Encounter Mara
Mara Naboisho Conservancy, Kenya
Situated on the edge of the savannah under the shade of acacia trees, Encounter Mara is a 10-tent camp within the Mara Naboisho Conservancy, bordering the famed Masai Mara reserve in southwest Kenya.
About encounter mara
The conservancy is known for its prolific wildlife and award-winning sustainability model that balances the needs of local communities, wildlife and tourism. It has an even higher density of animals than the neighbouring Masai Mara National Reserve and one of the world’s most concentrated lion populations.
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Open: June to April
Closed: May -
Closest airstrip: Mara Ol Seki, 45 minutes drive from camp
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Families: children aged five and older
Accommodation AT encounter mara
Take a look around
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Encounter Mara Afternoon Tea Lounge
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Encouter Mara Room Exterior Veranda
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Encounter Mara Outdoors Breakfast
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Encounter Camp Dining Room
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Encounter Mara Camp Guest Room Family
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Encounter Mara Camp Breakfast Hide
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Encounter Mara Camp Toilet And Shower Interior
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Encounter Mara Camp Guest Room Interior
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Game Drives in The Mara Naboisho Conservancy
Game Drives in The Mara Naboisho Conservancy
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Game Drives with Asilia Game Drives with Asilia
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Encounter Mara At Night
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Encounter Mara Chefs Cooking Delicious Food
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Encounter Mara Camp Guests Camp Fire
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Encounter Mara Game Drive
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Encounter Mara Night Stars
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Encounter Mara Afternoon Tea Lounge
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Encouter Mara Room Exterior Veranda
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Encounter Mara Outdoors Breakfast
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Encounter Camp Dining Room
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Encounter Mara Camp Guest Room Family
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Encounter Mara Camp Breakfast Hide
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Encounter Mara Camp Toilet And Shower Interior
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Encounter Mara Camp Guest Room Interior
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Game Drives in The Mara Naboisho Conservancy
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Game Drives with Asilia
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Encounter Mara At Night
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Encounter Mara Chefs Cooking Delicious Food
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Encounter Mara Camp Guests Camp Fire
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Encounter Mara Game Drive
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Encounter Mara Night Stars
Accommodation
Accommodation & Amenities
From the camp’s outdoor viewing deck, guests can watch zebras amble to the nearby saltlick, see a giraffe strut right past camp, glimpse a mongoose running down the path right in front of you or even spot a cheetah prowling the plains. Over sundowners around the campfire, listen for lions calling to each other as they start their night of hunting. From Encounter Mara, guests can go on nature walks around camp, or soar across the plains in a hot-air balloon.
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10 tents (including 1 family tent and 2 triples)
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En-suite bathrooms
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Flushing toilets
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Hot-water safari bucket showers
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Complimentary laundry service
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In-room lockable box
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Solar & generator power
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Battery-charging facilities
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Suitable for disabled guests: please contact us
accommodation
Rooms
Encounter Mara offers 10 spacious and comfortable tents, all with en suite bathrooms with double vanity basins, flushing toilets and hot-water bucket showers. Spend lazy afternoons on your tent’s shaded veranda, chilling on your daybed with a good book or just enjoying the Mara views.
LOCATION
Location of Encounter Mara
Located in the southwest of Kenya, the 20,234-hectare Mara Naboisho Conservancy sits alongside the famous Masai Mara National Reserve. Not only does the conservancy have the benefit of being private (with just eight camps sharing the land), but it also has a higher density of wildlife than the busy Masai Mara National Reserve. There are a particularly high number of lions and you’ll also spot other animals like giraffes, elephants and zebras.
While the adjacent Masai Mara National Reserve is known for being on the route of the Great Migration, the Mara Naboisho Conservancy has its own ‘secret’ version: The Loita Migration sees thousands of wildebeest and zebras travelling through the conservancy to Loita Plains.
Experiences
Magical Mara wildlife
Situated on the edge of an open plain in a forest of acacia trees, Encounter Mara is the perfect place to experience this wildlife-rich corner of Kenya.
The camp is designed to be as open as possible, so guests can take in the sights and sounds of the Mara during meals or afternoon siestas. From the outdoor viewing deck, watch lions visiting the nearby saltlick, and see gazelles and giraffes stroll right past the fence. Mornings are greeted by a chorus of birdsong. After dark, you might hear lions roaring or hyenas whooping.
ExperienceS
A typical day on safari at Encounter Mara
Game drives depart in the early morning and late afternoon to take advantage of the cooler temperatures when animals are more active. The times will differ slightly with the seasons. If you have a private vehicle, you can talk to your guide about your schedule, but the below is a good example of what to expect.
Generally, you'll start your day bright and early with a wake-up call and tea or coffee. Enjoy breakfast before you depart for your morning game drive (or have it packed as a picnic to take with you). You'll arrive back in camp mid-morning, with a chance to freshen up before lunch.
