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The latest addition to the portfolio of luxury camps from wildlife conservationists and filmmakers Derek and Beverly Joubert is an intimate safari stay with canvas suites and thoughtful, nature-inspired touches.
Place
On the banks of the Natiaktiaq River in the northern part of kenyaMaasai Mara National Reserve, Mara Toto Tree Camp blends so well with its environment that it is almost impossible to spot from the outside.
The camp can be reached via a one-hour drive followed by a 45-minute flight from Nairobi Wilson Airport to the Maasai Mara Reserve. The hotel can send a private Great Plains Safari vehicle to pick you up.
Once you’ve settled into bed, in addition to the National Reserve, you also have the lesser-visited Marae North Conservancy to explore.
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stretch
Connected by suspended walkways, the hotel gives an adventurous feel, and is built around a grove of ebony trees.
WiFi is available in the suites, but your time would be better spent sitting at a writing desk recording wildlife encounters in a journal, or soaking in the tub while listening to hippos splash in the river. Save posting to Instagram for when you’re back in town.
Service
The service is impeccable and personal. Guests are provided with dedicated staff to cater to their every whim, including running stunning bubble baths to coincide with your return after an evening safari drive or having coffee delivered with your wake up call.
With abundant knowledge on the flora and fauna of the Mara, the safari guides are the best in the business.
bed and bath
Constructed of canvas and wood, four tented suites are located on decks high in the tree canopy. Although you still get the pleasant camping feeling (my suite had a tree running through it), there is no discomfort when sleeping in a four-poster wrapped in mosquito net.
Bespoke wooden furniture reflects the “up in the treetops” theme, as do artisan-crafted accessories (how I loved the lampshades made from seedpods).
The veranda is perfect for wildlife watching (keep the tent closed to prevent vervet monkeys from coming inside).
Since the walls are made of mesh canvas, you feel completely at one with the environment, even when lying on the bed with a thoughtfully placed hot water bottle.
You’ll find Beverley Joubert’s photography books in your living room and Sweet Dreams sleep spray, made by a women’s cooperative in Nairobi, near the bed.
The most inspired touch is the loan of a professional DSLR camera and lens set, with all images downloaded onto a USB stick for you to take home.
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Food and Drink
Dining takes place on a large wooden deck, where you’ll also find a fire pit to relax in while exchanging after-dinner stories.
The food is seasonal, local, organic, and while there is always meat on the menu, chef John Mack’s plant-based dishes often take center stage. For lunch, think roasted cauliflower and chickpea salad, butternut squash, beets and creamy feta, and fresh flatbread with tzatziki.
Wonderful breakfast packed with picnics for early morning game drives (even bacon and eggs) and special dietary requests are catered for (my wish for gluten-free bread was fulfilled). no problem,
Opening the lid of the silver tiffin box while enjoying the sunset on a game drive in the evening is a daily highlight. The house-made Parmesan straws and plantain chips proved to be a crowd favorite. The camp also has an extensive wine cellar, and cocktails are made to order.
facilities
There’s no gym here, but each suite comes with light weights, a yoga mat, and a stationary exercise bicycle. There’s plenty of room to work out on your private deck. Spa treatments in the suites can be booked upon request.
Adjacent to the dining area is a beautiful lounge and library and a bijoux safari boutique. Its Great Plains clothing range is hard to resist; The epitome of safari chic.
Safari vehicles are open top and sides, offering 300-degree views, and are always private, never shared. Other activities include guided early-morning birding walks, and hot air balloon rides at sunrise (from £340 per person).
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simple use
The camp has no built-in facilities to make it more accessible. Staff will provide assistance wherever possible.
pet policy
no pets allowed.
check in check out
Check-in after 10am, check-out after 9am (timings are flexible as per availability).
family friendly?
Families with children over six years of age are welcome. The Explorers Program organizes lessons in kid-friendly activities such as bug safaris and animal tracking.
at a glance
Best thing: A private 300-degree safari experience with knowledgeable guides.
Perfect for: Those who love nature – but also want some luxuries.
Not suitable for: All who desire mod-cons.
From Instagram: Fire pit and giraffe strolling by as the sun sets.
Address: Mara Toto Tree Camp, Masai Mara, NA, Kenya.
Website: bestplainsconservation.com
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