Encounter Mara
Situated on the edge of the savannah under the shade of acacia trees, Encounter Mara is a 10-tent camp within the Mara Naboisho Conservancy, bordering the famed Masai Mara reserve in southwest Kenya.
The conservancy is known for its prolific wildlife and award-winning sustainability model that balances the needs of local communities, wildlife and tourism. It has an even higher density of animals than the neighbouring Masai Mara National Reserve and one of the world’s most concentrated lion populations.
From the camp’s outdoor viewing deck, guests can watch zebras amble to the nearby saltlick, see a giraffe strut right past camp, glimpse a mongoose running down the path right in front of you or even spot a cheetah prowling the plains. Over sundowners around the campfire, listen for lions calling to each other as they start their night of hunting. From Encounter Mara, guests can go on nature walks around camp, or soar across the plains in a hot-air balloon.
The camp is set in the shade of a thick forest with sweeping views out onto the traditional savannah that makes up much of the conservancy. There are 10 tents including 1 family tent and 2 triples. Each tent has en-suite bathrooms, flushing toilets, and hot-water safari bucket showers.
One of the best things about staying at Encounter Mara is the exclusivity and freedom of the conservancy. Unlike camps in the Masai Mara National Reserve, Asilia can offer a greater choice of activities in addition to game drives – from nature walks to night drives.
Game drives
Game drives are offered twice daily one in the morning at 06h30 and one in the late afternoon at 16h30. The game drives are done in the conservancy as well as the adjoining Maasai Mara Reserve. In the conservancy, off-road driving is permitted – this gives you the liberty to explore every hidden valley and secret corner.
Night drives
Night Game drives are offered in the conservancy as well as the adjoining Maasai Mara Reserve. In the conservancy, off-road driving is permitted – this gives you the liberty to explore every hidden valley and secret corners and also gives the opportunity to spot some of Kenya’s famous ‘nightlife’.
Culture and community visits
The majority of Encounter Mara’s guides are drawn from the local Maasai communities and are landowners in the conservancy. They are always eager to share their culture and way of life with interested guests, and visits to nearby villages and homesteads are easily arranged. (at an additional cost).
Hot-air balloon safaris
This is a romantic and evocative way to experience the wilderness of East Africa. Nothing can beat the feeling of gliding silently over the game-filled plains on a balloon safari, as the early-morning sun rises over the horizon. (at an additional cost).
Photographic safaris
Neighbouring Naboisho Camp is home to one of our specially modified photographic vehicles. The open vehicle allows keen amateurs and professional photographers alike to shoot at eye level with wildlife. It is equipped with all the gear to ensure award-winning shots — from beanbags and camera rests to 360° swivel seats.
For more information about Encounter Mara click HERE.
