Your base for the adventure
is the Mara Safari Club, which lies in the north west
of the Masai Mara, at the foot of the Aitong Hills.
The camp is positioned on an ox-bow of the Mara River,
so that all en-suite tents have a view of the hippo-filled
river. The lodge is surrounded by well-cultivated gardens
dotted among indigenous trees.
Our driver/guides are extremely knowledgeable on the
Mara and its wildlife. At the Mara Safari Club, the
swimming pool, and nightly activities of wildlife slide
shows, traditional dancing and talks on Masai culture,
combined with your game viewing ventures, all make your
experience in the Masai Mara excitingly unique and luxurious.
Our resident Naturalist also takes nature and bird walks
in the environs of the Club, for those who feel in need
of a little exercise, as well as early morning escorted
walks in the Conservation area culminating in a bush
breakfast.
Accommodations
There is a total of 50 tents, of which 42 are twin-bedded
and 8 double-bedded. 10 of these double bedded-tents
are Premium tents and have sunken baths in the bathrooms.
There is also a platform between these tents and the
standard tents, allowing for superb game-viewing and
private dining.
The luxurious en-suite tents, spread along an ox-bow
of the Mara River, are erected on a concrete plinth
and each have a game-viewing verandah. These tents have
been superbly furnished to the highest possible standards
with netted four-poster beds and permanent bathrooms.
All tents have water flasks with glasses, insecticide
and air-freshener, 220v electrical sockets, "lamps"
(electrical), dressing table and hand-woven rugs and
poster-bed drapes. All bathrooms have a shower stall
or bath, flush toilets in bathroom, washbasin, Lonrho
shampoo, hand and body lotion, shower and bath gel,
and freshly laundered towels, solar-heated hot- and
cold running water, windows with mosquito gauze and
flaps, a flashlight and an umbrella. All tents have
square-pin electric sockets for easy charging of video
cameras, cameras and other electric gadgets. Adapters
are available from Reception.
Dining
THE DINING ROOM
Located in the main building, the dining room is hewn
out of wood beams and glass, allowing natural light
to filter in to the high-ceilinged, spacious room. Evenings
are cosy in the softly lit area. The menu is a cosmopolitan
combination of European, African and Asian dishes, made
from the abundance of fresh Kenyan produce. Both breakfast
and lunch are served buffet-style, while dinner is Table
D'H?te, with a choice of main course. Seating Capacity
is 90 people. The dining room is open for breakfast
from 0730 to 1000 hours, for lunch from 1230 to 1415
hours and for dinner from 1930 to 2130 hours.
THE LOUNGE AND MAIN BAR
The lounge is also in the main building. Sectioned off
to create "private" seating areas, the decor has a definitely
African flavour, with woven wall hangings, and Masai
artefacts. An extended veranda adjoins the lounge to
afford superb views of the Mara River. A fire is lit
each evening. This area is the venue for the Masai Dancers,
slide shows and lectures. Liqueurs, beers, soft drinks,
cocktails, wines, spirits, tea and coffee are served
here. Seating Capacity is 80 people, (though use of
the verandah can increase the numbers). The bar is open
from 1000 - 2300 hours, and the lounge is open for afternoon
tea, cookies/cakes from 1530-1800 hours, and for tea/coffee
after lunch and dinner. Room service offers morning
tea/coffee/hot-chocolate with wake-up calls.
THE POOL BAR
Located at the swimming pool, the Pool Bar is a shaded
area, with bar stools set around the curved structure.
Also just off the bar, weather permitting, buffet lunches
are served. A barbecue pit is located close to the bar.
Liqueurs, beers, soft drinks, wines, spirits, cocktails,
tea and coffee, as well as light snacks and outdoor
lunches are served here. Seating capacity is unlimited.
The pool bar is open from 1100 to 1800 hours, and for
outdoor buffet lunches (weather permitting) from 1230
to 1430 hours.
Things to do
SHORT GAME DRIVES
On regular schedule are:
Early morning Game Drives from 0630 to 0830 hours.
Mid-morning game drives from 1030 to approximately 1230
hours.
Afternoon game drives from 1530 to 1800 hours.
FULL DAY GAME DRIVES
After breakfast, one sets out to explore the Mara Plains,
viewing the natural habitat of various species of birds
and the abundant wildlife. Lunch boxes are provided
for a picnic in the wild. The excursion lasts from 0800
to 1700 hours. An extension to this option is a visit
to the Masai Cultural Centre - a wonderful experience
where one can learn at first hand all about the culture
and lifestyle of the famed Masai people.
WALKING SAFARIS (2-HOUR EXCURSION)
Participants on a walking safari become part of the
environment. Guided by a knowledgeable naturalist, an
armed guide and two Masai warriors in full regalia (to
frighten off the lion!). A full safari breakfast/ brunch
is served on the river bank with the delightful hippo
for company. Guests have to fill out liability forms.
Children under 12 are not permitted to join this excursion.
BIRD WALKS
A specialist guides walkers through the camp pointing
out various species of birds (70 have been sighted so
far). Walks last for approximately one and a half hours.
BALLOON SAFARIS
Depart at 0545 hours for a balloon ride over the Mara
plains, to float majestically over the teeming herds
of wildlife. You will land on the Mara plains and have
a sparkling wine breakfast to celebrate this unusual
experience. This safari lasts for approximately 1.5
hours. Guests have to fill out liability forms.
FISHING SAFARI (HALF DAY EXCURSION)
A 40-minute flight brings one to the second largest
fresh water lake in the world and the source of the
River Nile - Lake Victoria. Fish for Nile Perch, some
of which weigh over 200 lbs, look-out for the myriad
of bird-life, or just spend time watching the spectacular
scenery from your boat. The rare spotted-necked otter
is also to be found here.