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#46 of 106 campsites in Maasai Mara National Reserve
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Zebra Plains Mara Camp is small boutique luxury tented camp nestled in Maasai Mara Game Reserve, One of the world's best safari game viewing area and safari destination.We are in the middle of where actions take place and we know Mara very well with its wildlife; We will take care of your safari and camp's comfort experience while visiting us.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Quaint
Location
Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Maasai Mara National Reserve 20500 Kenya
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Zebra Plains Mara Camp is celebrated for its idyllic setting amidst the Masai Mara, offering guests stunning views and encounters with wildlife. Many guests commend the camp for its clean, spacious rooms and the commendable service provided by attentive staff.
It's noted for having a cozy atmosphere and satisfactory amenities, despite lacking some conveniences. While some travelers find the camp's luxury not quite as advertised and remark on the premium prices for drinks and peak season stays, the overall value and experience receive positive mentions.
Location
Picturesque
Atmosphere
Inviting
Rooms
Spacious
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Satisfactory
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I have been a regular visitor to the bush, and lodges I have stayed are normally the classic busy style. It is the first time I have seen a lodge which gives me the feel of a King’s summer house, where curtains of different colours sway in the breeze, and the chaise-lounge are adorned with colourful cushions to just laise and enjoy the spectacular sun-set in the company of bush-denizens who come to drink water at the nearby waterhole.
Food spread is elaborate, the staff are smart and service is impeccable and protocol for covid 19 are total in place. You enter the lodge through a mechanised disinfectant spraying the whole body, thereafter temperature readings are taken and hands sanitised before and after filling the forms, etc. All the staff wear mask and rooms and vehicles are disinfected before and after use.
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Date of stay: August 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Closer to lounge
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We recently spent three nights at Zebra Plains Mara for the beginning of our safari week.The lodge itself is very attractive with a beautiful view across the plains at sunset. Each day a herd of giraffes slowly wandered out for the day, and each evening they returned to somewhere past our lodge. You won't find a more peaceful setting. Meals are served in the main area with that same beautiful view.
When you arrive you will be greeted by several local members of the Maasai tribe who live in this area. One of our favorite things about this lodge was that all of the staff were Maasai. You will get a true cultural experience without a 'show' just for tourists. They are so welcoming and are happy to answer any of your questions about their life as Maasai.
The rooms themselves are simple but clean and well appointed. We had everything we needed. We stayed at Zebra Plains on their Room and Board plans instrad of the all inclusive, which meant we had our own driver and guide, but we had all meals (including packed lunch or breakfast on safari) and our room and full guest services other than a game driver. (Here I'll put in a plug for Wenza Safaris, which I will review separately....I highly recommend this route!)
The food was delicious and the campfire each evening gave us a chance to meet other travelers. I can't say enough about the staff. They were all so courteous and helpful, and they really went out of their way to ensure that we had everything we needed and more. I have to mention Mary and Moses in particular....they took care of us from the minute we arrived until the minute we left. And Ruth, the manager took excellent care of us in every detail. I will remember our conversations and their care for a long time. The staff and the sunsets are the star of this lodge. The accommodations and the food were also wonderful, and we can't wait to return!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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It was my first time visiting Zebra plains after lots of recommendation from friends who have been. And truly it lived up to its reputation. Situated below the Oldonyo Loip ridge, it has great views of the Maasai Mara Plains. From your arrival, you will immediately notice that the hotel has adhered to the COVID 19 rules, from sanitization to social distancing during meals and social areas. Meals are served directly to your table, and apparently they have been doing this since their inception. Cool right! The delicacies are yummy and up to standard. The tents are spacious, clean and well equipped with necessary amenities to make your stay memorable. Each tent has a view of the Mara plains and if your are lucky, you might see grazers (Giraffes, zebras, gazelles etc ) everyday during your stay. The lounge area is magically beautiful with views as well and a bonfire place to keep you warm at night . What I liked most apart from the views and the rooms would be the staff, they are professional and friendly at the same time. They took care of our every need. Zebra Plains is a magical place.
