Mara Expedition Camp
Vibrant Holiday Safaris brings you an experience with this small camp which is so well hidden amidst the thick riverine forest trees, that you probably won’t see Mara Expedition Camp until you’ve actually entered it. Located in a small bend of the Ntiakitiak River, this small-scale safari camp consists of only five luxury safari tents shaded by a forest canopy. It’s the ideal intimate African safari home base for exceptional sunrise and sunset safari drives and unforgettable game viewing.
Persian rugs, brass bucket showers and comfortable beds
Mara Expedition Camp is the perfect combination of highly effective conservation efforts and a very refined safari-style complete with old traveller’s trunks, brass bucket showers and leather armchairs. With only five comfortable and stylishly decorated safari tents, the camp is both exclusive and intimate. Where things can get kind of hectic within the actual Masai Mara National Reserve (especially within the Great Migration season), this tiny camp is an oasis of peace and quiet. Each of the five safari tents is shaded by a grove of acacia trees and looks out upon the Ntiakitiak River. The camp is located just inside the northern border of the Masai Mara National Reserve, where riverine forest meets the endless savannahs of the Mara ecosystem. The camp is also ideally situated near the Mara North Conservancy and guests have the opportunity to go on unlimited safari drives both in the National Reserve and in the Mara North Conservancy. Both areas are known for having extremely high concentrations of wildlife.
One of the highlights of staying at this bushcamp style safari camp is it’s known locally for its leopard residents wandering around the premises. It’s also ideally situated for viewing both the great migration and lesser-known migration from Loita Plains. Generally, the great migration passes by between the months of August and November, but obviously where nature is concerned… this may vary from year to year. Obviously your main reason for visiting this camp should be to set off on safari game drives, however the safari doesn’t have to start and stop by stepping into and out of a 4×4. Each of the five tents at the safari camp has a private deck overlooking the river, so there is ample opportunity to see wild animals from the comfort of one of the two director’s chairs on deck or from the hammock alongside it. Your daily safari adventure basically begins the moment you open your front tent.
The common lounge and dining tent looks out across the river and is decorated similarly to the private safari tents. Persian rugs, beaded leather floor cushions and brass lamps give it a very warm and inviting atmosphere. One side of the tent is set up as a lounge and the other part of the tent features a large communal table which is set up for dining. Breakfasts and lunches are generally served al fresco under a grove of African ebony trees just outside of the tent. Dinners and drinks are usually served by fireside in an area lit by lanterns and candlelight. When you’re in the mood to relax and unwind with a view, you can also enjoy a sundowner by the riverside while lounging on a comfortable daybed or from one of the comfortable director’s chairs set up there. If you want to take a small memento home with you for a loved one, while supporting the local Masai people, the camp has a small souvenir shop that offers some beaded jewellery and artefacts. There’s a larger souvenir shop at the Mara Plains Camp, just a five-minute drive from the Mara Expedition Camp.
Mara Expedition Camp food experience
All meals at the Mara Expedition Camp are prepared with care and attention to detail. When heading out early for a morning game drive, a picnic style breakfast will make the morning even more special. After selecting a scenic spot to stop off at, your guide will set up a table with Masai blanket tablecloth, chairs and cutlery. Expect a full breakfast of hot tea and coffee, porridge, bacon, sausage and toasts as well as fried eggs and a mixed seed homemade cereal. Of course, you can also enjoy a very tasty full spread breakfast,including freshly baked bread, if you decide to have it at the camp. The same picnic-style meal is available at lunch time. This is especially handy if heading out for a full day of safari activities. At lunchtime you can enjoy a variety of salads and other delicious treats complemented by freshly baked bread and fruit salad. Dinner tends to be more formal and is served on a lovely laid-out dining table. Each night the safari camp’s chefs prepare mouth-watering creative three course meals with fresh local ingredients.
Activities at Mara Expedition Camp
Mara Expedition Camp Masai guides and trackers are the best at what they do. They will go to great lengths to ensure that you have memorable encounters with the local wildlife during your stay. The camp is located in big-cat territory, so chances are you’ll see your fair share of lions, leopards and more. All game drives are included during your stay at this safari camp. Safari game drives are offered in the actual Masai Mara National Reserve in which the camp is located as well as in the Mara North and Olare Motorogi Conservancies. The safari camp has two open-sided Land Cruisers that offer guests an incredible view of the surroundings. You’ll have the opportunity to take excellent pictures of your surroundings and the wildlife that inhabits it. Each of the two 4×4’s have fully stocked fridges to keep you comfortable during the game drive. The camp also has two Canon 50-D wide-angle, 100-400 mm lenses available for use by guests. Keep in mind that these cameras can be borrowed at a first-come-first-served basis. At the end of your stay you’ll receive a complimentary dvd of your safari game drives and if you need any photography advice during your stay, the managers at the Mara Expedition Camp will be happy to help you.
For those looking for a high-flying adventure, there are also hot air balloon safaris available (not included in the price of your stay). The Mara Expedition Camp also offers several additional activities to complement your safari adventures. For instance, if you want to get a taste of Maasai culture and traditions you can visit the local Masai school and Masai community projects. If you’re looking for a bit of exercise during your stay and know how to ride horses, the Ride Mara sables are only a short ride from the safari camp. Children age 6 and up are welcome at Mara Expedition Camp and can join the camp’s ‘Young Explorer’s Club’. The club allows kids to experience birdwatching, tracking and cooking. This being said, it’s best to keep in mind that the camp is unfenced and there are many leopards in the area. If you do plan on travelling with children, they must be under adult supervision at all times.
During your stay at the Mara Expedition Camp all scheduled wildlife viewing activities, meals, alcoholic beverages (including imported drinks and champagne) and non- alcoholic beverages are included in the price of your stay. Park fees and special activities such as hot air balloon rides are not included in the price of your stay.