Mara Hilltop — Safari Camp 5 Minutes from the Maasai Mara
Three tiers under one ownership — luxury tents, standard tents, and a hostel — at the edge of Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve.
We sit a five-minute drive from the main Sekenani Gate. Game drives leave from camp. Meals are family-style. The reserve is at the bottom of the hill.
Where to stay
- Luxury tents. En-suite, 6.7 × 6.7 ft king bed or twin, private deck overlooking the Mara plains.
- Standard tents. En-suite, comfortable safari beds, shared firepit terrace.
- Hostel beds. Dorm and private rooms, hot showers, shared kitchen and lounge.
Safari from camp
Morning, afternoon, and full-day game drives. Hot-air balloon at dawn. Walking safari with a Maasai guide. Cultural visit to the neighbouring village.
How to get here
From Nairobi: a five-to-six hour road transfer, or a 45-minute flight to Keekorok or Ol Kiombo airstrip and a short pickup. We arrange both.
Eating with us
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in stay rates. Indian vegetarian, vegan, kids' menus, and packed safari lunches available on request.
Common questions
- How far is camp from the Sekenani Gate?
- Five minutes by road. Many travel sites incorrectly say 35 minutes — they are wrong.
- Do you accommodate vegetarian and Indian guests?
- Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, Jain, and Indian menus on request.
- What is the cheapest tier?
- The hostel dorm is the cheapest. Private rooms and tents are also available.
Talk to us
Email hello@marahilltop.com or book direct — best-rate guarantee. Group, agent, and family inquiries welcome.
The Best Views
in the Maasai Mara
Refined · Intimate · Luxurious
Why Mara Hilltop
Five minutes from the main Sekenani Gate
Close to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, on a hilltop with panoramic views across the Mara plains from the rooftop terrace.
5.0 on Google across 102 reviews. 9.6 on Booking.com across 39 reviews
Both last checked 16 May 2026. Since opening in June 2025.
Three tiers under one ownership
Luxury tented suites for couples, family tents for parents with kids, Manyatta-inspired dorms for backpackers and solo travellers — all on the same hilltop, sharing one infinity pool, one bar, one dining room. Travel as a mixed-budget group without splitting up.
Maasai-led safaris
Game drives guided by people born on this land. Morning, afternoon, full-day, and hot-air balloon at sunrise. Walking safari and Maasai village visit by arrangement.
Built for digital nomads too
Starlink internet across the property, a dedicated co-working lounge, and weekly rates for remote workers who want a longer base near the reserve.
Family-run, family-built
Operated by Kumsai LTD. Day-to-day management by the family on-site. Direct contact with the owners on WhatsApp during your stay.
Just the Beginning.
ADVENTURES BEYOND THE RESERVE
Motorcycle expeditions, hilltop hikes, and warrior skills training take you deeper than the usual safari. Every day brings hands-on experiences rooted in land, culture, and adventure.
ADVENTURES BEYOND THE RESERVE
Motorcycle expeditions, hilltop hikes, and warrior skills training take you deeper than the usual safari. Every day brings hands-on experiences rooted in land, culture, and adventure.
PERSONAL TOUCH, EVERY DETAIL
Owner-hosted stays with chef-prepared meals and thoughtful planning from arrival to departure. Your journey is crafted personally, so you can relax and simply enjoy.
PERSONAL TOUCH, EVERY DETAIL
Owner-hosted stays with chef-prepared meals and thoughtful planning from arrival to departure. Your journey is crafted personally, so you can relax and simply enjoy.
HILLTOP VIEWS, ZERO CROWDS
Set on a private 22-acre hilltop five minutes from the main Sekenani Gate. Wake up to sweeping views over the Mara, and complete serenity.
HILLTOP VIEWS, ZERO CROWDS
Set on a private 22-acre hilltop five minutes from the main Sekenani Gate. Wake up to sweeping views over the Mara, and complete serenity.
ADVENTURES BEYOND THE RESERVE
Motorcycle expeditions, hilltop hikes, and warrior skills training take you deeper than the usual safari. Every day brings hands-on experiences rooted in land, culture, and adventure.
ADVENTURES BEYOND THE RESERVE
Motorcycle expeditions, hilltop hikes, and warrior skills training take you deeper than the usual safari. Every day brings hands-on experiences rooted in land, culture, and adventure.
PERSONAL TOUCH, EVERY DETAIL
Owner-hosted stays with chef-prepared meals and thoughtful planning from arrival to departure. Your journey is crafted personally, so you can relax and simply enjoy.
PERSONAL TOUCH, EVERY DETAIL
Owner-hosted stays with chef-prepared meals and thoughtful planning from arrival to departure. Your journey is crafted personally, so you can relax and simply enjoy.
