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
Etosha National Park
Encounter by Ongava is an intimate safari camp set within Ongava Game Reserve, on the southern edge of Etosha National Park. You’ll be surrounded by Mopane woodland and wildlife moving freely through the landscape.
There are eight spacious walk-in tents: seven standard tents and one paired tent that works well for families or small groups. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower and a private deck.
You can head out on game drives across the 30,000-hectare Ongava Game Reserve. The area is known for its rhino population, as well as lion, zebra and antelope, including the endemic black-faced impala. We especially recommend private guided nature walks, where you can slow down, appreciate the small details and explore with minimal impact. There may be the chance to approach white rhino on foot, as well as spend time bird watching.
For a wider safari experience, take a guided excursion into nearby Etosha National Park, Namibia’s prime savannah wilderness area. At the Ongava Visitor Centre, learn about the region’s geology, wildlife, plants and ecology.
Back at camp, slow down by the pool, settle into the library or gather at the bar as evening falls. The day softens into drinks, quiet conversation and the sounds of the reserve.
