Olare Mara Kempinski 2026: Rates, Tent Guide & Review

Olare Mara Kempinski is a 12-tent luxury camp on the banks of the Ntiakitiak River inside Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Masai Mara. It’s best for couples celebrating honeymoons or anniversaries, families with children 8+, and wildlife photographers who want exclusive conservancy access without paying USD 1,500+/night.

This guide covers: 2026 rates (verified with Kempinski reservations, March 2026), which tent to request for your travel style, what’s genuinely included, wildlife you’ll see, honest drawbacks (WiFi is weak, laundry shrinks delicates), and how it compares to Mahali Mzuri and Mara Plains on price and experience.

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2026 Olare Mara Kempinski Rates

All rates are per person, per night, sharing a double/twin tent. Full board with drinks included.

Non-Resident Rates

Season	Dates	USD/Night	KES/Night
Low	1 Apr – 31 May 2026	USD 640	KES 83,200
Shoulder	1 Jan – 31 Mar 2026	USD 750	KES 97,500
Shoulder	1 Jun – 30 Jun 2026	USD 750	KES 97,500
High	1 Jul – 31 Oct 2026	USD 852	KES 110,760
Peak	1 Nov – 22 Dec 2026	USD 780	KES 101,400
Festive	23 Dec – 5 Jan 2027	USD 920	KES 119,600

Kenya Resident Rates

Season	Dates	KES/Night
Low	1 Apr – 31 May 2026	KES 52,000
Shoulder	1 Jan – 31 Mar, 1 Jun – 30 Jun 2026	KES 62,000
High	1 Jul – 31 Oct 2026	KES 78,000
Festive	23 Dec – 5 Jan 2027	KES 95,000

Minimum stay: 2 nights required during high and festive seasons.

Children policy: No children under 8. Ages 8-12 pay 60% when sharing with two adults.

What’s Included (This Is Comprehensive)

Unlike many lodges that nickel-and-dime you, Olare Mara Kempinski genuinely includes almost everything:

Included:

Luxury tented accommodation (80 sqm standard; 120 sqm honeymoon suite)
All meals — 4-course lunches and dinners
House wines, beers, spirits, soft drinks, teas, coffees
Twice-daily game drives in 4×4 Land Cruisers
Night game drives (unique to conservancies)
Guided bush walks with Maasai rangers
Bush breakfasts and sundowner cocktails
Return airstrip transfers from Ol Kiombo
Laundry service (free but read my warning below)
WiFi in public areas
Conservancy fees (USD 130/night)

Not Included:

Masai Mara National Reserve fees — if you enter the reserve: USD 100–200/day (non-resident); KES 1,500/day (resident)
Flights from Nairobi — USD 450–650 return (KES 58,500–84,500)
Hot air balloon safari — USD 550 (KES 71,500)
Premium champagnes
Cultural village visit — USD 30/person (KES 3,900)
Spa treatments — from USD 65 (KES 8,450)
Tips for guides and camp staff

Safari Packages: Total Cost Per Person

I’ve calculated complete packages for two people travelling together. All prices include accommodation, conservancy fees, and flights from Nairobi Wilson.

3-Day/2-Night Olare Mara Kempinski Flying Safari (Non-Resident)

Season	Accommodation (2 nights)	Flights	Total (USD)	Total (KES)
Low (Apr–May)	USD 1,280	USD 550	USD 1,830	KES 237,900
High (Jul–Oct)	USD 1,704	USD 650	USD 2,354	KES 306,020

4-Day/3-Night Olare Mara Kempinski Flying Safari (Non-Resident)

Season	Accommodation (3 nights)	Flights	Total (USD)	Total (KES)
Low (Apr–May)	USD 1,920	USD 550	USD 2,470	KES 321,100
High (Jul–Oct)	USD 2,556	USD 650	USD 3,206	KES 416,780

Kenya Resident 3-Day/2-Night Package

Season	Accommodation (2 nights)	Flights	Total Per Person
Low (Apr–May)	KES 104,000	KES 45,500	KES 149,500
High (Jul–Oct)	KES 156,000	KES 58,500	KES 214,500

Tent Selection: The Insider Details

The camp has 12 tents total — 11 deluxe suites (80 sqm each) and one honeymoon suite (120 sqm). Each tent has a private balcony, en-suite bathroom with deep soaking bathtub, rainfall shower, and furnished deck overlooking the river.

