FACT FILE MARA EXPEDITION CAMP MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE, KENYA
Mara Expedition Camp sits in a small bend in the Ntiakitiak River, where thick forest meets savannah, and just a few kilometres from its sister camp, Mara Plains. Mara Expedition Camp is a magical revisiting of the past, drawing from the designs of Africa’s original explorers and designed for those who search for East Africa’s romantic safari era. Here, you will experience the best of both worlds: the intense action of the Maasai Mara ecosystem, as well as the more private 70,000-acre Mara North Conservancy. Mara Expedition Camp is a stylish experience and adventure camp that is unique to the industry and that fits the service levels, specialised guiding and design that has become associated with Great Plains Conservation.
It is safari chic with five light and airy, spacious canvas tents, each with en-suite bathrooms where you enjoy piping hot water from huge brass ‘safari showers’ to a chorus of hippos lazing nearby. It is set down low, hidden from lights and noise and any sign of mankind. Under the grove of Africa ebony trees, its humble main area is lit by lantern and candlelit, simple in design, but just enough for all the comforts. This camp’s ambiance and ‘back to the classics’ safari design will be a sure hit with private groups, and safari aficionados.
The camp is locally famous for its leopard residents wandering the riverbanks. And is positioned to take best advantage of two migrations – the famous annual Serengeti migration and the green season migration from Loita Plains, an additional 50,000 wildebeest and over 100,000 zebras vying for grazing rights. Mara Expedition Camp is a place for the ardent safari-goer. Full days, with picnic breakfast (and often lunch, too), traverse some of Africa’s richest game country, renowned for extraordinary predator density and frequent hunts. Access to both the Masai Mara Reserve and Mara North Conservancy give guests options of more privacy.
ACTIVITIES Mara Expedition Camp’s two specially designed Land Cruisers are totally open-sided (a rarity in the Mara) offer 300-degree views which provide ideal opportunities for photography. Under the guidance of our top guides, each vehicle comes fully-equipped with a stocked fridge and photography tools.
Hot-air ballooning over the Maasai Mara is available at additional cost, and is a truly stunning way to experience the landscape and an unforgettable sunrise. If culture is of interest, then visits to Maasai bomas as well as local school and community projects (supported by Mara Expedition Camp) are possible, and a wonderful insight into the region’s colorful people.
WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM / [email protected] MARA EXPEDITION CAMP MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE, KENYA
Reservation Telephone: +27 (0) 87 354 6591 Reservations Facsimile: +27 (0) 21 701 1073 After Hours Emergency: +27 (0) 79 284 5945 Email: [email protected] Website: www.greatplainsconservation.com Total Number of Bedrooms: 5 double or twin configuration tents & 1 guide room. Triples for children sharing with adults can be arranged upon request. Type of Lodge: Year Round except between 1 April and 14 June Ideal length of stay: 3 - 4 nights
PHOTOGRAPHY TENT DETAILS Mara Expedition Camp has two professional Canon BEDROOM camera sets, each with a 50D camera and 100- • Uniquely designed custom tents on slightly 400mm and wide angle macro lenses. These are raised decking; available on a complimentary basis to guests on a first • Large bedroom with dressing and small seating come-first serve basis. Photos will be downloaded area; to a DVD on guest’s departure. A limited number • Classic in style, the tents are of tan canvas with of Leica binoculars are also available for guest’s plenty of netted windows and high ceilings; complimentary use during their stay. • Either twin or double bed configuration; • The "Honeymoon" tent is Tent 1 with Tent 2 GEOGRAPHY being closest to the main area. ACCESS DIRECTIONS • Scheduled light aircraft transfer to the nearest BATHROOM airstrip, Ol Kiombo, from Nairobi’s Wilson • En-suite with flush loo, double brass basin and domestic airport (1 hr 15 mins) and other a campaign style, romantic bucket shower.; locations in Kenya; • Hot water is provided on demand for showers, • Mara Expedition Camp is a 45-minute drive and a thermos of hot water is always available from the airstrip; at the vanities; • Co-ordinates: 01° 21 08.4’ min South, 035° 09 • Soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotion provided; 46.8 min East. • Power system does not support hairdryers, shavers or any high wattage device.
WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM / [email protected] MARA EXPEDITION CAMP MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE, KENYA
CONSTRUCTION EXTRAS • Customised canvas tent on slightly raised POSSIBILITY OF DISABLED ACCESS decking. • The camp layout is not conducive to wheelchair bound guests due to dirt pathways and uneven TEMPERATURE CONTROL terrain; • None, because camp is very shaded. • For the walking impaired, Tent 2 is closest to the main area with minimal steps. MOSQUITO NETS • Fly netting on all tent sides. LAUNDRY • Included in nightly tariff - next day service, FOOD & DRINK weather permitting. • All meals included; • All drinks and beverages are included with the CENTRAL FACILITIES/ COMMON AREAS exception of imported champagnes and spirits; • Central lounge and dining room; • Excellent: Three delicious meals a day are • Coffee/tea station; provided. We are extremely flexible on timings. • Outdoor fire area with seating. Picnic breakfasts or lunch (or both) are the norm due to very active game drives; PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT • All dietary requirements are catered for from • Mara Expedition Camp has two professional regular to vegan to children, prior warning Canon camera sets, each with a 50D camera requested. and 100- 400mm and wide angle macro lenses. These are available on a complimentary basis USUAL BOARD BASIS to guests on a first come-first serve basis. • Full board. • Photos will be downloaded to a DVD on guest’s departure. DINING STYLE • A limited number of Leica binoculars are also • Group meals. available for guest’s complimentary use during their stay. DINING LOCATIONS • Indoor and outdoor. PRIVATE VEHICLE • Not available. ROOM SERVICE • No.
WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM / [email protected] MARA EXPEDITION CAMP MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE, KENYA
CHILDREN HEALTH & SAFETY • We look forward to having children stay with us MALARIA who are 8 years and older; • Minimal – Malaria prophylaxis are • Families with children (8-15) will be recommended if guests are concerned. accommodated in the same vehicle as other guests; MEDICAL CARE • Children under 8 will be considered, if the group • Guests must hold comprehensive medical books the entire camp on exclusive use; insurance and emergency evacuation insurance; • Young children must be supervised as the camp • Senior staff all has first aid training; is open, with high predator densities in and • Nearest decent medical facility is in Nairobi. around camp and there is water surrounding camp; RISK OF DANGEROUS ANIMALS • Kid’s program – thoughtfully designed to • Moderate – high density predator area. explore a range of experiences and topics from birding to cooking to art to tracking wildlife. SECURITY MEASURES • 24-hours a day, guards armed with traditional POWER & COMMUNICATIONS spears. SOURCE • The camp is run by an impressive solar farm; FIRE SAFETY • This system produces 240V, 24-hour electricity • Fire extinguishers in each tent. to the tents and main area; • Plug points in each tent; MONEY MATTERS • Type of plug: British large three-pin; SAFES • Power system does not allow hairdryers, • Safes are provided in every room. shavers or any high-wattage device. ACCEPTED PAYMENT ON LOCATION INTERNET & MOBILE • All inclusive. Staff gratuities can be paid in • Mobile reception is relatively good and internet Kenyan Shillings, US Dollars or GB Pounds; wireless access is sporadic; • There are no credit card facilities available. • No cell phones or computers are allowed in the public areas of camp or on game drive vehicles, THE TEAM only in the privacy of guest tents. LODGE OWNERS Great Plains Conservation.
WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM / [email protected] 5m
MARA EXPEDITION TENT 1,2m
0,65m 3,6m 6m
4m 3,5m
River
0,5m 2m
Tent 4 Tent 5 Tent 2 Tent 3 2,7m Main Tent
3m
Tent 1
Staff Area
WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM GREAT PLAINS CONSERVATION QUICK CAMP FACTS
BOTSWANA CAMPS KENYA CAMPS
ZARAFA DHOW SELINDA DUBA PLAINS & DUBA SELINDA SELINDA ACTIVITY ZARAFA CAMP OL DONYO LODGE MARA PLAINS MARA EXPEDITION SUITES CAMP DUBA SUITES EXPEDITION EXPLORERS ADVENTURE TRAIL
Day Drives • • • • • • • • • Night Drives • • • • • • • • • Guided Walks • • • • • • • • Boating # • • • • •
Mokoro #
Canoeing # • • Main Swimming Pool • • • Private Plunge Pools • • • Horseback Riding • Cultural Interaction * • • • • • • • • • Hot-Air Balooning * • • Spa/Massage * • • • • • Gym • • • Fishing (Seasonal) • • • • • • Mountain Biking • Hide • •
(*) This activity is available for an additional fee | (#) This activity is water level dependent
WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM / [email protected]