Angama Mara

OVERVIEW:

Angama Mara is a world-class safari lodge with an enviable location high above Kenya’s iconic Mara Triangle, recognisable from some of the scenes filmed in Out of Africa. The Swahili word ‘Angama’ means ‘to be suspended in mid-air’, aptly so, given the property’s epic views from 1,000 feet above the plains. As it’s a luxury property in every sense, guests can expect the highest standards throughout, with excellent guiding and some of the most exquisite views in Africa. Rates are full board and include accommodation, all meals and drinks (excluding French champagne and reserve wines), game drives in the Mara Triangle, guided walking safaris on the Rift Valley escarpment, a laundry service, and transfers to and from the local airstrip.

ACCESS & LOCATION:

Angama Mara is located high up on the Oloololo Escarpment, bordering the Mara Triangle. The lodge is easily accessed by plane from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, with flights landing at Kichwa Tembo (approximately 45 minutes’ flying time from Nairobi) followed by a half-hour game drive transfer.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT ANGAMA MARA:

Angama Mara comprises two separate camps – North Camp and South Camp – with 15 luxurious tented suites in each. Boasting over 100 square metres of space, including the outside deck, each open-plan room has floor-to-ceiling glass frontage with astonishing views of the Maasai Mara below. Bright red notes feature throughout the design, a nod to Maasai culture and a departure from more typical earthy safari tones. Though the structures are predominantly canvas, the interiors feel like elegant glass-fronted suites rather than tents, with super-king, extra-length beds, polished parquet floors, smart drinks cabinets, front-facing sitting areas, writing desks, and woven screens. Additional amenities include an electronic safe, a luggage rack, ceiling fans, charging points, and electric blankets in the beds for maximum comfort during the cool Mara evenings. Each suite has a butler’s lobby for the discreet delivery of early morning tea and coffee. Separated by a screen, each en-suite bathroom features a freestanding bathtub, a rain shower, a vanity unit with double basins, and a separate flush toilet. Through sliding glass doors in the bedroom, you’ll find a spacious viewing deck furnished with rocking chairs and a small table for private dining. All units can be configured with a twin bed set-up, and it’s possible to request a triple room, accommodating two adults and a child under 12 years. Families can also have two interconnecting suites (both North and South Camp have one pair of interconnecting units).

The shared spaces at Angama Mara include a sophisticated restaurant with individual tables and a spectacular terrace where guests dine against uninterrupted views. There’s a cosy sunken fire deck with cushioned seating and a telescope for zooming in on the passing wildlife beneath. A crackling log fire in the library is a welcome retreat from the crisp Mara nights, and in this space you’ll also find a selection of DVDs to enjoy. There’s a photographic studio too, with professional photographers on hand for a few handy tips or an editing session. The lodge’s 12-metre rim-flow swimming pool optimises the majestic views from its deck, and the comprehensive fitness room has a selection of Technogym equipment and floor-to-ceiling stacking glass doors. Finally, those wishing to purchase mementoes will find plenty on offer at the safari shop and beading studio, which stocks a carefully selected range of basketry, jewellery, beaded belts, and Anna Trzebinski’s pashminas.

ACTIVITIES AT ANGAMA MARA:

Angama Mara offers plenty of exhilarating activities, with a personalised approach to ensure guests get the most from their stay.

• Game drives

  – Game drives are tailored to the guests, and guides take a fully flexible approach. There is plenty to explore around the lodge itself, but the heart of the action is found in the Mara Triangle – one of Africa’s most iconic Big Five destinations and a treasure trove of wildlife. This is the ultimate game-viewing location, with all the most popular species present in abundance, including lion, elephant, leopard, hippo, black rhino, giraffe, buffalo, cheetah, and spotted hyena, to name a few. There’s an impressive number of birds as well – over 570 species!

• Walking safaris

  – Accompanied by a Maasai naturalist guide, take to the remarkable Oloololo Escarpment for a walking safari and uncover details about the resident plants, birds, insects, and animals and the role they play in traditional Maasai culture, culminating with a picnic at a well-chosen viewing point.

• Hot air ballooning

  – A hot air balloon safari is a magical way to observe the Maasai Mara from up high, taking off at dawn to experience the glorious sunrise over the plains. Back on land, you’ll indulge in a romantic champagne breakfast surrounded by the sounds of nature.

• Manyatta visit

  – Known as ‘manyattas’, traditional Maasai houses are simple structures made of mud, sticks, and cow dung. These are always positioned close to the boma, a thorny enclosure where the Maasai keep their prized livestock safe from intruding wild animals. A visit to the boma offers insight into Maasai customs, including beading, milking the cattle, and herding goats.

• Forest barbeque

  – Enjoy a memorable private dinner cooked over the coals in a lantern-lit forest and dine at long, family-style wooden tables in a relaxed, informal setting.

• Mara Conservancy Canine Patrol Training

  – This experience offers the opportunity to learn about the work of the Mara Conservancy’s canine unit and participate in training exercises.

• Photography

  – Angama Mara is unique for its photographic studio, where guests can request a private tutorial with the lodge’s on-site photographers. You might like to hire photographic equipment or learn more about the editing process on the large-screen Apple desktops. Alternatively, request a professional photoshoot to capture all the best moments without taking any photos yourself.

• Out of Africa picnics

  – This romantic dining experience allows guests to dine on the Out of Africa kopje featured on the movie’s iconic poster. The lodge provides blankets, comfy cushions, canvas safari chairs, and a picnic meal accompanied by sparkling wine on ice – everything you could need for the ultimate, elegant safari picnic.

*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.