Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

On the vast savannah grasslands of the Masai Mara National Reserve with the Talek flowing past, Mara Intrepids Camp is set in deliciously wild country.

Few places on earth can rival the setting of Mara Intrepids on the vast savannah grasslands of the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. This world famous reserve is the northern extension of the sprawling Serengeti of Tanzania and the two ecosystems make for the greatest wildlife spectacle on the planet – from the million or more wildebeest migrating with changing seasons between the Mara and the Serengeti to the flocks of birds from Eurasia; from the prides of black-maned lions to herds of elephants; from sparring hippos in the rivers to the insouciant crocodiles lying in wait of prey.

The Mara is home to the stars of BBC’s Big Cat Diary and Big Cat Live following Shakira the cheetah, the Marsh lions and Bella the leopard with their families as they try to raise them in a world defined by predators and prey; by the hunters and the hunted.

Built on the banks of the Talek River, which joins the Mara River and eventually drains into waters of the Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake and source of the mysterious Nile, the Mara Intrepids is for the intrepid traveler who wants to be away from the crowds and explore Africa’s wild kingdom.

The Luxury Tents

Every tent is raised on stilts, and opens to the Talek River with that signature view of the endless plains. Recently refurbished to accommodate the modern, discerning safari traveler, the tents are large and spacious with private verandahs to enjoy the river and the plains, giving infinite views of the Mara. It’s luxury in the wild.

In addition there are two family luxury tents, gorgeous homes under canvas. Beautifully decorated in stylistic African ethnic and modern pieces, the two bed-roomed family tents include a spacious lounge and an outside deck looking out at the river and the plains beyond. All have ensuite bathrooms and washrooms.

For quiet moments, you can escape to the high tower in the forest glade and scan the tree canopy of the riverine forest and the plains. It’s a great vantage lookout point for any wildlife that strolls by or stalks the prey.

The Restaurant

Dining al fresco on the outside patio of the restaurant is a delight under the canopy of towering trees and untouched gardens. Every meal is a feast. The kitchen boasts its own vegetable garden where the freshest of homegrown herbs, fruits and vegetables are grown. Guests are spoilt for choice with a-la-carte menus and gourmet bar-be-ques under sunny blue equatorial skies or on the inner deck of the shaded thatched dining room. The food fare ranges from continental to traditional African and Asian foods. The desserts are to die for with chocolate mousses and cinnamon tarts, fresh fruits and cheeses presented on platters to wet anyone’s appetite. Nothings too hard for the chefs to turn out any dish ranging from vegetarian to seafood platters on request, including favourite recipes provided by you.

The resident genet and greater bushbabies drop in during dinner, sometimes shy and curious, giving many a newcomer their first sighting of these nocturnal animals. Diners are treated to Maasai dancing by the Maasai morans from the neighbouring manyattas and those daring enough can join in to challenge the Maasai leaps.

For the wild at heart
If dining at the camp proves a tad too tame, you can head out to wilder settings and enjoy sumptuous bush breakfasts and dinners in the bush including sundowners within sight of a lion or a herd of elephants or the hippos snorting in the river below. It’s the ultimate African appetizer.

The Bar

Overlooking the Burrungat plains, drinks at the bar – alcoholic or non-alcoholic –can be exciting. The very eagle-eyed can catch sight of an elephant quietly slipping through the riverine forest or the occasional leopard making a kill. The bar is open all day till the last patron retires.

Enjoy the unique blend of bar cocktails like the Tides of Mara or the Migration Fever. If you’re concerned about safety, the river cuts across the bar and plains, so you can relax and toast a drink to Africa’s wilderness. A bonfire is lit every evening where stories of the day’s adventures are traded and on most evenings, the resident naturalist will give a power point presentation of Mara’s dynamic seasons, each bringing with it its own vibrant changes, forever drawing the Mara enthusiast like a magnet to its sprawling savanna. Guests are advised not to jump into the river from the suspended bridge that connects the plains to the bar – for the river is only reserved for the residents – that means the local hippos and crocodiles.

‘I Do’

Take your vows in some of the world’s most spectacular wild country within earshot of the elephant’s trumpet or a lion’s roar. You can choose a traditional wedding according to your customs, or dress in the local finery of the indigenous people such as the Maasai. Everything from the smallest detail can be arranged – from the vows to the celebration party for family and friends – all you have to do is present your wish list – for your wedding in Africa.

