Location

Mara Explorer is situated on a broad, thickly forested bend of the Talek River in the middle of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, from where it enjoys prime views of the spectacular wildebeest migration between June and September. During the remainder of the year, herds of watering elephant, giraffe and other animals can often be seen from your private verandah.

 Mara Explorer’s own all-weather airstrip means you can be in the camp less than an hour after leaving the bustle of Nairobi. The well- maintained road from the capital provides a scenic ride of just under five hours.

Accommodation

This exclusive five-star camp offers 10 luxurious, well-spaced tents, each with its own private deck overlooking the Talek River. Seven of the tents have giant double beds, while three have twin beds. All are furnished in a classic blend of ancient and modern, with fine hand-carved mahogany furniture, rich African artifacts, and luxurious bathrooms with twin basins and all modern amenities.

Each tent reflects a distinctive ‘Explorer’ style, with old wooden chests, tin trunks and historic prints, complemented by a fascinating collection of ‘Africana’ books in the camp’s library. The tents have been specially designed to open up to the sky, and each boasts a private open-air bathing platform, from which guests can enjoy a unique new perspective of the African bush!

• Personal butler on 24-hour call.
• Full laundry and valet services. 
• Early morning calls with tea or coffee. 
• Safety deposit boxes for valuables. 
• Foreign currency exchange service.
• Mineral water & insect repellent in tents.
• Sockets for battery-charging.
• Telephone and e-mail by arrangement.
• Resident doctor available 24 hours.

Activities

• Private game drives with experienced personal guides,

• Walking safaris in the Mara Conservation Area,

•  Bush Breakfasts and dinners under the stars,

• Romantic sundowners in spectacular selected areas,

• Visits to Maasai communities supported by the camp,

• Transfers for early-morning hot air balloon rides,

• Arrangements for fishing safaris to Lake Victoria,

• Lectures and slide shows on Maasai Culture and wildlife,

• and Environmental activities and tree-planting with local residents.

Mara Explorer was constructed as an eco-friendly camp, and its operations are designed to have a minimal impact on the fragile Talek ecosystem. All biodegradable waste is mulched for compost, while water-heating is fuelled by briquettes made from used coffee husks. Together with its sister camp, Mara Intrepids, Explorer runs a Community Development Fund for building and equipping primary schools and medical clinics in the area. Guests are invited to visit these facilities as well as the villagers’ own manyattas, which offer a fascinating insight into traditional Maasai life.