After a leisurely lunch, enjoy siesta time. Read a book or just relax and enjoy the views from your tent or our viewing deck. Refuel with afternoon tea, then depart for your afternoon/evening game drive with sundowners. You'll be back in time for drinks at the bar and dinner under the stars – the perfect chance to unwind after a long day in the bush.
Experiences
Game drives
We run game drives twice a day, around dawn and dusk when animals are more active. As we are in a private conservancy, we can drive off-road to get a closer look when we spot something in the bush. We are also able to drive after dark, which means better chances of spotting nocturnal animals. If you would like to experience the famous Masai Mara National Reserve, we can also arrange game drives there (at an additional cost).
Experiences
Cultural and community visits
Most of our guides are from the local area and are more than happy to talk about their culture with guests. We can organise visits to local villages to extend that learning opportunity.
Experiences
Hot-air balloon rides
As dawn breaks, glide over the Masai Mara National Reserve in a hot-air balloon and watch the landscape change colour beneath you. Hot-air balloon excursions are not to be missed, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion. Balloon flights are at an additional cost and subject to weather conditions.
Experiences
Photographic safari
Neighbouring Naboisho is home to one of our specially modified photographic vehicles. The open vehicle allows keen amateurs and professional photographers alike to shoot at eye level with wildlife. It is equipped with all the gear to ensure award-winning shots — from beanbags and camera rests to 360° swivel seats. You can read more about the vehicle here. Please enquire to ensure availability of the vehicle and confirm any additional fees.
Experiences
Night drives
A night safari gives travellers the chance to see nocturnal animals in action. Our vehicles are equipped with special spotlights so you can have the thrill of watching predators such as lions, leopards and caracals as they stalk their prey.
Experiences
Family safaris
We welcome families with children over the age of 5. We have two tents specifically for families, plus twin tents for kids over 12 (we strongly recommend younger children share with adults and can add an extra bed to your tent upon request).
Many of our guides are also parents and love hosting families. These are some of the child-friendly activities available at Encounter Mara:
• Bow-and-arrow shooting with Maasai
• Starting a campfire with elephant dung and sticks
• Educational bush walks around camp
Families of six or more are guaranteed a private safari vehicle at no extra cost in low season. In high season, families with children under 12 are required to book a private vehicle at an additional cost.
Experience
Meals and refreshments
We serve homemade meals in our dining tent or outside, depending on the weather. If you’ve opted for a longer game drive, we’ll pack you a picnic breakfast or lunch to enjoy in the bush. Enjoy sundowners and snacks during your late-afternoon game drive, then take your time over dinner back at camp.
We can cater to most dietary requirements and allergies – please just let us know ahead of your arrival.
When to go
What to expect during the year
The Mara is a year-round destination, but when you travel will depend on what you want to see. The wildebeest migration season is from July to October, when guests can witness the famous river crossings. July and August are the busiest months; we recommend travelling at a different time of year if possible. When visiting from December to June there are far fewer people in the Mara and great wildlife sightings.
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January - March
Why travel at this time
This is an ideal time to travel, with fewer tourists in the Mara and a break between the rains. Clear skies and lush landscapes make for excellent photographic conditions and sightings of big cats, giraffes, elephants and even black rhinos. This is also when many animals drop their young and migratory birds are in the region.
Climate
The long rains start in March, though January and February may see the odd shower. The average temperature peaks at 28°C/82°F in February, the hottest time of the year. The average minimum temperature is 13°C/55°F from January to March.
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Low temp: 13°C / 55°F
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High temp: 28°C / 82°F
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Rainfall: 124mm / 4.9in
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April - June
Why travel at this time
For fewer crowds and the more budget-conscious, visit the Mara from April through June. April and May is rainy season, so there is a chance of some roads being closed (usually in May). June is relatively dry and a great time to visit before the bulk of tourists arrive in July and August.
Climate
April and May are when the long rains fall. By June, it’s fairly dry. In April, the average high is 26°C/79°F, falling slightly to 25°C/77°F in May and June. The average low is 13°C/55°F.
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Low temp: 12°C / 55°F
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High temp: 25°C / 79°F
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Rainfall: 169mm / 6.7in
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July - September
Why travel at this time
July and August are the busiest months in the Mara. This is the dry season and also when the Great Migration wildebeest herds arrive in the Masai Mara from the Serengeti.
Climate
July is the driest month of the year, with relatively cool conditions: a maximum average of 25°C/77°F and an average low of 11°C/52°F. There may be some showers in August and September, when the maximum average is 26°C/79°F and the minimum is 12°C/54°F.
