 | Masai Mara Game Reserve Reviews | Tips 1 - 10 of 42 |  |
Built in 1979, the 50 acre camp is situated at the base of the Ngama Hills, on the eastern edge of the Masai Mara National Reserve, just 4 ½ miles from the boundary and 240km southwest of Nairobi. It is the nearest Mara camp to Nairobi. The camp was established in partnership with the neighbouring Maasai, who continue to graze their cattle in harmony with the wildlife. Fringed by mashes and surrounded by ghostly fever and giant fig trees, Siana occupies a lush unspoilt indigenous forest watered by the largest natural spring in the Mara ecosystem – the perennially bubbling Siana Springs. Siana means ‘the plentiful springs’ in the local language, Maa, and has an authentic look about it and a natural tranquil atmosphere. The springs that well up beneath the ground provides an abundance of water in an area usually dry for much of the year. This allows riverine forest to flourish, creating an oasis of shade, foliage and fruit, and a host of animals unique to this environment.
Wildlife roams free as no fences separate the Masai Mara from the Siana Group Ranch, although the springs themselves and the surrounding vegetation are protected from elephant damage by fencing. There are two resident vervet monkey troops at the camp, and fearless bushbucks often frequent the lawns. The camp commands sweeping views over the greatest grassland system on earth - the Masai Mara with its living tapestry of grassy savannah, spread thorn trees and tall gallery forests. The Mara spans 1 500km² and together with the neighbouring Serengeti, is home to the greatest concentration of large mammals on earth. The annual great migration of nearly two million wildebeest and other grazing ungulates is the Mara's foremost attraction and one of the greatest spectacles in the animal kingdom. Add to this a profusion of birdlife and untouched wilderness and you have magical Maasai Mara.
38 spacious luxury tents (reputedly the most luxurious in the country) with secluded verandas, each well spaced from each other, ensuring privacy and exclusivity, but of course it does mean that some of them are quite a distance from the main amenities.
The tents are situated in three secluded ‘wings’: The Bamboo wing (19 tents), surrounded by bamboo groves and flowering ornamental trees near the main camp; the Palm Wing (nine tents), overlooking a series of springs, lily-clad ponds and lush indigenous forest, and the Acacia Wing (ten tents), which occupies more open acacia woodland rich in bird life on the camp boundary. Each of these groups has their own butler.
Large solid single or double beds, custom made from pale logs of Blue Gum. Each bed is furnished with a duvet, rather than blankets, and every night a hot water bottle is delivered.
Soft lighting.
Zip-up front entrances and windows.
Huge dressing room.
Shaving mirrors.
Personal closets
Writing desks
Steaming hot showers with super-large shower heads.
Separate flush toilets
Daily maid service
Room service for snacks and beverages
Mineral water and repellent in tents.
Early morning calls with tea and coffee
Each tent has a large veranda, some with panoramic views of the Mara, others overlook the bush.
Boutique with souvenirs, local handicrafts and safari essentials.
Reliable phone, e-mail, fax and postal services.
Foreign currency exchange at reception.
Reliable 240 volt generator electricity supply.
Safety deposit facilities for valuables.
Full single day laundry and valet services.
Medical officer available 24 hours
Concierge service available.
Car rental.
Well lit and controlled parking area.
24 hour security
Complimentary airstrip transfers
Baby sitting or child care.
Elevated platform tree-house for leopard viewing.
Strategically placed elephant viewing lookout hide. Leave a Comment Theme: Campground
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Although we did not stay here, we made it a point to visit this lodge for future recomendations to our clients/co-travelers.
We made arrangements through our tour operator, Madukha Tours, for a private viewing of their facilities, escorted by their lodge manager. We were immediately impressed by the organized, sprawling complex which is Keekorok, run by the African Safari group.
They are directly situated amongst the migratory route of the wildebeest and wildlife viewing from the comfort of your room or their well situated viewing platforms is convinient, although a bit far situated from other parts of the park.
The staff was friendly and welcoming and we had the overwhelming feel of a well run hotel rather than a lodge.
They were running at maximum capacity on the day we were there but were able to view a standard as well as a deluxe room. The overall feel was that of a Marriott or similar large deluxe hotel set in a prime location.
We liked this hotel but still prefered the laid back atmosphere to the Sarova Camp.
