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£663.00
This spectacular tented camp, set in its own 15,000 acre conservancy, has as many creature comforts as there are actual creatures, with vast wooden decked tents, 24-hour butler service, a Maasai village-inspired spa and swimming pool. Incredible views and abundant wildlife make for a remote Eden-like experience.
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Mara Bushtops sits on the hillside inside Isaaten Conservancy, 15,000 acres of protected, exclusive use, wildlife conservancy, with many of the same animal species found in the bordering Maasai Mara Game Reserve – from giraffe to kudu – only without the crowds of vehicles. It’s a 20 min drive to the lodge from Bushtops’ own Siana airstrip, or a 45 min drive from Keekorok airstrip within the main reserve.
Sekanani Gate, the nearest entrance into the reserve is a 20 min drive, with the Sand River, a key spot for the Great Migration crossing, taking 45 to 60 minutes. Alternatively, you can come and go by helicopter – Bushtops has their own heli pad, also used for aerial Mara tours.
The animals and wild landscapes of the Maasai Mara are still the star, but only just. They’re almost eclipsed by this classy, relaxing hillside retreat. The main house, reception and 12 main tents (plus one big family tent) are positioned to look out over the Siana hills and the valley below, with plenty of chances to see animals, especially at the salt lick where zebra, wildebeest, warthog, impala and more congregate.
Tents and other buildings are decorated with ceremonial masks from West Africa, Maasai statues, and black and white photos of lions and other local animals. You’ll spend plenty of time outdoors, whether by firepits and wooden decks to sit and drink in the view with a G&T in hand or eating dinner beneath the stars, with romantic orange lanterns placed across the property each night.
With wooden decking throughout, each of the 12 tents has plenty of indoor and outdoor space to enjoy the natural surroundings, whether facing out onto the hills or, if you get the Lion Tent, onto the busy salt lick. Canvas ‘walls’ are turned up by day, to allow views and a breeze, then turned down each night.
Wooden decks each have sun loungers, table and chairs, and their own private hot tub. At the back, there’s both an indoor and outdoor rain shower with Bulgari products. An old-fashioned metal telescope on the deck and a Maasai spear to place at the entrance as a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign are among the cool, clever touches.
There are no regimented meal times and there’s no safari-style communal dining here. Food is neither camp food or fine dining, but hearty, delicious dishes that match the grand setting. An extensive menu for dinner and lunch contains dishes from Italy to India, from Caprese salads to spicy curry with massive prawns. Many of the wines come from South Africa, with bottles from Chile to France in the cellar.
Breakfast has a buffet selection, including cereals and juices, and a menu for freshly cooked orders, including fluffy omelettes. Honeymooners might consider the ‘bush breakfast’, with juices, yogurts, cereals, cheeses, cold cuts, pastries and breads, with a chef on-hand to cook omelettes and more, all served at a romantic table for two out in the conservancy.
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