Your frequently asked questions about the Maasai Mara and Kobe Mara. All put together in one clear overview.
Kobe Mara is a boutique camp on private land at the edge of the Maasai Mara. A few things set it apart: it is genuinely Maasai owned and Maasai run, not just community linked; it sits outside the National Reserve, so you avoid the nightly park and conservancy fees that camps inside add to their rates; and you can choose between a private bush villa with four bedrooms and secluded safari tents. The camp is unfenced, with a waterhole that draws wildlife right to the veranda.
Yes. Kobe Mara was founded by Jacky Sairowua, a Maasai entrepreneur, on her own family’s land, and it is run almost entirely by a Maasai team from the surrounding communities. Staying with us supports local livelihoods directly and helps sustain a way of doing tourism that is rooted in the community.
There are two ways to stay. Kobe House is a private bush villa with four bedrooms, booked for one group at a time, with open living areas and sweeping savanna views. The Kobe Tents are secluded safari tents that keep you close to nature while remaining comfortable. You can also book the whole property together for a larger group or a special occasion.
Yes. The private Kobe House villa suits families well, with four bedrooms, open living space and the whole house to yourselves, so children have room and privacy. We can tailor meals, game drive timings and activities for younger guests.
Yes. The secluded tents, the quiet setting away from the busier parts of the reserve, the waterhole and the sunset views make Kobe Mara a private and romantic choice. We are glad to arrange special touches for the occasion.
Yes, the camp has Starlink Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected when you need to. With the private villa, resident rates and a calm setting, Kobe Mara also suits longer stays and remote working, if you would like to swap your desk for a view of the waterhole for a week or two.
Kobe Mara is on private land at the edge of the Maasai Mara, near Talek in Narok County, Kenya. It lies just outside the Maasai Mara National Reserve, with direct access for game drives through the quiet Zebra Barrier gate.
The quickest way is a scheduled flight of about 45 minutes from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to a nearby Mara airstrip, followed by a short road transfer to camp. If you prefer to drive, it is roughly a five to six hour journey by road. We are happy to help arrange flights and transfers when you book.
Very close. Kobe Mara sits right next to Zebra Barrier, a small and quiet entry gate on the edge of our property, just one to two minutes’ drive away. Other options are the Mpaui Gate (about 15 minutes) and the Talek Gate (about 20 minutes).
Yes, our entire property is guarded and monitored by our security team. Our security personnel (askaris) are always available for a friendly conversation and will escort you to and from your vehicle and accommodation.
Yes. Our Maasai team knows the land and its wildlife well, and staff accompany guests around camp after dark and follow sensible bush safety routines. Being unfenced is what makes the setting so alive, and it is managed with care and experience.
You can book directly with us at kobemara.com, which is the best way to get our direct rates and to tailor your stay. We respond quickly by WhatsApp and email, and we are glad to help with flights, transfers and any special requests.
Yes. We offer special rates for Kenyan and East African residents, which makes Kobe Mara a lovely choice for a weekend escape from Nairobi or a longer local getaway. Contact us with your details and we will share resident pricing.
Every stay is fully serviced by our housekeeping team and waiters. Our standard rates are full board, which means meals and non alcoholic drinks are included. If you prefer, a self catering option is also available.
Both are available. Full board is our standard, with meals and non alcoholic drinks prepared by our chefs. If you prefer to cater for yourselves, you can choose self catering with a kitchenette instead. Just let us know your preference when booking.
Kobe House is fully serviced by our housekeeping team and waiters. On our standard full board rate, meals and non alcoholic drinks are included. Self catering is also possible on request.
Yes. Kobe House is rented to one group at a time, so in principle you have the house to yourselves. On an exceptional basis, our manager Sammy may open the veranda to other guests during special celebrations, such as our Maasai cultural evening or Christmas.
Yes, we have an extra single bed which is suitable for children (subject to availability).
Yes, for children under 2 years old, we have a cot and high chair available (subject to availability).
Yes. Like the rest of the property, Kobe House is guarded and monitored by our security team, and our askaris will escort you to and from your vehicle and accommodation.
The Kobe Tents are fully serviced by our housekeeping team and waiters. On our standard full board rate, meals and non alcoholic drinks are included. Self catering is also possible on request.
Yes, we have an extra single bed which is suitable for children (subject to availability).
Yes, for children under 2 years old, we have a cot and high chair available (subject to availability).
Yes. Like the rest of the property, the Kobe Tents are guarded and monitored by our security team, and our askaris will escort you to and from your vehicle and accommodation.
Full board includes our set menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus snacks and fruit throughout the day. Non alcoholic drinks are also included, such as coffee, tea, water, juices and sodas.
Yes, all our set menus also come with a vegetarian option.
Yes, our chefs can prepare gluten free menu options. Kindly share your dietary needs with our booking manager before you arrive and we will tailor a customised menu.
Yes, we also offer a halal menu. Kindly share your dietary needs with our booking manager before you arrive and we will tailor a customised menu.
Alcoholic drinks are not included in the full board price, but they can be purchased at camp. For special requests, please contact our booking manager and we will try to have your favourite drinks available.
Yes. Typically we pack breakfast for an early morning game drive or lunch for a full day game drive, and afternoon sundowner drinks can be packed too. For more information, see our Safari page.
The Mara rewards a visit at any time, with resident lions, elephants, giraffes and plains game present all year round. The Great Migration is generally in the Maasai Mara from around July to October, when large herds move through and river crossings can be seen. The greener months after the rains bring lush scenery and wonderful birdlife. We are happy to advise on timing for whatever you most want to see.
Yes. During the migration season, roughly July to October, the herds move through the Mara ecosystem, and our location makes a good base for game drives to reach the crossings and grazing herds. Wildlife viewing is excellent outside these months too, thanks to the Mara’s rich resident game.
Very likely. Kobe Mara is unfenced and open to the ecosystem, and the waterhole in front of Kobe House draws animals throughout the day. Guests often watch wildlife from the veranda, and the sounds of the bush are part of every night.
Our safari Land Cruisers can carry up to seven people, but we recommend four or five per vehicle so everyone has prime wildlife views.
The private conservancies do not allow entry for day visitors. Besides the National Reserve entry gates close to camp, we can organise a day trip to the Mara Triangle (subject to a small surcharge).
Because the camp sits on private land outside the National Reserve, you do not pay the nightly park or conservancy fees that camps inside the reserve or in the conservancies add to their rates. When you choose to take a game drive inside the National Reserve itself, the standard reserve entry fee applies for each day you enter, while game viewing in the surrounding area carries no such fee.
For 2026, the following entry fees apply:
Park fees can be paid at the entry gates by credit card, cash or M-Pesa.
