The professional Canon camera set and Swarovski binoculars available to each guest sets the tone for Mara Nyika: this is a camp for travellers who are looking for an undiluted visual wildlife experience. Tucked under grand thorn trees and located on the privately managed Naboisho Conservancy, Mara Nyika gives its guests the advantage of exploring the famous Masai Mara but in exclusive comfort, right down to the luxurious viewing vehicle and 1 000 square feet (93 square metres) suite.
Part of the Great Plains Conservation group and open all year, the camp has a good pedigree. Drawing on the expertise of legendary wildlife film-makers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, Mara Nyika lies not only in an exceptionally rich wildlife area but also on the path of the Great Migration, when tens of thousands of wildebeest arrive onto the Naboisho plains. The emphasis is firmly on the game viewing with morning and afternoon game drives but expect all-day safaris (with a gourmet picnic lunch) if the viewing is exceptional. Moreover, a further advantage of a private location is that you can end your game viewing with a spot-lit night drive, a great chance to catch Africa’s elusive nocturnal animals on the prowl.
There are only five tented suites at camp, with an additional guide’s tent if required. The intimate and personalised service at camp lends Mara Nyika a suitable ambience for romantic travel but the camp also welcomes families with children over the age of eight and would make a great option for an exclusive booking. Solar power provides electric light and recharging facilities and there is even Wi-Fi in your room. Hot-air ballooning and a visit to a local Maasai community are available at an extra cost.