Maasai Mara Reserve: Kenya Accommodation (Part 2)
(425 Reviews)
99% Recommended
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?
I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.
The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!
Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!
Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.
While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.
And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.
Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.
Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.
Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
Can Be Reached At
1-763-231-8893
Sarova Mara Game Camp: Larger Luxury Tent
Sarova Mara Game Camp, Kenya
Sarova Mara Game Camp offers a seamless blend of comfort and eco-consciousness, making it an inviting retreat in the heart of the Maasai Mara. One of the camp’s most charming features is its fire pit area, an open-air yet covered space that’s perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. Families are more than welcome here, with spacious, well-appointed family tents that provide plenty of room to spread out.
Sustainability & Space
What truly set Sarova Mara apart for me was its commitment to sustainability. An impressive 70% of vegetables and 20% of fruits served at the camp are grown right on the property. Spanning 35 acres, the camp is fully electric-fenced, ensuring safety while still allowing for a deep immersion into the natural surroundings.
Accommodation & Comfort
• Deluxe twin tents are thoughtfully designed, fully netted, and come with provided water bottles for added comfort.
• The generator runs on a set schedule (off from 4 to 6 AM and midnight to 4 AM), except for medical needs.
• Freshly renovated club tents add an extra layer of luxury, with Club Room 58 offering a fantastic view when the grass is trimmed.
Dining & Unique Experiences
Lunch at Sarova Mara was a highlight—the buffet was outstanding, packed with rich flavors and a diverse selection. While outdoor dining comes at an extra cost, it’s worth the splurge for an unforgettable meal under the vast African sky.
A truly special touch? Guests can plant a family tree—free of charge—with a personalized sign marking the year it was planted. It’s a beautiful way to leave a lasting mark on the Mara and create a memory that grows over time.
Sarova Mara Game Camp offers more than just a stay—it’s an experience, balancing luxury, sustainability, and authentic connection to nature.
Zebra Plains Mara Camp - Zebra Plains Collection
Seven years in, Zebra Plains Camp continues to stand out as a premier boutique luxury tented camp nestled in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve.
George, was incredibly kind and personable, setting the tone for a warm and welcoming arrival. The camp backs right up to the Masai Mara, making it one of the best spots for wildlife encounters. At any given time, about 20 zebras roam the grounds, though, of course, nothing is guaranteed.
The setup is perfect for an immersive experience:
• A massive bonfire area for gathering under the stars.
• Open-air restaurant with fantastic sunset views.
• A brand-new pool recently constructed to add to the experience.
Animals frequently wander right up to the fence—elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo. There’s a secure barrier to protect children from the electric fence, ensuring families can relax while still being close to the action.
For honeymooners, they offer a private dinner with Maasai warriors performing a dance—a special, intimate experience with extra attention on the couple. The family tents, accommodating 8 to 10 guests, are highly sought after—booking a year in advance is ideal, and for peak times, up to a year and a half.
The grounds themselves are lovely, with shimmering pathways that glisten like glitter in the sunlight. The bar stays open as long as guests are there, typically wrapping up around midnight.
La Lashe Mara
Just two years old, La Lashe is already drawing a high-end clientele, mostly from America being the Epitome of Luxury Safari.
What sets this camp apart is its walking safari experience—a rare opportunity to explore the Savannah on foot.
WiFi covers the entire property, including the tents, and the wildlife encounters here are unparalleled. Elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras, and even hippos in the water are common sights. A security guard is always present, purely as a precaution, making guests feel even more at ease.
Being all-inclusive, you can indulge fully, though there’s flexibility to book without drinks if preferred. Evenings might include Maasai dance performances, and for a truly exclusive experience, private pools overlook the Savannah.
Babysitting services are available, making this a great option for families wanting both adventure, relaxation & luxury.
While we didn’t get a chance to explore it, there’s another exceptional high-end option: Lalashe Mara Ripoi. This offers an exclusive tented experience for those seeking a truly intimate and luxurious immersion in the heart of the Maasai Mara. If you’re looking for an elevated safari adventure where elegance meets the wild, this could be the perfect choice. From the comfort of your room you will have close encounter with Zebras, Giraffes, Wildebeests grazing by or herd of elephants walking to our dam.
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Every one of these camps offered something unique, from the morning wake-up calls of hippos and birds to the charm of cast iron buffet pots and the joy of hearing a guide, even after 30 years, still get excited about lions. The Maasai Mara isn’t just a place—it’s an experience that stays with you forever.
Written: July 2024