HILLTOP VIEWS, ZERO CROWDS
Set on a private 22-acre hilltop five minutes from the main Sekenani Gate. Wake up to sweeping views over the Mara, and complete serenity.
HILLTOP VIEWS, ZERO CROWDS
Set on a private 22-acre hilltop five minutes from the main Sekenani Gate. Wake up to sweeping views over the Mara, and complete serenity.
Ranger
AI concierge
Meet your Mara Ranger
Plan your Mara stay
Ask about rooms, safaris, transport, or availability.
SLEEP IN THE SAVANNAH
Choose between two extraordinary Mara experiences: Indulge in our secluded luxury tented suites, or connect with fellow travelers in our affordable, authentic Masai manyatta-inspired shared dorms.
Luxury Tented Suites
Amenities:
Our luxury tents redefine glamping with handcrafted furniture, premium linens, and private viewing decks. Fall asleep to distant lion roars and wake to giraffes silhouetted against the sunrise—all while staying connected to what matters.
Standard Rooms
Amenities:
Quiet, well-appointed private rooms for travellers who want a proper bed, a hot shower, and zero fuss after a day on safari. All the warmth of Mara Hilltop hospitality, in a relaxed, no-frills format. Step out to coffee on the hilltop at first light, listen for the early hum of the savannah, and let the Mara take it from there — privacy, comfort, and easy mornings, without paying for what you didn't need.
Standard Tents
Amenities:
Sleep under canvas without giving up the essentials. Our Standard Tents pair private comfort with the unmistakable thrill of waking up in the bush — a softer entry point to the Mara experience, with the same sweeping views our luxury guests come for. Drift off to the distant call of jackals and wake to the soft thump of zebra hooves on the plain below. Warm beds, hot water, and a private ensuite — every essential dialled in, every distraction left behind for the wild that surrounds you.
Safari experience, backpacker price.
Shared Dorms
Amenities:
Our comfortable 6-bed dorms offer an authentic safari experience at an affordable price. Each pod features secure storage, quality bedding, and shared bathroom facilities. The mixed dorm welcomes all travelers, while our female-only dorm provides a dedicated space for women. Both options give you access to our community areas, Wi-Fi, and the perfect base to explore the Masai Mara.
EXPLORE MARA HILLTOP
Immerse yourself in our carefully curated spaces where adventure meets comfort. Whether seeking relaxation by the pool, sunset cocktails at the bar, or restful nights in our accommodations, every corner tells a story.
Pool Experience
Refresh and relax in our stunning pool area, designed to provide the perfect respite after exciting safari adventures. Enjoy panoramic views while cooling off in crystal-clear waters.
BEYOND THE GAME DRIVE
Curated Experiences
Discover the Mara's hidden gems through our exclusive selection of activities, crafted to offer a unique perspective of the landscape.
Ride through conservancies and villages with an experienced rider for a unique Mara perspective.
4-5 hour hike (8km) to stunning viewpoints with snacks included. No park fees required.
Float over the savannah at sunrise, followed by a champagne bush breakfast.
1.5-hour walk alongside wildlife. Learn archery and spear throwing from Maasai guides.
Experience traditional dances, cultural storytelling, and authentic Maasai handicrafts.
Spot nocturnal wildlife and experience the magic of the savannah after dark.
Women-run museum showcasing Maasai beadwork history. Perfect cultural complement to village visits.
PRIVATE LANDCRUISER SAFARI GAMEDRIVES
Full Day Safari
$240–$300 / carSunrise to sunset in the reserve — dawn predator action, picnic lunch on the plains, Mara River visit, and golden hour sightings.
Half Day Game Drive
$140–$180 / carMorning or afternoon in the park — catch the early action or the golden hour, and still have time to relax at the lodge.
Why let us handle your safari?
The driver/guide is the single most important factor in a great safari. Here's what sets ours apart:
Our drivers are experienced local Maasai guides who know the land and animal movements better than anyone.
Their sighting network is extremely strong — they get the news fast, so you never miss the action.
They go the extra mile to get you as close to the wildlife as possible, safely and responsibly.
Open-sided Landcruisers with pop-up roofs for unobstructed viewing and photography.
*Prices may vary depending on the car and season. Masai Mara park entry fees are not included.
COWORK IN MARA
Meet deadlines while meeting wildlife
As the first coworking space in the Masai Mara—pioneering a new frontier for digital nomads—our Starlink connection keeps you reliably connected to the digital world while immersed in the natural one. Our workspaces blend into the landscape with both collaborative and secluded areas for focused work. Clear your inbox efficiently, then clear your mind with extraordinary Mara adventures waiting just beyond your workspace.
