Overview
As you'd expect from a member of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Limited Edition collection, Mahali Mzuri safari camp in the Maasai Mara in Kenya is one of the slickest safari camps you're likely to come across. In a private conservation area, which is approximately an hour's flight due west of Nairobi, it's right in the heart of the wildlife-rich plains, ensuring wildlife aplenty, with a high chance of spotting the stars of the show.
Accomodation
This may not be camping as you know it - this is not even boutique camping, but something far superior. A crop of just 12 stylish, space-age structures on the lush green hillside, the luxury tents boast wooden floors, a plush en-suite bathroom, heaps of living space and a raised patio with a view of the bush and beyond. You'll have access to the luxe facilities, which include the dining area, a 12-metre infinity pool with a sunbathing deck and the Nasaro spa treatment room offering Africology treatments.
Twice daily, you'll hop into a 4x4 Land Cruiser with your experienced guide and explore the wild beauty of the 13,500 hectares of game land. This is a truly intimate experience with uninterrupted views of the animals, plus drinks on hand to toast the sunrise or sunset.
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
Tents
Your tent is your window onto some of the world's more spectacular scenery. Each of our 12 luxurious tents is designed to be your home away from home throughout your stay, with an ensuite bathroom, inviting private deck and views you won't want to miss. You've heard of glamping but this isn't camping as you know it! Our 12 tented suites are super stylish and unlike any tents you've ever experienced.
There are six tents on either side of the Main Tent, each accessible by a walkway, the furthest of which is approximately a 5 minute walk from the Main Tent. Ten of the 12 tents are designed to sleep two adults and all can be split into twin beds. Two tents are configured to accommodate two additional guests. We can cater for a maximum of 24 guests in the camp at any one time.
Living & Dining Areas
Relax in our Main Tent that features an open but snuggly lounge area with fireplace, a library of books, iPads, iPod docking stations and speaker systems, a games console and a TV/DVD.
Comfort & Amenities
| Confort | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 Air-conditioning |
Bed linen |
Pool towels |
Toiletries |
|
Towels |
| Equipments | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Full Kitchen |
| High-Tech | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Satellite TV |
Wi-Fi access |
| Outdoor | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Beach chair |
Outdoor dining |
Outdoor furniture |
Spa |
| Security | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Safe |
| Services | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Activities and excursions |
All meals |
Breakfast |
Cocktail on arrival |
|
Transfers |
Wine card |
| Services extra | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Activities and excursions |
Car |
Fulltime personal use car |
Massages |
|
Spa treatment |
| Staff | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Chef |
Concierge |
Maid Service |
Pool Attendant |
|
Villa Manager |
Staff & Services
We believe in making a difference at Mahali Mzuri and we're committed
to ensuring our core brand values translate into the best possible
experience for our guests. This means making sure that they get value
for money, brilliant customer service, and of course have fun while
they're with us!
Customer service to us means always being
professional and honest - our employees are empowered to make decisions
and monitoring customer feedback to vital to make sure we continually
improve the customer experience. Even the little things count, like the
delicious brownie box when you leave Ulusaba so you can take a taste of
the Bush home with you.
Taking care of the environment is also
high on our agenda. Mahali Mzuri is committed to sustainable
development and respecting the local community and environment in which
we operate. If you'd like to read more about our sustainable
initiatives.
Pool
The villas boasts a comunity a 12 meters outdoor infinity pool.
Location
We're located within the Motorogi Conservancy in the northern region of Kenya's famous Maasai Mara ecosystem at an elevation of 1700m above sea level. The camp is perched on the side of a lush valley with views over the rolling plains. Together the Motorogi and Olare Orok Conservancies cover roughly 13,500 hectares (33,000 acres) and there are strict limits on the number of guests that can stay at any one time. The camp is well placed to observe the abundant game in the area and also to take advantage of the annual 'Great Migration', which sees up to one million wildebeest undertake a journey of roughly 1,600km.
Getting Here
Mahali Mzuri is about 240km almost due west of Nairobi and the best way to arrive is by plane from the city's Wilson Airport which serves domestic destinations within Kenya. We can arrange transfers between the international and domestic airports for you.
A number of domestic airlines are based at Nairobi-Wilson Airport and most provide scheduled flights to the region which take about 1 hour. The two companies operating flights to the principle airstrip, Mara North, are Safarilink and Air Kenya. A smaller airstrip at Olare Orok is served by flights operated by Governor's Aviation - please ask when booking about all the available options.