Tent #12: The Honeymoon Suite

The only tent with a private plunge pool. At 120 sqm, it’s significantly larger than standard tents. The bathtub fits two comfortably. Multiple honeymoon guests describe the sunset views from the deck as exceptional. Costs the same as standard tents outside festive season (no supplement unless you’re travelling solo).

Tents #7 and #8: Best for Families

These two tents share a connecting deck — better for families of four than the generic “family configuration” the website mentions. One family specifically praised this setup because parents can supervise children while both tents maintain privacy. Request these by number when booking.

Tent #5: Best for Outdoor Shower Lovers

Has both indoor AND outdoor showers, plus a wraparound deck. If outdoor-bathroom safari aesthetics matter to you, ask for this tent specifically.

Tents #9 and #10: Hippo Symphony (Pack Earplugs)

These tents sit closest to the Ntiakitiak River. You’ll hear hippos grunting, splashing, and occasionally fighting throughout the night. Guests describe it as “so cool” — but also “noisy at night.” Light sleepers should pack earplugs or request a tent further from the river.

The Bridge Leopard

There’s a wooden bridge connecting the main lounge to the forest/tent area. Local guides know a resident leopard occasionally uses the thicket near this bridge as a hideout. Ask the night guards (Askari) specifically if “the bridge resident” has been spotted before you walk to dinner. Not guaranteed, but a detail most brochures don’t mention.

Salt Lick Viewing

Some tents overlook a natural salt lick area in the distance. Elephants visit these mineral spots at dawn when the camp is silent. Bring high-powered binoculars for your deck — you’ll use them more than you expect.

The Game Drives: What Makes Them Different

You’re inside Olare Motorogi Conservancy — the same conservancy as Mahali Mzuri and Mara Plains Camp. This means:

Exclusive access: Only five camps share 13,500 hectares. Fewer vehicles per sighting.

Off-road driving: Unlike the national reserve, you can leave the tracks to follow animals.

Night drives: Legal in the conservancy. You’ll see genets, aardvarks, serval cats, porcupines — species invisible during daytime.

Walking safaris: Get out of the vehicle and track animals on foot with Maasai guides. Some guests report bush walks lasting up to two hours with security staff like Big John and Peter — longer and more substantial than standard interpretive walks.

The Aardvark Hunt

Most articles focus on the Big Five. But the real “rare catch” at Olare Mara is the nocturnal aardvark. Because the conservancy allows off-road and night driving, guides here are specifically skilled at tracking aardvarks near termite mounds at dusk. Ask your guide to search the conservancy boundaries — it’s a sighting most safari-goers never get.

The “Fly-In” Advantage

If you fly into Ol Kiombo Airstrip (closest to Kempinski), have your binoculars ready immediately. The 30-minute drive from airstrip to camp passes through high-density predator territory. Many guests see their first leopard before checking in. Ask your guide for the “long route” if you arrive in the morning.

Guide Names Worth Requesting

From verified guest reviews, these names come up repeatedly:

Rafael — Exceptional with families and children; described as “funny, loving” with a sense of security
Eric — Known for leopard-finding AND photography positioning. If you care about vehicle angles and light, ask for Eric specifically.
Ben — Known for “silent safari” technique. He positions the vehicle and turns off the engine early, allowing animals to approach naturally.
Danson — Popular with honeymooners; skilled at aardvark tracking near termite mounds
Dixon — Praised for flexibility and animal-finding
David — Another well-reviewed safari guide
Duncan — Known for customized drives

For photographers: Ask for a guide with “strong vehicle positioning skills,” not just animal-tracking reputation. Eric is mentioned specifically for understanding angles, placement, and light.

Night drive tip: Standard spotlights are white. If you’re a photographer, ask your guide to use a red filter — it prevents blinding predators and allows more natural hunting behavior (and better photos).

Ask for your preferred guide when booking through Masaimara.co.ke. No guarantee, but the camp accommodates when possible.

The Staff: Who Actually Makes This Place Special

The service at Olare Mara Kempinski gets mentioned more than any other feature. Staff-to-guest ratio is high — “more staff than guests,” one reviewer noted.

