Mara Nyika Camp: Relais & Châteaux / Photography gear
One of the most compelling facts about Mara Nyika Camp is its focus on photography. The safari vehicles are custom-designed with photographers in mind, featuring lower sills, photographic bars, and specialized mounts. The “Treehouse” design also serves a functional purpose; by elevating the guest areas, the camp creates a minimal physical footprint while maximizing the natural airflow and views, making it one of the most aesthetically unique camps in Africa.
Quick Facts: Mara Nyika Camp at a Glance
Category | Details |
Location | Naboisho Conservancy, Greater Masai Mara, Kenya |
Accommodation | 4 Luxury Guest Suites, 1 Two-Bedroom Family Suite, 1 Sambuk Suite |
Sustainability | Solar-powered, biogas energy, Great Plains Foundation support |
Primary Wildlife | Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Elephants, Wild Dogs |
Unique Feature | Elevated wooden walkways and "Treehouse" canvas aesthetic |
Activities | Day/Night game drives, Walking safaris, Cultural visits |
Accommodation: Living Above the Savannah
The architecture of Mara Nyika Camp is designed to evoke the spirit of early explorers while providing modern, Relais & Châteaux-recognized luxury. The suites are elevated on wooden platforms, connected by a network of raised walkways. This design not only protects the delicate ground vegetation but also gives guests a panoramic view of the plains from a “treehouse” perspective.
Each guest suite spans approximately 1,000 square feet and features:
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Spacious Interiors: Light beige canvas, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling netted windows.
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En-suite Bathrooms: Featuring deep copper bathtubs and indoor showers.
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Professional Gear: Every suite comes equipped with high-quality binoculars and a professional Canon camera kit (including 100-400mm lenses) for guest use during their stay.
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The Sambuk Suite: For those seeking ultimate seclusion, this two-bedroom villa includes a private chef, butler, and dedicated safari vehicle.
Sustainability: A Conservation-First Model
Owned by Great Plains Conservation—founded by National Geographic explorers Dereck and Beverly Joubert—Mara Nyika Camp is a leader in eco-tourism. The camp operates almost entirely on solar power and has recently integrated biogas units to convert organic food waste into clean cooking energy.
Furthermore, every night spent at the camp directly contributes to the community. The conservancy model supports over 500 Maasai families through land lease fees and employment, ensuring that the local people are the primary stakeholders in protecting the wildlife corridor.
Primary Wildlife: Big Cat Country
Naboisho is world-renowned for its high density of lions. It is home to several massive prides, some numbering over 20 individuals. Because Mara Nyika Camp is situated in a private conservancy, the guides have the flexibility to track animals off-road, providing guests with front-row seats to spectacular hunts or quiet moments with leopard cubs.
Beyond the Big Five, the area is a vital sanctuary for the endangered African Wild Dog. Birders will also find paradise here, with rare species like the Pygmy Falcon and Von der Decken’s Hornbill frequently spotted near the camp.
Activities: Beyond the Standard Drive
While traditional game drives are the cornerstone of the experience, Mara Nyika Camp offers a diverse range of ways to engage with the wild:
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Night Game Drives: Unlike the National Reserve, Naboisho allows for exploration after dark using filtered spotlights to find nocturnal hunters like aardvarks and honey badgers.
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Guided Bush Walks: Experience the savannah on foot with an expert Maasai guide, learning about animal tracks, medicinal plants, and the “Little Five.”
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Cultural Exchanges: Visit local Maasai manyattas (villages) to learn about traditional beadwork, livestock management, and the community’s deep connection to the land.
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Hot Air Ballooning: Drift over the Mara at dawn for a bird’s-eye view of the migration, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.
