Mara Elatia Camp is a boutique luxury tented safari camp perched along the scenic Oloololo Escarpment in the Maasai Mara, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the Mara Triangle and the meandering Mara River below. Named “Elatia,” meaning “The Good Neighbor” in the Maa language, the camp lives up to its name by blending harmoniously with its surroundings and maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability and community involvement. The setting is intimate and exclusive, perfect for those seeking a more serene and elevated safari experience far from the crowds.
The design of the camp effortlessly marries rustic charm with modern comfort. Each of the 12 tented suites is crafted to offer sweeping views of the vast plains, while maintaining a cozy, luxurious atmosphere inside. Spacious en-suite bathrooms with rain showers, private viewing decks, fine furnishings, and warm wooden touches create a tranquil retreat after a day of exploration. The natural elevation of the camp also offers a strategic vantage point for wildlife viewing, with elephants, lions, and even the great herds of the migration visible right from your deck during certain times of the year.
The camp is located in the less-crowded Mara Triangle conservancy, where guests can enjoy exclusive access to one of Kenya’s richest wildlife areas. Activities include expertly guided game drives, visits to a private rhino sanctuary, bush breakfasts, and sundowners with spectacular sunset views. The atmosphere is both adventurous and indulgent, a space where the wild outside meets understated elegance inside.
Best Time to Visit
Mara Elatia Camp is open all year round and offers excellent wildlife viewing in every season, but the experience varies slightly depending on the time of year.
July to October is the peak safari season and the most sought after period due to the Great Wildebeest Migration. During this time, millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles cross into the Mara from the Serengeti, and dramatic river crossings occur close to the camp’s vicinity.
January to March is another excellent window, with lush landscapes, great predator sightings, and fewer tourists. This is the birthing season for many animals, offering fascinating wildlife encounters.
November to December brings short rains, refreshing the savannah and drawing migratory birds, while April to June, the long rains season, is quieter, greener, and perfect for travelers who prefer solitude and dramatic landscapes.
How to Get There
By Air
The most convenient way to reach Mara Elatia Camp is by flying from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Kichwa Tembo Airstrip, a flight that takes about 45 minutes. Upon landing, the camp provides a complimentary transfer which takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes, combining comfort with scenic immersion right from the start.
By Road
For those who prefer driving, the journey from Nairobi takes around 6 to 6.5 hours, depending on road conditions. The drive is scenic and passes through the Great Rift Valley, Narok town, and vast open landscapes before reaching the Mara Triangle. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended for the final stretch to the camp.