Management:

Dominic — Hotel Manager. Multiple guests credit him for making them “feel safe” and “comfortable.” He personally handles special requests and room upgrades.
Leakey — General Manager. Described as “super professional.”
Margaret Kinyanjui — Director of Rooms.

Kitchen:

Chefs David and Joel — Run the kitchen. They’ll cook a full Kenyan menu on request (ask for Kachumbari with extra bird’s eye chili and Sukuma Wiki with your bush breakfast — local staples usually omitted for tourists unless specifically requested)
Keith and Kelvin — Also praised in reviews

Service:

Hezron — Head waiter. Known for remembering preferences.
Jackson — Has a legendary reputation for “precision timing” with bed warming. If you want your bed at a specific temperature before night drive ends, coordinate with him specifically.
Teddy, Lewis, Caleb, George, Rotiken — Frequently praised by name

Spa:

Linet — Spa therapist. Multiple guests specifically mention her massages as “incredible.”

Security:

Big John and Peter — Lead extended bush walks around camp

The “Kempinski Discovery” Tip

If you’re a Kempinski Discovery loyalty member (even at base level), mention it at check-in. Repeat guests note the staff are more likely to offer a private bush dinner location rather than the standard group spot.

Facilities Most Articles Miss

Category	Key Amenities	Insider Value
Missed Facilities	Pool & bar, library, gift shop, gardens, butler service	Personalized butler service is available upon request.
The Sun Deck	Raised wooden viewing platform above the tents	Prime bird-watching vantage point; look for the rare Ross’s Turaco.
Sustainability	70% solar power, largest organic garden in conservancy	Offers farm-to-table dining and interactive guest farming classes.
Accessibility	Wheelchairs on-site, accessible parking & lounge	Accessible design is available, but verify specific needs before booking.

Beyond the tents, Olare Mara Kempinski offers:

Outdoor swimming pool with poolside bar
Library in the main lounge
Garden and terrace areas
Gift shop (variable stock)
Butler service available
The Sun Deck — A raised wooden platform often underutilized during the day. Higher vantage point than the tents for bird watching. Look for the rare Ross’s Turaco in the riverine forest canopy.

Sustainability Features

The camp runs on approximately 70% solar energy. They operate the largest organic vegetable garden in the conservancy — much of what you eat comes from it. Composting, reusable serviceware, and farming classes are available for interested guests.

Accessibility

Third-party listings note wheelchair-accessible features including accessible parking, accessible lounge space, and wheelchairs on-site. Confirm specific needs directly with the camp before booking.

Practical Tips Only Guides Know

The 15kg Bag Workaround: Small planes to Ol Kiombo are strict on the 15kg soft-bag limit. But if you’re significantly over, you can sometimes pre-pay for extra freight space if you contact the airline 48 hours in advance. Much cheaper than the at-the-gate penalty.

Charging Your Camera Gear: Tent voltage can fluctuate. Experienced safari-goers recommend bringing a small multi-plug surge protector for expensive equipment. The camp provides adapters, but they’re bulky and don’t always fit heavy-duty chargers.

Dietary Requests: The kitchen handles custom meals exceptionally well — vegetarian, allergies, Indian/Kenyan meal preferences. Declare needs before arrival rather than assuming bush-camp menus are fixed.

Hot Water Bottles: Staff place hot water bottles in your bed during evening turndown. Jackson coordinates this with precision if you have specific timing preferences.

Rainy Day Flexibility: After rain, flexible guides sometimes extend drives or adapt schedules. This is an advantage of conservancy camps over rigid lodge timetables.

The Kenyan Menu Secret: Ask for “Kachumbari with extra bird’s eye chili” and “Sukuma Wiki” to be served with your bush breakfast. Local staples the chefs usually omit for tourists unless specifically requested.

The smell of roasting coffee drifts across the camp around 5:45 AM. The sky is still purple. Somewhere downstream, hippos are grunting their pre-dawn complaints. A Maasai guard walks you from your tent to the main lounge — cape buffalo wander through camp at night (the property is effectively unfenced), and nobody walks alone after dark.

By 6:30 AM you’re in a Land Cruiser with a warm blanket across your lap. The guides here don’t just drive — they read the savannah. Less than five minutes from camp, guests regularly spot lions, cheetahs, and leopards.

