African Safari - Mara Plains Camp | Kenya Safaris | African Safaris with Taga Safaris Africa

The Luxury Mara Plains Safari Camp in the Masai Mara Game Reserve – Kenya Safari

Overview

Mara Plains Camp joined GREAT PLAINS CONSERVATION in early 2008 and is set in an extraordinary location along the Ntiakatek River, with views of the surrounding plains and under the cooling canopy of the riverine forest. The camp has been designed to be as low impact on the immediate environment as possible while still providing a luxury safari experience, AND can boast that not even a teaspoon of cement can be found anywhere on site.

Mara Plains Camp caters for only 12 guests in six uniquely designed octagonal canvas rooms. Each is raised on decks, and opens on three sides to the outside. Floor to ceiling net walls and the marquis ceiling make for A welcoming open-air environ. The rooms have a dressing area as well as private verandas with seating and exquisite views over the wildlife filled plains that surround the camp. EN-suite facilities consist of a double basin vanity, flush loo and shower with hot water 24 hours a day.

Upon arriving at Mara Plains Camp, it is immediately clear that this is a unique place. The camp is hidden, and it isn’t until you start to cross the memorable and grand swing bridge that the camp reveals itself on the other side of the river! Once across the river, and under the cool shade of the trees, a lovely open grass area Welcomes you to the main area. Mara Plains Camp is centred around three RAISED open-air marquis tents connected together in a pod concept. There are two lounges, one with a small library and writing area. A main dining room with a grand wood table and magnificent chandelier host breakfast and some dinners, when not dining under the stars. The décor – rich in browns, coppers and reds – is warm and inviting, encouraging a relaxing break from adventures. Also raised on decking, and blessed with sweeping views, the central area brings together the whole camp. As the evening ends, GUESTS often move to the campfire and listen AS the resident lion prides begin their night’s exploits.

Mara Plains Camp believe in keeping the wildlife experience intimate and personal, so there are no set camp schedule or meal times. Game Drive and Bush Excursions are tailored around the whims of the day, the Guest and as the wildlife dictates.

Typically, Guests rise just before dawn, have a quick bite, and head out at first light to see what has happened overnight. Looking for tracks and signs of nocturnal activity, perhaps heading in the direction of the lion calls and hyena laughs you would have heard from bed. The big cats are usually quite active in the early hours. As the sun begins to rise in the sky and the heat mounts, you would head back to Camp for a brunch and a bit of a siesta. Or, if You prefer, Enjoy a lovely Bushwalk or sit quietly and spot birdS on the river. Our armed guide will introduce us to the abundant birdlife and can help you identify trees and local plant species, or sharpen our wildlife tracking skills. In the late afternoon, as the sun wanes, YOU are off again in search of wildlife. It’s a time to savour the African sunset with refreshing sundowner drinks and snacks before continuing Your drive as nocturnal animals become more active with dusk. A hearty dinner awaits back at camp, whenever its time to return. Share stories of the day around the campfire and under the stars. So goes another blissful day in Africa.

There are regular full-day adventures to the Masai Mara Game Reserve as well. These are particularly popular during the wildebeest migration season. For full day expeditions, lavish picnic boxes with cold drinks are provided.

When you stay at Mara Plains Camp you also have the opportunity to visit a local MaAsai village (or “Enkang” in MaASAI) to learn more about the traditions and culture of the surrounding community.

Hot air balloon safaris are available, and must be booked in advance (at extra cost). This is a very early morning activity, giving stunning views of the sunrise, the landscape and a sense of the sheer size of the Maasai Mara region.

GAME DRIVE VEHICLES
Mara Plain’s 2008 Toyota Land Cruisers have been specially designed for photographers. The thoughtful engineering provides all-round visibility with a removable canvas roof, and comfortable bucket seats. These rugged, 4X4 vehicles provide access to all of the region’s diverse ecosystems, and do so with ease. They Limit each vehicle to four (and rarely) five guests at any one time.

There is the possiblity of confirming Sole use of a Game Drive Vehicle. This arrangement must be made at the time of booking and well in advance and incurS an additional cost of $250 per day.

INCLUDED IN THE SOLE USE VEHICLE RATE IS:

A quality Canon digital camera kit to enhance your experience. The kit contains:
- Canon 50D digital camera
- Canon 28 to 135mm lens
- Canon 100 to 400 lens

During the YOUR stay, images are downloaded each day. This allows for instant feedback, improvement and learning on-site. Upon departure, the images are downloaded and given to YOU.

Twelve reasons to stay at Mara Plains?
1 Mara Plains is one of the smallest and most personal camps in the Mara region with only 6 rooms.
2 Mara Plains is a quality tented camp with large rooms under canvas, each with their own veranda and en-suite facilities. Mara Plains offers an all in tariff that includes your accommodation, meals, drinks (including alcoholic) and activities.
3 The camp has superb guides – amongst the best in all of Kenya, operating only 4×4 Landcruisers, with a maximum of four or possibly (but very rarely) five guests per vehicle.
4 The location of the camp is at centre of many predator territories. Rarely does a night go by without the roaring of lions nearby.
5 Mara Plains’ guests can game drive throughout all the main areas within the Mara eco-system – including the Maasai Mara Reserve and its two prime neighbouring private conservancies – the Olare Orok Conservancy and the Mara North Conservancy. These two conservancies total over 100,000 acres and Mara Plains is the only camp that can game drive in the park and within both these two private conservancies.
6 Game drives on the Olare Orok Conservancy get you away from all mini-buses and experience the Mara’s lowest density, high-quality game viewing, a rare privilege in the Mara.
7 Mara Plains offers possibly the largest range of activities anywhere in the Mara – game drives, quality night drives, nature walks with armed guides, balloon safaris (at extra cost), visits to authentic Maasai villages.
8 Private vehicles are available for guests who wish for more privacy or who wish to set their own agenda.
9 One set of the latest Canon digital camera equipment and quality long lenses (minimum 400 mm) are available free of charge for those who have booked and paid for a private vehicle.
10 Superb and very productive night drives are a highlight. If there is action happening, the guides are happy to jump in vehicles and go.
11 Mara Plains has flexible meal times with no routine – centred on what is happening out in the field. There is no having to be “back in camp at 9 o’clock for breakfast”.
12 Mara Plains commits each year to pay over US$150,000 per annum directly into the neighbouring Maasai communities to maintain and preserve the conservancies and its wildlife – the highest paid by any camp in the region.

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Mara Plains Camp

Mara Plains Camp in the Masai Mara Game Reserve

Rates

We offer very competitive Rates so please contact us to get these Incredible Rates.

No Children under the age of 5 permitted.

Reservations

Book Mara Plains Camp and Pay Online with us via PayPal and receive your complimentary discount.

Tailormake your Kenya/Tanzania Safari

Plan your Kenya Safari and then submit it to us and we will check availability and book it for you. You can choose any number of camps and we will book all the necessary transfers. Should a camp of your choice not be available we will suggest an alternative camp in the same region.