Monika and Antony have explored the Mara together for more than twenty years. The camp began as a few mobile tents, and has stood in the same patch of riverine forest since 2010.
From the airstrip to the campfire.
Olkiombo, or the Rift Valley road
About an hour’s flight from Nairobi to Olkiombo airstrip, where the camp’s driver meets you. By road it is most of a day along the Great Rift Valley escarpment — and the game drive starts as soon as you are inside the reserve.
Sixteen tents by a small river
Tents set well apart in riverine forest, a small river running through camp and a covered bridge of local logs across it. Comfort Tents sit on the ground; Premium Tents stand on wooden platforms over the river or the savannah.
The Dome, or your own deck
Meals are in the Dome, a dining hall built from local materials, or outside under old trees. Greens come from the camp’s kitchen garden, and the cooking is Swahili with European and Indian technique. Ask, and dinner is laid on your veranda.
The campfire, and Maasai stories
After dark the campfire is lit and the Maasai team tell stories. Frogs start up along the river, and the bush stays loud until late.
Sixteen tents.
Two ways to sleep.
Every tent is en-suite and furnished by local artisans. Comfort Tents sit at ground level under the trees; Premium Tents stand on wooden platforms looking over the river or the savannah. Honeymooners get either, dressed for two.
See where you’ll sleep →
The Premium Tent
Raised on a wooden platform over the river or the savannah, with an en-suite bathroom and a deck to sit out on. Sleeps 2.
The Comfort Tent
At ground level under the trees, with an en-suite bathroom, red-striped curtains and a porch with chairs. Sleeps 2.
The Honeymoon Stay
Your tent dressed for two, petals on the bed, and dinner laid on your own veranda. Sleeps 2.
Inside the reserve
The camp stands in the Mara River basin inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve, at 01°26′26″ S, 35°04.05′ E. The game drive begins just outside camp. In Monika’s words, a few metres beyond it you are among the lions.
An all-Maasai team
Everyone on the staff is local Maasai, and most grew up in the Mara. They guide the drives and the walks, look after the camp, and tell the stories at the fire.
Built for photographers
Land Cruisers fitted with camera gear, guides trained to put you in the right light, and years of work with wildlife filmmakers. Antony has followed the Mara’s animals for more than twenty years.
Light on the land
Tents of sustainable materials on heat-treated, unpainted timber. Water heated without chemicals, and grey water cleaned on site before it goes back to the bush. The camp also supports two Maasai schools and the Talek clinic.
How the days go.
Game drives at dawn and late afternoon, or a full day with lunch in the bush. Walks with Maasai guides, sundowners on the plains, a balloon at sunrise and breakfast where it lands. Tell the team what you want to see.
Everyone on the team is Maasai.
“Amazing place and fantastic staff. It was wonderful.”
Most of the team grew up in the Mara and have been with the camp for years. What they know of the animals, the plants and their own culture shapes every drive, every walk and every evening at the fire — and keeps guests safe in the wild.
Read what guests say →“Tent, staff, meals, location, gamedrives – everything was perfect.”
Notes from the Mara.
Where the game drive begins at your tent
July to October: the migration and the river crossings
Tepesua, Molibany and the Talek clinic
A letter from the Mara, once a month.
News from camp, the wildlife and the people who watch it — with offers for readers. Leave your email.