Mara Toto Camp

OVERVIEW:

Mara Toto Camp is owned and run by Great Plains, one of our favourite safari companies at YZ. Offering a very stylish stay in the Mara, it’s suitable for most types of traveller, especially adventurous safarists! Accommodation is booked on a full board basis, including all meals, a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks, and Wi-Fi. The camp is open all year round.

ACCESS & LOCATION:

The camp is situated on the banks of the River Ntiakitiak, beneath beautiful ebony trees. It’s accessed via brief road transfer from Ol Kiombo airstrip, which links with Wilson Airport, Nairobi.

?ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT MARA TOTO:

Guest accommodation consists of just four double tents, all positioned on slightly elevated decking. Made from tan canvas, the tents blend beautifully into the surrounding bushscape. High ceilings create airy interiors, while netted windows yield breathtaking vistas of the river and beyond. Entering the tent, you’ll find, first, a pleasant seating area, with table and two safari-style chairs. This is a lovely little spot for enjoying some private dining. A curtained partition leads into the bedroom, which features a double bed or twin beds, bedside stands and lighting, and a very cosy ambiance. The en-suite facilities comprise flush toilet, twin brass washbasins, and classic bucket shower. Hot water is available on demand, and a few complimentary toiletries are provided – soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion too.

The communal lounge and dining areas at Mara Toto Camp occupy a wooden structure that’s entirely open sided with a sturdy roof. In common with the guest tents, the floor is raised above ground level. Here, you can relax with a book or enjoy delicious food and drink while admiring views of the river. A few steps from this structure, there’s a circular area for the camp’s fire-pit. This is great for getting to know your fellow guests and exchanging safari stories! You could also eat here, if you wish, and staff will happily pack up a picnic for you to enjoy while out in the reserve.

ACTIVITIES AT MARA TOTO:

The following things to do are possible here:

• Expertly guided game drives

  - The camp owns two specially adapted Land Rovers, fantastic for navigating the local terrain. Both are open sided, guaranteeing great views of the wildlife. The Maasai Mara is home to all Big Five – lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, and buffalo – as well as numerous smaller mammals. The bird count is impressive too. And from late July until October, the huge herds of the Great Migration enter the reserve in search of fresh grazing. This is a particularly dramatic time of year to be in the Mara, not least for the spectacular river crossings! The vehicles are brilliant for photography and each also offers a fridge full of snacks and drinks in case anyone gets a bit hungry during time away from camp.

• Balloon flights

  - Available at additional cost, this activity involves ascending in a balloon at first light, to drift over the reserve just as the sun is rising. Watch as the sun illumines vast swaths of the Maasai Mara’s savanna, woods, and water sources. After an hour or so in the air, you’ll come back down to earth in time for a luxurious champagne breakfast. A truly memorable experience!

• Local community visits

  - Camp staff are happy to arrange visits to Maasai bomas, a local school, and an assortment of community projects. All provide fascinating insights into the lives of the local people. For more information about this or anything else to do with staying at Mara Toto Camp, please contact a member of the YZ team.