Standard wedding – US$1,750
• Local legal fees (Legal requirements)
• Registrars/ministers fees
• Marriage licence and certificate
• Wedding ceremony
• Wedding co-coordinator
• Decorated location selected by the couple
• Bouquet for bride
• Button hole
• Bottle of sparkling wine(Moetet Chandon)
• Wedding cake
• Best man/maid as witness if required.

Optional extras at a cost:
• Maasai Dancers and Guard of Honour – US$ 160
• Complete Maasai wedding attire for bride & groom plus necklace and ornaments – US$ 350
• Champagne (per bottle) – US$ 150

We have different locations from which the couple can choose to host their ceremony:
• Hippo pool
• Lounge observation tower
• Lounge gardens
• Masai Manyatta
• Sundowner site

Activities for Young and Old

Game Drives
Three game drives everyday in the reserve – the early morning from 6 am to 9 am; the midmorning after breakfast and finally the late afternoon from 3.30 pm returning to camp at sunset. Or you can indulge in a full day game drive to the Mara River with a packed picnic breakfast and/or lunch. kindly view the month by month activities highlights from the wildlife section as you plan your visit with us.

The Adventurers’ Club
Recommended for children accompanying their parents on safari this family program provides an fun and exciting opportunity for the kids to learn about the wild from our Maasai naturalists who specialize in plants, wildlife and survival skills. Children will be edu-tained through various activities and facilities on-site including an obstacle course that portrays the challenges wild animals face, don’t be suprised if you child comes out looking like Mowgli from Rudyard Kipling’s all time favourite Jungle Book. more the Heritage family programs

Balloon Safaris (upon request)
Enjoy the thrill of an early morning hot air balloon ride where you can enjoy the spectacle of the Masai Mara sunrise and the arial view of big game scattered across the rolling plains of the reserve.more on Balloon Safaris

Photographic Safari (upon request)
Led by our trained guides, some of whom are active photographers themselves we are able so ensure that your safari goes beyond your expectation. The 4×4 safari jeeps are specially modified to allow for more legroom and roof racks open for the best game viewing and photography, with accessories such as beanbag mounts for cameras available upon request. The vehicles are also fitted with mini-bars for cold beverages to ensure your comfort. kindly view the month by month activities highlights from the wildlife section as you plan you visit with us.

Fly day trip – Mfangano Island, Lake Victoria (upon request)
Take a 40 minute flight from Mara Intrepids Camp to Lake Victoria crossing over the expanse of the Mau forest – one of Kenya’s biggest indigenous forests – and the famed green tea plantations of Kericho to Mfangano Island sitting on Lake Victoria. more on Mfangano Island day trip

Nature walks
A two-hour nature walk with our Maasai naturalist will see you identify more than 30 species of plants, spot a variety of birds and pick up some survival tips like knowing how to behave in the presence of wild animals.

Cultural Visits
Guests at Mara Intrepids can visit the Maasai manyattas or kraals where a local Maasai guide will give you an intriguing account of the Maasai people and the traditions that have stood the test of time and still prevail on the plains.

Star Gazing
Take a detailed tour of the African sky with our expert guides at Mara Intrepids. The Equator slices Kenya almost in half making it one of the very few places in the whole world where you can observe both the northern and southern hemisphere skies from one location. more on star gazing with Heritage

Birding
A visit to the Masai Mara isn’t only about seeing the “Big 5”, the game reserve also boasts a bird list of over 450 species. These range from the large and highly conspicuous Common Ostrich, to the small (but still conspicuous) Cardinal Quelea. A bird walk is a must for every bird lover or simply someone curious to see the rich profusion of birds, keen birders can record more than a hundred species in a day.

Big Cats of the Mara

Over the last few weeks, the Ridge Pride was seen roaming around the southern base of Rhino Ridge, Mara Intrepids and the Mara River area. There is one female with three-month-old cubs and one with two-month-old cubs. The females made easy kills when the wildebeest were all over their territory, which meant the cubs were well fed.

Leopards

Olive, our star female leopard and her three-month-old cubs are still around the junction of the Talek and Olare-Orok Rivers. They have lately been moving between this place and the little forest between Mara Intrepids and Explorer camps.

Binti and her daughter are downstream from where Olive is. They also took the opportunity to hunt the wildebeest when they were streaming down south through their territories and we saw a few young wildebeest’ carcasses up in the trees along the river.

