Kate Webster The Masaai Mara is truly one of the world’s most amazing places. Situated in Kenya, the Mara is a reserve that stretches 1,510 square kilometers and raises 1,500-2,170 meters above sea level. Add the conservancies and the area is at least twice the size.
It is easy to see why the Maasai Mara is dubbed one of Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Reserves. It is also possibly the world’s top safari big game viewing eco-system. Due to the sustainable tourism practiced in the Mara, no fixed structures are allowed, with everything placed there in a way so as to be removed without trace.
This opens up the opportunity to some unique accommodation offerings.
After a day of game viewing of some of Africa’s most unique wildlife on the stunning backdrop of the open plains, retire to a camp that is just as stunning.
A part of the Great Plains Conservation Group, Mara Expedition Camp is located on the banks of the Ntiakitiak River, within a private and secluded site in Kenya’s famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve.
Stay
The camp is tented safari style, however these tents are far from those you buy at BCF or your local camping store. The tastefully appointed tents take glamping off the scale, and you hardly feel like it is a tented camp. There is a real feel of authenticity here with an air of yesteryear in Mara Expedition Camp’s design, which draws stylistic reference from the old, authentic expedition camps of the colonial era.
A small camp with just five tents accommodating up to 10 guests, the intimacy of this camp is a main drawcard.
The oversized bed sits centre of the main room and gives a view out to the bush. A separate bathroom includes an antique camp shower that pulls from a brass bucket adding to the overall experience. All tents have views out to the bush, and often wildlife can be spotted from the front deck. Mara Expeditions is fully inclusive of all scheduled wildlife viewing activities, meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding imported and premium drinks). Park fees and flights are additional.
Eat
All meals are included at this camp, along with a selection of drinks and alcoholic beverages. Three delicious meals a day are provided, however they are extremely flexible on timings. Guests who want something a little special, picnic breakfasts or lunch (or both) are also available and somewhat the norm due to very active game drives. All dietary requirements are catered for from regular to vegan with prior warning. A most memorable experience is dinner by the fire, listening to the sound of hippos nearby in the river.
Play
Morning and afternoon game drives in open 4×4 vehicles within the Maasai Mara Reserve are hosted by experienced rangers. Due to the smaller size of the camp, you will not be cramped in the vehicles, taking only four people at a time. For those eager photographers who do not have the heavy duty SLR equipment, this camp offers cameras and lenses on loan, ensuring all guests capture the best of their experience. Hot air balloon flights are also available at an additional cost.
Take a 360 degree tour of Mara Expeditions Camp here – http://www.africa360.com/mec_vtour/
For more on Mara Expeditions visit www.greatplainsconservation.com/mara-expedition-camp
