Frequently asked questions

Renowned for the annual Great Migration, the Maasai Mara ecosystem provides exceptional opportunities to see the big 5. It is one of the few places on earth where wild animals and their ecosystem exist in a highly protected environment. 

From heart-pounding predator encounters to sweeping savannah vistas, the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, which is part of the Maasai Mara ecosystem, delivers non-stop safari drama that will leave you speechless. This is the wild, untamed Kenya you've always dreamed of.

Kenya is the birthplace of the safari, and it’s not hard to see why. With its vast open plains teeming with wildlife, this country is truly magical, and visitors will often spot lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and African buffaloes – also known as the Big Five – within the first few days of their stay.

The main international airport in Nairobi is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, with daily direct flights from the main European hubs: London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, as well as New York.

There are also daily arrivals from Johannesburg in South Africa, as well as from hubs in the Middle East, including Dubai and Doha. Flights from Europe take, on average, just over 8 hours, and direct flights from New York take 15 hours.

Those connecting from any other USA hub will need to travel via one of the cities above.

We can also book the Fast Track service for you at the Kenyatta Airport to speed up your journey. Our reservations team can help organise transfers to and from the airports.

Wilson Airport is the domestic airport in Nairobi with scheduled flights to the Olare Orok Airstrip. If you booked a transfer to Wilson Airport, a local agent will meet you in the arrivals hall once you’ve collected your baggage and cleared customs. Look for the Mahali Mzuri logo, which will be held up on a board. 

There are two airstrips close to Mahali Mzuri that we would recommend guests use. Both airstrips are served by flights operated by SafariLink Aviation and Air Kenya. Olare Orok is also served by the Governor’s Aviation.

Special charter flights can also be arranged on request, and they can land at the private airstrip in the conservancy, roughly a 20-minute drive from camp. 

Yes. Mahali Mzuri's reservations team can book your stay and arrange your travel within Kenya ahead of your trip, including internal flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to the Olara Motorogi airstrip closest to the camp and transfers to and from camp. Mahali Mzuri does not book international flights to Kenya, so these are arranged directly with an airline. Once you've landed in Kenya, the reservations team takes care of the rest, so all you need to do is arrive.

Yes, we can arrange transfers between international and domestic airports for arrivals from outside Kenya.

The luggage limit on the flights from Wilson Airport to Mahali Mzuri is 15kg, which includes your hand luggage. This is quite strictly enforced as the aircraft used doesn’t have a lot of extra space.

If you’re on a longer trip and have additional luggage, you can usually leave this at the terminal free of charge until you return. Please check with your airline before departing.

The currency is the Kenyan Shilling and is readily accepted for both large and small transactions. You may need at least USD 50 in cash per person to pay for your entry visa if you’ve not organised this prior to arrival.

The airport authorities accept payment in Euros and British Pounds however amounts may vary, and they are less likely to have the exact change. Credit cards are not accepted. ATMs are available at the main international airport and in larger towns; however, they can struggle to process non-Kenyan cards.

We recommend obtaining some Shillings before you depart for small purchases while you’re in transit (or if you plan on spending any time in Nairobi).

At Mahali Mzuri, you will not need any cash. Purchases from the gift shop or spa treatments can be made by credit card.

No vaccinations are required on entry unless you have just arrived from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Malaria is still a risk in some areas of Kenya, so it is important to seek medical advice on appropriate precautions during your stay.

Entry requirements for Kenya vary depending on your nationality and the purpose and length of your stay. Most international visitors are required to obtain a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travelling, while certain nationalities may be exempt.

We recommend checking the latest requirements and applying for an eTA through the official Kenyan government website before your trip. Your passport should also meet the required validity and blank-page requirements.

From 1st February 2016, visa fees do not apply to children under the age of 16. Visitors are also required to have at least two blank pages in their passport, which must be valid for six months beyond their expected departure date from Kenya.

As advice can change on a regular basis, we recommend you check with the advice issued by your government’s state department or foreign office before you set off on your journey.

Insurance is always the guest’s responsibility. Make sure you have valid travel insurance that covers your safari trip to Kenya.

Mahali Mzuri is open year-round, with wildlife present on the plains in every season.

Conservancy fees and private vehicle fees may apply, in addition to the room rate.  Certain excursions and the hot air balloon experience carry an extra charge, arranged through a third-party operator. Ask reservations for current pricing before you book.

Throughout the year, we have special offers available for direct bookings - you can view these offers here.

