Your Maasai guide stops mid-stride and raises one hand. In the soft earth by the Ntiakitiak River is a paw print the size of your palm, edges still crisp. He crouches, reads it, and smiles: a lioness, an hour ago, heading for the croton thickets. There is no engine noise, no other vehicle, just the two of you, the grass and the morning.
Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps are just five small tented camps on around 35,000 acres of Maasai-owned land bordering the Masai Mara Reserve: Mara Plains, Kicheche Bush Olare, Porini Lion Camp, Mahali Mzuri and Olare Mara Kempinski. With a cap of 94 beds, they offer walks, night drives and some of the Mara’s best big-cat viewing.
Sense of Adventure is a Nairobi-based safari company at Mountain Mall on Thika Road, licensed by Kenya’s Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA1/47/C01/77087). We plan tailor-made luxury Kenya safaris into every corner of the Mara. This guide compares all five Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps, explains the fees and rules, and helps you choose the right camp and season.
✅ Olare Motorogi Conservancy Camps: The Quick Answer
- Top pick overall: Mara Plains Camp, seven canvas suites by the Ntiakitiak River with night drives and camera gear to borrow.
- Best for couples: Mahali Mzuri, with a heated infinity pool, a spa and sweeping views.
- Best for families: Mahali Mzuri (from age two) or Kicheche Bush Olare’s family suite (from age seven).
- Best value luxury: Porini Lion Camp, ten solar-powered tents with night drives and walks.
- Best for walkers: Kicheche Bush Olare, just six tents, with guided walks, wild camping and even guided runs.
- Best time to go: July to October for the migration; January to March for green-season value and cubs.
🌍 Dreaming of Olare Motorogi?
With only five camps in the whole conservancy, space goes quickly. Message us your dates and we will check all five for you. 💬 WhatsApp Us Now or call +254 799 160 081
Why Olare Motorogi Conservancy Camps Feel So Exclusive
Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps feel exclusive because the conservancy caps the whole area at 94 beds in five light-footprint camps, with strict limits on game-viewing vehicles.
The conservancy began in May 2006 as Olare Orok Conservancy, when tourism partners made an agreement with 277 Maasai landowners on the reserve’s northern border. It later took in the Motorogi lands to become Olare Motorogi Conservancy. Today more than 300 landowners each hold a freehold title deed, and the area covers around 33,000–35,000 acres.
Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps must be semi-permanent with no foundations. The conservancy is run by Olpurkel Ltd, a not-for-profit company owned by the operators, with equal board seats for landowners and tourism partners plus representatives of The Maa Trust. For a side-by-side look at the three big northern conservancies, read Mara North vs Naboisho vs Olare Motorogi.
The 5 Olare Motorogi Conservancy Camps Reviewed
These are the five Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps listed on the conservancy’s official website. Each fact about these Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps comes from the camp’s own site or the conservancy.
1. Mara Plains Camp (Great Plains Conservation)
Why we love it: Mara Plains has seven canvas suites on wooden decks, built without cement, by forest on the Ntiakitiak River. It sleeps just 14 guests, plus the separate Jahazi Suite. Guests can borrow professional cameras, lenses and binoculars at no charge.
Best for: photographers, honeymooners and seasoned safari-goers. The moment you’ll remember: being walked back to your suite after dinner by a Maasai warrior, lantern in hand, with lions calling across the river.
Practical facts: game drives in open 4x4s and night drives; horse riding and balloons at extra cost; children from eight in the family suite; Olare Motorogi airstrip is about 30 minutes away, and its rate includes scheduled flights on a two-night minimum. Price band $$$$$; message us for current rates. Trade-off: no pool or spa.
2. Kicheche Bush Olare
Why we love it: Kicheche Bush Olare, which the conservancy still lists as Kicheche Bush Camp, has five tents and one family suite in an unfenced, low-impact camp. Kicheche is a founder member of the conservancy, and it shows in the depth of local knowledge.
Best for: walkers, photographers and families with children aged seven and over. The moment you’ll remember: a night at a wild camp after a day on foot, or a guided dawn run on the plains.