Cheetahs

Shakira, who for the past two years has been our star female cheetah, is still around with her three daughters. She has had some easy hunts because of the many gazelle fawns born in the past three weeks.

Honey’s three male cubs, continue to roam far and wide from Musiara to Paradise Plains and south to Burrungat Plains. There is another cheetah between Talek and Olkiombo airstrip with three very tiny cubs. This is not Alama, who we reported earlier. In general cheetah sightings have been the best this season.

Wonders of the Mara

“Between May and June, the plains are full of long grass,” says Paul Kirui, the head guide at Mara Intrepids. “It makes it difficult for the smaller animals to browse. It’s mostly the big animals like giraffes and elephants and the bigger antelopes that you can see around.

And it makes hunting difficult for the cats so they come up with strange strategies. You’ll see lions and cheetahs trying to climb trees and anthills to get a high vantage point.

Cheetahs don’t usually climb trees because their claws do not retract like those of the other cats’ but because they need to locate prey, they’ll try anything, even hunting zebra.”

Cheetahs are not strong so they hunt smaller antelopes, which they chase to exhaustion. This helps the diminutive cat to go for the jugular of the exhausted prey to make a quick kill.” Full article – (Daily Nation, June 5 2009)

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya Simply Stunning The Masai Mara is world famous for its black-maned lions and the annual migration of the wildebeest, listed as one of the eight natural wonders of the modern world. Set in this wild milieu, is the ultimate getaway, the Mara Explorer. The luxury canvas getaway poses on its own private peninsula with the Talek meandering around it. Pods of hippos lounge in the muddy waters during the day and it’s not uncommon to see the occasional crocodile sunning itself on the sandy beaches edging the riverbanks. Just as the name implies, Mara Explorer is for those who want to explore the wild tapestry of the Mara. There’s the Rhino Ridge, the Topi Plains and the lifeline of the wild paradise, the Mara River. The 1,510 square kilometer reserve will keep you enchanted with its rich plethora of wild flora and fauna. Children below the age of 12 years are not allowed in the tented camp making it ideal for couples or parents who want quite time and of course for honeymooners to celebrate one of life’s most beautiful moments. The Luxury Tents With only ten luxurious tents on the peninsula, each tent opens to the river below with the stunning spread of the savanna. This superb location makes for wonderful game-watching from the comfort of your bed, bath or verandah. It’s best not to try impersonating Tarzan here for the resident hippos and crocodiles like their privacy too. Earth pathways lead to your tents through the natural flora, each spaciously apart for complete privacy. Borrowing a leaf – or more practically a spear – from the Maasai, guests can put the ‘do not disturb’ sign on the path for complete privacy. With the private luxury afforded, soaking in a bath-tub on the open deck with uninterrupted views of the river and the savanna is truly for the ethereal senses – whether day or night with the evening soak offering a dazzling display of stars in the sky. It gives a new meaning to stargazing. Otherwise, there’s always the shower inside. Restaurant & Lounge Restaurant The dining area shares the deck with the lounge and features an exclusive menu of the freshest home produce from the kitchen garden complimented with a gastronomical journey of foods – succulent meats and tangy fish; delicious vegetarian dishes and refreshing salads; a wicked selection of deserts followed by a variety of cheeses. If you prefer your own menu, all you have to do is inform the management well in advance. Lounge Fashioned along the days of big game safaris, where no creature comfort was spared to make wild living beautiful, the lounge is a sophisticated mix of ethnic African décor and classic pieces. African masks and sculptures grace the spacious lounge with comfortable sofas and divans for you to relax. Try a hand at the ancient game of bao played across the continent or relax by the bar and try the cocktails specially concocted for the Mara experience, while chatting with friends or making new friends. Otherwise simply snuggle up on an easy chair to browse through the coffee table books and wildlife magazines as the river below continues its journey to meet the Mara and eventually Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake and the world’s second largest freshwater lake. At night a beautiful camp fire is lit on the deck drawing everybody to its warmth. I Do’ Weeding