Affordable Safaris in the Maasai Mara
A safari in the Maasai Mara is never going to be dirt cheap, and there are good reasons for that. But not all of that cost needs to go on luxury fittings and international overheads. Mattikoko is a Maasai-owned, locally run camp where the money goes where it should – into the experience.
Why a Maasai Mara safari will never be cheap
A safari in the Maasai Mara will always represent a significant investment, and that is as it should be. Expert guiding costs money. Full board in a remote wilderness location costs money. You’re paying for the exclusivity of the experience.
But there’s a way of making your trip a bit more affordable – by choosing a lodge or camp that’s focused on the quality of the experience rather than luxury. One that offers comfortable accommodation without frills. (Spoiler alert – we’re referring to ourselves!) Plus, consider staying in a locally owned and operated place. (Us again!) That way, the money you spend doesn’t go to large international tourism companies, but stays in the community, goes to the people guiding and feeding and looking after you, and funds an operation that exists because of genuine passion for this place rather than a return on investment for distant shareholders.
What Mattikoko offers is not a budget safari, but it’s a more affordable option of a Maasai Mara safari, one that opts for comfort over luxury, keeps the operation lean and locally run, and puts the money where it belongs: into the exclusive wildlife access and high quality Maasai guiding.
What a stay at Mattikoko includes
At Mattikoko, affordable means a camp that has made deliberate choices about where to invest (in wildlife access, guiding quality, and food) and where not to: unnecessary infrastructure, imported luxury finishes, and the marketing costs that drive up rates at some of the Mara’s more prominent properties. The tents are comfortable, with proper beds, en-suite bathrooms, and hot showers, but they are not a performance of luxury. The focus is on what happens outside the tent.
A stay includes full board accommodation, daily game drives in Lemek Conservancy, guiding by Moses or one of our experienced Maasai guides, and conservancy fees. Walking safaris are available on request. There are no hidden extras beyond alcoholic drinks and optional activities such as balloon safaris or full-day drives into the national reserve. Full pricing is available on our rates page.
TESTIMONIALS
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Guests staying at any of Mattikoko’s camps and lodges are faced with the toughest of choices — how they wish to spend their day. Take a look at some of the daily adventures on offer:
