Travel in Luxury to the Masai Mara Kenya

Posted at February 9, 2010

We take great delight in introducing one of the most astonishing parks in Kenya, given our many years in the industry we can say with certainty that Mara is without a doubt one of the most treasured holiday destination in Kenya receiving the highest number of visitors in comparison with others destinations.

Why is this so? Well to answer this question we take this opportunity to highlight a few of the known alluring facts. Covering an area of 1510 km2 the Maasai Mara is situated in south-western Kenya and is the northern continuation of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. It is about 4 to 5 hours by road and 40-45 minutes by a scheduled flight.

The two are divided by the infamous Mara River where the annual migration of the 1,300,000 wildebeest, 191,000 zebra and 360,000 Thompson’s gazelle occurs every year from July to October, a natural phenomenon dubbed the Great Wildebeest Migration attracting thousands upon thousands of tourists consequential to its naming 7th wonder of the world.

As the troops attempt to cross the swirling muddy waters of the Mara River, they face the danger of some the largest crocodiles in the world eagerly lying in wait for the chance to make a meal out of the unlucky few who happen to fall prey to these predators. Crocodiles are not the only predators, Lions and hyenas are also found along the river banks waiting to pounce on the helpless of the troops.

You can not emphasis on the scenic views enough; the diverse landscapes in which these animals thrive is a thing to boast about ranging from endless savannah grassland, shoals of lilac-misted hills, meandering rivers, acres of thorn-bush and mile upon mile of undulating wilderness is just a simplistic mention of what Mara is all about.

The reserve is endowed with a vast array of wildlife including the big 5 (Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo and Elephant) which have contributed to placing the Maasai Mara on the international map of best travel destinations. Other wildlife includes Carnivores such as cheetah, genet, hyena, jackal, leopard, lion, mongoose, serval cat and wild dog.

Primates include baboon, bush baby and monkey. Ungulates include rhino, zebra, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, warthog, antelope bushbuck, dik dik, duiker, eland, gazelle, hartebeest, impala, klipspringer, kudu, oribi, reedbuck, roan antelope, topi, waterbuck and wildebeest.

The park is also prolific with birdlife harboring an estimated 485 species. When visited during the months of July through to October, the show is out of this world as the opportunities to capture lions and other predators doing what they do best in terms of making kills of the unfortunate few ungulates is a certainty.

A recommended activity in the Masai Mara National Reserve is the balloon safari which commences early in the morning, where you are picked up from your luxurious camp and driven to the departure site. Once in the air, the view of the surrounding landscape, the rising of the sun between the mountains and the masses of animals at the river is striking. The balloon ride is culminated by a champagne breakfast and a drive back to your luxurious camp.

When it comes to ensuring that we give you your dream holiday, we arrange everything right to the last detail; that is guidance in destination selection, transportation, qualified guides at your service, game drives and last but not least accommodation choice.

The Mara offers a variety of accommodation ranging from luxury tented camps, bush homes, lodges and basic camps. Our target is the up market where guests get the feeling of royalty. Our recommendations are as follows.

BATELEUR CAMP:
For the lovers of the “out of Africa” movie, then Bateleur camp is the place to be as the location is in the vicinity of the site the film was captured which is just below. Borrowing the artistry of the 1920s and 1930s the camp serves as a romantic and private place to take that special someone in your life.

The camp is quite luxurious and superbly situated in an area boasting of natural splendor. The main guest area, which is shaded by a dense forest canopy, has a reception area and a comfortable lounge with a fireplace. The views from the camp are nothing short of magnificent, the backdrop consists of endless game-filled plains with the dramatic Oloololo Escarpment where thousands of Maasai live and herd their livestock in harmony with Africa’s wild animals.

The accommodation comprises of 9 tented rooms of a classic luxury interior décor reminiscent of the colonial safaris days with a feel of epoch romance, canvas and candlelight. Each tent is graced by wooden floors, private verandahs, expansive en suite bathrooms all designed to create a sense of comfort.

