Ashnil Mara Camp

Planning a tour to Kenya's iconic Maasai Mara? Choosing the right accommodation can create a huge difference in your safari experience. Ashnil Mara Camp is a luxury tented camp located along the Mara River, offering you an opportunity to experience the wildlife and landscapes of the Maasai Mara. 

As part of the esteemed Ashnil Camps and Surana Luxury Collection, which operates five premium properties across Kenya’s top national parks and reserves, Ashnil Mara Camp delivers an exceptional safari retreat. Whether you are embarking on your first African safari, taking a family holiday, enjoying a romantic getaway, or pursuing wildlife photography, this camp fits seamlessly into a custom Maasai Mara itinerary. 

If you are ready to start planning your trip, explore our Maasai Mara Safari packages for available safari options. 

Ashnil Mara Camp location 

Ashnil Mara Camp sits right at the confluence of the Mara and Olkeju Rivers in the southeastern sector of Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Its prime location gives tourists convenient access to the viewing areas of wildlife reserves and major river crossing points. You can access it through two nearby gates, namely Sekani and Talek gates.  Neighboring camps include Entim Mara Camp, Matira Bush Camp, and Mara Ngenche Safari Camp.  

The closest airstrip to Ashnil Mara Camp is Keekorok, which is typically a 30-minute game drive transfer away in the south-eastern sector of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. An alternative landing option frequently used by camp guests is Ol Kiombo Airstrip, located roughly 45 minutes away depending on wildlife sightings and road conditions along the way. Both airstrips regularly handle daily domestic flights out of Nairobi's Wilson Airport via carriers like Safarilink and AirKenya. 

The Mara River is associated with the annual Great Wildebeest Migration, which is when large herds of wildebeest move between the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya. 

Getting to Ashnil Mara Camp 

You can reach Maasai Mara from Nairobi via two primary travel options:  

• A road safari: this takes an approximate 5- to 6-hour drive from Nairobi via Narok, offering you an opportunity to see Kenya's countryside and the changing landscapes and scenery into the Maasai Mara National Reserve.  
• By air: flying is an alternative if you want to spend less time traveling to Maasai Mara. This is suitable if you have limited safari time or are combining Mara safari with other destinations. Daily scheduled flights take about 45 minutes from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Keekorok Airstrip or Mara Serena Airstrip, followed by a drive transfer to camp. Masai Mara Fly-In Safari is an option worth considering when planning your itinerary. 

Accommodation and amenities at Ashnil Mara Camp 

Ashnil Mara Camp features 30 elegantly appointed deluxe tented suites operating on a full board basis. Each tent rests on a raised wooden platform and includes an ensuite bathroom alongside a private deck overlooking the Mara River, striking a balance between raw bush surroundings and high-end comfort. The camp accommodates diverse guest needs with interconnecting tents for families or groups traveling together, as well as specially designed wheelchair accessible tents paired with barrier-free pathways across main communal areas, 

The camp also offers amenities including: swimming pools for adults and children, an open-air restaurant and a fully stocked lounge bar, a fitness gym and spa, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout communal zones, a souvenir shop, a playground for kids, a conference room, and professional babysitting services upon request. 

Your choice of travel dates can also affect accommodation availability, visitor numbers, and safari prices. 

Activities and experiences at Ashnil Mara Camp

• Game drives: this is one of the main attractions of a Maasai Mara safari. Early morning and afternoon drives allow you to explore the reserve and search for wildlife in its natural environment. The Maasai Mara is home to the famous Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, alongside cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and vast herds of plains game.  The exact wildlife you see will depend on the season, location, and animal movements. Having an experienced guide can help you make the most of your time in the reserve.
• The Great Wildebeest Migration: it's one of the most famous wildlife events. This is where you get to enjoy the annual scenic migration of the large herds of wildebeest through the Mara and Serengeti ecosystem. The Mara River is known for its dramatic wildlife activity during migration. However, wildlife movements are natural and unpredictable, so specific crossings cannot be guaranteed. If seeing the migration is your priority, it is advisable to plan your travel dates carefully and discuss your expectations with us. 
• A hot-air balloon safari: this gives you different ways to experience the Maasai Mara from above. You get to appreciate the vast savannah landscape and observe wildlife from a unique angle. Balloon safaris can be attractive, especially to couples and photographers looking to add a memorable experience to their trip. 
• A Maasai cultural experience:  this can add another dimension to a wildlife safari. You can learn about traditional Maasai culture, community life, and the relationship between local communities and the surrounding environment. If cultural experiences are important to you, mention this when booking so that it can be incorporated into your itinerary. 

Best Time to Visit Ashnil Mara Camp 

You can tour Maasai Mara any time during the year, but your interests are what will determine the suitable time to visit. Wildlife viewing is possible throughout the year. However, if you are interested in the Great Wildebeest Migration, plan your trips around July to October, the period when the wildebeest are expected to be in the Maasai Mara. Dry Season in the months of June to October and January to February, is great for those who want to spot animals, as sparse vegetation makes it easier because they gather predictably around water sources. 

Before booking, consider your preferred travel dates, wildlife interests, safari budget, number of nights, road or air travel, private or group safari, and additional activities. 

The Number of Days You Need in the Maasai Mara

The ideal safari length depends on your schedule, budget, and interests. 

A three-day safari can provide a short introduction to the Maasai Mara, whereas four or more days allow you to enjoy more game drives at a relaxed pace. If you are travelling specifically to see wildlife or the migration, additional nights can provide more opportunities to explore different areas of the reserve 

You can compare our 3-Day and 4-Day Maasai Mara Safari options when deciding how long to stay. 

What to Pack for the Safari 

For clothing, you need to pack lightweight and comfortable clothing for daytime, a warm fleece jacket for chilly morning drives, comfortable shoes, and a wide-brimmed hat. 

The essentials to pack include sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera with extra batteries, a power bank, and personal medications. 

Book an Ashnil Mara Experience with us Today

Share your travel dates to the Maasai Mara Reserve in Kenya, and we will provide a budget that suits your itinerary.