Masai Mara

Encounter Mara Camp

Q: How much does it cost to stay at Encounter Mara?

Stays at Encounter Mara start from around US$490 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

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Encounter Mara

About Encounter Mara Camp

An authentic and affordable safari in an extraordinary location in Naboisho Conservancy.

Encounter Mara is a camp worth shouting about. Set in the world-renowned Mara Naboisho Conservancy, where Maasai landowners partner with camp owners in order to protect both the wildlife and the pristine land, there’s a big focus on cultural and community projects. There’s also no unnecessary bells, whistles or frills; rooms are rustic and restful and the service is attentive (no empty wine glasses here). Game viewing with the local guides is fantastic and interspersed with cultural experiences to create a safari that’s informative, fun and truly authentic, just as it should be.

Mara Conservancies , Masai Mara , Kenya

From $490 per person/per night

Safari

10 Rooms

Open Map

Property details

The property

Shaded by a thicket of acacia trees, both the lounge and dining area have pretty views of the surrounding savannah and the bevy of animals that stroll past (and, if you’re lucky, through) the camp. In the lounge, furniture is practical but stylish, creating a soothing place to relax at the end of the day, exchange notes and enjoy the view. Escape to the hide during siesta time and finish up with a sundowner around the roaring campfire.

The rooms

There are 10 tents at Encounter and all are so well concealed you would be excused for thinking you’re the only ones there. Each has 3 heavy-duty canvas walls and 1 entirely made of mozzie net allowing the Mara vistas to take centre stage. Inside, you’ll find comfortable beds, funky cushions and spacious bathrooms, whilst outside you can choose between a chaise long, director’s chairs and even a hammock for some closer-to-home game viewing.

Activities

There’s lots to choose from at Encounter; game drives and walks depart twice a day and the camp makes the most of its location in the conservancy and offers daily night drives too. Cultural visits and experiences are high on the agenda and a morning spent in your guide’s village is a fascinating and moving experience. Guests can also visit the neighbouring Masai Mara, however we guarantee that once you’ve experienced the magic of Naboisho, you won’t be leaving in a hurry…

Why we love it

Private conservancies usually attract a high price tag, but Encounter Mara is proof that affordable and fantastic camps really do exist.

Insiders Tip

Most of Encounter Mara’s guides are from the local communities and are landowners in the conservancy. They love nothing more than sharing their way of life, so take a break from game drives and head down to the village for an afternoon cup of tea and a chat.

Something to think about

The camp is in a grove tress – great for keeping things cool but some of the rooms can feel dark. Request one overlooking the open grasslands and enjoy the view.

Positive Impact

The impact of your stay

Encounter Mara Camp is owned by Asilia Africa who pioneers sustainable investments in vulnerable East African wilderness areas, fostering conservation economies for local communities and increasing biodiversity. Through collaboration with stakeholders and guest contributions, they achieve significant positive impacts. Their latest project, focusing on the Usangu Wetlands in Tanzania's Ruaha National Park, aims to promote sustainable tourism while preserving the region's unique ecosystem and biodiversity, ensuring long-term benefits to conservation and local communities. A contribution of $10 per guest, which is included in the nightly rate, goes towards the above goals.

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Design a Custom Trip

Plan your stay

How to book Encounter Mara

How do I book Encounter Mara?

Encounter Mara can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Kenya trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Kenya trips featuring Encounter Mara or get advice and suggestions from one of our Kenya specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Encounter Mara?

Stays at Encounter Mara start from around $490 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Kenya

Masai Mara

A safari classic filled with the Big Five, wildlife-dotted landscapes and vibrant Maasai warriors.