Zebra Plains Mara Camp: Moniko Pride, Rates & 2027 Safari Guide

Zebra Plains Mara Camp is a classic tented safari camp positioned below Oldonyo Oloip Ridge on a private wildlife concession bordering both the Maasai Mara National Reserve and Olare Orok Conservancy. Because it sits on a private concession just outside the gate, you enjoy the flexibility of open-savanna game viewing and concession activities without paying reserve entry fees on days you remain outside the reserve. It is renowned for the resident Moniko Pride of lions and an active natural waterhole directly in front of the main lounge deck. The camp accommodates up to 100 guests across 50 luxury canvas tents.

What Makes Zebra Plains Worth Considering

I’m David Njunge, TRA-licensed guide. I’ve been guiding safaris in the Mara for over a decade, and I’ve brought clients to Zebra Plains many times. The camp was founded by Alfred Korir, a Kenyan safari guide who understood that location matters more than anything else.

And Zebra Plains has location figured out. You’re 5 minutes from one gate into the reserve and about 20 minutes from Talek Gate. That means less driving and more game viewing. During my last visit in January, we left camp at 6:15 AM and had spotted the Moniko Pride by 6:40 AM—three lionesses with cubs sprawled near a termite mound, backlit by the sunrise.

The camp sits on a private concession that borders both the Maasai Mara National Reserve and Olare Orok Conservancy. This dual access gives your guide flexibility. If one area is crowded with vehicles, you pivot to the other.

Rates and Packages

Zebra Plains offers two rate structures: Full Board (accommodation and meals only) and Game Package (includes game drives, transfers, and conservancy fees).

Non-Resident Accommodation Rates (Per Person, 2 Sharing)

Season	Dates	Full Board	Game Package
Low	Apr 7 – May 31	USD 180 (KES 23,274)	USD 380 (KES 49,134)
Shoulder	Jan-Mar, Jun, Nov-Dec 20	USD 240 (KES 31,032)	USD 480 (KES 62,064)
Peak Migration	Jul 1 – Oct 31	USD 430 (KES 55,599)	USD 680 (KES 87,924)
Festive	Dec 21 – Jan 2	USD 320 (KES 41,376)	USD 580 (KES 75,006)

Seasonal Non-Resident Rates Comparison

Zebra Plains Mara Camp operates on two flexible pricing models: Full Board (meals and accommodation) and the all-inclusive Game Package (adding game drives, conservancy fees, and transfers). The following table breaks down 2027 per-person nightly rates across all travel seasons:

Season & Dates	Full Board (Per Night)	Game Package (Per Night)	Key Season Highlight
Low Season (Apr 7 – May 31)	$180 (KES 23,274)	$380 (KES 49,134)	Lowest rates, quietest camp experience
Shoulder Season (Jan–Mar, Jun, Nov–Dec 20)	$240 (KES 31,032)	$480 (KES 62,064)	Great cat action, ideal photo conditions
Peak Migration (Jul 1 – Oct 31)	$430 (KES 55,599)	$680 (KES 87,924)	Prime river crossings & active waterhole
Festive Season (Dec 21 – Jan 2)	$320 (KES 41,376)	$580 (KES 75,006)	Holiday atmosphere & clear game drives

All non-resident rates, packages, and park fees are contracted and billed in USD. Incidental personal expenses at camp (bar tabs, laundry, spa treatments) can be settled upon checkout using USD, major credit cards, or Kenya Shillings (KES) at the camp’s prevailing daily exchange rate. Kenya citizens and residents pay using Kenya Shillings (KES).

What’s Included in Full Board:

Accommodation
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
WiFi in main area
Bottled water in rooms

What’s Added in Game Package:

Unlimited shared game drives in 4×4 Land Cruisers
Airstrip/gate transfers
Conservancy fees (Mara Ripoi and Lemek)
Soft drinks while on safari
Sundowner stop during drives
Maasai cultural village visit

What’s Not Included (Either Package):

Park fees: USD 100 per adult per day (January–June) or USD 200 per adult per day (July–December). These are administered by the Narok County Government. Fees can be prepaid through your safari operator or via the official Narok County portal (do not purchase tickets through the KWS eCitizen portal, as national park tickets are strictly invalid at Masai Mara National Reserve gates).
Alcoholic beverages
Hot air balloon safari: USD 506 (KES 65,455)
Walking safaris (complimentary for 6+ guests on Game Package)
Spa treatments
Laundry
Tips: USD 15-20/day recommended

Complete Safari Packages

Based on two adults sharing. All packages arranged through Masaimara.co.ke include accommodation, meals, game drives, park fees, and transfers.