If you're looking for modern comforts, staying within your comfort zone and splurging, this hotel/lodge is definetely the one for you.
The grounds are outstanding! Beautifully manicured lawns, gardens and a HUGE swimming pool surrounded by chaise loungers in which to spend the lazy afternoon while you sip a cool drink.
(We noted it was definetely a family hotel as alot of children running around).
The dining room is spectacular and formal looking and they are reputed to have some very qualified chefs with a vary wide array of menus.
Another big plus are the large private, screened in viewing gazebo overlooking a waterhole with hippos and an open terrace overlooking the drama which takes place during migration which can also be reserved for honey mooners wishing a private dinner or breakfast. Additionally, for a charge, weddings and private receptions can be arranged through the lodge.
Finally, the end "deluxe" rooms are practically all glass overlooking the Mara and you can view game migrating from your bed! Rooms are comfortably appointed with double beds, queen/King beds and even triple occupancy. Leave a Comment
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Of all the places we either stayed at or inspected in Kenya, this was our favorite by far.
Both for ambiance and in service, the Sarova group, as a whole, seem to have gotten it together!
Upon arrival, passing through the large entry gate, over cattle guards re-enforced with hanging barbed wire designed to keep the animals out of the camp site, one drives to a circular drive way and is greeted by a smiling Masaai Warrior in full Masai regalia. Donning a spear in one hand and a tray with cold soaked, eucalyptus infused towels with which to freshen up with, porters quickly grab your suitcases and luggage and escort you towards the main reception area.
There, you are again greeted, this time by someone gathering your used towels from you and offering you a refreshingly cool lemonade or Passionfruit drink before you check in.
JAMBO! is the greeting from all the smiling faces at the Sarova Tent Camp.
In fact, not once (and we were looking for it) did we see anyone not smile or fail to greet us with a friendly Jambo. From the front desk staff, to the wake up service to the groundskeepers. Being our introduction to Kenya, they truly helped us ease into the swing of things.
AFter check in, we were escorted to our rooms/tents. What an amazing place this was! Designed to resemble camping in the bush and set back, amidst thick plantings in expansive grounds, you walk through a series of well manicured paths, past the main lodge/dining area and beautiful gardens to your designated tent.
After dinner & coffee, we retired to the central bar area where there was a fire going in an open pit. Nights can cool down in the Mara, even in October and we sat around warming up, reflecting on the day and swapping stories with other guests over wine and liqueur.
A very talented guitar player with a wonderful voice sang background music until we all drifted off, one by one to our tents for the night.
The canvas tents are cleverly designed, under permanent roof structures made of weather proofed materials such as hard wood and atop of solidly built concrete flooring offering you a comfortable, dry night's sleep.
The beds (Queen sized) are amazingly comfortable (although they appeared hard at first). The only drawback, if any, is the lack of good pillows. I would offer a thicker as well as an addirional pillow per person. Two pillows are always better than one in my book!
Bathrooms are spacious, modern and well equipped with large walk in shower. We had heard that hot water could be a problem in some of these camps but not once did we have a problem with hot water. In fact, our women travelers took rather long showers on the first 2 nights and they also verified that they had not run out.
Dinners consist of HUGE selections from salads and pastas to soups, breads and casseroles.
Fresh vegetables, roasted meats, including beef, lamb, chicken and fish are a nightly staple.
Breakfasts are also a huge deal consisting of cereals, fresh fruits, yogurt, granola, breads and pastries of all types.
An egg station as well as local and British/American dishes are served in chafing dishes.
Local African dishes such as beans, curries and accompanying breads with which to soak them up are also a popular fare.
Lunch again, includes similar dishes to those at dinner minus the grill.
Additionally, a 4:00pm Tea Ceremony is held before the evening game drive serving hot tea, Kenya Coffee, assorted cakes and cookies.
Early morning game drives (those commencing at dawn - or, 5:30am) are also provided with hot coffee/tea and cakes to tide you over until your return in time for the real breakfast.
We never once went hungry!!!
