Olare Mara Kempinski Masai Mara

I recently stayed at the Olare Mara Kempinski for a three-night safari with my partner. The staff, facilities, and location were lovely and enabled us to have the most personalized safari experience to date. Location: Located in the Olare Conservancy in the northern Mara, the lodge benefits from an exclusive setting with only four other camps permitted in the area. This meant we only encountered a handful of other vehicles on most drives. Wildlife: The limited human presence meant Giraffes, Zebras, Elephants and Hippos frequently passed by the lodge. We also spotted Lions and Wildebeests on most drives, with a Cheetah on the last day. Staff: Dominic, the General Manager, ensured our trip was personalised, complete with dinners by the fire and day trips. Moses and the restaurant staff quickly learned our preferences for drinks and meals. Our guide, Dixon, was fantastic and his extensive knowledge of the Mara and ability to locate animals was truly impressive. We also appreciated his flexibility in extending drives, especially after rainy days. Food & Drink: The quality of the meals was exceptional, particularly given the camp's remote location. The three-course menu, which changed daily, offered variety and was on par with other Kempinski properties we've visited worldwide. All soft and alcoholic drinks were included and available throughout the day. The wine selection was excellent, however I would encourage that the menus are made available such that the drinks options are more visible to guests. Rooms: The rooms feature large king beds, private terraces facing the river, high-pressure hot showers, and a bath, with toiletries consistent with other Kempinski hotels. We were kindly upgraded to Room 12, which provided a front-row view of the hippo pond and giraffes and elephants traversing the savanna. While the hippos can be loud, earplugs easily mitigated any disturbance. Wider Facilities: The design beautifully balances safari-style tents on the outside with luxury hotel decor on the inside. The main lobby area offers ample seating, a lovely fire in the evening, and a veranda perfect for evening drinks. My partner thoroughly enjoyed her massage at the spa overlooking the river. There is a non-heated pool, though we didn't use it. One recommendation would be to retreat the wooden flooring around the camp, as it is starting to look quite weathered.

Stayed here in August for 4 nights to finish our honeymoon and it was just incredible. This place is in a conservancy so much less traffic out on safari and you can get right up close to the animals. The facilities were fantastic, all the staff were incredible with such warm hospitality. It was a beautiful setting and the honeymoon suite tent was absolutely stunning. Would love to return one day!

The Camp The infrastructure is on top, the employees are very polite and super obliging. The food is so varied and super delicious! The tents and the roomservice are fabulous! In every aspect the good guys at olare mara always go above and beyond for your well beeing! The Gamedrives As a secondtimer safariwise it was an absolute dream! You leave the campsite early in the morning (bushbreakfast optional) and you will be back in camp around 10 to 11 am. The second drive of the day starts around 4 pm until dark. The best thing about the camp is its perfect location! There is no need to go far, we had most of our action within 1 km around the camp! Olare Mara has exellent guides with an amazing sense for the animals/nature! The cars are comfortable and in good shape! Cheers Daniel W.