The Masai Mara is one of Africa's most celebrated wildlife destinations and for good reason, but the vehicle traffic around the main reserve isn't always ideal. And that's where Mara Siana comes in. Located inside the privately run Ripoi Conservancy, it's 24,000-acre stretch of rolling savannah and riverine woodland shared between just three small camps. The conservancy grew from an extraordinary act of community generosity: Maasai landowners who donated portions of their ancestral land to protect it for future generations. Three of Kenya's finest guides own and run this camp, led by Jackson Looseyia, the long-time face of BBC's Big Cat Live and legendary note.




The communal areas are warm and unfussy – canvas-under-thatch dressed in ochres and deep reds that echo the Maasai palette, with a lounge, dining area and firepit angled toward the open savannah. A natural waterhole just at the edge of camp draws a steady procession of wildlife through the day, which makes the gap between drives especially entertaining. The camp is solar-powered throughout, intimate by design, and small enough that the team knows your name by lunchtime on day one.
The tents are positioned along the treeline, and all are canvas under thatched roofs with open sides that let in the sounds of the bush. Inside, the high-thread-count linens are inspired by traditional Maasai hues, there are double vanity bathrooms with solar-heated showers, and private decks where you'd be forgiven for spending entire afternoons doing very little (but remember your binos). Family tents come with two en-suite bedrooms and a shared common area between them and are genuinely practical for families or couples travelling together.
Morning and evening game drives revolve around wildlife activity and what your guide is tracking. And with this team at the wheel, the chances of spotting something incredible are high. Walking safaris weave through savannah, woodland and grassy plains, accompanied by an armed ranger, whilst balloon safaris will have you floating high over the landscape at dawn, and a champagne landing in the bush a few hours later. There are also visits to the local community on offer, as well as archery, spear throwing and wildlife tracking for families.
Three resident wild dog dens, a strong cheetah population and roughly 700 acres of private conservancy per tent. The odds of a remarkable sighting are definitely favourable.
Night drives are banned inside the national reserve, but Ripoi's private status means you can head out after dark and see the entirely different cast of night creatures.
Game drives into the Masai Mara National Reserve are possible but entry fees aren't included in the camp rate.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Mara Siana Camp can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Kenya trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Kenya trips featuring Mara Siana Camp or get advice and suggestions from one of our Kenya specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Mara Siana Camp start from around $750, or US$750, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

A safari classic filled with the Big Five, wildlife-dotted landscapes and vibrant Maasai warriors.