Our best available rate is through our website booking engine.

You can book your safari holiday online here.

Minimum lengths of stay may apply, depending on your selected dates.

You can use our website booking engine to search for your dates - follow this link here.

Any extras during your stay can be paid for using major credit/debit cards or cash.

You can find full details about our cancellation policy on our Terms and Conditions here.

12 to 18 months in advance is recommended, particularly for peak season (December-March and July-September).

Yes. The whole camp can be booked exclusively for weddings, birthdays, or group and family trips -  just your group, the guides, and the conservancy. Contact the reservations team for availability and rates. Contact us to find out more.

Yes! You can visit any of the properties in our Virgin Limited Edition Collection, but we think Mahali Mzuri is best paired with a stay at Finch Hattons for the ultimate Safari Experience.

Stay a minimum of four nights at either the luxurious Mahali Mzuri in the Maasai Mara eco-system or the timeless elegance of Finch Hattons in Kenya's oldest national park, Tsavo, and we’ll treat you to a complimentary night at the other. 

Two iconic camps. Two extraordinary landscapes. One unforgettable journey. Start your safari in style, and let the adventure unfold. 

You can find out more here.

Mahali Mzuri sits inside the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, a private wildlife conservancy on the northeastern edge of the Maasai Mara that borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve itself. It's roughly 240km from Nairobi -  about a five- to six-hour drive, or a scheduled flight of around 50 to 60 minutes from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to the Olare Orok airstrip.

Olare Motorogi Conservancy covers about 140 km² (54 sq mi),  roughly a tenth the size of the neighbouring Maasai Mara National Reserve (1,510 km²). It was established in 2006 on land leased from Maasai landowners, who receive direct income from tourism in return.

Mahali Mzuri is in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, a private conservancy that borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve rather than sitting inside it. The conservancy is part of the wider Maasai Mara ecosystem and shares the same wildlife and migration route as the reserve, but is separately managed, with far stricter limits on visitor numbers.

Private conservancies like Olare Motorogi cap the number of beds and vehicles allowed inside them. Olare Motorogi limits its five camps to 94 beds in total, with roughly one game-viewing vehicle per 2,100 acres and a strict cap of a few vehicles per sighting. Conservancies also typically allow night drives, off-road driving and guided walking safaris, none of which are permitted inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve itself, where game drives are restricted to 6am - 6pm on marked tracks only. The result is a closer, quieter and more flexible safari experience.

Guests regularly see lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, hyena, jackal and hippo along with over 300 recorded bird species, on twice-daily game drives included in every stay year-round. The conservancy sits within the wider area the wildebeest migration moves through, though the migration's timing and exact path vary each year and can't be guaranteed.

Yes, Mahali Mzuri's game drives are led by experienced guides, and the conservancy's community-based management and strict visitor limits are designed to protect both wildlife and guests. As with any wildlife destination, standard safari precautions apply: guests stay in the vehicle or with a guide, and children under six do not join game drives. 

Most guests fly: scheduled flights connect Nairobi's Wilson Airport to the Olare Orok airstrip in around 50 to 60 minutes via Safarilink and Air Kenya, followed by a further 20-minute transfer to camp. Driving from Nairobi takes roughly five to six hours over about 240–245km.

Award-winning Mahali Mzuri is one of only five camps permitted inside the 140 km² Olare Motorogi Conservancy, which caps itself at 94 beds in total, so the conservancy stays quiet even at the height of the migration. The camp's 12 tents sit on a ridge overlooking the plains, with twice-daily game drives, all meals and drinks, and transfers included in every stay.

We have 12 stunning luxury tents available at Mahali Mzuri.

You can find out more about these tents here.

Each tent features a king-sized bed (which can be twinned), lounge area, separate walk-in shower and freestanding bathtub with far-reaching views. 

In our Family Tent, there are an additional two twin beds, and a central living area, which is perfect for relaxing together and opens onto a private viewing deck.

In terms of amenities:

• Generously stocked  complimentary mini-bar  
• Hairdryer, Bathrobes & Slippers 
• Bathroom amenities 
• Torches
• Sunscreen & Insect repellent 
• Pair of binoculars in each tent 
• Hand sanitizer
• Hot water bottles and extra blankets
• Bottled water
• Tea and coffee-making facilities
• Plug adaptor & extension cable
• Air conditioning & heating
• Safety deposit box

Yes, all of our luxury safari tents have air conditioning.

