MARA EXPEDITION CAMP
A PLACE OF ROMANCE AND EXPLORATION FOR THE ARDENT SAFARI TRAVELER
Mara Expedition Camp is situated on a small bend on the Ntiakitiak River. Lying just inside the north-central border of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, it is surrounded by wildlife rich savannahs and dense riverine forests. Drawing on the safari of yesteryear, Mara Expedition Camp incorporates contemporary functionality with authentic East African décor. This temporary camp is positioned squarely in the heart of magnificent predator country and the camp’s traversing rights of both the Mara North Conservancy and the Maasai Mara Game Reserve giving you as a guests the flexibility to explore far and wide in search of arguably some of the finest wildlife sightings in Africa.
Located a few kilometers from Mara Plains Camp at ground level, and shaded by the riverine forest, this camp is designed for those who want the particulars of a Great Plains property, but are willing to forgo some of the fancier amenities. This small, intimate camp, has been constructed in the spirit of mobility and non-permanence out of deference to the wilderness, which surrounds it.
Here you will find outstanding predator densities just two kilometers inside the northern boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve with access to private Mara North Conservancy. The fact that the wildebeest migration seasonally congregates outside camp along offers a perfect blend of comfort, adventure and intimacy makes this camp a regional gem.
This camp is open seasonally from June to end of October.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The expansive main tent at Mara Expedition Camp, consisting of draped light-colored canvas, is romantic and inviting. It is also a highly functional place to gather for dining or photo workshops.
Five custom-designed tents of light-colored flowing canvas open on the horizontal side with canopied ceilings and are shaded by the riverine forest. Each of the tents is decorated with a nod to the style of early exploration and discovery. En-suite facilities including flush toilets, bucket showers and tapped hot/cold water. Twenty-four hours a day of electricity ensures comfort and satisfied needs.
Dining
Fine dining is a camp specialty with chefs crafting their own recipes using fresh local ingredients, immense creativity resulting in a daily menu that delights all types of diners and palates, to be enjoyed under the Stars of Kenya.
CONSERVATION
Each guest at Mara Expedition Camp contributes considerably to the success of the Mara North Conservancy flourishing ecosystem. Conservation fees paid safeguard this habitat, while helping to support over 1,000 Maasai families. This partnership agreement ensures the survival of an astounding variety and volume of wildlife.
ACTIVITIES
Like Mara Plains Camp, at sister camp Mara Expedition Camp, the philosophy is to keep the safari experience intimate and personal. As a result, there are no set schedules or meal times. Plans are tailored to the whims of the day and the dictates of the wildlife. On offer are: extensive game drives, visits to authentic local villages, local schools and Great Plains community projects in the surrounding area.
Each day a new plan is created between guest and guide – sometimes packing breakfast and or lunch ‘on-the-go’ in order to cover some distance deep into the Reserve or Conservancy. Other times, it’s a more traditional morning game drive, returning to camp for lunch and siesta before setting off again. The beauty of the Mara Expedition Camp is due in large part to its small size and care for uniqueness. The staff feels they are in place to help make safaris happen as guests envision. The expert guides, in a fleet of custom-designed 4X4s, lead guests to sightings and places that leave them in awe.
Riding Safaris
Unforgettable riding safaris at the nearby Ride Kenya Mara is a must for any horseback riding enthusiasts. You will be able to ride in the wildlife-rich and exclusive Olare Motorogi, Mara North and Naboisho private conservation regions, as well as in the Maasai Mara itself. Wildlife abounds as you cross the tree-dotted plains, cross rivers and ravines and live an extraordinary experience. You find yourself riding in one of Africa’s most game-rich wildlife areas – areas of outstanding natural beauty, famous for the annual wildebeest and zebra migrations in their millions, on their annual trek in search of fresh pastures. Throughout the year expect to encounter a vast array of plains game. To experience an early morning, or afternoon, ride throughout this iconic landscape and its majestic wildlife is to create memories that last a lifetime. Read more »
WILDLIFE
The glade of trees surrounding the camp is prime leopard territory, and the camp is a superior location to witness the great wildebeest and zebra migration at that time of year. Here you can spend days out – all day – exploring the 70,000 acre private Mara North Conservancy, shared with just an handful of other small boutique camps, or go in deep into the famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve. This area is renowned for its wildlife densities, not the least of which are Africa’s most sought after predators.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Filmmakers, conservationists, National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence and Great Plains Conservation co-founders Dereck and Beverly Joubert are behind Mara Expedition Camp. Their conservation approach is woven into every inch of this wonderful camp. The Joubert’s handpicked the site and new open-sided vehicles were designed by them to allow for the very best equipment for photographic opportunities. Each of the large and comfortable Toyota Land Cruisers is open sided, canopied and customized especially for photographers. They have fold down screens, raised roofs, photographic bars and multi-plug electrical invertors.
The annual movement of wildebeest and other grazing herbivores across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is one of the greatest spectacles in the natural world. A safari here combines some of Africa’s finest wildlife photography experiences, superb accommodations and expert guiding. Mara Expedition Camp’s location is an excellent environment for photographers to see predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas hunting their prey. As the camp is located on private land, guides have the ability to drive off-road in order to get the best perspectives and light possible for photographers to take some amazing images.
