Desert Rhino Camp

Located a few kilometers from Mara Plains, Mara Expedition Camp has been built on a small bend in the Ntiakitiak River, where a thick riverine forest meets the unending savannah in the north-central section of the Maasai Mara. Guests are able to maximise their safari experience within the Maasai Mara Reserve all year round at Mara Expedition Camp with the camp only closed between the period Apr 1 to Jun 14 during the heavy rainy season.

It’s a perfect hideout for this small, intimate camp, which has been constructed in the spirit of mobility and non-permanence out of deference to the wilderness, which surrounds it.

There’s an air of yesteryear in Mara Expedition Camp’s design, which draws stylistic reference from the old, authentic expedition camps of the colonial era. Temporary and transient in atmosphere, there is nonetheless a perfect blend of comfort, adventure and harmony in the camp’s five, custom-designed tents.

Set at ground level and shaded by the forest canopy, the tents forego fancy amenities but still leave you wanting for nothing. With flushing toilets, bucket showers and hot-and-cold running water, each tent is decorated with an eclectic yet co-ordinated assembly of what early explorers may have carried with them – brass chandeliers, old Indian campaign chests, rich leather and hardwood furniture – combined with rich textiles and soft cottons. But it’s out on the plains of the Maasai Mara and the adjacent Mara North Conservancy that guests really connect with Africa and live the explorer experience, surrounded by wildlife.

The camp is in prime leopard territory and the annual wildebeest and zebra migration passes literally in front of your tent, offering you the chance to witness one of the miracles of nature first-hand from the comfort of your verandah.

Canvas tents
Mara Expedition is a stylish adventure camp that is unique to the industry and which fits the outstanding levels of service, guiding and design has become associated with Great Plains Conservation. The camp itself consists of five custom-designed tents of light-colored flowing canvas open on the horizontal side with canopied ceilings. The tents are set on slightly raised decking, and shaded by the riverine forest. En-suite facilities including flush loos, bucket showers with piping hot water from huge brass showerheads and tapped cold water ensure utter comfort. 24-hour electricity, fine dining and exceptional hospitality round out the at Mara Expedition. Each of the tents is decorated with a nod to the style of early exploration and discovery, with brass chandeliers, old Indian chests and local natural materials. Recently added are 2 tents that are on a sole use basis making up a Family Unit option.

Game Drives (day)
Mara Expedition Camp’s two specially designed Land Cruisers are totally open-sided (a rarity in the Mara) offer 300-degree views which provide ideal opportunities for photography. Under the guidance of our top guides, each vehicle comes fully-equipped with a stocked fridge and photography tools.

Photography
Mara Expedition Camp has two professional Canon camera sets, each with a 50D camera and 100-400mm and wide angle macros lenses. These are available on a complimentary basis to guests on a first come-first serve basis. Photos will be downloaded to a USB drive on guest’s departure. A limited number of Leica binoculars are also available for guest’s complimentary use during their stay.

For more information on Mara Expedition Camp click HERE