From the Mara North airstrip the journey by vehicle to the camp is roughly one hour's drive. Special charter flights can also be arranged on request if the scheduled times don't suit you and these flights can land at the private airstrip in the conservancy, roughly 20 minutes' drive from camp.
If you're feeling adventurous we can arrange a private helicopter transfer which can land right at our front door.
The main international airport in Nairobi, Kenya's capital is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, with daily direct flights from the main European hubs: London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam.
There are also daily arrivals from Johannesburg in South Africa as well as from hubs in the Middle East including Dubai and Qatar.
Flights from Europe take on average just over 8 hours and those connecting from the USA will need to travel via one of the cities above.
Virtually all visitors to Kenya will need a visa to enter the country. UK and Irish citizens travelling to Kenya can apply for their visa in advance online using the Kenyan e-visa portal: www.ecitizen.go.ke. Visas are generally issued within two working days. E-Visa Kiosks will be available throughout September and October 2015 at Jomo Kenyatta airport and will allow passengers to apply for their visa on arrival. Please note that the e-visa system only accepts Debit cards and is roughly US$51 per person.
Visitors are also required to have at least two blank pages in their passport which must be valid for 6 months beyond your expected departure date from Kenya. As advice can change on a regular basis we recommend you check with the advice issued by your government's State Department or Foreign Office before you set off on your journey.
Activities
The thrill of going on game drive is difficult to top, so our advice is try and soak up the views from all the sharing spaces and sit back and take in the view, keep your binoculars handy as you never know what you'll spot! Relax in our Main Tent that features an open but snuggly lounge area with fireplace.
Take a dip in the outdoor infinity pool and soak in the views or just relax with a drink from the bar. At night you can explore the night sky with our telescope ? on a clear night you can see for miles!
Community tours
If you're looking for more action after your game drives, we've got lots to keep you busy. We can organise community trips to teach you about the local Maasai Tribe whose traditional pastoralist customs are still very much in practice.
Game drives at night!
Game drives in the evening open up a whole new world with the chance to see predominantly nocturnal game including aardvarks and honey badgers. Full day excursions with a packed lunch give us the flexibility to really explore the conservancies, and for the curious we can also organise day trips to the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Available on request
- Private Vehicles are available and can be pre-booked subject to availability (additional coast)
- Guide accommodation is available, subject to availability (additional coast)
- Hot air ballooning
- Day trips to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, however additional park fees apply when your stay falls outside our high season dates
While you're staying at Mahali Mzuri you're welcome to visit one of the Maasai villages in the local area to get a flavour for daily life in the Mara. The village is only 10 minutes' drive from Mahali Mzuri and the best times to go are first thing in the morning when you can help milk the cattle or in the evening when the cattle, goats and sheep are being herded back to their enclosures for the night.
The local school is a further 5 minute drive from the village. This is where the Maasai children aged 3-15 years attend. You are welcome to visit the school, please let your guide know in advanced of your trip.Your Guides at Mahali Mzuri will take you on a tour and introduce you to their families while explaining some of the cultures and traditions.
Spa Treatments
What better way to relax than at Nasaro - which literally means 'refuge' or 'relaxation' in Maa - the local language.
Nasaro is located down near the valley floor and provides a private, intimate setting in which to be pampered. We use a range of products from Africology ethical skin care products to capture the rejuvenating and healing essences of Africa.
A whole range of treatments are available, from facials to massages to those essential grooming rituals. Below are just a sample of what we have to offer. Spa treatments are available for an additional charge.
Services included
There are 12 luxury tented suites at Mahali Mzuri catering for a maximum of 24 guests at any one time. Ten of the suites can be configured with either king or twin beds and two of the suites are four poster king size beds designed to accommodate up to two additional children on sofa beds in the living room.
- Daily game drives and game drives at night in 13,500 hectares!
- All meals and drinks (including alcoholic beverages)
- Unlimited access to the exclusive Olare Motorogi Conservancy
- Transfers from the Mara North airstrip
- Visits to the local markets
- Complimentary wireless internet available throughout the camp
- Laundry service (dry cleaning not available)
- All taxes and local levies
Additional Notes
Families
Although children of all ages are welcome, we recommend our younger visitors be aged 6 or older when staying at Mahali Mzuri to make the most of their experience. Children must be at least 6 years old to participate in the daily game drives and accompanied by their parents.We have two tents which are able to accommodate additional guests in a separate enclosed sitting room. We have children's books, games and kites, plus a TV, DVD player and games console for extra entertainment. We would be delighted to organise tailored activities to further educate our younger guests on their African surroundings and the local wildlife. Babysitting can be arranged but please advise at the time of booking if this may be required. Special food and beverages or simple snacks and light meals can be prepared according to your child's tastes.