Yes, guests can enjoy private, three-course, candlelit meals on their own balcony or deck, providing an intimate, luxurious dining experience in the bush.

Yes! We have a 12-metre outdoor heated infinity pool with views out over the plains, so you can wildlife watch from the water.

We have a spa treatment room, located down on the valley floor and a short walk from the infinity pool. The spa is open from early morning to late in the evening. Our spa therapist can take you through the different treatments available (additional charges apply for treatments), and these can be booked in advance or on arrival.

You can find out more about our spa here.

There is no set gym, but for the active types, we can provide exercise equipment, including yoga mats, skipping ropes, weights and a step board either in the tents or by the pool.

The wildebeest migration typically moves through the wider Maasai Mara ecosystem, including this conservancy, between around July and October, though the exact timing and route shift each year and can't be predicted or guaranteed. Wildlife viewing at Mahali Mzuri is strong year-round regardless of the migration.

You can read more about the Great Migration here.

Experience the thrill of twice-daily game drives at Mahali Mzuri. Included in your stay, these expertly guided early morning and late afternoon safaris let you witness the wild come alive, whether it's the golden glow of sunrise or the magic of a sunset over the plains.

While many people flock to Kenya from July to October to witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles, the Great Migration, the East African country is also an excellent year-round travel destination.

Each season brings a new and exciting environment for viewing the animals, so no matter the weather, there will always be something to see. 

You can read more about each season in Kenya here.

For game drives, you should wear pale or neutral colours. In the warmer months from December to March, these should be lightweight, but take a windbreaker or light jacket for evenings.

For the cooler and wetter months, take a jumper/sweater, fleece or warm jacket too. Trainers/sneakers are fine for safari walks, and it’s a good idea to bring a hat and sunglasses for all seasons. 

Around the camp, you can wear whatever you like. Formal wear is at your discretion. Make sure you don’t forget your swimsuit.

Yes, you can. Contact our team to book a private game vehicle for your stay. Private hire of game vehicles at Mahali Mzuri is on request, and subject to availability.

With all there is to offer in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, it’s unlikely you’ll need to go further afield during your safari. If you do wish to visit the National Reserve, we can arrange this for you.

Please note that a daily access fee of USD 200 per adult and USD 50 per child (3 - 11 years) will apply, in addition to vehicle and guide entry fees.

We love children at Mahali Mzuri, and our team are experts at keeping your little warriors entertained while you enjoy some rest and relaxation during your family vacation. Children must be two years old to visit Mahali Mzuri. We know every little warrior is different, so we do not operate a set kids' programme. Instead, we offer a fun range of activities tailored to each of our younger guests or groups.

Our Family Tented Suite includes a king-size bed along with two twin beds, making it ideal for families. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to sleep in a tent without parental supervision. Children between the ages of 12 and 15 are allowed to stay in their own tent. We strongly recommend that any child under the age of 15 share a tent with their parent. For younger children, we can provide a cot and roll away bed for a nanny if required.

You can find out more about Mahali Mzuri Kids here.

Children over six years old are able to join on Game Drives, but must be accompanied by their parents on a game drive.

For children under the age of six to go on game drives, a private closed vehicle must be hired (at an additional cost). We provide children’s car seats.

At Mahali Mzuri, we’ve crafted a variety of exciting activities to keep your young adventurers entertained and inspired throughout your safari. From our thrilling Tracking Skills Treasure Hunt, where little explorers follow clues around the camp and learn essential safari tracking techniques, to our Nature Spotting Safari that uncovers the wonders of lizards, insects, and vibrant birds right on your doorstep, every moment is packed with discovery and fun.

You can find out more here.

Unfortunately babysitting services are not available, so children must be supervised by a parent or guardian throughout their stay.

All meals are included during your stay. Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.

At Mahali Mzuri, every meal is a celebration of pan-African cuisine, inspired by the vibrant cultures, bold flavours, and aromatic spices of the region. Our talented chefs craft each dish using the freshest locally grown ingredients and ethically sourced produce, creating menus that are as diverse as they are delicious.

You can find out more about the food at Mahali Mzuri here.

At Mahali Mzuri, the bar is always open - literally. With all drinks included in your stay, you’re free to help yourself to the well-stocked honesty bar anytime you please, or let our friendly team shake up your favourite signature safari cocktail just the way you like it.

