Mara Conservancies, Kenya
Encounter Mara Camp
A game focussed camp in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy
Set in the private Mara Naboisho Conservancy, right next door to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Encounter Mara Camp offers guests prime access to some of the best wildlife viewing in East Africa.
10 spacious, traditional safari tents are set in the shade of a thick acacia forest, each with sweeping views over the surrounding wilderness and an en-suite bathroom with a hot-water bucket shower. Outside, private verandas open out to the endless savannah and to giraffe or zebra that often stroll through camp.
Built to the highest sustainability standards, the camp itself has a minimised environmental footprint whilst the Naboisho Conservancy is an outstanding example of how tourism can benefit conservation and community with a scheme that benefits the Maasai families who have lived here for generations. In fact, many of guides are from the community, and thus have a lifetime of knowledge of the bush here as well as being able to an provide meaningful insight into the local culture.
The 20,200 hectare reserve (50,000 acre) is home to a higher density of game than Maasai Mara National Reserve with impressive numbers of elephant, giraffe, wildebeest and zebra, frequent sightings of the rare African wild dog, and one of the highest lion densities in the world. This, combined with the ability to head off road on day and night game drives, and go on guided walks, makes for a thrillingly authentic safari. There is also an option to book a private game-viewing vehicle allowing for a completely tailored bush experience.
Highlights
Day and night game drives
Guided walking safaris
Cultural and community visits
Hot-air balloon safaris
10 tents
En suite bathrooms with bucket showers
Dining and lounge tent
Option to book a private game vehicle
Trip Inspiration
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Places to combine Encounter Mara Camp with
Mozambique
Azura Marlin Beach is located on the shores of Benguerra Island in Mozambique. The resort’s ten beautifully designed villas blend local craftsmanship with contemporary elegance, creating a seamless harmony between nature and comfort. Choose from beach villas and beach villa grandes or indulge in the exclusivity of villa vista, a spacious private sanctuary featuring two separate suites, a large pool and an expansive entertainment area, ideal for families or friends travelling together. Each villa is curated for both seclusion and connection, with open-air living spaces. The soft ocean breeze drifts through private terraces, while personal plunge pools offer a secluded oasis to bask in the sun.
Thoughtfully designed public areas maximise sweeping views over the Indian Ocean, providing tranquil spaces to relax, dine and take in the beauty of the island. Mornings begin with freshly prepared breakfasts overlooking the water, followed by leisurely afternoons spent poolside, where the sun-drenched deck invites deep relaxation. Evenings unfold with elegant candlelit dinners beneath the starry night, the soft glow of lanterns illuminating the beachfront setting. For a taste of Mozambican tradition, the lively weekly beach bbq is a guest favourite, offering an immersive experience of grilled seafood, local specialties and storytelling under the open sky.
Two Mile Reef, one of the region’s most pristine snorkelling and diving sites, reveals an underwater world of breathtaking colour and movement, where manta rays sweep gracefully through the depths and rare marine species make their home among the corals. PADI 5-Star certified scuba diving excursions, led by expert instructors, offer a deeper glimpse into this extraordinary ecosystem, while deep-sea fishing expeditions provide the thrilling opportunity to seek out the legendary black marlin that the Bazaruto Archipelago is renowned for.
The resort’s open-air treehouse spa provides a haven of rejuvenation, where skilled therapists use traditional African oils and balms to melt away tension.
Rwanda
Wilderness Magashi Peninsula is the sister property of Wilderness Magashi Camp, an exclusive retreat in the heart of Akagera National Park in Rwanda that offers an immersive safari experience. Set within a private concession on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga, with the Mutumba Mountains rising in the distance, this eight-bed camp is designed for those seeking unparalleled privacy and connection to nature. Here, the vast landscapes of open plains, acacia woodlands, shimmering lakes and rolling grasslands form the backdrop to extraordinary wildlife encounters. Akagera is a conservation success story, home to one of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems. Over 500 bird species fill the air with their calls, while elephants wade in the lake and hippos bask along its banks.
The camp comprises a stunning four-bed villa and two twin suites, each elevated to maximise the panoramic views over the lake. Private plunge pools invite moments of quiet reflection and the villa’s multi-purpose room is adaptable as a gym, office or family space. Personalised in-villa dining and a dedicated private guide transform each stay into a deeply personal journey, allowing you to explore the wilderness at your own pace. Embark on a morning game drive, glide silently through the waterways on a boating safari or set out on a guided nature walk.
Rooted in sustainability and inspired by Rwanda’s rich culinary heritage, the menu features fresh, local ingredients. Start the day with a signature ‘rolex’ breakfast wrap, a beloved Rwandan street food specialty, and end it with a Kugisha dinner, a communal feast accompanied by traditional storytelling and song.
As with all Wilderness camps, conservation and community engagement are at the heart of Magashi Peninsula. In partnership with the Akagera Management Company, Wilderness supports vital initiatives such as predator monitoring, invasive plant management and educational programs designed to inspire the next generation of conservationists. Magashi Peninsula builds upon this legacy, ensuring that both wildlife and local communities thrive side by side.