Price Comparison: Olare Mara Kempinski vs Alternatives (2026)

All these camps share Olare Motorogi Conservancy or adjacent ecosystems. Rates verified March 2026.

Camp	Conservancy	Low Season	Peak Season	Best For
Olare Mara Kempinski	Olare Motorogi	USD 640 (KES 83,200)	USD 852 (KES 110,760)	All-inclusive value, families 8+, honeymooners
Mahali Mzuri	Olare Motorogi	USD 1,660 (KES 215,800)	USD 2,600 (KES 338,000)	Ultimate exclusivity, Virgin brand experience
Mara Plains Camp	Olare Motorogi	USD 1,370 (KES 178,100)	USD 1,850 (KES 240,500)	Wildlife photography, 7 tents only
Angama Mara	Mara Triangle	USD 1,500 (KES 195,000)	USD 2,750 (KES 357,500)	Escarpment views, romance, design
Mara Serena	Mara Triangle	USD 386 (KES 50,180)	USD 989 (KES 128,570)	Inside reserve, mid-range, hippo breakfast

The Honest Comparison

Kempinski vs Mahali Mzuri: Same conservancy, same wildlife, similar 24-guest capacity. Mahali Mzuri costs 2.5x more. What you get for the extra money: slightly more design-forward tents, Richard Branson’s brand cachet, air conditioning (rare in Mara tents), and a “house party” vibe. But you’re looking at the same lions with the same guides on the same plains.

Kempinski vs Mara Plains: Both in Olare Motorogi. Mara Plains has only 7 tents (more exclusive), attracts serious photographers, and costs about 2x Kempinski’s rates. If photography is your primary goal and budget allows, Mara Plains edges ahead. For most travelers, Kempinski delivers 90% of the experience at 50% of the price.

Kempinski vs Angama Mara: Different locations. Angama is in Mara Triangle with escarpment views; Kempinski is in the conservancy with off-road/night drive privileges Angama can’t offer. Angama is more photogenic for “Out of Africa” romance; Kempinski is better for wildlife flexibility.

Common Concerns (Being Honest)

“The laundry service shrinks clothes”

This comes up in multiple reviews. The free laundry is convenient, but guests have reported items returning shrunk — particularly delicate fabrics. My advice: use the laundry for safari clothes you don’t care about. Keep your expensive items separate.

“WiFi is unreliable”

Some guests mention weak or inconsistent WiFi. It works in public areas but not reliably in tents. If you need to work remotely, this might frustrate you. If you want to disconnect, consider it a feature.

“Is it worth the price compared to the national reserve?”

The conservancy fees (KES 16,900/night) are included. But if you want to enter the Masai Mara National Reserve — say, to see the Mara River crossings during migration — you’ll pay additional reserve fees (KES 13,000–26,000/day).

Most guests stay entirely within the conservancy. The wildlife is excellent without entering the reserve. But during migration season, some crossings happen in the reserve section. Ask about timing when booking.

“Children under 8 aren’t allowed”

This is firm. The camp doesn’t accommodate children under 8. If you’re travelling with younger kids, consider Mara Serena or Sarova Mara instead.

A Booking Warning

One pattern I’ve noticed: aggregator sites sometimes quote rates that seem too good. When guests arrive, extras they expected to be included — like conservancy fees or certain drinks — weren’t.

One review mentioned arriving to find their “romance package add-ons” hadn’t been booked at all. The middleman had pocketed the difference.

Protect yourself: Book through operators who work directly with Kempinski, or book directly with the hotel. Confirm in writing exactly what’s included. Compare quotes against official Kempinski rates.

Through Masaimara.co.ke, we confirm everything with the camp directly before sending your quote. One price covers everything disclosed.

How to Get There

By Air (Recommended)

Fly from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Ol Kiombo Airstrip. Flight time is 45-50 minutes.

Airlines:

Safarilink
AirKenya Express
Mombasa Air Safari

Flight costs (return):

Low season: KES 45,500–58,500 per person
Peak season: KES 65,000–84,500 per person

The camp provides complimentary transfers from the airstrip — about 30 minutes’ game drive. Guests often spot Big Five animals before even reaching camp.

