Encounter Mara
Encounter Mara is in the private Naboisho Conservancy on the northern edge of Kenya’s renowned Masai Mara Game Reserve. One of only a handful of lodges in the area, and offering exclusivity hard to find in the busy Serengeti and Masai Mara Reserves, Encounter Mara is located in a prime position in the 50,000 acre conservancy, and is within driving distance of the migration river crossings. Shaded by a thick acacia forest, the camp enjoys glorious views of the surrounding savannah. Children from five years are welcome.
Accommodation & Facilities
There are ten spacious tents, including one with two bedrooms for families, which all have comfortable beds and an en-suite bathroom that includes a flush loo, a sink and a bucket shower. The large family tent has two full sized tents each with an en-suite bathroom and a large lounge in the middle. In addition there are two standard tents that can be configured as a triple with an additional child’s bed. Outside, private verandas provide the perfect to relax on a day bed and soak up the view of the endless savannah. The main areas include a dining tent with a large communal dining table and a separate lounge tent, furnished with comfortable, contemporary chairs and sofas. For much of the year, and depending on guests’ preferences, meals are served under the stars.
Eating & Sleeping
Children can have separate meal times and the chef is happy to discuss the children’s preference on your arrival and provide accordingly. For any specific dietary request please advise in advance. A listening service can be arranged whereby an Askari (guard) can be posted on the door of the tent of the sleeping children and can alert the parents in the dining room if a child wakes.
Wildlife & Activities
The Mara Naboisho Conservancy has a higher density of wildlife than the adjacent Masai Mara National Reserve and there are reputed to be 100 lion living in the vicinity – one of the highest densities of lion in the world. Impressive numbers of elephant, giraffe, wildebeest and zebra can be seen and sightings of the rare and elusive African wild dog are possible. Encounter Mara offers day and night wildlife drives in open safari vehicles, and off-road driving is permitted to get closer to significant sightings. Cultural and community visits can be arranged – the majority of the guides and staff are from the local communities and are eager to share their way of life with interested guests. In addition, hot air balloon safaris can be arranged at an extra cost and must be booked in advance.
Specifically for children…
All guides have been trained including specialist modules for guiding children. Thanks to the excellent location, wildlife viewing is the prime activity although for children who may want a break from a game drive there is a hide that looks out over salt lick with frequent animal visitors.