There is also a writing desk, subtle lighting and ceiling fans in each tent. There’s also a rare treat of a personal butler for each tent providing personalized service to the guests. Check out the rates to Bateleur camp on this website.

COTTAR’S CAMP:
The camp is situated in an area untouched by any other type of tourism affording an exclusive stay away from the other crowded parts of the Maasai Mara. True to the 1920′s era this camp gives you the authentic feel of uniqueness, luxury and quality, taking you back to the original spirit and essence of ‘safari’ romance, professional guiding, adventure and elegance.

Cottar’s camp accommodates up to 12 clients in authentic white canvas tents, which are spacious and luxuriously furnished and incorporate original safari antiques from the 1920′s; private en suite dressing rooms and bathrooms with old-fashioned showers and flushing toilets, the main bedroom and an outdoor veranda.

Guest activities include game drives guided by professional guides in either state of the art modern four wheel drive cars, in authentic or old wooden car. Alternatively, a tented reading room with an extensive array of African and modern books and magazines will allow those who wish to merely while away an afternoon resting and viewing the most splendid panorama.

Highly recommended are the guided walks and night drives for the chance to be closer to nature. Click here for rates to Cottar’s camp.

GOVERNOR’S IL MORAN CAMP:
A small and intimate camp well secluded under ancient trees, deep in the forest offering that well deserved bit of extra luxury. Extra touches to the interior and exterior décor makes this a top of the range safari camp commonly regarded to as the Premiere camp in the Maasai Mara game reserve.

The accommodation comprises of 10 elegantly appointed tents superbly lining the winding banks of the Mara River with the best game viewing right on your doorstep. Each room is furnished to a superior standard. The beds have been hand carved from specially selected wood from fallen, ancient olive trees. The interior of each tent also includes a Victorian style bath, flushing toilet and double sinks.

Each tent has a large extended veranda designed so you can take your dinner in private if you wish. The service here is impeccable with the manager endeavoring to ensure that all the guests’ needs are catered for. Click here for rates to Governor’s Il Moran Camp

GOVERNORS PRIVATE CAMP:
This camp is so exclusive that it can only be booked by one family or group at a time and that’s as private as it gets, letting you have a section of the Maasai Mara all to yourself for a few days. The camp is strategically situated in an area where animals frequent for a drink of water, hippo laze in the shallows, elephant bring their calves for a playful dip.

The camp is also surrounded by a forest which is home to many beautiful birds from rare Trogans and Turacos to nesting Hornbills whose singing you wake up to every morning.

The camp has a total of 8 spacious and luxurious tents under canvas holding a maximum of 16 guests at a time and a minimum of 4 guests staying for atleast three nights. Each tent is well fitted with en-suite bathrooms with bucket showers, basin, flush toilet, hot and cold water; private verandah; Gas & Paraffin lamps in tents.

There is also a dinning tent with a splendid view over the Mara River. Personal attention is the hallmark of a stay in the magnificent Maasai Mara game reserve. Check out the rates for Governors Private Camp.

MARA EXPLORER:
The annual wildebeest migration at the Maasai Mara dubbed the 7th wonder of the world has over the years continued to draw in thousand upon thousand of tourists from across the globe; Mara explorer gives you the rare chance of view this magnificent spectacle from the comfort of your tent.

Its strategic location within the close proximity to both the Mara and Talek Rivers contributes highly to this. In the absence of the migration, the big cats often sighted in the area keep you intrigued not to mention the local landscape of predominantly rolling grassland hills, interspersed with riverine forests.

10 tents comprise this small and exclusive camp each enjoying uninterrupted views of the Talek riverbank. The spacious and beautifully-appointed tents are luxuriously furnished to meet international standards including an open yet secluded Victorian style bathroom suite.

The luxurious tents lead out onto a private decking which provides splendid views of the river. To add to its charm, meals can be taken here in private or alfresco near the central campfire or the open-air riverfront dining area.

The camp also benefits from an intimate lounge, camp library and access to a swimming pool where guests cool off after hours of game drives. All tents have personal attendants offering personalized service throughout the duration of your stay. Check out our rates to Mara Explorer on this site.