Mara Expedition Camp - Review, Photos, Video, Rates
Mara Expedition Camp, part of the esteemed Great Plains Conservation Explorer-Collection, is a safari haven nestled within the iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. This expedition camp offers a chic yet budget-friendly safari adventure, promising daily unique wildlife encounters across a vast traversing area. At Mara Expedition Camp, guests can indulge in a variety of activities, from thrilling full-day wildlife viewing on open vehicle safari drives to serene hot air balloon safaris and engaging cultural interactions with the vibrant Naboisho Women’s Group.
Mara Expedition Camp: Accommodation
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The camp boasts a selection of accommodations, including five double guest tents and one spacious two-bedroom family tent. Each tent is uniquely designed with light tan canvas and high ceilings, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the stunning natural surroundings. The tents feature a small veranda, writing desk, seating, double or twin beds, double vanity basins, an indoor hot and cold-water shower, a wardrobe, and a flush toilet. For a more personalized experience, private dining can be arranged in the room upon request. The camp’s ambiance, with its classic safari design, appeals to private groups, families, and safari enthusiasts alike.
Mara Expedition Camp epitomizes the success of Great Plains Conservation, blending conservation efforts with sophisticated safari style. This safari camp features vintage travel trunks, brass bucket showers, and leather armchairs, creating a nostalgic yet luxurious atmosphere. With just five elegantly decorated safari tents, it offers an intimate and exclusive experience. Although the Masai Mara National Reserve can be bustling, especially during the Great Migration, this small camp remains a tranquil haven.
The six safari tents are nestled under a canopy of acacia trees, overlooking an acacia forest. The camp is strategically located just inside the northern boundary of the Masai Mara National Reserve, where the riverine forest meets the expansive savannahs of the Mara ecosystem. Its proximity to the Mara North Conservancy allows guests to enjoy unlimited safari drives in both the National Reserve and the Mara North Conservancy, areas renowned for their rich wildlife.
One of the standout features of staying at this bushcamp-style safari camp is its reputation for having leopards frequently roaming the grounds. The camp is ideally situated for witnessing both the Great Migration and the lesser-known migration from Loita Plains. The Great Migration typically takes place between August and November, but as with all things in nature, this can vary each year.
While the main draw of this camp is the opportunity for safari game drives, the safari experience doesn’t have to be confined to a 4×4 vehicle. Each of the six tents at the safari camp includes a private deck overlooking the African bush, providing plenty of chances to observe wildlife from the comfort of one of the two director’s chairs on the deck or from the hammock beside it. Your daily safari adventure essentially begins the moment you step outside your tent.
The shared lounge and dining tent offers views across the bush and is decorated in a style similar to the private safari tents. Persian rugs, beaded leather floor cushions, and brass lamps create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. One side of the tent serves as a lounge, while the other features a large communal table set for dining. Breakfasts and lunches are typically served al fresco under a grove of African ebony trees just outside the tent. Dinners and drinks are usually enjoyed fireside in an area illuminated by lanterns and candlelight.
When you’re ready to relax with a view, you can enjoy a sundowner by the riverside while lounging on a comfortable daybed or from one of the director’s chairs set up there. If you wish to bring home a small memento for a loved one while supporting the local Masai people, the camp has a small souvenir shop offering beaded jewelry and artifacts. A larger souvenir shop is located at the Mara Plains Camp, just a five-minute drive from the Mara Expedition Camp.
Location: In the Heart of Masai Mara
Mara Expedition Camp is situated in the heart of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife reserves. The camp is located near the Mara North Conservancy, offering guests access to a vast and untouched wilderness area. The camp’s location provides an ideal base for exploring the Maasai Mara, with its abundant wildlife, including the Big Five, and stunning natural beauty.
Conservation Efforts: Great Plains Conservation
Mara Expedition Camp is dedicated to conservation efforts, focusing on habitat restoration, climate change resilience, and food security. Through its Conservation Roots program, the camp has planted indigenous trees across Kenya, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, working closely with local community schools to highlight the importance of protecting trees and nature. Guests are welcome to join the initiative by planting a tree during their stay. The camp also supports the Naboisho Women’s Group, offering guests a cultural experience while promoting community development.
