Mara Maisha Camp

Set 4.5 kilometres from Talek Gate, on the eastern edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Mara Maisha Camp puts guests within easy reach of the reserve's grasslands without pitching inside them. The camp runs to a hundred self-contained tents, built to sleep singles, twins, doubles, triples and families, each with a flush toilet, hot shower, mosquito net and writing desk. Beds are made locally from bush logs. It is a large camp by Mara standards, but the tents keep their own footing along the site, screened by canvas and carpet underfoot against the chill of early starts. Meals are taken in an open-terraced restaurant facing the sunrise and sunset, with vegetables and fruit grown on the camp's own farm. A fireplace in the bar takes the edge off cold nights, stocked with local and imported spirits alongside chilled beer and juice. Beyond the tents, guests can arrange game drives into the reserve, visits to a Maasai manyatta, tree planting, cultural dances, horse riding or a hot air balloon flight over the plains at dawn. A heated pool and a small spa cover the days between drives. Wi-Fi reaches the tents, and security runs around the clock. The camp's position near Talek Gate keeps transfer times short and puts the reserve's wildlife corridors close at hand.