Practical facts: game drives with Silver-rated guides, guided bush walks, wild camping, guided runs, Maa Trust visits and balloons through Hot Air Safaris. Rates include Olare Orok airstrip transfers, full board, drinks and walks. Published rates start from about USD 765 per person per night (2026, varies by season), plus conservancy fees. Trade-off: closed from 1 April to 23 May in 2026.
3. Porini Lion Camp (Gamewatchers Safaris)
Why we love it: Porini Lion Camp has ten solar-powered tents, including two family units, on the Ntiakitiak River. It is Gold Eco Rated and Travelife certified, and its owners, Gamewatchers Safaris, are founder members of the conservancy.
Best for: first-timers, families with children over eight and value-minded luxury travellers. The moment you’ll remember: a night drive tracking lions by red light, then stargazing back at camp.
Practical facts: shared drives with a maximum of six guests per vehicle, night drives, guided walks, balloon flights and cultural visits; complimentary transfers from Olare Orok airstrip; open all year apart from a four-week closure in the rainy season. Price band $$$; message us for current rates. Trade-off: shared vehicles unless you pay for a private one.
4. Mahali Mzuri (Virgin Limited Edition)
Why we love it: Mahali Mzuri brings boutique-hotel polish to the bush. Its 12 tents host up to 24 guests, with a 12-metre heated infinity pool and the Nasaro spa. It is open year-round with no seasonal closure.
Best for: honeymooners, families with young children (from age two) and celebration groups. The moment you’ll remember: an afternoon swim with the plains stretching out below you, before a sundowner drive.
Practical facts: guided walks with Maasai guides, optional night drives, balloon at extra cost, and visits to a manyatta, a school and the Maa Trust; Olare Orok airstrip is 50–60 minutes from Wilson by air, then about 20 minutes by road. Price band $$$$$; message us for current rates; conservancy fees may apply on top. Read our full Mahali Mzuri guide.
5. Olare Mara Kempinski
Why we love it: Olare Mara Kempinski is the conservancy’s international-hotel option. The conservancy lists it with 12 Edwardian-style tents, a pool, walks, balloon flights and horse riding, and Kempinski offers spa credit in its packages.
Best for: travellers who like the reassurance of a global hotel brand, and seniors who want a pool and familiar service. The moment you’ll remember: a dawn balloon flight followed by a long, lazy breakfast.
Practical facts: the hotel is currently selling 2026 offers, including family and Kenya-resident packages. Child policy and transfer times are not published online, so we confirm them when we quote. Price band $$$$; message us for current rates. Trade-off: a more hotel-like feel than the owner-run camps.
Olare Motorogi Lodges Compared
This table compares all five Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps at a glance. Price bands run from $$$ (upper mid-range) to $$$$$ (ultra-luxury) before conservancy fees.
| Lodge | Setting | Style and size | Best for | Signature experience | Price band |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mara Plains Camp | Ntiakitiak River forest | Canvas suites, 7 | Photographers, couples | Night drives, free camera loan | $$$$$ |
| Kicheche Bush Olare | Unfenced bush camp | Tents, 5 plus family suite | Walkers, families 7+ | Wild camping and guided runs | $$$ |
| Porini Lion Camp | Ntiakitiak River | Solar tents, 10 | First-timers, value | Night drive lion tracking | $$$ |
| Mahali Mzuri | Hillside views | Tents, 12 | Honeymooners, families | Infinity pool and spa | $$$$$ |
| Olare Mara Kempinski | Conservancy | Edwardian-style tents, 12 | Brand-loyal travellers | Pool and balloon flights | $$$$ |
📅 Check Availability at These Lodges
Only 94 beds exist across all Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps, so send us your dates and we will check every one of them today. ✉ Send Us Your Dates on WhatsApp
The People Behind the Stay
Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps exist because more than 300 Maasai families chose to keep their land open for wildlife, and your stay pays them to do so.
The conservancy moved from a bed-night system to a monthly rent paid by the camps, giving landowners a steady income whether camps are full or quiet. The Maa Trust, which sits on the conservancy board, runs community projects that guests can visit from several camps. Mara Plains supports Endoinyo Erinka Primary School and the Women in the Mara beading and literacy project, and Mahali Mzuri supports Enkenju-Enkoirien Primary School through Pack for a Purpose.
