The Masai Mara is world famous for its black-maned lions and the annual migration of the wildebeest, listed as one of the eight natural wonders of the modern world. Set in this wild milieu, is the ultimate getaway, the Mara Explorer.
The luxury canvas getaway poses on its own private peninsula with the Talek meandering around it. Pods of hippos lounge in the muddy waters during the day and it’s not uncommon to see the occasional crocodile sunning itself on the sandy beaches edging the riverbanks.
Just as the name implies, Mara Explorer is for those who want to explore the wild tapestry of the Mara. There’s the Rhino Ridge, the Topi Plains and the lifeline of the wild paradise, the Mara River. The 1,510 square kilometer reserve will keep you enchanted with its rich plethora of wild flora and fauna.
Children below the age of 12 years are not allowed in the tented camp making it ideal for couples or parents who want quite time and of course for honeymooners to celebrate one of life’s most beautiful moments.
With only ten luxurious tents on the peninsula, each tent opens to the river below with the stunning spread of the savanna. This superb location makes for wonderful game-watching from the comfort of your bed, bath or verandah. It’s best not to try impersonating Tarzan here for the resident hippos and crocodiles like their privacy too.
Earth pathways lead to your tents through the natural flora, each spaciously apart for complete privacy. Borrowing a leaf – or more practically a spear – from the Maasai, guests can put the ‘do not disturb’ sign on the path for complete privacy.
With the private luxury afforded, soaking in a bath-tub on the open deck with uninterrupted views of the river and the savanna is truly for the ethereal senses – whether day or night with the evening soak offering a dazzling display of stars in the sky. It gives a new meaning to stargazing. Otherwise, there’s always the shower inside.
Restaurant
The dining area shares the deck with the lounge and features an exclusive menu of the freshest home produce from the kitchen garden complimented with a gastronomical journey of foods – succulent meats and tangy fish; delicious vegetarian dishes and refreshing salads; a wicked selection of deserts followed by a variety of cheeses. If you prefer your own menu, all you have to do is inform the management well in advance.
Lounge
Fashioned along the days of big game safaris, where no creature comfort was spared to make wild living beautiful, the lounge is a sophisticated mix of ethnic African décor and classic pieces. African masks and sculptures grace the spacious lounge with comfortable sofas and divans for you to relax. Try a hand at the ancient game of bao played across the continent or relax by the bar and try the cocktails specially concocted for the Mara experience, while chatting with friends or making new friends. Otherwise simply snuggle up on an easy chair to browse through the coffee table books and wildlife magazines as the river below continues its journey to meet the Mara and eventually Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake and the world’s second largest freshwater lake. At night a beautiful camp fire is lit on the deck drawing everybody to its warmth.