One Nature Mara River

OVERVIEW:

One Nature Mara River is due to open in June 2024. Located just 30 minutes from the famous river that inspired its name, it’ll offer amazing sightings of the Great Migration as well as plenty of all-year-round resident wildlife.

Mara River is the most recent addition to the One Nature portfolio, a special collection of properties offering luxury accommodation and super safari experiences! Each villa will be booked on a fully inclusive basis, including all meals, a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks, a laundry service, daily game drives, return airstrip transfers, and Wi-Fi. The property will be open throughout the year.

ACCESS & LOCATION:

One Nature Mara River is situated a mere 30 minutes from the spectacular River Mara. It’s also only 30 minutes from Kogatende Airstrip, in the northern part of the Serengeti N.P.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT WILDERNESS USAWA SERENGETI:

There will be just seven villas, including one villa for families. These will be incredibly spacious – each standard villa will offer just over 150 square meters, while the family villa will boast a massive 291 sq. m! All accommodation will be raised above ground level on a stone platform, with the other main materials being wood and glass. Long sliding glass doors will let in plenty of light, as well as merging indoor and outdoor spaces to perfection. Inside each standard villa, you’ll find a sumptuous four-poster emperor-size bed or twin beds, bedside stands and lighting, a writing desk and chair, a welcoming fire stove, rugs for a little more snug factor, and a comfortable seating area. Other amenities will include air conditioning, fridge, and in-room bar, while the en-suite washing facilities will incorporate indoor and outdoor showers, as well as an outdoor copper bathtub. Also outside, you’ll find a lovely private deck, complete with heated swimming pool! This will be fantastic for relaxing and observing your spectacular views. The family villa will benefit from all this, plus a second bedroom for children.

The communal spaces of the property will include the main guest area, described as where luxury meets cosy comfort. Here, you’ll find plenty of comfortable sofas and armchairs, an inviting fireplace, shelves full of interesting books, a stylish dining area, and a bar stocked with fine wines. There’s even an adjoining outdoor dining space and an authentic boma, perfect for early morning or evening gatherings, to share those safari stories! Also outside the lodge is the photography area, on top of an immense rock and designed to provide something of a sanctuary. Here, you’ll be able to rent high-quality equipment for taking photos of a few safari highlights, not least the huge herds of the Great Migration and the thrilling River Mara. Back at the lodge, there’s the air-conditioned gym, featuring the most up-to-date LifeFitness technology and spectacular views! And the trading post sells traditional gifts, safari basics, and some useful accessories for your stay.

ACTIVITIES AT WILDERNESS USAWA SERENGETI:

The property is superbly positioned with its proximity to the River Mara. Activities will focus on making the most of this location, via drives, walks, and balloon rides.

• Expertly guided game drives

  – Heading out during the early mornings and late afternoons, drives from One Nature Mara River are great for getting to know the area’s wildlife. Species in residence throughout the year include lion, leopard, elephant, and all sorts of antelopes, including eland. You might be lucky enough to spot a black rhino! And if you visit the lodge during the months when the Great Migration storms through this area of the Serengeti, typically July to October, you can expect to see the huge herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles, crossing the Mara in their search for good grazing. The predator count increases during this time, so you can look out for plenty of big cats and crocodiles too! All safari vehicles are custom-made four- or six-seaters, with all the comforts you could require for a few hours’ riding over the plains.

• Walking safaris

  – This activity is fantastic for anyone interested in taking a close look at the smaller lives of the Serengeti, such as the plants, insects, and birds. In the company of a knowledgeable and experienced guide, you’ll wander well into the wilderness surrounding the camp. You could even follow up your walk with some al fresco dining.

• Hot air balloon safaris

  – Sprawling vistas are possible too, thanks to this classic experience! You’ll wake before dawn for an early morning launch, the balloon affording the opportunity to marvel at the expanse of savanna below. It really is a magical moment when the sun rises and vast swaths of the Serengeti begin to glow gold as the park’s inhabitants start their day. For more information about this activity, or anything else to do with staying at One Nature Mara River, please contact a member of the YZ team.

*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.