Of course, let us know in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Yes! We know feeding kids can be tricky, so we’ve created special food and drinks just for them! From tasty snacks to light meals, everything is prepared to match your child’s tastes and dietary needs.

Beyond twice-daily game drives, Mahali Mzuri offers a sunrise hot air balloon safari, guided bush walks with Maasai warrior guides, cultural visits to a weekly market and a local beading cooperative, traditional Maasai games, and stargazing, plus bush breakfasts, sundowners and a full spa and pool at camp. Most excursions are complimentary or arranged on request; the hot air balloon safari carries an additional charge. See the questions below for what each involves.

You can also find out more here.

Yes,  a sunrise hot air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara can be arranged from Mahali Mzuri, with a pre-dawn pickup around 4am, roughly an hour in the air over the plains, and a champagne breakfast and game drive back to camp afterwards. This is arranged through a third-party operator and carries an additional charge.

Yes, guided walking safaris led by Maasai warrior guides are complimentary and available on request, tracking animal footprints and local flora at a standard or faster-paced fitness level. Walking safaris like this are only possible in the conservancy, they aren't permitted inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve itself.

Yes, Mahali Mzuri offers bush breakfasts, dinners and sundowner drinks at set locations across the conservancy, available on request.

Yes, a complimentary one-hour stargazing session near the camp's helipad includes learning how the Maasai traditionally read the stars to guide their herds and mark the seasons, weather and guide availability permitting.

Yes, guests aged 12 and over can try traditional Maasai spear- and club-throwing and bow-and-arrow archery in a complimentary one-hour session, available on request.

We do. We can create bespoke experiences that cater to your taste, expectations and interests.

Can you think of a more magical place to get married than in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, at Mahali Mzuri? Whether you are renewing your vows or celebrating an anniversary, we would be delighted to organise a special ceremony for you and your partner.

Whether you're planning a private elopement for two or a lavish celebration with up to 24 guests, we’re here to make your day seamless and stress-free. With years of experience hosting weddings, our team is dedicated to crafting personalised, picture-perfect events where every detail is taken care of. You focus on the love - we’ll handle the rest. 

Find out more here.

Of course! Set against a backdrop of sweeping savannahs, roaming wildlife, and dramatic sunsets, proposals at Mahali Mzuri are unforgettable.

Let our dedicated team help you craft a personalised experience that blends luxury, culture, and adventure in one extraordinary location.

Yes. Mahali Mzuri offers an unforgettable setting for a honeymoon, combining intimate luxury, spectacular Kenyan wilderness and exceptional personal service. From private safari adventures and romantic dining to relaxing together in your tented suite, it’s a wonderful place to celebrate the start of married life.

Yes, we can! We have a number of unique experiences we would recommend to help you celebrate your special occasions or milestones.

You can find out more here.

Packing for a safari is really very simple: neutral colours, breathable layers, and comfortable shoes. Practicality matters far more than variety.

At Mahali Mzuri, laundry services mean guests can travel lightly and focus on the experience rather than their wardrobe. What matters most isn’t what’s worn, but what’s noticed.

Should any of our guests have health concerns, we have first-aid trained team members to attend to emergencies. If necessary, AMREF, the flying doctors based in Nairobi, offers air evacuation and ambulance services across East Africa.

Their planes, equipped with medical facilities, transport you to a modern private hospital in Nairobi. You need to be subscribed to their insurance for these facilities to take effect. If you already have travel or health insurance, check if air evacuation is included. Note that flights can’t take off after 5 pm due to government regulations.

For more info or to buy AMREF insurance, visit www.flydoc.org

Before you arrive, please let us know if anyone in your party has a pre-existing medical condition, allergy or any particular medical requirements, or is pregnant.

Tipping is discretionary and entirely up to you. If you have any questions about tipping, you can discuss this with the camp manager.

We are proud members of Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows travellers like you to make a lasting impact in the community at your travel destination. If you save just a few kilos of space in your suitcase and bring supplies for schools or medical clinics in need, you’ll make a priceless impact in the lives of our local children and families.

Here at Mahali Mzuri, we are currently supporting the Enkenju - Enkoirien Primary School, located about 4 km from the Mahali Mzuri camp in NAROK county. Donations from local businesses have helped to fund essential items such as solar lights, computers and printers, while local communities and guests have provided stationery including books, pens and pencils, beads for bead-making, maps and Dictionaries.

For a list of items that you can bring with you, visit: www.packforapurpose.org and search for ‘Mahali Mzuri’.