Mahali Mzuri 4*

Mahali Mzuri means 'beautiful place' in Swahili, and we hope you agree! Mahali Mzuri is Sir Richard Branson’s 12-tented luxury safari camp located in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy in the wider Maasai Mara ecosystem in Kenya.

Due to Mahali Mzuri's excellent location on the Kenyan plains, you’ll have a front row seat, not just to the annual great migration, but also to the abundant game you can see all year round. During our twice daily game drives, you will have the opportunity to see lions, wildebeest, elephants, giraffes and cheetahs, but that's just for starters!

At Mahali Mzuri, our super stylish tented suites make for the perfect retreat during your stay. We can cater for up to 24 guests in the camp at any one time, so you are peace and quiets as well as guaranteed excellent customer service at all times.

Mahali Mzuri was voted as the 'Favourite Safari Camp' at the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Reader's Choice Awards in 2016!

Are you ready for the start of your Kenyan adventure at Mahali Mzuri? Game viewing is naturally the number 1 activity guests at Mahali Mzuri enjoy the most. Who wouldn't want to witness the thrill of a hunt or see a baby warthog rolling in the sand? However, if you have time, make sure to head-out on a local Maasai community tour or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment.

In the safari camp itself, each couple will share one of our 12 luxury tents, each complete with ensuite bathroom, private deck and breath-taking views. In the centre of the 12 tents is the Main Tent. Here you will find our relaxing lounge with an open fireplace and a large decked area where breakfast and lunch will be served. Just a short distance from the Main tent is our 12-metre infinity swimming pool, big enough for a leisurely swim or a refreshing dip.

Mahali Mzuri is about 240km almost due west of Nairobi, Kenya

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. Both scheduled and charter airlines operate from Wilson Airport and flights to the region take about 1 hour. There are two airstrips close to Mahali Mzuri. The first is the Olare Orok airstrip which is the smaller of the two airstrips and is approximately 25 minutes’ drive from the camp. The second is the Mara North airstrip where the journey by vehicle to the camp is roughly one hour’s drive. 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 Doha. 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.

The tents

Your tent is your window onto some of the world’s most 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. 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 who are 15 years and under. We can cater for a maximum of 24 guests in the camp at any one time.

Main Tent

The central Main Tent features a relaxing lounge area with an open fireplace, a library of books, iPads for guest use, iPod docking stations and speaker systems, a games console and a TV/DVD player for those who wish to keep in touch with the news or sport. There is a large decked area where breakfast and lunch will be served and a communal table inside able to seat a total of 24 guests. We also have binoculars available for guests (although it’s a good idea to bring your own!) and a telescope for stargazing. Just a short distance from the Main Tent is our infinity edged pool, big enough for a leisurely swim or a refreshing dip.

SA FA R I

GAME VIEWING

Anyone who’s been on safari before knows that no two game drives are ever the same! Safaris in Kenya are filled to the brim with exciting wildlife sightings as well as romantic scenery and dramatic views. Wild animals roaming the Kenyan plains include wildebeest, elephants, zebra, lions, leopards, cheetah, giraffe, impala and gazelles, but that’s just for starters. The abundant animal life in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy is quite simply jaw-dropping, and you won’t need to go far to see some unforgettable sights. Our twice daily game drives unfold all the drama on your doorstep and you’ll be in the hands of our experienced Guides with a front row seat.

THE MIGRATION

Known as one of the seven ‘new’ wonders of the world, the annual Great Migration, or Great Wildebeest Migration to be more accurate, is truly breath-taking. The wildebeest and accompanying zebra, gazelle, eland and topi make up the bulk of the migration, but they aren’t the only players. Lions, hyenas, leopards and other predators take full advantage of the passing buffet and exploit every opportunity in search of a decent meal! Some of the highlights are being immersed in the mass of wildlife - a truly intimate experience amidst this astonishing natural spectacle. This is a key time for wildebeests to breed, and incredibly, a newly born wildebeest will be on its feet and walking around within 3 minutes, running with the herd within 5 minutes, and able to outrun a predator shortly thereafter! The best time to view the migration will depend on the climatic conditions that year, but in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy you can expect to see the herds arrive anytime from July to September, departing around November for the return journey to the Serengeti in Tanzania.

FAMILIES

CHILDREN ON SAFARI

We welcome children aged 6 years old and above at Mahali Mzuri. Children of all ages must be under parental supervision at all times whilst in camp and must be at least 6 years old to participate in the daily game drives and accompanied by their parents. Children sharing a room with at least one adult are charged 50% of the adult rate per person per night. Additional adults (aged 16 or over) sharing a tent will be charged 75% of the per person per night applicable rate.

FAMILIES

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. Special food and beverages or simple snacks and light meals can be prepared according to your child’s tastes.

LITTLE WARRIORS

At Mahali Mzuri children aged 6-15 are definitely welcome and we can make sure they’re busy during their stay. We know each ‘little warrior’ is different, so we do not operate a set programme. Instead we offer a fantastic range of activities that we tailor to each child or group. All Little Warriors will be given a backpack which contains lots of little goodies to help keep them entertained and to educate them about the African Bush. Also for their safety, we have security guards on duty all night that will pay particular attention to tents occupied by Little Warriors.

COMMUNITY TOURS

MAASAI COMMUNITY

EXPERIENCE

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. 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.

DURING YOUR VISIT YOU

CAN EXPECT TO:

•Learn how the houses are built (by the women of the village) and how responsibilities are divided amongst families

•Have a guided tour of a traditional house and the all-important holding area for the cattle

•Pet any new-born lamb and goats – a favourite for any younger guests

•Help milk the cattle if you’re visiting at dawn. At dusk you can watch the men herd the cattle, goats and sheep into the safety of the enclosure overnight

•Be invited for tea in one of the houses. In Maasai culture it is seen as a blessing to have many people in your house so guests are joined by others including the matriarch of the community and some of the children

•Have a basic lesson in Maa (the Maasai language)

DINING

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 can cater for those with special dietary needs so just let us know in advance and we’ll do our best to have exactly what you need. 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. At breakfast a continental buffet will be served with hot dishes available à la carte, and guests 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 guests can order from the à la carte menu. Dinner could be around a large communal table out in the bush or if preferred, somewhere private just for two!

SPA TREATMENTS

SPA TREATMENTS

Our spa treatment room is located in a secluded spot, a short walk from the Main Tent and where we offer eco-friendly treatments using the Africology range of products made from 100% essential oils and natural plant extracts. From facials to massages to those all important grooming rituals, a whole range of treatments are available. We use a range of ethical skin care products from Africology which capture the rejuvenating and healing essences of Africa. Please note that spa treatments are available for an additional charge.

Orinka stick massage

A deep tissue and stress relieving treatment. Skilful movements are performed with the hands and different sized wooden sticks are used to stretch tight muscles and ease toxic overload from daily stress.

Devotion Journey Couples Experience

We have created a sacred space filled with divine intention, to enable you to share your spiritual journey with each other. Side by side we will work on your aching muscles, total relaxation for 2!

Subject to availability.

Africology Bespoke Treatment

Our bespoke treatments are the ultimate luxury. After a full consultation with your therapist a tailor-made experience is customised, using a combination of body therapy or skincare to indulge in your every need. Simply choose your length of treatment time and allow us to intuitively work with your body and relax your state of mind.

African Goddess Facial

Begin with the mentally relaxing notes of the Tibetan chime, followed by a warm scrub and balm infused back massage to create a relaxed state of mind. Paired with our de-stressing cell renewal facial, rich in natural oils that deeply hydrates and connects you to the goddess within.