Ashnil Mara Camp vs Sarova Mara Game Camp - Masai Mara N.R.
Side-by-side comparison of Ashnil Mara Camp (Masai Mara N.R., Kenya) and Sarova Mara Game Camp (Masai Mara N.R., Kenya).
- Ashnil Mara Camp — Ashnil Mara Camp is a tented camp located in the Masai Mara National Reserve, positioned along the Mara River, an area with a high concentration of wildlife.
- Sarova Mara Game Camp — The quintessential Masai Mara safari: classic tented style, abundant wildlife, and warm Kenyan hospitality.
As two of the most established tented camps in the Masai Mara National Reserve, Ashnil Mara Camp and Sarova Mara Game Camp are both excellent, similarly priced choices for a classic safari. They both offer a high-quality tented experience, great guiding, and access to the Mara’s phenomenal wildlife.
The decision between them isn’t about which one is “better,” but which one has the specific features that are right for you. The choice boils down to a simple trade-off: Ashnil offers an unbeatable location directly on the banks of the Mara River, while Sarova provides a more varied and refined camp experience with a standout culinary program.
Quick verdict
Ashnil Mara Camp
A ringside seat on the banks of the Mara River puts you at the heart of the migration drama.
Sarova Mara Game Camp
A classic, all-rounder safari camp with tent options for all and a more polished, resort-like feel.
Choose Ashnil for its unbeatable, front-row position on the Mara River—a pure wildlife-first location. Opt for Sarova for a more polished, all-round camp experience with greater choice in lodging.
Side-by-side
| Feature | Ashnil Mara Camp | Sarova Mara Game Camp |
|---|---|---|
| Area | Masai Mara N.R. | Masai Mara N.R. |
| Country | Kenya | Kenya |
| Price level | Mid-range | Mid-range |
| Style/atmosphere | Classic riverfront safari | Refined, food-focused |
| Location type | Directly on Mara River | Central reserve with streams |
| Best for | Migration river crossings | Foodies, families |
| Standout feature | River-frontage views | Farm-to-fork dining |
| Accommodation | Uniform elevated tents | Multiple tent categories |
| Main advantage | Armchair safari from camp | Choice and culinary focus |
Location & access
Both camps are set inside the main Masai Mara National Reserve, giving them excellent access to premier game-viewing areas. The crucial difference is their specific positioning. Ashnil Mara Camp sits directly on a bend of the famous Mara River. This is a huge advantage, as the camp’s main areas and many of the tents overlook this vital waterway, which is crowded with hippos and crocodiles and serves as a dramatic crossing point during the Great Migration.
Sarova Mara Game Camp is also centrally located but is not on the main river. It’s set on grounds that have streams running through them, creating a pleasant, green environment, but it doesn’t have the epic river views that define Ashnil. From Sarova, you will drive to the Mara River for game viewing, whereas at Ashnil, you are already there. For anyone whose primary interest is witnessing a river crossing, Ashnil has the geographic edge.
Style & atmosphere
Stylistically, both are classic canvas tented camps, but they channel a different atmosphere. Ashnil Mara feels entirely oriented towards its surroundings. The public areas, including the restaurant and swimming pool, are positioned to maximize the spectacular views over the plains and the Mara River. The experience is about watching the wildlife from every possible vantage point; the camp is a comfortable base from which to observe the action.
Sarova Mara directs some of that focus inward, cultivating a more refined and holistic camp experience. While it’s-still very much a safari camp, there is a greater emphasis on the grounds themselves, with lush lawns, streams, and a celebrated organic garden that supplies the kitchen. The addition of an exclusive "Club" tier of tents and a dedicated lounge suggests a more layered, resort-like approach compared to Ashnil’s more straightforward, location-driven style.
Rooms & comfort
Here you’ll find another key difference. Ashnil Mara offers one style of accommodation: spacious and comfortable safari tents. These are elevated on wooden decks to improve the view and all feature en-suite bathrooms and a private veranda. The experience is consistent for all guests, and the quality is very good for this price point.