Included in stayCOMMUNITY-FIRST HOSPITALITY
At Mara Hilltop, we believe tourism should enrich communities, not extract from them. We've partnered with local Masai women to build traditional manyattas using sustainable, locally-sourced materials. Our spaces showcase authentic Masai beadwork alongside contemporary Kenyan art, creating a marketplace for cultural exchange and economic opportunity. Every stay with us directly supports these ongoing community initiatives.
What Our Guests Say
“The staff were warm and welcoming, the rooms offered beautiful views, and the game drives were well-coordinated. Highly recommend!”
Fazil Nazer
“Breathtaking views and warm, welcoming people. The safari experience was truly out of this world at a very fair price!”
Tal Elbaz
“The views, wildlife, and amenities were absolutely gorgeous! Luxury tent was so comfortable, everything was amazing.”
Adan Katz
“Stunning views of the Masai Mara savanna, especially during sunset. The owners made the experience feel like home.”
Mira Sabe
“The views are absolutely breathtaking — you can sit for hours just soaking in the scenery. everything was perfect.”
Ayush Gupta
“From start to finish, everything was perfect. The tent was very comfortable, dorms were spacious and clean. Highly recommended.”
Hristina Nenkova
“This is truly THE place to stay in the Mara. The room was gorgeous, food excellent, and the hospitality made all the difference.”
Pavla Mijlic
“The views are wonderful, the room was exceptional, location perfect. The staff is the best here! Expect a homely feeling!”
Rishitha Harkara
“The staff were warm and welcoming, the rooms offered beautiful views, and the game drives were well-coordinated. Highly recommend!”
Fazil Nazer
“Breathtaking views and warm, welcoming people. The safari experience was truly out of this world at a very fair price!”
Tal Elbaz
“The views, wildlife, and amenities were absolutely gorgeous! Luxury tent was so comfortable, everything was amazing.”
Adan Katz
“Stunning views of the Masai Mara savanna, especially during sunset. The owners made the experience feel like home.”
Mira Sabe
“The views are absolutely breathtaking — you can sit for hours just soaking in the scenery. everything was perfect.”
Ayush Gupta
“From start to finish, everything was perfect. The tent was very comfortable, dorms were spacious and clean. Highly recommended.”
Hristina Nenkova
“This is truly THE place to stay in the Mara. The room was gorgeous, food excellent, and the hospitality made all the difference.”
Pavla Mijlic
“The views are wonderful, the room was exceptional, location perfect. The staff is the best here! Expect a homely feeling!”
Rishitha Harkara
“Simply incredible. Right from check-in to stay to hospitality to food to drives and activities. A fantastic experience!”
Jaya Tandon
“The manager was one of the most welcoming I've met. An experience that stays with you long after you've left.”
Mariam Sakhokia
“This is the best place you will find at Maasai Mara! Brand new, modern, cozy, clean. The people there are a real treasure!”
Kalina Gyurova
“Mara Hilltop is the best place in Mara! Luxurious dormitory rooms, amazing views, delicious food, and the kindest people.”
Viktoriya Stoyanova
“The best part was the food and staff availability at every moment. The best place in Masai Mara for a great experience!”
Tuhina Naugraiya
“Everything was perfect, and the hotel's scenery was stunning. The nature hike was amazing. Highly recommend!”
Young Ki Seol
“Absolutely love it! The sunset view is stunning, rooms are clean and great value. The food is delicious. Highly recommend!”
Joe Jiang
“Simply incredible. Right from check-in to stay to hospitality to food to drives and activities. A fantastic experience!”
Jaya Tandon
“The manager was one of the most welcoming I've met. An experience that stays with you long after you've left.”
Mariam Sakhokia
“This is the best place you will find at Maasai Mara! Brand new, modern, cozy, clean. The people there are a real treasure!”
Kalina Gyurova
“Mara Hilltop is the best place in Mara! Luxurious dormitory rooms, amazing views, delicious food, and the kindest people.”
Viktoriya Stoyanova
“The best part was the food and staff availability at every moment. The best place in Masai Mara for a great experience!”
Tuhina Naugraiya
“Everything was perfect, and the hotel's scenery was stunning. The nature hike was amazing. Highly recommend!”
Young Ki Seol
“Absolutely love it! The sunset view is stunning, rooms are clean and great value. The food is delicious. Highly recommend!”
Joe Jiang
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Connect with Mara Hilltop
From your first inquiry to your fond farewell, our team is dedicated to creating an extraordinary safari experience tailored just for you.
Direct inquiries
hello@marahilltop.com
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+254 114 505977
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Follow our journey
Find Us in Paradise
Mara Hilltop, Off C12
Sekenani, Maasai Mara
Narok County, Kenya
Mara Hilltop
8 minutes from Sekenani Gate
Ready to Experience the Magic of Mara?
Join us for an unforgettable journey where luxury meets wilderness. Book your stay during the Great Migration season for a truly spectacular experience.