Take your vows in some of the world’s most spectacular wild country within earshot of the elephant’s trumpet or a lion’s roar. You can choose a traditional wedding according to your customs, or dress in the local finery of the indigenous people such as the Maasai. Everything from the smallest detail can be arranged – from the vows to the celebration party for family and friends – all you have to do is present your wish list – for your wedding in Africa. Standard wedding – US$1,750 • Local legal fees (Legal requirements) • Registrars/ministers fees • Marriage licence and certificate • Wedding ceremony • Wedding co-coordinator • Decorated location selected by the couple • Bouquet for bride • Button hole • Bottle of sparkling wine(Moetet Chandon) • Wedding cake • Best man/maid as witness if required. Optional extras at a cost: • Maasai Dancers and Guard of Honour – US$ 160 • Complete Maasai wedding attire for bride & groom plus necklace and ornaments – US$ 350 • Champagne (per bottle) – US$ 150 We have different locations from which the couple can choose to host their ceremony: • Hippo pool • Lounge observation tower • Masai Manyatta • Sundowner site Activities Game Drives Three game drives everyday in the reserve – the early morning from 6 am to 9 am; the midmorning after breakfast and finally the late afternoon from 3.30 pm returning to camp at sunset. Or you can indulge in a full day game drive to the Mara River with a packed picnic breakfast and/or lunch. kindly view the month by month activities highlights from the wildlife section as you plan your visit with us. Bush Dinner & Bush Breakfast Dinning al-fresco in the Mara is exciting whether by the river’s edge with hippos grunting below or in the plains with unlimited views of the big game country. You have a choice of a bush breakfast or dinner, which means that after your early morning or late evening game drive you can continue with the Mara experience by dining out. No creature comforts are spared as you are welcomed with hot towels to refresh yourself and a nice cold drink from where you are shown to your table in the wilds of Africa to make for an unforgettable African dining experience. For a whole day on the plains, sumptuous picnics can be packed, to enjoy under the shade of a solitary tree or by the river – leave it to your driver-guide to find the best spot to have relaxed midday meal in the Mara. Photographic Safari (upon request) Led by our trained guides, some of whom are active photographers themselves we are able so ensure that your safari goes beyond your expectation. The 4×4 safari jeeps are specially modified to allow for more legroom and roof racks open for the best game viewing and photography, with accessories such as beanbag mounts for cameras available upon request. The vehicles are also fitted with mini-bars for cold beverages to ensure your comfort. kindly view the month by month activities highlights from the wildlife section as you plan you visit with us. Sundowners Instead of meeting at the bar for a drink, why not meet somewhere in the Mara for a sundowner where you can sip a cocktail by the campfire and watch the sun melt in the horizon. Evenings in the Mara come alive with the night animals like the bat-eared fox, the owls and the big cats like the lion and the leopard stirring to hunt under the cover of darkness. You simply cannot miss to drink a toast to Africa’s incredible diversity of wildlife. Nature walks A two-hour nature walk with our Maasai naturalist will see you identify more than 30 species of plants, spot a variety of birds and pick up some survival tips like knowing how to behave in the presence of wild animals. Cultural Visits Guests at Mara Intrepids can visit the Maasai manyattas or kraals where a local Maasai guide will give you an intriguing account of the Maasai people and the traditions that have stood the test of time and still prevail on the plains. Star Gazing Take a detailed tour of the African sky with our expert guides at Mara Intrepids. The Equator slices Kenya almost in half making it one of the very few places in the whole world where you can observe both the northern and southern hemisphere skies from one location. more on star gazing with Heritage Birding A visit to the Masai Mara isn’t only about seeing the “Big 5”, the game reserve also boasts a bird list of over 450 species. These range from the large and highly conspicuous Common Ostrich, to the small (but still conspicuous) Cardinal Quelea. A bird walk is a must for every bird lover or simply someone curious to see the rich profusion of birds, keen birders can record more than a hundred species in a day. more on birding with Heritage. Other excursions available at the camp upon request Balloon Safari|Trip to Mfangano Island