3-Night Zebra Plains Mara Safari

Package	Season	Per Person
Road Transfer	Low (Apr-May)	USD 1,220 (KES 157,746)
Road Transfer	Shoulder	USD 1,590 (KES 205,587)
Road Transfer	Peak (Jul-Oct)	USD 2,540 (KES 328,422)
Fly-In	Low (Apr-May)	USD 1,918 (KES 248,018)
Fly-In	Shoulder	USD 2,288 (KES 295,859)
Fly-In	Peak (Jul-Oct)	USD 3,238 (KES 418,694)

3-Night All-Inclusive Safari Package Breakdown

Choosing between a 4×4 road transfer from Nairobi or an express flight into Olkiombo Airstrip impacts both your travel time and total budget. Here is a clear cost breakdown for full 3-night safari packages at Zebra Plains Mara Camp:

Package Type	Season	Est. Cost (Per Person)	Package Inclusions
Road Transfer	Low (Apr–May)	$1,220 (KES 157,746)	3 nights full board, 4×4 transport, daily drives, park fees
Road Transfer	Peak (Jul–Oct)	$2,540 (KES 328,422)	Full migration access, 4×4 transport, daily drives, park fees
Fly-In Safari	Low (Apr–May)	$1,918 (KES 248,018)	Return flights, 3 nights stay, airstrip transfers, park fees
Fly-In Safari	Peak (Jul–Oct)	$3,238 (KES 418,694)	Express flights, prime migration access, daily drives, park fees

Included:

3 nights full board at Zebra Plains Mara Camp
Morning and afternoon game drives daily
Park fees for all 3 days
Road transfers OR return flights (Nairobi-Olkiombo)
KPSGA-certified driver-guide

Not Included:

Alcoholic drinks
Hot air balloon: USD 506 (KES 65,455)
Walking safari (complimentary if 6+ guests)
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance

4-Night Multi-Destination: Lake Naivasha + Zebra Plains

For guests who want variety. One night at Lake Naivasha followed by three nights at Zebra Plains.

Package	Season	Per Person
Road Transfer	Shoulder	USD 1,854 (KES 239,742)
Road Transfer	Peak	USD 2,804 (KES 362,558)

Itinerary:

Day 1: Nairobi → Lake Naivasha. Afternoon boat ride spotting hippos and fish eagles. Night at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort.

Days 2-4: Lake Naivasha → Masai Mara. Game drive en route. Three nights at Zebra Plains Mara Camp with morning and afternoon drives.

Day 5: Final morning drive → Nairobi.

5-Night Kenya Safari: Amboseli + Zebra Plains Mara

The classic combination—Kilimanjaro views in Amboseli plus Mara’s big cats.

Package	Season	Per Person
Fly-In (both sectors)	Shoulder	USD 3,185 (KES 411,839)
Fly-In (both sectors)	Peak	USD 4,320 (KES 558,576)

Itinerary:

Day 1: Fly Nairobi → Amboseli. Afternoon game drive with Kilimanjaro backdrop. Night at Ol Tukai Lodge.

Day 2: Full day in Amboseli. Morning and afternoon drives. Second night at Ol Tukai Lodge.

Day 3: Fly Amboseli → Masai Mara. Afternoon game drive. First night at Zebra Plains.

Days 4-5: Full days in Mara with morning and afternoon drives.

Day 6: Morning drive → fly to Nairobi.

Camp Location

Zebra Plains sits below Oldonyo Oloip Ridge in an area known for the resident Moniko Pride of lions. The camp’s position offers sweeping views of the open plains—giraffes, zebras, and topi graze in front of camp throughout the day.

Key distances:

Talek Gate: 20 minutes
Secondary gate (closer): 5 minutes
Olkiombo Airstrip: 7.2 miles (11.6 km)
Mara River crossing points: 45-60 minutes depending on route

The natural waterhole in front of camp becomes particularly active during dry season (July-October). You’ll often see buffalo herds, elephants, and various antelope coming to drink without leaving the main deck.

Getting there:

By road from Nairobi: 5-6 hours via Narok. The camp recommends Land Cruisers for the final stretch—the road from Narok can be rough, especially in wet season.
By air: Fly into Olkiombo Airstrip, approximately 45 minutes from Wilson Airport in Nairobi via Safarilink or AirKenya. For travelers arriving from or heading to the Kenyan coast (Diani Beach or Mombasa), Mombasa Air Safari operates direct daily bush connections to Olkiombo. Airstrip transfers are included in the Game Package and easily arranged for Full Board bookings.

For detailed route options, see our guide on Nairobi to Masai Mara.

The Tents

Zebra Plains has 50 tents total:

17 Savannah-facing tents (plains views)
29 Hillside-facing tents (ridge views)
2 Family tents (interconnected with private lounge)

Each tent measures 55 square meters—genuinely spacious. You get en-suite bathroom with hot/cold shower, twin basins, flushing toilet, mosquito nets, ceiling fan, in-room safe, study desk, and private verandah with safari chairs.

