Emboo River Camp

Emboo's revamped main area is a classic Meru-style, open-sided tent tucked into the tree canopy. Inside, all is modern, with gorgeous new hardwood furnishings and a real sense of traditional safari with a touch of class. The focus of the structure is clearly everything out there. You'll dine at a long candle-lit table as hippos grunt in the river below, then gather around the camp fire, sharing stories and listening to local tales, or silently gazing at the stars.

Tents hug the edge of the river, with wide front porches to take it all in. The structure is basic, with canvas ceilings and foldaway doors, and large mesh windows on three sides. At the heart of the space is your bed, fitted with quality linens and mosquito netting. There are a few rustic furniture pieces and some pretty handwoven rugs. Soft but very adequate lighting is supplied through solar panels, as is the hot water for the rain showers.

Game drives can keep you camera-clicking from dawn to sundown, and the guides are keen as mustard to help you maximise your visit. The migration holds centre stage, especially as there's a crossing so close to camp. (The predators that follow the action make for great viewing!) The sheer variety of species here is remarkable, from the Big Five to wild dog, hyena, giraffe – the list is long. In between wilderness drives, you can plant indigenous trees, join the Chefs in the hydroponic farm, explore the Mara on foot with the rangers of Mara Elephant Project, gather around the campfire for Maasai storytelling, test your speed on the first running track in the Mara, cool off in the pool or unwind at the bush spa, take adventure higher with a hot air balloon safari, experience Maasai culture with a village visit or try warrior training, learning survival skills like rungu throwing and archery.