Guide to Mara Expedition Camp in Masai Mara National Reserve

Mara Expedition Camp in Mara North Conservancy Review

Mara Expedition Camp offers you the perfect blend of exceptional conservation efforts and a refined, safari-style experience. Picture yourself surrounded by old traveler’s trunks, brass bucket showers, and leather armchairs, all within the comfort of a small, intimate camp. With just five elegantly appointed safari tents, the atmosphere is exclusive and serene—especially when the bustle of the Masai Mara National Reserve is at its peak during the Great Migration. Here, you’ll find a tranquil escape.

Nestled under a canopy of acacia trees, each of the six safari tents offers a secluded retreat, overlooking a lush acacia forest. Located at the northern edge of the Masai Mara National Reserve, where riverine forest meets the vast savannah, the camp sits in an area teeming with wildlife. You’re also perfectly positioned near the Mara North Conservancy, giving you the opportunity to embark on unlimited safari drives in both the Reserve and Conservancy, both of which are renowned for their high wildlife density.

One of the most thrilling aspects of your stay is the camp’s resident leopards, often seen roaming the grounds. The location is also ideal for observing the Great Migration and the lesser-known migration of the Loita Plains. While the Great Migration typically passes through from August to November, nature has its own rhythm, so the timing may vary. Your main reason for being here, of course, is to enjoy safari game drives, but you don’t need to venture far to start the adventure. Each safari tent has its own private deck, perfect for watching wildlife from the comfort of your chair or hammock. Your daily safari begins the moment you step out of bed.

The common lounge and dining tent offers a warm and inviting space to unwind. Persian rugs, beaded leather floor cushions, and brass lamps create a cozy atmosphere. One side of the tent is dedicated to lounging, while the other features a large communal dining table. Breakfasts and lunches are often served outdoors under the shade of African ebony trees just outside. For dinner, you’ll enjoy a fireside meal, accompanied by lanterns and candlelight, creating a magical ambiance. When it’s time to relax with a view, you can savor a sundowner by the riverside, lounging on a daybed or in one of the comfortable director’s chairs.

Should you wish to take home a unique memento while supporting the local Maasai community, there’s a small souvenir shop offering handcrafted beaded jewelry and artifacts. For a wider selection, you can visit the larger shop at the nearby Mara Plains Camp, just a short drive away.

Meals at Mara Expedition Camp in Maasai Mara National Reserve

At Mara Expedition Camp, every meal is crafted with care and attention to detail, ensuring a delightful dining experience. When you head out early for a morning game drive, you’ll enjoy a picnic-style breakfast that adds a special touch to your adventure. Your guide will find the perfect scenic spot to stop, where a table will be set up with a Masai blanket, chairs, and cutlery. 

You can look forward to a full breakfast with hot tea or coffee, porridge, crispy bacon, sausage, toast, fried eggs, and a homemade mixed seed cereal. If you prefer to stay at the camp, you’ll be treated to a generous breakfast spread, including freshly baked bread.

The picnic-style experience continues into lunch, which is perfect if you’re heading out for a full day of safari activities. You’ll enjoy a variety of fresh salads, delicious treats, freshly baked bread, and refreshing fruit salad.

Dinner is more formal, served on a beautifully arranged dining table. Every evening, the chefs prepare a delectable three-course meal using fresh, local ingredients, ensuring your taste buds are delighted each night.

Things to Do at Mara Expedition Camp

At Mara Expedition Camp, the expert guides and trackers are committed to ensuring you have unforgettable wildlife encounters. Located in prime big-cat territory, you’re likely to see lions, leopards, and many other fascinating animals. Your stay includes daily game drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve, as well as the Mara North and Olare Motorogi Conservancies. 

The camp offers two open-sided Land Cruisers, giving you breathtaking views of the landscape and wildlife. These vehicles come with fully stocked fridges to keep you comfortable throughout the drives. For photography enthusiasts, the camp has two Canon 50-D cameras with wide-angle and 100-400 mm lenses, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Plus, at the end of your stay, you’ll receive a complimentary DVD featuring highlights from your safari. If you need any photography advice, the camp managers are happy to help.

For those looking for an extra adventure, you can book a hot air balloon safari (not included in your stay). The camp also provides several additional activities to enhance your experience. You can explore Maasai culture by visiting local schools and community projects, or, if you’re a horseback rider, the Ride Mara sables are just a short ride away. 

Families with children aged 6 and older can join the Young Explorer’s Club, where kids can learn about birdwatching, tracking, and cooking. However, since the camp is unfenced, and there are leopards in the area, children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Your stay includes all scheduled wildlife viewing activities, meals, alcoholic beverages (including imported drinks and champagne), and non-alcoholic beverages. However, park fees and special activities like hot air balloon rides are not included in the price of your stay.

Stay 4 Nights Pay 3 Nights Special Offer at Mara Expedition Camp

Enjoy an extra night on us at Mara Expedition Camp! When you book a three-night safari, you’ll receive an additional night free of charge. This exclusive offer is available for new bookings with arrivals between November 1 and December 19, 2024, January 11 and June 14, 2025, and November 1 and December 19, 2025. Please note, this offer cannot be combined with other promotions.

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