The Lodge The lodge is built atop raised ground allowing panoramic views of distant Samburu hills to one side and El Ndonyo Keri (Samburu name for Mt. Kenya) on the other. Location Samburu Sopa Lodge is situated 325 kms from Nairobi, in the middle of the park, next to the new Oryx airstrip. It is accessible from the main Isiolo – Moyale road at both Ngare Mara as well as Archers post junctions. Reception The public areas are airy and spacious with views of the surrounding area. The reception is decorated with local artifacts, and rich earth colours typical of the Samburu area have been well blended. Lobby The lodge is the only one with a waterhole in Samburu which will allow animal viewing right in front of the lobby and can also be seen from bedroom verandahs especially during dry seasons. Accommodation Thirty cottages forming buffalo horn pattern converge at the public facilities area, leaving the open end to free movement of the wildlife to access the waterhole. The architecture blends in with the area, to keep up with the style of the housing by the local Samburu people. Each cottage has two tastefully appointed bedrooms, each with two queen size beds, shower and private verandah. Local material has been used in the construction, furnishings and interior decoration. High ceilings and space ensure that the rooms are airy and comfortable. Two rooms next to the reception and public areas are designed for the physically challenged. Bar Located next to the lobby, it has a an uninterrupted view of the surrounding area. Dinning The dining room has a beautiful view and once again the same theme is carried through, including the furniture which is unusually carved, and the chairs have a cow horn shape on the back rest. Local stones and materials are tastefully displayed bringing nature into the lodge. Ammenities & Services Parking Gift shop Laundry Swimming pool Evening turn down service Baby sitting Visit to Samburu village Guided nature walks Bird watching Samburu cultural talks Incentives Bush breakfast Bush breakfast with champagne Bush lunch Bush dinner/bbq The venue is approximately 10 km from the lodge in a private area, with huge rocks at the top as a back drop. Tents are erected with chairs and tables. The buffet is set up on one side and the other, a bar. At night, oil lamps are placed on the rocks and all over the area, a bon fire is lit in the centre, giving a beautiful romantic set up. Toilets are set up at the back, covered by manyatta style erections. Mock Masai attack can be set up to add on to the atmosphere. Coastal buffet African buffet African night + khanga Gala dinner Are arranged within the lodge grounds, and decorated according to the theme. Sundowner + bar snacks Sundowner + canapés Sundowner + canapés + 45 minutes open bar The venue is an open area which has a magnificent view of the stunning sunset.