Sarova Mara provides more variety, catering to a wider range of travelers. They offer Deluxe, Club, and Family Tents. The Club Tents are a significant upgrade, offering superior views and access to a private lounge. The Family Tents are a practical solution for those traveling with children. This flexibility makes Sarova an easier choice for groups with specific needs or for travelers who want to splash out on a more exclusive room category within the camp.
Wildlife & views
As they are in the same part of the Masai Mara, the quality of wildlife viewing on game drives is exceptional at both camps. Knowledgeable guides at both properties will take you in search of the Big Five, cheetahs, giraffes, and the other plains game that make the Mara famous. Both are also excellent bases for experiencing the Great Migration from roughly July to October.
The main difference comes from the "armchair safari" experience. At Ashnil, the wildlife is ever-present in and around the river directly in front of the camp. You can spend hours on your tent’s deck or by the pool watching hippos, hearing the sounds of the bush, and, if your timing is right, potentially seeing herds of wildebeest gathering for a crossing. While wildlife does wander through Sarova’s grounds, it doesn’t have that central, dramatic stage for wildlife viewing that Ashnil’s river frontage provides.
Photography potential
For photographers, Ashnil Mara’s location is a significant asset. Being right on the river means less time spent driving to find a good vantage point for potential crossings during the migration. You can be on alert from the camp itself and get into position quickly. The elevated position of the camp and tents can also provide interesting angles for landscape shots and capturing the river life below.
Sarova Mara is still a great base for a photography safari, with excellent guides and vehicles to get you to the action. However, it lacks the specific geographical advantage that Ashnil offers. You’ll be able to capture fantastic images on your game drives, but you miss out on the 24/7 photographic opportunity that a riverfront location presents.
Service & feel
Both of these camps are well-run operations known for warm Kenyan hospitality, so you can expect a good level of service at either one. The style, however, reflects the camps’ overall focus. Service at Ashnil is geared towards a smooth and classic safari experience—helping you make the most of your game drives and the camp’s location.
Sarova’s service model feels a bit more layered, particularly if you opt for the Club Tents, which come with a more exclusive, personalized experience. The camp’s "farm-to-fork" dining philosophy, with ingredients coming from its own organic garden, also speaks to a service culture that pays close attention to detail and the overall guest experience beyond just the wildlife.
Value for money
Both camps occupy the same "Mid-range" price bracket, so they offer a very similar proposition on paper. The value you get depends on your priorities. At Ashnil Mara, the money goes towards securing one of the best locations in the public part of the reserve. For many, the ability to watch the Mara River from their tent is worth every penny.
At Sarova Mara, the value is in the elevated camp experience. The investment in the culinary program, the organic garden, and the varied accommodation types means you are paying for a higher level of refinement and choice. If food and room configuration are more important to you than a specific river view, Sarova represents excellent value.
Who should choose Ashnil Mara Camp
Ashnil Mara Camp is the perfect choice for safari-goers who want to be immersed in the action of the Mara River. It is especially well-suited for first-time visitors who want to maximize their chances of seeing a migration crossing and for photographers who value proximity to this iconic location.
Who should choose Sarova Mara Game Camp
Sarova Mara Game Camp is ideal for travelers who appreciate a more refined camp environment, particularly food lovers who will enjoy the farm-to-fork dining. The variety of tent types also makes it a better and more flexible option for families or those seeking an upgraded club-level experience.
Final verdict
This is a straightforward choice based on personal preference. Both camps deliver a fantastic mid-range Masai Mara safari, so there’s no wrong answer.
Choose Ashnil Mara Camp if your priority is location, location, location. Its position directly overlooking the Mara River is its defining feature and provides a constant connection to the wildlife drama that makes the Mara famous. For migration viewing, it’s hard to beat.
Choose Sarova Mara Game Camp if you value a more rounded and refined in-camp experience. If you are a foodie, a family, or someone who appreciates having different accommodation tiers and a more polished atmosphere, Sarova is the stronger choice.
Alternatives to consider
- If you are on a tighter budget: You may need to consider lodges located outside the main national reserve boundaries, which often have lower park fees.
- If you are seeking more exclusivity: Look at the smaller, more intimate camps located in the private conservancies that border the main reserve.
- If you prefer solid walls to canvas: The Mara features several traditional lodges with solid-wall rooms and suites instead of tents.