park. The location of the camp was considered so good that during colonial times it was reserved for the colonial Governors of Kenya, hence the name Governors’ Camp. Today the camp enjoys the same prime location and is perfect for couples, families and friends wanting to experience the best of what a safari in the Masai Mara has to offer. The entire camp is under canvas with all of the comforts of a luxury hotel. Some of the 37 tents line the riverbank, tucked into the forest they enjoy uninterrupted views over the Mara River, others have views across the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara. The tents are big, bright and allow in lots of natural light. All tents are classic safari style each with en-suite bathrooms and a private verandah. There is a bar tent with deck overlooking the Mara River and dinning tent with views over the plains. Please also be sure to enquire about our Spa tent which offers a range of treatments including facials, massages, manicures and pedicures. Governors’ Camp has been awarded a Silver Eco Rating from Eco – Tourism Kenya due to our sustainable tourism practices in place in camp.

Fig Tree Camp, located in the prestigious Masai Mara National Reserve, is a luxurious lodge with top-class amenities and service. You have a reason to adventure, we give you the hospitality to go with it. This 72 roomed property is ideal for game drives and nature walks. Our rooms comprise of the superior Ngaboli tents, executive standard tents and lodge rooms, all fitted with facilities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. The Talek River also snakes its way around the camp, to give you that serene and tranquil feel from the hustle and bustle of the city. We do hope you enjoy your stay with us. Welcome to Fig Tree Camp.

Mara Kimana Camp is a small tented camp, situated on the banks of Sekenani River, 2kms from Sekenani Gate. It is accessible from outside before the Sekenani Gate and inside through Sekenani Gate within the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Kimana is within a small, cool and serene woodland environment.

Mara Maisha Camp is a Luxury Tented Camp located 4.5km from Talek Gate of Maasai Mara National Reserve. It is Sister Hotel to Kibo Safari Camp and Kibo Private Wing of Amboseli National Park Kenya. You won’t forget your time in this romantic, memorable place.

Karen Blixen Camp in the Masai Mara offers an authentic ’yesteryear’ experience for visitors wishing to gain that little extra from their safari. Set on the bank of the Mara River; the location is spectacular. Throughout the day elephants, giraffes, zebras and impalas come for a drink while a large hippo pod rest lazily in the river. The Camp gives a feeling of the early 1920’s era with beautiful and comfortable furniture.

The perfect base for your exclusive Safari adventure is the Neptune Mara Rianta luxury tented Camp. Nestled in the heart of the North Conservation Masai Mara Reserve. Immersed in the original bush among indigenous plantations and trees, the 20 luxury tents are directly overlooking the Mara River, which winds itself around the camp with gently flowing waters surrounded with wild life and teeming with large groups of Hippos. Early morning and afternoon game drive in the North Conservation Masai Mara Reserve included in the price. Soothe your body and mind with a relaxing and invigorating massage at the Mvua African Rain Spa or enjoy an al fresco lunch or an evening BBQs around the pool complemented by activities of Masai dancing and talks on the Masai culture.

Emboo River is located in a river bend within Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve. It is the perfect spot for the your dream safari. Your Game Drives start as soon as you jump into the fleet of Electric Safari Vehicles, because there are animals all around the camp. You can even see animals inside the lodge because Emboo River is not fenced. During the Great Migration season, the herds use a popular River Crossing close to the lodge. You will be in the centre of the action. Emboo River's vision is centered around this Maasai saying: "Mataramat enkop pee eramat iyook.", that translates to “If you take care of nature, nature will take care of you.” Legend has it that the Maasai Community made an agreement with Enkai (God). The Maasai Community would be given cattle and in return they had to promise to be the custodians of nature. A promise must never be broken. Emboo River’s founders William Partois Ole Santian, Loïc Amadò & Valery Super are keeping this promise by being the first full eco lodge in the region and combining tradition and innovation. Emboo River promises to be a custodian of nature, to be a catalyst for change and to continuously promote sustainable practices. At Emboo River you will enjoy a luxurious holiday in the midst of nature, while positively contributing to this unique environment, conserving wildlife and empowering the local community.