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Date of stay: October 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Staff always went above and beyond every day during my stay; the camp was always clean and well maintained to include the boarding.
Zebras Everywhere!!
PROS: * Food: The food was always above and beyond * Staff: All staff members I interacted with are kind, respectful and always willing to have conversations. Shout out to Francis!! * Common Area: the common area consist of 3 fire pits (1 main and 2 closer to the perimeter fence where the animals are often seen) all were well taken care of and the fire was always well maintained. * Boarding: My "tent" was always clean and the beds were always cleaned by the time I would come back from a game drive.
CONS: There was only 1 and it has nothing to do with Zebra Plains Mara Camp; it is the road leading to the camp.
If you plan on driving yourself to the camp, make sure your car is HIGH enough due to some of the serious dips and big rocks on the way to Zebra Plains.
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Date of stay: July 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had a great time at the boutique lodge. All the staff were very friendly and all Covid protocols were followed. Tents are all comfortable and decent sized. If you are a family, do book tents 15/16/17 - a huge family tent- quite nice! The common areas are tastefully decorated, ample space to walk around freely. Ben and Moses made sure we served well, Raphael the cook was amazing with our requests and always willing to suggest alternate menus. Ruth the manager was always at hand and very accommodating. Judas the driver was quite skillful in driving around in the muddy conditions during the game drive.
All in all, would definitely suggest you try them out. We spent two nights and would have loved to spend another or 2.
Mr Alfred (owner) - thank you very much for being frank. Much appreciated.
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Date of stay: February 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This would have been a 5 star review until we went to check out. As we go to check out, they say they cannot accept credit card (the machine is down, yet there’s WiFi and everyone is on their cell phones). This was frustrating as we were told we could use credit card prior to staying there. Other than that, the staff especially Ruth and Mary were amazing.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Alfred K, Owner at Zebra Plains Mara Camp
Responded 03 Feb 2020
Dear John, Thank you so much for taking your time to share your review with what you experienced. First of all,I would like to share our sincere apologies on the credit card issue,this happens sometimes when the machines losses its connection which it is not connected to the WiFi,we however from today have another alternative payment process whereby you can very easily clear your bill online,what we need is just your e-mail address and we get it done for you in the camp. I'm glad you enjoyed everything and you would have given us 5 star review were it not for this. We look forward to your visit in future. Best Regards, Alfred Korir
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed at Zebra Plains for 3 nights and it was beautiful. Ruth made sure we were comfortable every day and Moses made sure everything we needed was served on time and was to our taste. We were looking for Indian food for our lunches and dinners and they made sure it was as per our taste.
The camp is beautifully located and each morning once can see Giraffe and Gazelles right in front of the dining area with hundreds of birds chirping away. It was a sublime experience. There was power at the hours mentioned and the wifi in the lobby was good too. Fantastic experience and would recommend to everyone.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent 3 nights at Zebra Plains Camp and had an amazing time whilst there. The sign from the road is very unassuming but on arrival to the camp you are greeted by the welcoming team.
Location: We had planned to stay elsewhere but our friend suggested Zebra Plains as it is less than 15 minutes from the gate to the National Park meaning less driving and more animals on your doorstep! You can see giraffes and zebras whilst eating breakfast and there are lots of other animals close by.
Activities: We went on a walking safari with Ben. We learned lots and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Staff: All of the staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, but without being overbearing. They couldn't do enough for us and they made our stay really special.
Accommodation: The camp is billed as a luxury safari tented camp, and it really is just that. The bed was really comfortable and there was a seating area outside and a sofa inside for relaxing. We loved going to sleep and waking up to the sound of the animals! The communal areas were really well thought out too, we especially enjoyed the fire pit in the evening.
Food: Every meal was delicious, they tended to bring a huge selection of food out and brought seconds if you wanted it - it would not be possible to be hungry here!
The complimentary clothes washing was a nice touch and definitely came in handy.