Dining
Our chefs have developed numerous pan-African dishes influenced by a variety of cultures, flavours and spices. Whether dining under the African sky in the open bush, on a deck or in the dining tent, our menus and meals promise to be exciting, social and inspirational.From bush BBQs to champagne picnics to sundowners our team will treat you to a wide selection of African and international menus. All our breads and pastries are baked daily and we also cater for private meals and special occasions.
We use locally-sourced produce, flavours and spices to deliver something truly memorable. All meals and drinks including alcohol and our finest champagne are included in your stay and guests are welcome to help themselves to whatever they want at any time.
If you have any special dietary requirements just let us know before you arrive and we'll make sure we can cater for these.
Wining and dining
At breakfast a continental buffet will be served with hot dishes available à la carte, and you'll typically share tables ? it's a great time to chat with your fellow travellers about the wildlife you saw earlier that morning. Lunch is normally served on the main deck with individual tables and you can order from the à la carte menu. If you fancy lunch by the pool or on your private deck our team can organise whatever you like. In the evenings dinner could be around a large communal table, out in the bush or somewhere private just for two!
SPA
What better way to relax than at Nasaro - which literally means 'refuge' or 'relaxation' in Maa - the local language.Nasaro is located down near the valley floor and provides a private, intimate setting in which to be pampered. We use a range of products from Africology ethical skin care products to capture the rejuvenating and healing essences of Africa.
A whole range of treatments are available, from facials to massages to those essential grooming rituals. Below are just a sample of what we have to offer. Spa treatments are available for an additional charge.
LaiBon's Healing Journey
A gentle and warm rose quartz and Amethyst crystal massage that releases pent up energy likely to cause muscular stress. A beautiful way of balancing the body's energy centres, to create optimum health and well-being.
Africology Shea Aromatherapeutics
Choose one of our easy melting Shea balms from Ghana, that are blended with African potato, Rooibos, and a selection of Neroli, Chamomile, Jasmine or Black Pepper essential oils. When massaged into the body the balms deeply hydrate the skin while the aromatherapy and scalp massage soothes the mind.
Africology Body Experience
This experience starts with a full body exfoliation to prepare the skin for a choice of one of our all active body masks. Our therapeutic range includes Coffee and Mint to invigorate, African potato for superior hydration and anti ageing or our Detox to stimulate and purify. To complete this body cleanse we nourish the skin with one of our herbal body oils, while the mind drifts to the background sounds of Africa.
Africology Repair Facial
This wonderfully deep cleansing and regenerating facial looks at the skin holistically, working to maintain balance and a healthy radiance. Therapeutic serums that treat the appropriate skin conditions are then custom blended to give the skin what it needs.
Groups at Mahali Mzuri
Hire Mahali Mzuri exclusively for anniversary celebrations, birthdays or any type of gathering where you might like the place to yourselves! Exclusive use of Mahali Mzuri is quoted per night for use of all 12 tents and facilities. Exclusive use rates usually apply when booking seven or more tents.Celebrations
We would be delighted to organise a special Maasai blessing - a wonderful ceremony for newlyweds and those wishing to renew their vows. We love the colour and joy of a traditional Maasai blessing and are delighted that you are considering Mahali Mzuri for this special occasion.Our priority is you, your partner and your guests (if you choose to invite them) and ensuring that your day is all you had hoped for. We can arrange everything from intimate ceremonies just for the two of you or larger celebrations for your nearest and dearest. Tell us what you're dreaming of and we'll tailor your special day.
Romance
What could be more perfect than a romantic escape to the remote Kenyan bush? With its 12 luxury tented suites Mahali Mzuri offers a magical and unique setting where couples can spend some private moments together. The mix of an exciting safari packed with wildlife sightings and adventure along with gourmet meals, fine wines and pampering guarantees an unforgettable getaway.Our romance offer includes all the following:
- 3 nights' accommodation in a luxury tented suite with extra nights available
- All food and beverages including unlimited champagne
- Twice daily game drives
- A fruit basket and champagne in the room on arrival
- Our Nasaro Devotional Journey (60 minute couples spa experience)
- Lovers' Picnic private lunch on a day of your choice - your guide will whisk you away to a secluded location!
- Private dinner on the last evening with your own personal butler
- Transfers from the nearest airstrip
- Wireless internet throughout the camp
- Laundry service
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