Mara Bushtops, Kenya
Discover the magic of Safari at Mara Bushtops
The unmissable Masai Mara
Without doubt one of the world’s most spectacular game reserves, Kenya’s treasured National Park – the Masai Mara – provides a breathtaking backdrop to the ultimate Safari experience.
Taking its name from the region’s vast ‘dotted plains’, the landscape is a constantly moving tableau, literally teeming with an endless variety of wildlife. In this magnificent wilderness you can immerse yourself in myriad new sensations; waking to the call of lions and buffalo, thrilling at the closeness of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles, basking in the glow of a crackling camp fire at twilight, and dreaming under a dazzling night-canopy of stars.
Nestled on the edge of this intoxicating scene, we’ve created an oasis of five star luxury for serious Safari seekers. Within the 200-acre ranch of Mara Bushtops camp, you’ll find an exciting blend of tranquillity and adventure where you can relax in first class comfort surrounded by one of nature’s living masterpieces.
A stunning location
Set amid the Mara Bushtops private Conservancy and bordering the 60,000 hectares Mara Siana Wildlife Conservancy, directly bordering the Masai Mara itself, Mara Bushtops boasts a sensational location. Perched on top of a hill with a scenic valley to one side, the camp lies just ten minutes’ drive from the main gate of the National Park and within striking distance of the beautiful Mara River where the famous river crossing of wildebeest and zebras takes place during the migration. Although in the heart of the wilderness, this Safari paradise is surprisingly accessible, with two nearby airstrips at Siana Springs and Keekorok – just 10 minutes and only a game drive away from the camp – and a choice of direct flights arriving daily from Malindi, Mombasa, Diani or Nairobi.
Experience ‘civilised’ wilderness living, in inimitable style
Freedom, comfort and breathtaking views
At Mara Bushtops, you step into a world where nature and contemporary comfort blend into one. Wander through a timeless space where natural wooden decking links the sun-drenched outdoors to cool interiors; where fine furnishings reflect the elegance of African culture; and where your luxury tent affords utter privacy, as close to nature as you can get.
Embracing a philosophy of environmental conservation, Mara Bushtops has been cleverly designed to make the most of natural resources as well as modern amenities. While the camp uses solar power for most of its energy needs, no expense has been spared on the fittings provided in the 12 spacious and fabulously appointed luxury tents, open on three sides to the great outdoors and each with its own special view.
Why not lounge away a few hours on your own private wooden deck, where a telescope ensures abundant opportunity to view the magnificent game roaming the reserves below? Or indulge in a languorous afternoon wallow in your own outdoor sunken tub – the perfect prelude to a relaxed Sundowner at twilight, delivered by one of our discreet butlers direct to your veranda.
Thoughtfully designed to the finest detail
Featuring beautiful interiors designed for the ultimate in comfort and convenience, our private accommodation has everything you need for a luxurious stay. While our camp boasts the biggest tents in East Africa, it has also been equipped with modern furniture and fittings chosen for their quality and aesthetic appeal.
Each tent has large Comfort beds, delightfully fitted en-suite bathroom with indoor and outside shower, a dining table and writing desk for your personal use. 24 hour butler service is available, allowing guests to dine from a mouth- watering a la carte menu in the privacy of their own tent, and a laundry service is also provided on request.
Mara Bushtops welcomes children of 7 years upwards, and we’re happy to provide an additional bed in your tent.
An ambience woven from warm hospitality, local experience and traditional African culture
Relax in a timeless atmosphere
Perched in a uniquely advantageous position on top of a hill, our inviting reception and lounge area offer guests a cool, quiet corner to enjoy stunning views of the Masai Mara, as well as a sociable gathering place in the evening. Mingling comes easily in this inspirational space, where attractive wooden decking links outside to inside, and our friendly bar provides a refreshing welcome after the heat and excitement of a day’s safari.
From one of our many wooden decks you can gaze across the camp’s immaculate grounds with its own natural wetland system, to the distant plains and faraway hills, with nothing to spoil a simply perfect panoramic view.
Enjoy exquisite dining
No Safari camp is complete without its water hole. And what better time to observe the comings and goings in this wildlife focal point, than over a lavish meal in a superb restaurant? Our dining room and outdoor spacious veranda overlooks a vibrant scene where an abundance of game comes to drink and bathe throughout the day and evening, and any romantic dinner for two in this dreamlike venue is magically enhanced by our very elegant and friendly service. Here you can whet your appetite both for game viewing and fine dining at once, selecting from a choice of sumptuous a la carte dishes while the wildlife provides natural entertainment.
… & wining
Wine lovers simply mustn’t miss sampling our unique wine cellar, where you’ll find a carefully selected range of world-famous wines kept in optimum climatic condition by ancient carbon refrigeration techniques. Here you can enjoy the wine of your choice with a meal served in the original cellar, for a truly vintage experience.
Quiet moments
After an invigorating day out in the wilderness, you can return to the peace of our camp and slip away into your own world and gently unwind. Our library offers the chance to immerse yourself in a good book to while away a few hours, or you could steal some precious time for yourself with a pampering hot tub or a massage which you can enjoy in the privacy of your tent.
As the sun sets on the glowing horizon, it’s the perfect time to absorb the unique atmosphere of our camp fire, sipping a delicious Sundowner cocktail in typical Safari style. But being away from it all doesn’t mean you can’t stay in touch – we provide easy access to the Internet for our all guests from a convenient point in reception.
Exhilarating activities in the wild
Plunge into the cool blue waters of our private pool and touch the infinity of the landscape. Where gentle ripples meet the horizon, you can float and dream amid spectacular views, suspended before a vast and seemingly endless backdrop of hazy plains and purple mountains. Dip into pure luxury and dry in the balmy African breeze on our sun-drenched deck, totally refreshed.
Ride in the tracks of the ‘big five’ on an unforgettable Game Drive into the heart of the Masai Mara. Travelling in one of our specially converted 4 x 4’s, either on your own, in a private party, or with a group of other guests, you’ll be in the very best seats for game viewing, while our highly qualified driver-guides will make sure you get some rare glimpses of wildlife that you’ll never forget. You can set off at sunrise for a half- or full day’s drive, or, because we’re situated on our own vast private ranch, you can venture out after dark for a high-adrenalin nocturnal Safari.
Launch yourself into another world on a Balloon Safari and get a bird’s eye view of the roaming herds criss-crossing the plains below. The package can be booked at camp reception and includes transfers, the flight, a champagne breakfast, your flight certificate and a return transfer to the camp.
What to Spot
Witness one of the Wonders of the World:
The Wildebeest Migration, when large herds of wildebeest and zebras migrate across the Masai Mara
in a yearly pattern.
Watch hippos enjoying a bath in one of the region’s many rivers, catch a glimpse of gazelles feeding,
and hear the regular roaring of our resident lions.
See giraffes, impalas and topis tasting the salt in our own salt-lick at the water hole.
Identify the strange sound of a porcupine, spot up to 450 different bird species – including
the Paradise Flycatcher and Purple Grenadier – and snap a photo of a crocodile on the
Mara River.
More Mara magic
Mara Bushtops offers a whole range of activities from walking safaris, bush picnics, walking on the nearby Sekanani Hills, bird-watching, and fishing at Lake Victoria, to cultural outings, themed dinners – including a visit to a Boma – and story-telling round the camp fire.