Zebra Plains Mara Camp Review: Service, Game Drives, and Whether It’s Worth the Stay
Staying at the beautifully designed Zebra Plains Mara Camp was comfortable and peaceful. This was, without question, my favorite stay of the entire Kenya trip. It struck a good balance between luxury and authenticity. If you’re planning a safari in Kenya and wondering whether Zebra Plains is worth it, here’s everything you need to know.
The Vibe
The moment you turn off the main road toward the camp, you realize the name is not symbolic. You genuinely see zebras everywhere. They’re grazing, crossing the road, and moving in herds across Maasai Mara. They’re some of the most beautiful animals I’ve ever seen in person, and seeing them up close before even arriving set the tone for the entire stay.
Once inside the grounds, I was greeted by the kindest staff. They, of course, need your passport for check in, and from there, a staff member escorts you to your room carrying your bags for you. My tented room was spacious, airy, and far more luxurious than you would think when you hear the word tent. There’s no door or lock, just a zippered entrance, so keep that in mind if you’re someone who likes a traditional room setup. At no point, though, did I feel unsafe or exposed. In fact, it only added to the experience of being close to nature without being bothered by it.
Speaking of nature: I didn’t see a single insect inside my tent. Not one. This, despite Zebra Plains being the only tented accommodation of our trip, truly amazed (and relieved) me.
Thoughtfully Designed Rooms
Bedrooms
Although it is a camp, this is not “roughing it” by any stretch of the imagination. Inside the tent, you get:
A comfortable mattress that genuinely supported the best sleep I had anywhere in Kenya
A fully enclosed mosquito net that was essential and never an inconvenience to get in and out of
A desk and seating area for work or journaling
Plenty of space for bags, clothes, and camera gear
Shades that let in tons of natural light during the day
Turn-down service that closes everything back up at night unless you request otherwise
On my last night, a thunderstorm rolled in, and that sound put me to sleep better than any other night on the trip.
Bathrooms
This is a proper en-suite setup. You get:
A large standing shower with reliably hot water (just the way I like it)
A full, clean toilet
A sink with bottled water provided for brushing teeth
A basket for laundry
Plenty of counter space for toiletries
Fresh towels and daily cleaning
This is a true luxury tented experience, not traditional camping where you sacrifice amenities.
Food & Drink
The Bar
The bar is warm and inviting, and you can order all kinds of delicious cocktails, mocktails, wine, or whatever your evening mood requires. They also give popcorn as a bar snack. It’s simple but a perfect holdover between game drives and dinner time.
Dining Hall
Meals are served buffet-style, and the options are surprisingly extensive:
Fluffy rice in multiple styles such as buttered white rice or tropical rice
Delicious curried meats such as chicken, beef and lamb
Fresh and cooked vegetables and salads
Fruit such as watermelon, oranges and mangoes
Plenty of dessert options
Amenities: Views & Poolside Lounging
The pool area is one of the highlights of the camp. With beautiful views of the plains, it’s a place you can easily relax and lose a couple of hours. Comfortable nooks with colorful cushions are set up all around that are perfect for reading, sunbathing, editing photos, or just resting.
The camp also has no animals roaming inside the fence, so you get the immersive experience without the nervous walk back to your tent at night. However, you can spot animals such as zebras and topis beyond the fence if you have binoculars or a zoom camera.
Location: Minutes From the Best Game Drives
Zebra Plains is located just a short drive from some of the richest wildlife corridors in the Maasai Mara. Both morning and afternoon game drives here prove to be fruitful. You can spot all of the big cats, grazing herds, birds, hyena clans, giraffes—you name it. Being so close to the action means you spend less time commuting and more time actually experiencing what you came for.
If you’re a photographer, this location is gold.
If you love wildlife, this location is gold.
So Is Zebra Plains Mara Camp Worth It?
Without hesitation: yes. It was my favorite stay in Kenya for a reason.
Zebra Plains offers:
A luxurious but grounded experience
Comfortable tented rooms with real amenities
Excellent food and drinks
A peaceful atmosphere
Incredible proximity to world-class game drives
Warm, welcoming service
A pool and lounging spaces with stunning views
If you want a safari lodge that blends comfort, nature, and ease and gives you the best shot at unforgettable wildlife moments, Zebra Plains Mara Camp is absolutely worth your time and money.
