Masai Mara National Reserve - Kenya
Il Moran Camp is for those who want that extra sense of luxury, there are just ten beautifully furnished tents by the side of the Mara River. The camp is hidden in the shadow of ancient trees and Il Moran recreates the atmosphere of the original hunting camps.
Word renowned for the breathtaking spectacle of ‘the greatest wildlife show on earth', the awe inspiring annual migration of the wildebeest, the Mara is Kenya's most visited protected area. Technically an extension of Tanzania's renowned Serengeti National Park, the Mara constitutes only 4% of the entire Serengeti ecosystem but its rolling grasslands, meandering rivers and towering escarpments offer one of the world's most rewarding and evocative wildlife arenas.
Kenya hotels and accommodation
Amongst the wide range of Kenya hotels, some make the ideal Kenya safari destination. Choose a safari lodge, safari hotel, bush camp, luxury lodge, safari camp, tented camp or bush lodge. National park accommodation usually takes the form of a traditional safari lodge or tented camp, but numerous other options exist on the park boundaries. Luxury lodges and luxury camp options are also offered in the private wildlife conservancies.
Location
The Masai Mara is 270 miles from Nairobi (five hours by road). All weather air strip - less than an hour from Nairobi by plane.
The Background
The Masai Mara National Reserve
When it comes to game-viewing, there is nowhere in Africa richer in wildlife or more eventful in encounters than the Mara. A pristine wilderness of haunting beauty, it promises its visitors a profusion of wildlife, prolific bird life and the unprecedented opportunity of catching up with all the members of the ‘Big Five' in one morning.
As to scenery, the 1,800 sq kilometres of this veteran reserve offer the classic mix of African imagery; miles of lion-gold grasslands, shoals of lilac-misted hills, a meandering river, acres of thorn-bush and mile upon mile of undulating wilderness.
The Miracle of the Migration of the Wildebeest
Between the end of July and November, over one and a half million wildebeest accompanied by half again as many zebras and gazelles, migrate from the short-grass plains of the Serengeti to fresh pasture in the grasslands of the Mara; thus creating one of nature's grandest spectacles. Moving in groups of up to 20,000 at a time they thunder across the plateau hesitating only briefly to cross the Mara River, where many fall prey to the waiting crocodiles. Towards the end of October they begin crossing back into Tanzania. The actual timing of the migration, however, is dictated by the weather and does not always 'run to schedule'.
Accommodation
The camp offers ten luxurious tents all with large verandah overlooking the river. Each has a Victorian-styled bath, WC and double sinks (hot and cold water) and beds hand- carved from recycled and sustainable ancient olive-wood. The camp is hosted by Iain and Annie de Beer, who have a wealth of experience managing properties in South Africa and Tanzania. Game drives and game walks are included and complimentary wine is served with dinner.
Dining and bars
During the day meals are served under the giant trees. For breakfast there are fresh fruits, cereals and fresh-baked breads, together with a full cooked breakfast, which is cooked al fresco before you. Luch is served buffet-style. In the evening guests enjoy cordon bleu dinners by candlelight, deep in the bush. Alternatively, guests my request to have any or all meals served on their private veranda.
Wildlife highlights Offering an abundance of herbivores, the Mara makes the ideal hunting ground for Kenya's famous ‘big cats' and hosts her largest population of lions. It also offers the best chance of spotting a leopard in the wild. Other predators include cheetah and spotted hyena. Historically teaming with wildlife, the Mara is famous for the large herds of elephant and buffalo that meander its plains; also for the fat pods of hippo that wallow in its mud-brown rivers. Other stars include the distinctive Masai giraffe, plum-coloured topi, Coke's hartebeest, Grant's and Thomson's gazelle, zebra, impala, Kirk's dik-dik, bushbuck, waterbuck and red duiker. The Reserve also boasts plentiful Nile crocodile, monitor lizard, baboon, vervet, blue and red-tailed monkeys, nocturnal bush babies, and tree hyrax. There are over 550 resident and migratory species of birds.
What to see and do
At Il Moran birds and butterflies abound, elephant wander through the camp and, at night, leopard call nearby. Activities include:
• Game drives in 4x4
• Game walks with expert guides.
Other attractions
• Balloon safaris over the Mara - after landing a champagne breakfast is served out on the savanna, cooked on the balloon burners
• Day trips to Governor's Mgangano Island Camp at Lake Victoria - 40 minutes from the Mara by air - ideal for fishing for tilapia or Nile perch - birding is also excellent
Il Moran Camp - Masai Mara • Exclusive Tented Camp • Kenya Hotels, Safari Lodges & Tented Camps
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