Which Tents to Request

Tent Selection & Location Comparison Matrix

With 50 spacious tents spread across the property below Oldonyo Oloip Ridge, picking the right tent group ensures your room matches your personal preferences. Use this quick comparison matrix before making your reservation request:

Tent Group	Key Advantage	Trade-Off / Impact	Ideal For
Savannah Tents	Direct view of waterhole & plains	Higher guest foot traffic	Photographers & game viewers
Hillside Tents	More private & quiet location	No direct waterhole view	Couples & privacy seekers
Family Tents	2 rooms + shared private lounge	Surcharge applies	Families & small groups
Near Main Area	Shortest walk to dining & pool	Subdued lighting, guest noise	Guests prioritizing convenience

Here’s guidance you won’t find on the official website:

Best plains views: Request Savannah-facing tents. These look out over the waterhole and open grasslands. You can spot wildlife from your verandah without leaving your morning coffee.

Quieter, more private: The Hillside-facing tents are slightly more secluded. You won’t have the waterhole view, but you’ll have fewer guests walking past.

Family tent: If you’re traveling with children, the family tents are ideal. Two bedrooms connected by a shared lounge. Request Savannah-facing if available.

Near the pool: Tents closer to the main area give you easier access to the pool, restaurant, and firepit. Trade-off is more foot traffic.

What to know: The camp is spread out. Some tents are a genuine 4-5 minute walk from the restaurant. This bothers some guests, especially after evening drinks. If mobility is a concern, request a tent near the main area when booking.

What’s Actually Included

Zebra Plains is not all-inclusive. This catches some guests off guard. Here’s exactly what you’re paying for:

Full Board Rate Covers:

Accommodation in luxury tent
Three meals daily (buffet-style)
Tea, coffee, and bottled water
WiFi in main area (not in tents—and it can be slow)

Game Package Adds:

Unlimited shared game drives
KPSGA-certified guide in 4×4 Land Cruiser
Airstrip and gate transfers
Conservancy fees (Mara Ripoi, Lemek)
Sundowner drinks during drive
Selected soft drinks on safari
Maasai cultural village visit

You’ll Pay Extra For:

Park fees
Alcoholic beverages at the bar
Walking safaris (free for groups of 6+)
Hot air balloon safari
Spa massages
Laundry service

The Staff to Know

At Zebra Plains, you get assigned a table and waiter for your entire stay. This creates continuity that matters.

Gilbert is the manager—attentive, visible, and genuinely helpful. Several guests mention he personally ensured their stays went smoothly.

Chef Simon runs the kitchen. The food is buffet-style with solid variety. If you have dietary restrictions, speak with Simon directly—he’s accommodating but needs advance notice. One guest mentioned he prepared special children’s meals on request.

Moses is frequently mentioned as an exceptional waiter—great with families, remembers names quickly.

Fred gets praise for being excellent with children.

The Maasai staff escort guests to their tents after dark. This isn’t optional—it’s safety protocol in an unfenced camp. The escorts are friendly and often willing to share stories about the area.

Common Concerns Addressed

“It’s very dark at night—I couldn’t see anything”

This catches first-time safari-goers off guard. Zebra Plains uses subdued lighting deliberately—you’re in the middle of a game reserve. The darkness is part of the experience.

Solution: Bring a headlamp or torch. The camp should provide one, but having your own ensures you’re prepared. Keep it by your bed. When you step onto your verandah at 5:30 AM and can see the Milky Way clearly—that’s the trade-off. Worth it.

“The walk to the tent is long”

Valid concern for some guests. The camp covers significant ground, and certain tents are 4-5 minutes from the restaurant. After evening drinks and a big dinner, that walk can feel longer.

Solutions: Request a tent near the main area when booking. Or embrace the walk—you’ll often hear hyenas calling in the distance and see stars you forgot existed. That said, if you have mobility issues, make this very clear at booking time.

“WiFi is slow”

Yes. You’re in the Maasai Mara, not downtown Nairobi. WiFi is available in the main area only and can be intermittent, especially when the camp is at capacity.

Solution: Plan for a digital detox. If you must work, early mornings (before other guests wake) often have better speeds. Or consider getting a Kenyan eSIM for backup data.

What You’ll Experience

The camp structures days around game drives. Typical schedule:

5:30 AM: Wake-up call (optional—a Maasai guide knocks gently)

6:00 AM: Tea/coffee and light snacks in main area

6:15 AM: Depart for morning game drive

10:00-11:00 AM: Return for full breakfast

Midday: Rest, pool, spa, or relaxation on tent verandah

3:30 PM: Tea and snacks

4:00 PM: Afternoon game drive

6:30-7:00 PM: Return to camp, sundowners by firepit

7:30 PM: Dinner

The dawn chorus here is memorable—and I mean genuinely unforgettable. You’ll wake to what sounds like every bird in Africa performing simultaneously. It’s loud, it’s joyful, and it’s nature’s alarm clock. By the time you’ve had tea, the Mara is golden with first light.