We would 100% recommend Zebra Plains and couldn't imagine staying anywhere else if we came back to the Masai Mara.
Thank you Ben, John, Joseph, Gideon, Simon, Ruth, Evan and all of the staff for making our stay amazing.
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zebra Plains Mara camp is amazing. I think there were 25 tents. We stayed in a huge family tent, it had 2 bedrooms, a lounge with dining table, sofa & 3 showers. The levels of service are world class. Francis our host was so charming & attentive, Simon who looked after family tent kept it looking amazing. The food is exceptional - like having a fine dining experience. You get personally escorted back to your tents for your own safety in the dark. The team wear beautiful Masai colourful blankets & clothing. The camp is just outside the park, about 15 min drive. The road is very bumpy. On way to park you will see zebra, giraffe, hot air balloons in morning. At the Talek entrance to park you will be very easily see lions, cheetah, elephants, zebras, giraffes. We also saw a leopard in a tree during our 2 day stay. We can’t wait to go back. They also have another camp at Amboseli. The WiFi was a bit slow but worked fine when less people were in camp. You can watch the sun setting in the evening. Would highly recommend & it’s run by Kenyans who know the area very well.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We booked here for two nights as part of our 25th wedding anniversary trip to Kenya and can definitely say this was an absolute highlight of our whole holiday. On arrival we were warmly greeted by Ruth who made us feel very comfortable and made us aware of all the important information relating to the accommodation. The service we received from all the staff was absolutely spot on. I would like to give a special shout out to Isaac who did a fantastic job as our tent attendant. The things he did to decorate our tent were unexpected and really made our stay a little bit more special. The views are a large part of what you are paying for here and they do not disappoint. We saw a lion wandering past the lodge on one morning and in the evening after a game drive we almost missed tea as we were so busy watching giraffes wandering past our tent (about 150 yards away). Our tent was very well kept and clean. The bathroom was fully functional but not amazing however you do need to remember you are essentially in a tent in the middle of nowhere. We did have an issue one night where there was a problem with the water not coming through in the shower. We spoke to reception and a handy man came to our tent within 15 minutes to sort out the problem which did not happen again. The only other minor issue is the zips on some of the tent flaps can be a bit stiff to open and close. The food was very enjoyable. We liked the fact they bring the food to your table in individual bowls and if there is a dish you particularly like they will bring more to your table. This is infinitely better than the usual buffet meals we have had at other lodges where we have seen that the best dishes run out before you get to them. A little thing which could improve the service slightly would be to provide a wine list rather than guests having to go to the bar to see what wine is available. It does get quite dark on an evening when you are going for tea and the lighting on the path isn't great however this is compensated by the fact there is always someone on the path with a torch to ensure you can see where you are going. These are the sort of little details which for me set this place apart from other lodges. All in all I would absolutely recommend this place for your holiday at the Masai Mara and would just like to say a massive thank you to Ruth and the team for making our stay very special.
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Date of stay: August 2022
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â All the tents have complete privacy and very good views.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Chris,
Thank you so much for question.
Could you very kindly email us through contacts on our website or whatsapp office on +254790789122 and we will be able to share more details on your question?
Thank you once again for choosing to stay with us.
Best Regards,
Alfred Korir
Hi Natalie,
We actually have two entrances to the Main Reserve,
One is Talek Gate as two of our previous guests have explained,then there is one 5 Minutes from the Camp called Zebra Barrier.
Kindly when with your guide ask for these two routes.
Guides will always choose one depending on game sightings at the time of stay in here since Wildlife move around ,also based on rains,type of car, Migration time among others.
We look forward to hosting you.
Best Regards,
Reading, United Kingdom31 contributions39 helpful votes
"There are two kinds of family tent. Firstly with four people in one room and secondly with two separate bedrooms. Be careful to check what you have booked"
There are more places to choose from in the Maasai Mara National Reserve area.
LOCATION
KenyaRift Valley ProvinceMaasai Mara National Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
19
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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