The guides are the heart of Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps. Many are Maasai who grew up on these plains and can read a track, an alarm call or a change in the wind. Kicheche’s guides are Silver-rated, and at Mara Plains, Maasai warriors escort you to your tent at night.
Expert tip from our Nairobi team: pack a few school supplies if your camp supports a Pack for a Purpose project. Ask us what is most needed before you fly; it is a small gesture that goes straight to children who live alongside the wildlife.
Low Vehicle Density Safari: What It Means for You
A low vehicle density safari means you often share a sighting with no one, and rarely with more than a couple of vehicles.
At Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps, guides can drive off-road to sightings under conservancy rules, return after dark on night drives, and walk with you. Inside the national reserve, these activities are not permitted and crowds build around crossings in August. Our guide to whether the Masai Mara is crowded explains where and when it gets busy.
From Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps you can still visit the reserve for a day, typically towards the Talek and Mara rivers in migration season, paying reserve fees for that day. Compare the reserve camps in our guide to luxury lodges in Masai Mara, and the neighbouring conservancy in Mara North Conservancy camps.
Choosing Among Olare Motorogi Conservancy Camps by Traveller Type
The right choice among Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps depends on who you are travelling with and what matters most to you.
- Honeymooners: Mahali Mzuri for pool and spa, or Mara Plains for intimacy. See our best honeymoon lodges in Kenya.
- Families: Mahali Mzuri (from two), Kicheche Bush Olare (from seven) or Porini Lion (over eight). Check our safari minimum age guide.
- Photographers: Mara Plains, with free camera gear, or Kicheche Bush Olare.
- First-timers: Porini Lion Camp for a warm, all-round conservancy safari.
- Celebration groups: take over Kicheche Bush Olare or a block of tents at Mahali Mzuri.
- Seniors: Mahali Mzuri or Olare Mara Kempinski, both with pools and short airstrip transfers.
How We’d Plan It: 4 Nights in the Conservancy
Four nights at Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps gives you every activity and a day in the reserve without rushing.
- Day 1: fly from Wilson to Olare Orok airstrip, lunch in camp, afternoon drive and a night drive.
- Day 2: early bush walk with a Maasai guide, siesta, then a sundowner drive.
- Day 3: optional balloon flight, then a full day in the reserve with a picnic by the Talek or Mara River.
- Day 4: Maa Trust or school visit in the morning, a spa session or swim, and a final night drive.
- Day 5: morning drive and fly on to Nairobi, Laikipia, Lamu or Zanzibar.
Our Celebration Safari – Masai Mara Conservancy (5 days) follows this pattern, from USD 2,950 per adult sharing. Add Laikipia and the coast with our Luxury Fly-in Safari Kenya (12 days), from USD 8,900 per adult, or walk more with the Laikipia & Masai Mara Walking Safari (7 days), from USD 4,200 per adult. Browse all Masai Mara safari packages.
We can build any of these Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps into a tailor-made private Kenya safari, subject to availability.
Best Time to Visit Olare Motorogi
Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps are rewarding year-round, thanks to resident predators, with the migration adding drama from July to October.
- January–March: green, warm and productive for cats and young animals; good value.
- April–May: long rains; Kicheche Bush Olare closes and Porini Lion closes for about four weeks; Mahali Mzuri stays open.
- June: drying grass, quiet camps and pre-peak rates.
- July–October: the Great Migration; peak rates; book 9–12 months ahead.
- November–mid December: short rains, lush landscapes and few guests.
- Christmas and New Year: peak demand; camps fill early.
For weather detail, see our best time to visit the Masai Mara guide.
Getting There and Mara Conservancy Luxury Fees
Fly from Wilson Airport to the conservancy’s own Olare Orok airstrip in about an hour with Safarilink or AirKenya, or drive from Nairobi in five to six hours.
Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps collect you from the airstrip, with transfers of 20 to 30 minutes. Light aircraft only accept soft bags within strict weight limits; read our guide to safari luggage weight limits. Driving suits families and groups; see our Kenya safari from Nairobi guide.
