Ashnil Mara Camp

The central guest area has a contemporary feel throughout, with a vast dining hall under canvas serving buffet-style meals. In a separate section is a huge open-sided lounge bar, where an extensive choice of drinks is served. Just below the main deck is a lovely swimming pool with a curving terrace where traditional African dinners are sometimes served under the stars. Bush dinners in the boma are special occasions, with cultural displays such as dancing and storytelling around the fire.

A line of forty luxury tents along the river offers elegant and modern double or twin suites, all with electricity and hot and cold running water. Décor is light and natural, with splashes of colour in the ethnic rugs and throws adding an African feel. Vast beds under swathes of mosquito net, richly coloured timber floors and roll-down canvas panels give the interiors a sense of traditional safari style. Each has a private sundeck overlooking the river.

Guided game drives offer exciting viewing, with frequent predator sightings. Huge herds of elephant and buffalo are usually present, together with abundant plains game, and crocodiles and large pods of hippo along the river. The annual wildebeest migration passes through around July and August, depending on the rains. Nature walks and conservation and cultural talks are regularly given at the lodge. Visits to nearby Maasai villages can be arranged. Further afield, forest walks are possible in the Dupoto Forest.