All in all, this to us was an ideal way to either start or end your ideal Kenya vacation. Leave a Comment Theme: HotelPrice: US$120-180 » Currency ConverterComparison: about averageAddress: Masai Mara Game ReserveDirections: Bordering Tanzania and famous for the annual migratory route of millions of Wildebeest, Zebras, Gazelles and other hoofed mammals.Website: http://www.sarovahotels.com/mara/index.php
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We stayed for three nights in the tented camp. The tent is very luxurious, with a normal bed, cupboards and an adjoining bathroom with toilet and shower. The bathroompart is made of stone.
Our tent was located at the end of the path next to the fence. We did see a hyena and three buffalo on the other side of the fence.
As electricity is generator powered there is no electricity in the camp between 16:00 and 18:00, when everybody is on a gamedrive, and between 24:00 and 4:00 at night.
Ofcourse all meals are inclusive as you cannot get out of the camp to get to another restaurant. All meals are in buffet style, and the buffets are just great! Don't forget to leave some room for desserts, the dessertbuffet was one of my favorite things.....
The camp is built in a natural surrounding and it feels like walking in the jungle when you go to your tent from the restaurant area. Monkeys and birds are all over the camp.
When you want to relax, there is a great poolarea to do so. Leave a Comment
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Nice place. I think there are 15 huge tents.
Own toilets, showers. Each has a porch to
relax on! You have the TALEK RIVER next to the camp. They have a observation post
where you watch the SUN SETS! Great sky line out into the MASAI-MARA! The host's,
TINA & LARZ manage the camp. They work with the local MASAI TRIBE there to work the camp. Take care of the vistors. Really a bit to say. Will put more as I go.
ps, How do you like my THRONE??
Games drives, Game walks, Night drives.
They can set up BALLOON RIDES!! Too much for me! Peaceful place. You get the solo
BABOON come running through camp! Leave a Comment Theme: CampgroundAddress: MASAI-MARA
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You must see for yourself! But if you don't
want the sleeping bag thing. Stay at DREAM CAMP! If you need nore info for this. E-MAIL
me! I will help with whatever I can. When you stay at the MASAI-MARA. You really need at
least a 4night stay! The camp hands will
pick you up at the air-strip! You do a game drive along the way! They will also bring you back! On my last 2002 safari. I stayed with
my crew at the public campsite near by
DREAM CAMP. We went for a visit there to see
my old friends!! Had a TUSKER BEER and
laughed till we had to leave for our drive!
Well, this is it for the safari of OCT/2001!
On back to NAIROBI!
Just stay here. Get a hold of me I'll help!
PS, try not to bring so much JUNK with you!! Leave a Comment Theme: CampgroundAddress: MASAI-MARA
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Set in the Oloolaimutia valley the lodge blends in perfetly with its surrounding hillside landscape. The accent here is on the Masai people and the fabulous wealth of wildlife, birdlife, and natural flora to be found in the fabled Masai Mara Game Reserve.
Beautiful garden with nice pool area.
Every room has a private, elevated verandah with splendid views across the valley and on which guests can relax, sunbathe and watch resident birds and wildlife.
Daily spectacle: every night the cooks feed the hyena's and the jackals. Leave a Comment
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Hope where ever you stay you have some good sites. Either wild animals or SKULLS!
The MASAI courtyard next to camp had some skulls. Left over from the 1995 DROUGHT!
DEADLY!! This HUGE BULL didn't even have a chance! I will give him a T-L!
I saw him again in 2004
E-mail me if you think about visiting! Leave a Comment Theme: CampgroundAddress: TALEK RIVER CAMP
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I had my own TENT. My tour op. worked it out for me. I don't believe it costs that much to stay here. You can spend $500.00 or $600.00 a day at some camps and lodges!! Thats not for me. I don't need that! But this place, after being there almost 3weeks. It's
a good place end up with.
I had tent #8!! I am very lucky!! Leave a Comment Theme: CampgroundAddress: MASAI-MARA
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Two nice beds!! After a tough sleeping on the ground safari. It did feel good. But if I had to make a choice. It would be in a sleeping bag.
But thats me. Can you tell a guy made that bed!
They take all the credit cards here. They have a nice bar. Those GAME WALKS & NIGHT
DRIVES are extra. Not inside the reserve. But
you will catch pics of wildlife where they take you! Along side the dining area facing the MARA. They have a fire pit. You just relax talk about the days events ect. But, the one thing I missed here. Were the huge camp fires I am used to. Leave a Comment Theme: CampgroundAddress: MASAI-MARA
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