The evening firepit is where the camp comes alive socially. You’ll hear hippos grunting from the nearby waterways while sipping Tusker. There’s often Maasai singing and dancing as entertainment—some guests love this, others find it touristy. Your call.

Best Time to Visit

July–October: Peak migration. River crossings happen within 45-60 minutes of camp. Book 4-6 months ahead—the camp fills. Highest rates but unmatched wildlife spectacle.

January–March: Green season. Excellent big cat sightings with fewer vehicles. My personal preference for photography.

April–May: Long rains. Lower rates, dramatic skies, quieter camp. Some roads may be challenging.

November–December: Short rains ending, plains greening. Good wildlife, moderate crowds.

For migration timing details, see our Masai Mara migration guide.

Compare: Zebra Plains vs Similar Camps

Feature	Zebra Plains	Sarova Mara	Ashnil Mara
Location	Private concession, borders reserve	Inside reserve	Inside reserve, Mara River
Room Count	50 tents	70 tents	56 tents
Pool	Yes	Yes	Yes (2)
Walking Safari	Yes (extra)	No	No
Price (low season)	USD 180 (KES 23,274)/night FB	USD 187 (KES 24,160)/night FB	USD 230 (KES 29,739)/night FB
Best for	Plains views, Moniko Pride	Large groups	Hippo pool views

Activities Beyond Game Drives

Walking safaris: Conducted on the private concession with armed rangers and Maasai naturalists. 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Best in early morning or late afternoon when it’s cooler. Complimentary for groups of 6+ on Game Package; otherwise, arrange separately.

Hot air balloon safari: Launches happen near camp, around 6 AM. Drift over the plains for an hour, then champagne bush breakfast. USD 506 (KES 65,455) per person. Book 48+ hours ahead during peak season.

Maasai cultural visits: Included in Game Package. You’ll visit a local manyatta, meet elders, see traditional dances. 1-2 hours.

Swimming pool: Small but well-maintained. Views over the plains. Perfect for the hot afternoon hours between drives.

Spa: Basic treatments available. Hot stone massage, facials. Book in advance during peak season.

How to Book Through Masaimara.co.ke

We handle complete arrangements—accommodation, game drives, park fees, transfers, and internal flights. You arrive, and logistics are sorted.

Step 1: Submit your inquiry with dates and group size.

Step 2: We send a custom quote within 24 hours.

Step 3: Confirm with deposit. We handle park fee payments, camp reservations, and coordination.

Step 4: You receive a detailed itinerary with driver contact and meeting point.

For other Masai Mara packages, including budget and luxury options, see our full selection.

Optional Add-Ons

Activity	Cost
Hot air balloon + bush breakfast	USD 506 (KES 65,455)
Maasai village visit	Included in Game Package
Walking safari (under 6 guests)	On request
Bush breakfast/lunch/dinner	On request
Spa massage	USD 40-60 (KES 5,175-7,758)

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Zebra Plains Mara Camp from Nairobi? About 280 km by road (5-6 hours driving) or 45 minutes by scheduled flight to Olkiombo Airstrip.

Is Zebra Plains Mara Camp all-inclusive? No. Full Board covers accommodation and meals. Game Package adds game drives, transfers, and conservancy fees. Park fees, drinks, and some activities are extra.

What’s the nearest airstrip? Olkiombo Airstrip is located 11.6 km (about 7.2 miles) away, approximately a 20- to 25-minute game drive transfer from camp. Scheduled bush flights operate daily from Nairobi Wilson Airport via Safarilink and AirKenya, with coastal connections from Diani Beach and Mombasa serviced by Mombasa Air Safari.

Can I see the Great Migration from Zebra Plains? Yes. The camp’s central-east location gives guides good access to the Mara River and Talek River crossing points during July-October.

Is Zebra Plains good for families? Yes. Family tents with interconnected rooms available. Staff are notably good with children. The pool is a hit with kids during midday downtime.

Do they have WiFi? Yes, in the main area only. Speed varies—don’t expect to stream video. Consider a Kenyan eSIM for backup.

Is it safe without a fence? Yes. Maasai guards escort guests to tents after dark. Stay on designated paths. Follow staff instructions. The camp has operated safely for years.

What should I pack? See our Masai Mara packing list. Essentials: neutral-colored clothing, torch/headlamp, binoculars, camera with zoom, sunscreen, light jacket for cool mornings, umbrella (if visiting during rainy season).

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