Set in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy, and just 20 metres from northern boundary of the Masai Mara National Reserve, Mara Plains Camp is a peaceful, exclusive 5* tented camp.
This intimate camp, one of Kenya's very few Relais & Chateaux properties, blends the finest in wildlife viewing with the absolute best of safari hospitality and guiding. No other camp offers the extensive traversing area that guests can enjoy during a stay here, with access to a total of 100,000 acres of private conservancy land as well as the world-renowned Maasai Mara.
The camp is nestled in lush forest on the meandering bends of the Ntiakitiak River, and careful thought was given to every detail. It isn't until just before you cross the memorable and grand swing bridge steps that the camp reveals itself. Once across the river, and under the cool shade of the trees, there is a lovely open grass area leading to the main area, which consists of 3 octagonal tents, connected by wood decking and raised above the savannah. Each of the 2 guest lounges here is furnished with comfortable sofas and chairs for a bit of relaxation, and the small library provides resource materials and relative literature.
The accommodation is in uniquely designed octagonal canvas suites. Each is raised on decks, and opens on 3 sides to the outside. The rooms have a dressing area as well as private verandahs with seating and exquisite views. The en-suite facilities consist of a double basin vanity, flush toilet and shower. There are 5 double/twin suites and the 2 bedroom Jahazi Suite.
The day’s activities and dining arrangements are tailored around guest preference and the wildlife opportunities of the moment. Each guest tent has a set of professional Canon camera and lenses available to them. Add to it the pair of Swarovski binoculars, and it is impossible not to see and capture the region’s incredible wildlife scenes.
Rarely a night passes without lion roaring nearby, while leopard are regularly found to wander through the camp and cheetah have established territories on the savannah nearby the main area. The wildebeest migration seasonally congregates outside camp. Open game drive vehicles, small camp size and low tourism vehicle densities make this camp a regional gem. Guests of Mara Plains may also enjoy walking and night drives, 2 sought after experiences on safari.
General Information For Guests
All rooms have a private verandah, tea/coffee making facilities, overhead and standing fans, a room safe, mosquito netting, a lounge area, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a mini bar. The en-suite bathrooms have a deep copper bath as well as an indoor shower. The Jahazi Suite has a private swimming pool and also comes with a private game viewing vehicle/guide.
The power system does not support hairdryers, shavers or any high wattage devices. Low voltage hairdryers are provided on request.
Main guests areas include a dining room, wine room and bar, main lounge and library, coffee/tea station, outdoor fire pit with seating, and a 'safari boutique'.
Private dining can be arranged on request.
The camp is accessed by scheduled aircraft transfers to the nearby Olare Motorogi airstrip. On arrival at the airfield, the transfer to camp is approximately 30 minutes allowing time for game viewing en route.
The camp has been constructed without using any cement in an effort to minimise its impact on the sensitive environment that surrounds it. This makes it entirely possible to remove the camp without it leaving any trace. All of the structures in the camp are on raised decks, limiting covered surface area and pioneering and innovative green building techniques were used in keeping with their philosophy of leading the way in low-impact safari operations. Solar energy is used throughout the camp and water is bottled locally at the Loita Spring, filtered and 100% chemical-free.
The Olare Motorogi Conservancy is leased from the local Maasai community and conservation fees directly support more than 1,000 families andndash; a partnership which ensures the survival of an astounding volume and variety of wildlife.
Game drives typically start at sunrise, returning for lunch and depart again in the mid-afternoon before returning just after sunset. However, very often guests will go out all day, deep into the Reserve or Conservancy with a packed breakfast and lunch. Very often, safaris will continue into the night, a possibility because of the camp's location on a private conservancy. Night drives are particularly prolific in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, and while they take patience, sightings commonly include lesser known nocturnal mammals and even lion and hyena hunts.
Hot air ballooning is available, but should be booked in advance and is subject to availability and additional cost. Departures are very early in the morning to allow time to transfer to the nearest launching point.
The Naboisho Women's Group cultural experience is supported by the Great Plains Foundation, enabling the group to purchase raw materials in bulk including a tailor hired to work on leather products. Available to guests staying at Great Plains Conservation camps all profits from the sale of their wares are ploughed back into the women's business training to ensure this group is self-sustainable. Items available for purchase include, but are not limited to, beaded and leather products, coasters, bracelets, necklaces, belts, dog collars, earrings, and decorated dawa sticks for example.
Very easy to book through Travel Butlers, and excellent communication and fast response. Mara Plains Camp was better than what we expected, thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The room and the camp was luxurious and clean. The staff were very friendly, happy to help and accomModate around our timings.