Maasai Mara Reserve: Kenya Accommodation (Part 1)
(424 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
Ashnil Mara Camp: Maasai Mara National Reserve
Ashnil Mara Camp: Where We Stayed in the Maasai Mara
Arriving at Ashnil Mara Camp felt like stepping into a dream. Nestled along the Mara River—where wildebeest cross multiple times a day during migration season—it was surreal to finally be here. Of course, nature runs on its own schedule, but just being in the heart of it all was exhilarating. I could hardly believe I was in the middle of the Maasai Mara, about to embark on my very first game drive.
The Magic of Mornings
My first morning at Ashnil was pure magic. I naturally woke around 6 AM to the soft chorus of birds and distant crickets easing me into the day. For a moment, I just lay there, absorbing where I was—the Maasai Mara, a place so breathtaking that words don’t fully do it justice. Then came the deep, guttural grunts of hippos in the background, like nature itself was welcoming me to the morning. Some guests even heard lions in the night, but at 4 AM, I was blissfully out cold.
Comfort in the Wild
The turn-down service was a thoughtful touch—closing up the tent, unwrapping the netting, and leaving hot water bottles to tuck around my feet. After a long day on safari, that warmth was pure comfort. WiFi was only available in the lobby, but honestly? Who needs it when you’re surrounded by this level of beauty?
A Culinary Delight
The food? Incredible. The beef stir-fry was a standout, and the pasta bar added a fun, interactive touch. The buffet had a charming, rustic vibe, with cast iron pots that made everything feel home-cooked. Freshly baked bread, brown beans, and vibrant fruit completed the spread—every bite felt like part of the experience. Breakfast was another highlight—the mango juice was a treat, and again, those cast iron pots made everything feel warm and familiar.
Nights by the Fire
Evenings were just as special—sitting around the campfire, listening to guests excitedly recount their lion sightings. Our guide, a seasoned expert with 30 years of experience, still lit up at the thrill of bringing people close to these majestic animals. That enthusiasm was contagious.
From start to finish, Ashnil Mara Camp felt like more than just a place to stay—it was an experience in itself, one that made me fall even deeper in love with the Maasai Mara.
Special Takeaway
One of my favorite memories from Ashnil Mara Camp wasn’t just about the stunning wildlife or incredible food—it was something much more personal. I found two of my absolute favorite necklaces in their gift shop, but one, in particular, stood out—a beautifully beaded piece that I instantly fell in love with.
I didn’t just buy one. I bought all 15 of them—some as gifts, others for friends who had committed to buying them. When I found out that a woman in Nairobi handcrafted each one, I knew I wanted her to get the call that her necklaces had completely sold out and they needed more. I imagined the big smile on her face, knowing that her work was appreciated, that someone halfway across the world saw the beauty in what she created.
At just $15 each, it was such a small thing for me, but when the cashier rang up my purchase, he looked at me and said, "This will be huge for her." And in that moment, it became so much more than just a necklace—it was a connection, a ripple of impact, and a reminder of how even the smallest gestures can mean the world to someone else.
Ashnil Mara Camp is a 4 to 5-hour drive from Nairobi, but for a quicker option, daily scheduled flights from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara take just 45 minutes. Conveniently, the camp is one of the closest to the key wildlife crossing points during the migration season, putting you right in the heart of the action.
Key Features
- Swimming Pool
- Spa
- Non-smoking rooms
- Restaurant
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Free WiFi
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Host your events and Weddings
- Bussiness facilities
Written: July 2024