The Lodge Naivasha is a Masai name given to the area where the resort is located, denoting the characteristics of the lake including size and its tendency to roughness when windy. The history of the area has always been important as it formed the main route of the slave trade from Uganda and the highlands of Kenya, including in 1884, the Scottish explorer Joseph Thompson’s epic journey through Masai land – where he writes in his journals of his time in Naivasha. Location Situated by the shores of Lake Naivasha, a sweet water lake approximately 177sq kms in size, and home to many varieties of flora and fauna. The resort is on 120 acres of prime land. The drive to the reception centre is through beautiful green lawns which bring you to the entrance. Crossing a little walk way with a small pond on one side surrounded by plants, is the reception desk and cashier on one side. Right in the centre is a tree trunk that has been converted to beautiful table with a beautiful floral arrangement in the middle. Hanging above it is a magnificent conical wrought chandelier. Lobby A charming area, crescent shaped with a mixture of comfortable sofas in different fabric including leather. Surrounding the lobby, are glass windows which open out to a small terrace with beautifully manicured grass on the side with plants and colourful flowers. In this area there are 3 fire places with huge inverted copper funnel shaped chimneys. The roof is high, wooden, with glass panels allowing a lot of light, and these panels have birds cleverly input with blue glass mosaic work. There are beautiful wrought iron chandeliers in this whole area, and walls decorated with intricately carved wooden panels. There are 2 desks where guests can check in while sitting in comfort. On one side of the lobby is the main bar with high stools and on the other is the main dining room. Accommodation 21 cottages built in a crescent shape, and each has 4 rooms, 2 on the ground and 2 at the top, which totals to 84 rooms. 2 of these rooms are suitable for the physically challenged. 6 of the 21 cottages have inter-connecting rooms on the ground floor. Part of the pathway from the reception to the rooms, is lined with giant cactus and different kinds of plants with colorful flowers. Little rock gardens are scattered along and these too have vibrant coloured flowers which gives it a beautiful contrast with the greenery of the well manicured lawns. Monkeys are playfully rolling on the lawns and different species of birds chirping in the trees and some building their nests. Colobus monkeys are easily spotted as well. The rest of the pathway is in the open lawns and rock gardens are strategically placed, and frangipanis, aloes, proteas to name are few, are growing in abundance. The acacia trees are plentiful in this area and are growing everywhere, providing shade. The exterior walls of the cottages have stone walls giving it character and creepers and bougainvilleas add a lot of colour. The same stone work is carried into the rooms, and is the exterior bathroom wall. The banister going up the top floor is wrought iron as well and the same creepers and bougainvilleas are entwined around them. Ground floor rooms have 2 queen size beds and a sunken living room at the front which opens out on to the beautifully manicured lawns. They also have sunken bath tubs and bidets. Top floor rooms have 1 king size bed and in front of it a balcony which has a beautifully designed wrought iron railing and furniture to match. This faces the lawns as well. The bathrooms on this floor have shower cubicles and bidets. All 84 rooms are tastefully furnished with mahogany coloured furniture, from the beds, side tables, dressing table, wardrobe, luggage rack and cabinet. As a contrast to the mahogany colour, the walls are peach in colour and the fabric used for curtains and bed linen, match perfectly including the carpet. The walls have paintings and locally woven sisal pieces placed in embedded concrete frames which form part of the wall. The rooms are spacious, airy and light as, the windows are all glass. There are mini bars in all the rooms, TV’s in 48 out of the 84 rooms, telephones and safes. Ammenities & Services Parking Gift shop Laundry Swimming pool Children’s swimming pool Evening turn down service Baby sitting on request Mini bars Safety deposit Tea/coffee making facilities Foreign exchange Dinning The main restaurant is located at one side of the lobby. In the centre, hanging from a high wooden paneled ceiling, is a huge intricately done wrought iron chandelier and smaller light fixtures complimenting it around the rest of the dining room. The colours are a rich dark green, which is carried through the upholstery, carpet, and to break this are maroon coloured table cloths and napkins. A dispense bar sits on one side and on the other, the buffet and tea/coffee station. A tree grows right by the buffet area and adds on to the character of the dining room. This room opens out to an area where guests can sit and enjoy the garden in front of them, and have their pre or after dinner drinks and coffee. Pool snack bar – serves a light a la carte menu with a pizzeria next to it to compliment it. This is a very pleasant and relaxing area with the swimming pool next to it and the beautiful gardens right in front. Bar The main bar is in the lounge area, with the second one being the dispense bar in the dining room and the pool bar. Weddings at the Lodge The large green lawns with rock gardens, with different plants and brilliantly coloured flowers are an ideal venue for small and intimate or elaborate weddings. Incentives Bush breakfast Bush breakfast with champagne Bush lunch Bush dinner/bbq Mock Masai attack can be set up to add on to the atmosphere. Coastal buffet African buffet African night + khanga Gala dinner Are arranged within the lodge grounds, and decorated according to the theme. Conferences Sundowner + bar snacks Sundowner + canapés Sundowner + canapés + 45 minutes open bar The venue is an open area which has a magnificent view of the stunning sunset. The resort conference venues can accommodate 24 to 100 pax, with PA system, over head projector, LCD, TV/Video, flip chart, internet, writing material and pens. Suswa – is the smaller conference room which can accommodate a maximum of 24 pax. Theater style – 24 U shape – 15 Board room – 24 Longonot – is the larger conference room and can accommodate up to 120 pax. This room has a large area where the delegates can have their breaks and refreshments. Theater style – 120 U shape – 60 Classroom – 80 Boardroom – 50 Next to this are 2 breakaway/secretariat rooms. A separate area is designated for team building exercises for the conference delegates.

