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Angama Mara aptly named as it translates to 'suspended in mid-air' is one of the newest editions to the luxury camps and lodges of the world famous Masai Mara. This amazing owner–run safari lodge is located on the edge of a dramatic escarpment boasting what could easily be the one of the best views in the whole of Africa; the seemingly endless grass plains of the Masai Mara.
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This is the bigger &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. Featuring a good standard of rooms, the camp is located not far from the entrance to the Mara Reserve. This is without doubt one of the best value options in the whole of East Africa, offering the full andBeyond experience at a fraction of the typical cost.
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Mara Plains Camp operated by the renowned Great Plains is in a great location in the Olare Motogori Conservancy, just a short distance from the Mara Reserve and Mara North Conservancy boundaries (although there are no fences!). It is arguably the best places lodge to explore all three areas and with just seven luxury tents, it is among the finest lodges in the Mara ecosystem. Aptly named as its dining area and rooms all overlook the never-ending plains, the camp is tucked away on the shady Ntiakitiak River.
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With a refreshing and reliably authentic character, Alex Walker's collection of camps have changed the way safari is considered in Kenya and East Africa. Serian Original is the flagship property of a group of camps that Alex has slowly developed. Located away from the crowds of the Masai Mara, Serian is best used as a base for a few nights while using his Mara based Nkorombo to go and see the heavy predator concentrations and largest herds. With private drivers for each tent, the focus is truly on doing what you would like to do. Definitely a rival to any of the Mara's best camps.
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Located just across the Mara River from Serian Original, this opulent and luxurious camp is one of the most intimate and private camps in the Greater Mara eco-system. Located in a very secluded area of the Mara North conservancy, which is in fact Serians concession, guests can make the most of both the incredible game density in the National Reserve and the extra activities on offer in the concession.
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Set to the north of the Masai Mara National Park, Elephant Pepper benefits from being away from the crowded Western region of the park. This small tented camp retains a lovely character and an authentic feel that is classic safari. Our only issue with this camp is the sheer quality of competition nearby, but with walking and night safari possible Elephant Pepper is a good choice when availability is scarce.
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Speke’s Camp is situated on the edge of the Maasai Mara Reserve, surrounded by fabulous indigenous trees overhanging the Olare Orok River. Small, intimate and very reasonably priced this is a no frills camp that really delivers well and is fantastic value for money.
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&Beyond Africa have long been known for their ability to acquire and run the best lodges in East and Southern Africa and Bateleur is no exception. Set just to the north of the Mara National Reserve, this stunning lodge is a testament to the company’s knowledge and understanding of the Mara and what it offers. A collection of well appointed luxury tented accommodation, the lodge offers the highest standards of both food and service. Located being just outside the National Reserve, the options of being able to have great wildlife viewing but also the freedom to night drive, walk and interact with the local communities are a great asset to your safari.
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Cottars is set down to the South East of the Mara away from the crowds of the more popular western Mara region. On the whole the guiding is good from the camp and the experience of riding through the bush in a replica 20s car is novel. The region has good resident prides and, due to its secluded location, has an intimate safari feel. One of the most unique camps in Kenya....but quite a pricey one!
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Kicheche Mara Camp, and its sister camp, the Bush Camp, are both very good examples of what a simple tented safari camp should be. Set in an area that is good for resident game, Kicheche starts to come into its own as the Loita herds move across from the East towards the middle of July. With fantastic game surrounding camp for the following 4 months we find peak season a great time to visit but question the quality of the game viewing at other time of the year.
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Situated in the heart of the Naboisho Conservancy, Kicheche Valley offers one of the best value, luxury tented camp experiences in the Greater Mara. With excellent game viewing, including some of the highest lion densities in the Greater Mara eco-system, this small and intimate camp offers great hospitality, service and excellent guiding. Overall, a trip to Kicheche gives you the recipe for an unforgettable and enthralling safari.
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Ol Seki is set in the Naboisho conservancy which is located to the East of Olare Motogori North East of the Mara National Reserve. It is a stunning camp in its own right, each of the rooms is perched atop a small escarpment and so has fantastic views down to the grassland plain below and the Loita Hills in the distance. The camp is absolutely beautiful and recently Naboisho has become renowned to be a great area for game viewing. Although in previous years it lacked the density of the Mara, with successful conservation efforts, this is now home to some of the highest lion densities in the Mara eco-system.
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Richard and the Roberts’ family have long been synonymous with the Mara…as has Richard’s Camp, formerly Willie’s camp and also formerly the family home. The great thing about the lodge is that it has retained its air of being a family home and so, while not really offering the views of some of the other camps in the Mara, it feels totally comfortable and relaxed. This camp is ideal for a family or group booking, but also superb for a couple. Definitely a top choice!
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Saruni is a great little lodge, set up in the hills that overlook the Mara Plains and is the perfect escape from the heat and bustle of the Reserve. Each of the rooms is an eclectic mix of Italian and African styling, each with fantastic views to the plains below. The main benefit of the camp is that it is set all on its own and so, if you need to get away from it all, then the walking and game driving in the area is great….but it is not the in Mara and access to the park is limited, but possible.
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