Mara conservancy luxury comes with a conservancy fee. Kicheche’s 2026 rate sheet shows USD 130 per adult and USD 65 per child (7–17) per night for Olare Motorogi, and Porini adds a USD 5 Wildlife Habitat Trust levy. Mara Plains quotes rates that include conservation and park fees. Reserve fees apply only on days you enter the national reserve. See our 2026 park fees guide.
What Is Included and What to Pack
Most Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps include full board, drinks, activities and airstrip transfers; balloon flights, spa treatments and gratuities are usually extra.
Among Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps, Kicheche includes drinks, walks and airstrip transfers, and Mara Plains includes flights, drinks and fees in its headline rate. Always check whether conservancy fees are inside or on top of a quote. Our guide to full board vs all-inclusive safari explains the terms.
- Comfortable closed shoes for walks, and a warm jacket for night drives.
- Neutral clothing in khaki, olive or brown, plus a swimsuit for Mahali Mzuri or Kempinski.
- Sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and any malaria tablets your doctor advises.
- Binoculars and a camera; at Mara Plains you can borrow professional kit.
Expert tip from our Nairobi team: if your heart is set on one of the Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps for July to October, book 9–12 months ahead. With only five camps, there is little room to switch.
Before you travel to Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps, check the latest UK Foreign Office advice for Kenya and find inspiration on Magical Kenya, the official tourism site.
Olare Motorogi Conservancy Camps FAQs
How many Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps are there?
The official conservancy website lists five Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps: Mara Plains Camp, Kicheche Bush Olare (listed as Kicheche Bush Camp), Porini Lion Camp, Mahali Mzuri and Olare Mara Kempinski. The conservancy caps the area at 94 beds in semi-permanent camps without foundations, which keeps guest and vehicle numbers very low.
Which is the best of the Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps?
It depends on your style. Mara Plains is the most exclusive, with seven suites and night drives. Mahali Mzuri suits couples and families who want a pool and spa. Kicheche Bush Olare is best for walkers, and Porini Lion Camp offers strong value with night drives and walks included.
How much is the Olare Motorogi conservancy fee?
Kicheche’s 2026 rate sheet shows a conservancy fee of USD 130 per adult and USD 65 per child aged 7 to 17 per night. Porini also lists a USD 5 Wildlife Habitat Trust levy. Some camps, such as Mara Plains, quote rates that already include conservation fees, so always check what your quote covers.
Can you do walking safaris and night drives in Olare Motorogi?
Yes. Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps offer guided bush walks with Maasai guides, and Mara Plains, Porini Lion Camp and Mahali Mzuri all offer night drives. Kicheche Bush Olare adds wild camping and guided runs. None of these activities are permitted inside the Masai Mara National Reserve itself.
How do you get to Olare Motorogi Conservancy?
The conservancy has its own Olare Orok airstrip, served by Safarilink and AirKenya from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport in about an hour. Camps meet you for a transfer of 20 to 30 minutes. By road, the drive from Nairobi takes five to six hours via Narok.
Is Olare Motorogi good for families with children?
Yes, with some age limits. Mahali Mzuri welcomes children from age two, Kicheche Bush Olare from seven, and Porini Lion Camp and Mara Plains from eight. Family suites or family tents are available at several camps. Walks and night drives may have their own minimum ages, so ask us before booking.
Is Olare Motorogi better than Mara North or Naboisho?
All three are excellent private conservancies. Olare Motorogi has the fewest camps and beds, so it feels the most exclusive, and it sits close to the reserve’s Talek area. Mara North has more camp choice, and Naboisho is known for walking. Our comparison guide explains the differences in detail.
🏕 Plan Your Luxury Safari With Sense of Adventure
Kenya-based experts. Real local knowledge. Transparent pricing. Tell us which of the Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps caught your eye and we will plan the rest around it. 💬 WhatsApp Us — Start Planning Today
Call or WhatsApp: +254 799 160 081 · Email: info@senseofadventure.co.ke
Related Safari Guides
- › Mahali Mzuri Guide
- › Mara North Conservancy Camps
- › Luxury Lodges in Masai Mara
- › Mara North vs Naboisho vs Olare Motorogi
- › Tented Camp vs Lodge
Official travel & park resource: Kenya Wildlife Service ↗ · Olare Motorogi Conservancy ↗