The Lodge Located on the slopes of Oloongams Hills, it is one of the first lodges to be built in the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Guests are drawn to this lodge built in an ethnic design, surrounded by a rich landscape, covered in fauna, from huge desert cacti to sweet smelling jasmine flowers, all within the fabled Masai Mara game reserve. Location 240 kms from Nairobi, approximately 5 hours on tarmac and all weather murram road, situated outside the park. Flying is one hour to the nearest airstrip which is 30 minutes drive to the lodge. Reception Airy and spacious, it is decorated in with the red coloured walls synonymous with the Masai. An effect of beads painted in bright colours is very prominent. In the centre is a huge table with slabs of stone found in the area. Light fixtures are calabashes arranged in a tasteful manner, hanging from a high thatched roof. The walls are adorned with Masai artifacts, muriel’s and woven batiks. Lobby Down a few steps, the walls hanging with woven batiks, is the lobby, round with a high thatched roof. Right in the centre is a fire place, a bar on one side and comfortable seats all around for lounging. The walls have paintings of animals fond in the region. Glass doors open out to a verandah facing the swimming pool and a beautiful garden, with sweet smelling jasmine plants creeping along the walls, giving a beautiful fragrant in the evenings when the flowers open. Accommodation 50 traditional round buildings with thatched roofs, each with 2 rooms. Honeymoon Suite Situated right at the top of the property with an uninterrupted view of the Oloongama hills, this very spacious suite has a king size bed set on a platform. The bathroom has a sunken in bath and shower. A spacious verandah is in the front to watch the sunset or have privately served meals. Suites There are 12 suites, 6 on either side of the lodge. They have a large living area, private spacious bedrooms with 2 queen size beds with a mosquito net, en suite bathroom with a shower, dressing table, coffee table with comfortable chairs and a mini bar. An ornamental fire place completes the decor of the rooms. Standard Rooms The rooms with parquet floors and wooden paneled ceilings have 2 double beds with a mosquito net around them, ornamental fire place, en-suite bathroom with a shower, chairs and a coffee table and dressing table. Each has a verandah with two safari chairs. Ammenities & Services Parking Resident naturalist Gift shop Laundry Swimming pool Evening turn down service Baby sitting Visit to Masai village Guided nature walks Bird watching Mountain climbing Archery Walking safari Masai cultural talks Balloon safaris Foreign exchange Dinning A round structure, the dining room has high ceiling, red painted walls adorned with paintings depicting the Masai going about their every day life. Some walls have framed beautiful beaded necklaces. In the centre is a huge fireplace, decorated Bar Jumbo bar is located in the lounge. Pool bar situated in the pool area. Ol Murani bar is located at the bottom of the building, and has a billiard table and television. It has a viewing deck in front of it and at night the hyenas, jackals and wild dogs come out to feed on food remains. Next to it is an open area which can be used for private functions with a provision for a bon fire right in the center. Weddings at the Lodge The large green lawns with rock gardens, with different plants and brilliantly coloured flowers are an ideal venue for small and intimate or elaborate weddings. Meetings The lodge’s meeting and event venue can accommodate 18 to 90 pax. Well located from the main building, the Baraza room can cater for social functions and corporate entertaining. It is well equipped with conference equipment, and glass doors open out to a verandah perfect out door entertaining. Weddings at the Lodge Mara Sopa is the ideal setting for small wedding ceremonies. Wedding packages are tailored for intimate events by the honeymoon suite, viewing deck or the rich mature gardens. Incentives Bush breakfast Bush breakfast with champagne Bush lunch Bush dinner/bbq The venue is approximately 10 km from the lodge in a private area, with huge rocks at the top as a back drop. Tents are erected with chairs and tables. The buffet is set up on one side and the other, a bar. At night, oil lamps are placed on the rocks and all over the area, a bon fire is lit in the centre, giving a beautiful romantic set up. Toilets are set up at the back, covered by manyatta style erections. Mock Masai attack can be set up to add on to the atmosphere. Coastal buffet African buffet African night + khanga Gala dinner Are arranged within the lodge grounds, and decorated according to the theme. Sundowner + bar snacks Sundowner + canapés Sundowner + canapés + 45 minutes open bar The venue is an open area which has a magnificent view of the stunning sunset.

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The Lodge
Nestled in 190 acres of wooded Masai land, the lodge sits on the foot hills of Africa’s highest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro. Mature wooded gardens with a variety of trees and plants, from thorn trees and acacias, to fragrant frangipanis, colourful bougainvillea and giant cactus plants thrive in these surroundings.
Different species of birds build their nests while monkeys with babies clinging under their bellies and squirrels dart through the gardens.

Reception
The reception desk is designed like the entrance into a Masai hut, and the wall behind is painted in bold brown strokes, and decorated with silver spear heads, and Masai beaded necklaces.

Lobby
The lobby is open, spacious and airy. It has a high ceiling, with glass painted with colourful Masai paraphernalia sketches, and the bottom of this are beautiful green plants.

The light fixtures are long and round calabashes, cleverly put together giving a warm lighting effect in the evenings.

On one side of the wall are long, thin wrought iron Masai figures. To carry on the theme, silver spear heads are hanging from the roof.

Large comfortable seats complete the décor.

On the left hand side is a Masai market, which is owned by the local community, and the proceeds help run their community. Besides the market, is a well stocked boutique (gift) shop stocked with varieties of African souvenirs.

A walkway over a fish pond, from the lobby, extending from the lobby, leads to the Kibo restaurant and Mawenzi bar.