Sustainability: Eco-Friendly Practices
At Mara Expedition Camp, sustainability is a top priority. The camp is committed to eco-friendly practices, minimizing its impact on the environment and preserving the natural beauty of the Maasai Mara. The camp uses solar power, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, and has implemented a recycling program to minimize waste. The camp also supports conservation efforts, working closely with local communities to protect the wildlife and habitat of the Maasai Mara.
Mara Expedition Camp food experience
Every meal at Mara Expedition Camp is made with care and attention. For early morning game drives, you can have a picnic-style breakfast. Your guide will set up a table with a Masai blanket, chairs, and cutlery at a nice spot. Expect a full breakfast with hot tea and coffee, porridge, bacon, sausages, toast, fried eggs, and homemade cereal.
Or, you can enjoy a big breakfast with freshly baked bread right at the camp. The same picnic-style meal is available for lunch, which is handy for all-day safari activities. Lunchtime includes a variety of salads and other yummy treats, along with fresh bread and fruit salad. Dinner is more formal, served on a nicely set dining table. Each night, the camp’s chefs make tasty three-course meals using fresh local ingredients.
Activities at Mara Expedition Camp
The Masai guides and trackers at Mara Expedition Camp are great at what they do, making sure you have amazing wildlife experiences during your stay. The camp is in big-cat territory, so you have lots of chances to see lions, leopards, and more. All game drives are included during your stay at this safari camp. Safari game drives happen in both the Masai Mara National Reserve, where the camp is located, and the Mara North and Olare Motorogi Conservancies.
The safari camp uses two open-sided Land Cruisers, giving guests a fantastic view of the surroundings. This setup is great for taking photos of the landscape and wildlife. Each of the two 4x4s has fully stocked fridges to keep you comfy during the game drive. The camp also has two Canon 50-D cameras with wide-angle and 100-400 mm lenses for guests to use. These cameras are available on a first-come, first-served basis. At the end of your stay, you’ll get a free DVD of your safari game drives, and if you need help with photography, the managers at Mara Expedition Camp are happy to help.
For those seeking a thrilling adventure, hot air balloon safaris are also available (not included in the stay price). Mara Expedition Camp offers several extra activities to make your safari adventures even better. For a taste of Maasai culture and traditions, you can visit the local Masai school and community projects.
If you want some exercise during your stay and know how to ride horses, the Ride Mara stables are a short ride from the safari camp. Children aged 6 and up are welcome at Mara Expedition Camp and can join the camp’s ‘Young Explorer’s Club,’ which offers birdwatching, tracking, and cooking experiences. But, since the camp is unfenced and there are many leopards in the area, children must be watched by adults at all times.
During your stay at the Mara Expedition Camp, all scheduled wildlife viewing activities, meals, alcoholic drinks (including imported drinks and champagne), and non-alcoholic drinks are included in the price. Park fees and special activities, like hot air balloon rides, are not included.
Community: Supporting Local Communities
Mara Expedition Camp is committed to supporting local communities and promoting cultural exchange. The camp works closely with the local Maasai community, supporting their conservation efforts and providing economic benefits through employment and tourism. The camp also offers cultural experiences, allowing guests to learn about the traditions and customs of the Maasai people. By supporting local communities, Mara Expedition Camp is helping to preserve the cultural heritage of the Maasai Mara and promote sustainable tourism practices.
Safety and Security
Safety and security are paramount at Mara Expedition Camp. Situated in a secure area of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the camp provides 24-hour security personnel on site. During safari activities, guests are accompanied by experienced guides and drivers, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. The camp’s tents include safety features such as secure doors and windows, and emergency response plans are in place for any incidents.
Mara Expedition Camp stay 4 pay 3 special offer
Extend your stay at Mara Expedition Camp with an extra night free when booking a three-night safari. This special offer is valid for new bookings for arrivals from 1 November to 19 December 2024, 11 January to 14 June 2025, and 1 November to 19 December 2025. Note that this offer cannot be combined with other special offers.