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Low temp: 12°C / 54°F
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High temp: 26°C / 79°F
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Rainfall: 53mm / 2.1in
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October - December
Why travel at this time
The last of the wildebeest herds make their way back to the Serengeti during October, so it’s possible to catch the final river crossings of the season. This is when the migratory birds begin to arrive to the region and when the short rains turn the land green again. It’s also a quieter time of year to visit.
Climate
The short rains fall in November and December, with temperatures rising to an average of 27°C/81°F in October and November, cooling off a little in December, with an average low of 12°C/54°F through the final three months of the year.
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Low temp: 13°C / 55°F
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High temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 99mm / 3.9in
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Guest reviews
The team at Encounter Mara were great. Very helpful and friendly. They made our experience very personal tailoring everyday to our own personal needs and objectives for the day. Our guide and helper were superb and extremely knowledgeable. The camp was great, the tent awesome and the food superb.
First class service, excellent food, safe camp with comfortable tents. Attentive staff - my guide Sem was exceptional - great local knowledge. An all round fabulous experience. Small planes and bush Airstrips add to the adventure. The animals in close proximity to the camp are a privilege to see - elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, hippos and the list goes on!
If you’re looking for a beautiful camp to stay at while on safari, Encounter Mara by Asilia is amazing. The staff is wonderfully accommodating, kind and do everything to make your visit relaxed and fun. The tents are gorgeous and the beds are very comfortable. The food and desserts are fabulous and better than many five star hotels we’ve experienced throughout the world.
Rates
When would you like to go?
The Mara is a year-round destination, but when you travel will depend on what you want to see. The wildebeest migration season is from July to October, when guests can witness the famous river crossings. July and August are the busiest months; we recommend travelling at a different time of year if possible. When visiting from December to June there are far fewer people in the Mara and great wildlife sightings.
Below, choose your travel dates for an estimated accommodation cost per person sharing, or scroll down for a table of high and low season rates.
Dates in grey indicate 'not available'
Additional information
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Rate includes
Full-board accommodation, house drinks, game drives, night drives, guided walks, transfers to/from the nearest airstrip, limited laundry service.
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Rate excludes
Park and concession fees, transfers other than to/from nearest airstrip, flights and airport taxes, gratuities and items of a personal nature, private vehicles.
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Budget factors
Special offers may apply. Contact us for the best available rates. Last minute offers and long-stay rates may apply.
Rates and Seasonality
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High season: 20 Dec 2022 - 05 Jan 2023 Rate: US$706
What to expect
- Fewer crowds
- Good wildlife viewing
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Low Temp: 13°C / 55°F
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High Temp: 26°C / 79°F
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Rainfall: 112mm / 4.4in
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Low Season: 06 Jan 2023 - 31 Mar 2023 Rate: US$535
What to expect
- Best time to avoid crowds
- Chance of afternoon showers
- Good wildlife viewing
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Low Temp: 13°C / 55°F
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High Temp: 28°C / 82°F
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Rainfall: 124mm / 4.9in
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Green Season: 01 Apr 2023 - 30 Apr 2023 Rate: US$348
What to expect
- Green and lush
- Harder to see cats, but great wildlife viewing overall
- Fewer tourists
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Low Temp: 13°C / 55°F
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High Temp: 26°C / 79°F
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Rainfall: 169mm / 6.7in
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Closed: 01 May 2023 - 31 May 2023 Rate: US$0
Seasonal camp closure.
Awards AND RECOGNITION
Don't just take our word for it
Encounter Mara consistently achieves top ratings on TripAdvisor. The camp lies within the Mara Naboisho Conservancy - a groundbreaking eco-tourism initiative benefitting both conservative and the local Maasai community.
WILDLIFE
Great Masai Mara wildlife
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Lion
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Leopard
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Cheetah
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Elephant
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Buffalo
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Giraffe
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Hippo
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Nile Crocodile
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Klipspringer
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Serval
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Wildebeest
Encounter Mara ITINERARY
13 Day East Africa Itinerary: Safari and Zanzibar
Experience some of East Africa’s highlights, combining safari and beach. Begin in the Masai Mara searching for cheetah and learning about Maasai culture before flying across the border to the Serengeti, staying in a tented camp that moves around the park following the Great Migration. Fly south to the lesser known Ruaha, watching herds of elephant dig for water in dry riverbeds and leopards lurking in the trees. Finally unwind on the white sandy beaches of Zanzibar, swimming in the warm Indian Ocean.
eBook Guide to the Great Migration
Learn everything you need to know about planning the ultimate Great Migration Safari in our eBook guide. Inside the guide you'll find: a month-by-month summary; a detailed map of how the migration moves; a selection of the best places to stay on safari; and expert tips for an unforgettable safari.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I see the migration at Encounter Mara?
Encounter Mara is located along the migration route and is visited by herds of wildebeest from July/August to November.