Accommodation
83 rooms in total
40 rooms with 2 queen size beds of which, 6 of them have interconnecting doors, ideal for families and 24 rooms can be turned to triples on request.

Ammenities & Services
Parking
Gift shop
Laundry
Swimming pool
Children’s pool
Evening turn down service
Baby sitting
Masai market
Balloon safaris
Nature walks
Car wash

Dinning
Kibo restaurant named after the tallest peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro, is a round structure with a thatched papyrus covered roof and an exterior giving it a feel of an African hut, with the exterior walls plastered to look like rough and painted earth red/mustard colour, giving it an African bush like ambiance.

The glass windows and doors face the mountain and right in the centre is a fire place with bakuba fabrics extended and tied to the ceiling. The fireplace is decorated all around with carvings of wild life.

The walls have wooden panels carved with African artwork and framed bakuba fabrics completing the décor.

Incentives

Bush breakfast
Bush breakfast with champagne
Bush lunch
Bush dinner/bbq
Coastal buffet
African buffet
African night + khanga
Gala dinner
Are arranged within the lodge grounds, and decorated according to the theme.

Sundowner + bar snacks
Sundowner + canapés
Sundowner + canapés + 45 minutes open bar
The venue is an open area which has a magnificent view of the stunning sunset, and the mountain as a back drop

Weddings

Sopa is the ideal setting for small wedding ceremonies. Wedding packages are tailored for intimate events.

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort

Bamburi

MOMBASA

…waves tug at toes that sink into white sands, the sun melts into the ocean…

…water so blue that it’s hard to tell where the earth ends and the heavens begin…

…sounds of the waves breaking, a gentle breeze in the palm trees…

One of East Africa’s most exotic and best-known resorts, Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort is located in a dreamlike setting, on Bamburi Beach in the North coast of Mombasa.

A fusion of Swahili interiors and Arabic architecture, the resort is spread over 22 acres of exquisite gardens and has the largest beachfront on the north coast overlooking an ocean teeming with unique marine life.

Choose from a range of standard, superior and suite accommodation, all with their own balconies or terraces and views of the pools or the balmy Indian Ocean.

Dining is a true gourmet’s delight. The Pavillions restaurant features daily international buffets and Lido combines a breath taking sea front location with the freshest seafood on the coast.

Minazi’s chilled and casual atmosphere is popular with the world’s favourites in international cuisine including wood fired Italian pizzas and refreshing options of freshly squeezed juices, smoothies and ice creams.

The resort has entertaining activities for children as well as child care facilities in the evening.

A chill lounge bar – Cocos on the beachfront for a night of music and groove.

Enjoy exquisite gardens, four free form swimming pools and a range of water sports activities including jet skiing, wind surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving or just close your eyes under the swaying palms.

Tana River Delta: situated by an outlet of the mighty Tana River, on the curve of the beaches and huge dunes marking the edges of Formosa Bay, it is one of the remotest camps on the Kenya coast and totally unspoilt. Accommodation is in tents thatched with Doum palm. This is where the African bush meets the Indian Ocean. Beach-combing expeditions are interspersed with bird watching and boat trips down the Delta channels. You can either drive from Malindi to the Delta or fly by private charter.

LOCATION Mara North Conservancy ACCOMMODATION 3 ensuite tents – 2 doubles & 1 family tent (2 ensuite bedrooms) All rooms can fit one extra bed, to accommodate children under the age of 16yrs only. DESCRIPTION Saruni Wild is Saruni’s private deluxe tented camp. Located in a wild, scenic valley 10 km away from the main lodge in an area both rich in wildlife and privacy. Each elegantly styled tent has an ensuite bathroom with flush loos, hot & cold water and large safari showers. They also feature spacious verandas with uninterrupted views over the Yaile Mountains of the Northern Masai Mara. Saruni Wild’s secret valley has a large resident population of elephant, giraffe, zebra, buffalo and impala. This is true Africa and we have trained our guides to the highest standard to provide an adventurous, informative and comfortable experience. You can track wild animals and learn bush skills. Walks are individually tailored and are set in the breaktaking valley, forests, springs and mountains. Saruni Wild is an ideal base for 2 of our specialized safaris – the Drawing Safaris and the program called Warriors for a Week.

LOCATION
Kalama Wildlife Conservancy, bordering Samburu National Reserve