What to know: Bring physical ID or passport. Wilson Airport rejects phone screenshots. 15 kg soft bag limit strictly enforced.

By Road

About 250 km from Nairobi. Takes 5-6 hours through Narok. The last section is rough murram. Consider flying if you have back issues or limited time.

Is Olare Mara Kempinski Right For You?

Good fit if:

You want genuine all-inclusive (drinks, game drives, conservancy fees)
Exclusivity matters (max 24 guests in camp)
You’re celebrating (honeymoon, anniversary, birthday)
You value exceptional service
You want night drives and walking safaris
Budget allows KES 150,000–400,000+ per person for 3 days

Maybe not ideal if:

You have children under 8
You need reliable WiFi for work
You’re very budget-conscious
You want to be inside the national reserve itself

Ready to Experience Olare Mara Kempinski?

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Olare Mara Kempinski cost per night? Rates range from USD 640 (KES 83,200) in low season to USD 920 (KES 119,600) during festive season. All-inclusive with drinks, game drives, and conservancy fees.

Is Olare Mara Kempinski worth the price? For all-inclusive luxury in Olare Motorogi Conservancy, it offers strong value. You’re getting the same wildlife as Mahali Mzuri (USD 1,660–2,600/night) at roughly 40% of the cost. If all-inclusive pricing and Kempinski service standards matter to you, yes.

What’s the best tent at Olare Mara Kempinski? Depends on your priorities. Tent #12 (honeymoon suite) has a private plunge pool. Tents #7-8 share a deck and work best for families of four. Tent #5 has indoor AND outdoor showers plus a wraparound deck. Tents #9-10 are closest to the hippo sounds (bring earplugs).

Are children allowed at Olare Mara Kempinski? Children under 8 are not permitted. Ages 8-12 pay 60% when sharing with two adults.

Does Olare Mara Kempinski include drinks? Yes. House wines, beers, spirits, and soft drinks are included. Premium champagnes cost extra.

Is WiFi available at Olare Mara Kempinski? Yes, in public areas. But multiple guests report it’s unreliable. Don’t expect consistent connectivity in your tent. If you need to work remotely, this may frustrate you.

Can I see the wildebeest migration from Olare Mara Kempinski? Yes. The conservancy hosts migration herds from July through October. Some river crossings occur in the adjacent national reserve — you can arrange day trips there (additional fees apply).

How far is Olare Mara Kempinski from the Mara River crossings? The camp sits on the Ntiakitiak River, not the main Mara River. River crossing sites are 45-60 minutes by vehicle in the national reserve or Mara Triangle.

What’s the difference between Olare Mara Kempinski and Mahali Mzuri? Same conservancy, same wildlife, similar 24-guest capacity. Mahali Mzuri costs roughly 2.5x more and offers air conditioning, more design-forward tents, and Richard Branson’s Virgin branding. Kempinski offers classic safari elegance with Kempinski hotel standards. Both are excellent — Kempinski is the value choice.

Should I use the free laundry service? Use it for safari clothes you don’t care about. Multiple guests report items returning shrunk, particularly delicate fabrics. Keep expensive items separate.

Can I request a specific guide? Yes. Ask when booking. No guarantee, but the camp tries to accommodate. For photography, request Eric specifically — he’s known for vehicle positioning and understanding light.

Is Olare Mara Kempinski wheelchair accessible? Property listings indicate accessible parking, accessible lounge space, and wheelchairs on-site. Confirm specific needs directly with the camp before booking.

Official Resources

Kempinski Hotels — official hotel website
Olare Motorogi Conservancy — conservancy information
Kenya eTA Portal — visa applications

Related Guides

Written by David Njunge, TRA-licensed safari guide with KPSGA (Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association) Silver certification. 10+ years guiding across Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, and Laikipia. Has personally inspected Olare Mara Kempinski and guides clients through Olare Motorogi Conservancy regularly.

Edited by Cecilia Wambui, Tourism & Hospitality Management graduate (Kenya Utalii College) and senior travel consultant at Masaimara.co.ke.

Last reviewed: March 2026 Rates verified with Kempinski Hotels reservations desk, March 2026 Guest insights drawn from verified TripAdvisor, SafariBookings, and Booking.com reviews

Prices subject to change — we confirm current rates when you request a quote through Masaimara.co.ke

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