Mara Expedition Camp

The small and luxurious Mara Expedition Camp is located just inside the northern border of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. It is also very close to the edge of the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, so well placed to explore both game-viewing areas freely, and at certain times of the year to witness the wildebeest migration.

Mara Expedition was designed as the bushcamp equivalent of its established sister camp, Mara Plains, which has an exceptional reputation for high standards and top-quality guiding. Mara Expedition may be simpler in style, but it rivals its more expensive sister in the quality of food, service and guiding. Mara Expedition’s setting is in ideal leopard territory and at the right time of the year (between August and October), the great wildebeest migration may pass right through camp.

Each of the five tents at Mara Expedtion has a private deck overlooking the river, so your safari does not have to finish after the game drive. One can relax in a hammock, or on one of the two directors’ chairs that furnish the veranda, together with an enormous barrel that acts as a coffee table.
Inside, the tents are furnished with old Indian chests, wooden bookcases, Persian rugs and brass chandeliers, all sourced from local markets and lending a traditional safari feel. Campaign chests – historically used for transporting goods on expedition – are opened up to offer a variety of teas and coffee, adding further to the authentic feel. Beds can be configured as twins or doubles, with triples possible on request. Electricity is available 24 hours a day, so at night the tents glow from solar-powered lanterns.

Each en-suite bathroom features twin beaten-brass basins with hand soap, and soap for washing delicates in lovely antique-style silver pots and wooden trinket boxes. A spacious walk-in safari shower occupies the centre of the room – with hot water supplied on request and Kenyan toiletries provided. There is also a flushing toilet.

Like the bedroom tents, the central dining tent also looks out across the narrow river and is decorated in similar style, with dark wooden chests, gorgeous leather and beaded floor cushions, brass lamps and Persian rugs. On one side of the tent is a lounge area, while the other hosts a large table for convivial communal dining.

Breakfast and lunch are usually held alfresco, in front of the mess tent, where guests also gather around the firepit for a drink before dinner. There’s a comfortable day bed and a number of directors’ chairs by the river, too – a relaxing spot between safari activities.

*For a full list of available activities, the best time of the year to visit, and any other relevant enquiries, please contact a Sister Hippo Travel Consultant!