TOP MASAI MARA HOTELS

Ol Seki Mara

Ol Seki Mara Camp Location: Eastern Koiyaki, Masai Mara, Southern Kenya

No of rooms: 8 (6 Nina tents & 2 suites)

Style: Extraordinary raised tents with lavish designs and exceptionally comfortable furnishings

Highlights: All year round excellent game viewing, no people

Dining: Meals eaten together in the main area, dinner in your tent, or candlelit dinners in the Ndorobo caves.

Ol Seki Mara Camp is located far from the madding crowds of the Mara reserve, but has an abundance of resident game, which is just yours to see. The tents are some of the most luxurious in Kenya, raised on platforms with sensational views and stylish colonial furnishings.

Each uniquely designed bedroom tent remains completely hidden from the next, providing every client with the utmost privacy and seclusion. The abundance of wildlife in the Koiyaki area allows guests to enjoy big 5 game viewing in a pristine and untouched surrounding away from the hustle of mass tourism.

Ol Seki Mara Camp has two types of tents – the traditional Nina tents are unique with round tents and modern architecture combining to make a stylish and comfortable abode, perfect for a very luxurious safari experience. Each tent is totally private, and cannot be seen by any of the other tents – the front of each Ol Seki tent opens to reveal a 270 degree view of the Masai Mara. Ol Seki Mara Camp also has two, two bedroomed private suites.

The camp boasts an extensive library, giving guests the perfect opportunity to read whilst overlooking the Koiyaki plains. Activities here include day and night game drives in luxury 4×4 safari vehicles, guided game walks, sundowners, visits to the local school and local guiding school, and local Il Ntorobo talk and demonstration (on site), as well as hot air balloon safaris.

Ol Seki Camp is a member of Ecotourism Society of Kenya and makes every effort to maintain sustainable and responsible tourism, by working closely with the local community. They have been awarded the Silver Ecotourism Award in response to their commitment to the community and the environment.

Mahali Mzuri

Location: Mtorogi Conservancy

No of rooms: 12 tented suites

Style: Quirky and unique

Highlights: Ultra chic and modern lodge where no expense has been spared in the design

Dining: Together in the main area – gourmet

Mahali Mzuri is Richard Branson’s new Kenyan property and has all the chic glamour of his other African properties – these are modern and stylish and not for those looking for a relaxed and informal safari, but for those looking for a modern and glamorous few days. There is a spa and a pool so you can really pamper yourself in between game drives.

Bateleur Camp

Location: Mara Conservancy, Masai Mara, Southern Kenya

No of rooms: 18

Style: Grand permanent canvas topped rooms, decked main area, fenced camp

Highlights: Swimming pool, the wildebeest migration

Dining: Meals eaten together in the mess area or in your room

Bateleur Camp has sweeping views of the plains and has a private feel as it is nestled into the trees, in the safe haven of a fence to keep wildlife out. The lodge is decorated in old fashioned safari style with large comfortable sofas situated around roaring fires. Bateleur Camp helps to manage the area known as the Mara triangle, famous for its abundant game. Bateleur Camp provides valuable support for the anti poaching team.

Bateleur Camp is also involved with monitoring invasive alien plants, and makes bricks from waste paper and coal dust, as well as providing a community owned vegetable patch which provides fresh salads and vegetables to the lodge.

Bateleur Camp also supports the Kawangware Street Kids and Youth programme with helps children in impoverished areas, developing their skills so they can become employed members of communities.