The magical Wildebeest migration is on, and I have this hunch you will be heading to the banks of the Great Mara River to witness this wonder of the world. While many hotels have already serviced their air-con systems and imported expert chefs, a lot of us still consider camping as a noble way to reconnect with nature away from the restriction that of four-walled shelters and an electric lock!
To make camp-lovers more comfortable, global hospitality trends are moving from the wood splitting, canned beans and roast potatoes experience to a more glamorous camping module known as “glamping”-basically injecting some glamour to the camping! Organized glamping trips feature all the outdoor exposure as traditional camping trips, but the amenities found at the campsite far exceed anything most traditional campers have at their disposal. Below is a list of top-trending sites where you can glamour-camp for this migration.
SARUNI MARA
The lodge is tucked away in the side of a remote valley in the heart of Maasai land which ensures complete privacy for individual lodges. Rich in both style and class, the six large cottages boast of colonial antiques, Persian rugs and African art décor for the interiors. Glamping here goes past just glamour to the decadent luxury of having a spa in the wilderness while falling asleep in Mother Nature’s own snuggly soothe. Apart from the sumptuous meals, rejuvenating spa treatments and unforgettable game drives, visitors never fail to praise Saruni’s staff hospitality and meticulousness
Cottar’s 1920 Safari Camp
Recalling an era of luxury and quality, Cottar takes you right into the epicentre of “Out of Africa” –reminiscent of a golden era of romance, fearless adventure, timeless elegance and virgin panoramic sceneries with boundless game watching in cars from the ’20s.
Its unrivalled Safari tradition began in 1919, proudly gives this Safari camp a ninety-year experience!
The main dining area has a rustic feel with splendid antique furnishing and candelabras. Drinks flow through an unbridled conversation between the distinguished guides, guests and managers. The camp organizes a Kenyan themed night with great Maasai dance around the campfire and a sumptuous Kenyan BBQ. The children can take part in the Maasai Warrior Camp which visitors term as fantastic.
Ngerende Island Lodge
Strategically located on an oxbow lake of the Mara River, Ngerende Island Lodge has both day and night game drives in Ngerende’s private conservancy 15 minutes away from the major wildebeest migration crossing and barely 5 minutes away from the rhino sanctuary. This adventurous trip winds up with a relaxing massage in the spa or by the blue refreshing swimming pool before retiring the night away in the luxury tents or the more traditional canvas/wood suites complete with butler service and exclusive chefs.
Another plus for Ngerende is the resort’s airstrip which offers scheduled flights from Malindi, Mombasa and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Little Naibor
Hidden away in a grove of riverine woodland on the banks of the spectacular Talek River, Little Naibor consists of spacious tents furnished with individual bathrooms, king-size and double beds made from local fig-wood, wide sofas upholstered with bolster cushions and woollen rugs.
The camp can be accessed through the Ol Kiomobo Airstrip and off Nairobi-Narok Highways, its proximity to the Great Wildebeest Crossing and the panoramic views of the distinctive sceneries underneath makes it a perfect point to relax and enjoy the vastness of Africa in complete privacy.
Daily scheduled flights are available from Wilson airport to Siana Springs airstrip, approximately an hour’s drive to the camp.
Kicheche Valley Camp
A world of bounteous animals, dazzling birds, sweeping grasslands, flat-topped acacias and breathtaking sunsets barely sums up the bewitching view in this camp. The tents are already set for you in a style that ceremoniously tangles art and craft to create a homely, embracing and accommodating camp. This hideaway welcomes you to the heart of African Masai land. For those who love camping without the hassle of fetching firewood, and lugging water, Kicheche provides flushing toilets, running water, and delicious meals; there is no compromising on comfort in Kicheche!
The Experience
The open-sided 4 by 4 vehicles eases one into the serenity of the new environment. Do not forget to make room in your itinerary for a Hot Air Balloon Safari cruise not too far away.
Building up a camp in the rugged terrains is not fun and neither is it a doubting task, but rather the fond memories and photos taken of special these places are. Glamping still involves the same types of excursions provided by traditional adventure groups, such as safaris, hiking, and river rafting, but the focus is often on the comfort of the guests. Comfortable transportation is usually provided from and from the campsite, laundry and dining are also taken care of. So, how about a visit to the Mara this season?
A Guest post from- www.jovago.com
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