Wilderness Mara

Our View

Wilderness Mara is one of 2026’s most exciting new openings in safari Africa, as it’s a refurbishment of one of Kenya’s most desirable lodges, Little Governors. Much beloved for decades, this new outfit aims to keep the classic East African under-canvas experience, but with a few modern luxuries.

Wilderness Mara Camp - The Facts

With just 12 tents overlooking an animal-dense marshland, Wilderness Mara aims to retain the personalised, intimate experience offered by its predecessor. Each room, though a simple rectangular tent shape with an elevated wooden floor, is stocked with luxury safari essentials, including that all-important outdoor shower (with an indoor option, too) and private decks, with a nice sense of privacy between tents.

The main area is a long stretch of inviting furnishings, with a large swimming pool and even an on-site gym and spa, putting luxury well and truly on the menu in the Mara Triangle. This is a unique area of the famed Kenyan reserve, with stocked wildlife but less tourism footfall, due to its Mara River borders. It is the only camp that is accessible to both sides of the Mara River, making it brilliant for watching the Great Wildebeest Migration river crossings in the dry season of July to September.

It’s worth noting that Wilderness Mara will have no family tents available when it opens its doors in June 2026, so it is best suited for families with older children, groups of friends, or couples. If brilliant wildlife and luxury is a priority, then this new opening will be a dream come true. High season rates are pretty hefty at $2,029 per person per night, but go in shoulder season and get the same experience for $1,324 per person per night.

Importantly, it’s also just a quick few internal flights from East Africa’s famed beaches, so would make for an excellent short safari before a week relaxing on a sandy shore - with a smaller per night price.

AT A GLANCE

Wilderness Mara Rates:
From $1,324 per person per night

Our rating

Wilderness Mara with Africa Odyssey

Where to stay in the Mara

Some of our favourites

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