Masai Mara Camps And Lodges Camps And Lodges
he classic safari from July to September, the Mara provides one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles, the annual migration of thousands and thousands of wildebeest and zebras, teeming from the south to cross the Mara river into the Masai Mara National Reserve. The stunning Savannah stretches on forever. In the vast landscape you can see Cheetah the fastest animal in the world, chasing Antelope and Gazelle. In the Mara River Hippos bathe, and on the banks, Crocodiles sun themselves. One of the world’s very special places.
As East Africa’s plains fade yellow after the summer’s rains, an ancient signal is sent to millions of beast as one, the horizon blurring with the bodies at least 1.4 million wildebeest and 200 000 zebra, eland and gazelle, relentlessly tracked by Africa’s great predators. This is the migration – one of the most awe-inspiring sights on earth.
The migration has its origin on Tanzania’s southern Serengeti plains, where great herds of wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle gather to graze on the rain-ripened grass in January. But by the end of May the depleted plains are unable to sustain them – and an ancient impulse commands them to move. Like iron filings being drawn by a magnet, the great herds sweep north towards the Masai-Mara plains. By July the herds have amassed along the swollen Mara River – their final barrier from the short, sweet grasses ahead.
With wild eyes, they plunge in to face the crocodiles which await them. Many who struggle through the deadly flotilla are drowned, or else weakened, falling prey to ambushing lions. This is the dramatic life-and-death struggle that travelers have come to see. Between June and October the herds total 1.4 million beasts in the Masai Mara and a dust cloud of movement and noise pervades the air. Here the green grass of the Mara-plains nourishes them – until the arrival of the November rains, calling them back south again. Back on the rain-sweetened Serengeti grasslands, the pregnant females give birth in spontaneous profusion. The circle of life is completed.
Mpata Safari Club
Mpata Safari Club is perched on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment overlooking the endless savanna, Mpata allows visitors to feel the heartbeat of the African wilderness. This exclusive and romantic Club offers a ringside seat to the “Great Masai Mara – Serengeti Migration” nature’s greatest spectacle involving millions of wildebeest and vast numbers of zebra and gazelle traversing the savanna in search of lush pastures.
It is an environment designed by those who know Africa for those who love it. A place where old dreams can be reconciled with new needs, and every visit is a little like coming home to a warm welcome.
Kicheche Mara Camp
Kicheche Mara Camp is located on the Aitong Plains in the northern Koiyaki Lemek region of the famous Masai Mara. The camp is located in a prime wildlife area and game viewing starts right from the camp itself. Access is from Ngerende airstrip, 35 minutes game drive away. The camp prides itself on offering a friendly and relaxing stay, with our hosts treating you as welcome guests, not mere travel statistics.
To maintain this intimate and relaxed atmosphere there is a maximum of twenty two guests at any time. Each tent is comfortably furnished with an en-suite bathroom and flushing toilet, low wattage lighting is supplied 24 hours. The majority of the tents are in secluded positions overlooking the plains and nearby hills, while others are closer together for families or friends.
Triple and Quad tents (1 double & 2 single beds) are also available. The spacious Nyati tent acts as the camp lounge with comfortable seating, a library, board games, cards and local crafts.
Mara Fig Tree Camp
Fig Tree Camp is located on the banks of the Talek River in the world famous Masai Mara Game Reserve. The camp is situated on the northern border of the national reserve and its central location makes all areas of the reserve accessible during game drives. To make an evening a real adventure at the Fig Tree Camp, one can choose to stay in a tent or a chalet, giving the best of both worlds. The rooms spaciously line up along the Talek River, overlooking the plains of the national reserve. The camp has 10 Superior Ngamboli Tents on the banks of the Talek River.
Ikeliani Tented Camp
Ilkeliani (pronounced eel-kelly-ahni) is a eco-friendly permanent tented camp, centrally located in the Masai Mara. Camp environs have been intentionally preserved so as to feel as close as possible to nature.
Ilkeliani is the name given to the age group of the young Maasai warrior. The young warrior is thus an ilkeliani before he becomes the il Moran.
• Ilkeliani has twelve tents with each guest tent positioned on the edge of the Talek River looking out onto the Masai Mara plains.
• Ilkeliani was built with every effort to preserve the fragile eco-system. Hot water showers are made possible by the burning of chardust or briquettes made from coffee husks which also burn twice as long as normal charcoal. Ilkeliani, Masai Mara will thus remain small in size with only twelve tents to ensure that the eco-system remains in as natural and renewable state as possible.
• Ilkeliani Camp environs have been left as almost as natural as the camp builders found it. They have no paved pathways but instead raised earth provide grassy pathways. Lighting in guest tents is provided by solar power.
Ilkeliani is the name given to the age group of the young Maasai warrior. The young warrior is thus an ilkeliani before he becomes the il Moran.
• Ilkeliani has twelve tents with each guest tent positioned on the edge of the Talek River looking out onto the Masai Mara plains.
• Ilkeliani was built with every effort to preserve the fragile eco-system. Hot water showers are made possible by the burning of chardust or briquettes made from coffee husks which also burn twice as long as normal charcoal. Ilkeliani, Masai Mara will thus remain small in size with only twelve tents to ensure that the eco-system remains in as natural and renewable state as possible.
• Ilkeliani Camp environs have been left as almost as natural as the camp builders found it. They have no paved pathways but instead raised earth provide grassy pathways. Lighting in guest tents is provided by solar power.
