Greater MaraThe Greater Mara ecosystem is the area that surrounds the Masai Mara National Reserve. The game viewing here is not as prolific in the Mara itself, but the strict rules of the National Reserve do not apply, allowing guests to walk and night drive. There are a number of camps that line the Mara River to the North West of the ecosystem and it is here the game viewing is at its best. We often combine these camps with camps in the Mara itself so guests can get the best of both experiences.
As a stand alone destination we question the quality of safaris in the Greater Mara. Many lodge owners get round this issue by taking drives into the Mara itself. Their argument therefore is that staying in the Greater Mara gives you the advantage of game viewing in the Mara itself but also giving you the opportunity of night driving and walking.
However, its worth pointing out the fact that it’s a pain to be driving in and out of the reserve every day! The game viewing in the Mara reserve is also so good, and the quality of a couple of camps here superb, that we just don’t understand why people want to stay in the Greater Mara on its own. We push clients to stay in the Mara Reserve itself wherever possible. – have a look at Rekero and Naibor camps to see what we mean! Without any doubt the best thing to do is to combine the two areas, and in our view choose doing this over the more touristy parks in the country! Greater Mara: Accommodation choices
There are a number of top lodges in the Greater Mara. Our favourite in the area is Alex Walker’s Serian Camp and the more exclusive Ngare Serian. Both are top quality products where the levels of guiding are some of the best anywhere. With only four rooms, Ngare Serian is the more exclusive and luxurious of the two camps whereas Serian itself is the more affordable of the two. Nearby is &Beyond’s Bataleur Camp, arguably the area's most luxurious option and a place where the usual high standards of &Beyond are on good display! Also nearby is &Beyonds Kichwa Tembo which is a superb large camp which is substantially more affordable than Bataleur and although does not have the luxury and style of Bataleur, is our favourite Mara lodge for clients on tighter budgets. Elephant Pepper is located further up the Mara river, whereas Ol Seki, Richards and Saruni camps are all great camps but their location is so far away from the Mara’s main rivers - means the game viewing is nowhere near as good as other areas of the Great Mara, let alone the Mara National Reserve itself. The final camp to mention is Cottars. Built in the 1920’s, Cottars is designed in 1920’s style and is located in the far East of the Greater Mara. Its private location is a selling point in itself and its unique character makes Cottars one of the Mara’s most famous camps.
Recommended lodges in this area:
Greater Mara
Alex is really changing the way safari is considered in Kenya and East Africa. One of a group of camps that he has slowly developed, Serian is the perfect base away from the crowds of the Mara to use as a base for a few nights while using the mobile camps and walking safaris to go and see the herds.
Greater Mara
Set just to the north of the Mara National Reserve, this stunning lodge is a testament to the &Beyonds knowledge and understanding of the Mara. This is &Beyonds top lodge in Kenya.
Greater Mara
This is the smaller &Beyond property that lies just next to the infamous Bateleur Tented Camp. Where Bateleur is aimed at the very top end of the market, Kichwa is aimed at less of an expensive price bracket.
|
|
