Rating: Deluxe
Set on a wonderful rocky outcrop with the Il Supukiai River below, the luxury Ol Seki Mara Camp enjoys panoramic views in a gorgeous wilderness areas teeming with game, in the private Naboisho Conservancy bordering the Masai Mara Game Reserve.
There are 10 luxury guest tents of 3 different designs, all with hot and cold running water and large verandas with 270 degree views of the plains. Each of the 6 en-suite Nina tents is designed for couples, with a central bed surrounded by 6 panels that can be opened whenever you wish to reveal the views, and then closed for privacy. Chui tent consists of 2 en-suite bedrooms with a shared lounge and dining room. There's a kitchen, too, where your private meals are prepared. It's ideal for families or friends travelling together. Similarly, Simba tent has 2 double bedrooms, both en-suite, plus a lounge-diner with a bar and fridge, and butler service if desired.
Communal areas are equally inviting. Cocoon yourself in the cosy, open-sided library tent as you get to know other guests or browse through a reference book, sheltered from the heat of the sun. Venturing out on to the deck you can take in more of the expansive views, including a waterhole, as you rest between safaris, and enjoy a refreshing dip in the infinity pool. As darkness approaches a campfire is lit on the deck below and sundowner drinks are served. Later this is the perfect spot to indulge in some star gazing. Exquisite meals are served in the elegant dining tent, with the further option of private dining on your veranda.
Game drives form the core of your stay, taking you out into the wilderness to watch the diverse wildlife. In July, August and November you have the added attraction of the wildebeest migration, one of the most amazing wildlife spectacles in the world. Drives can be combined with nature walks which allow you to shift your gaze to the smaller details that go unseen from a vehicle: learn how to identify different animal tracks, find out about the medicinal properties of plants and discover how the Maasai have adapted to life in this region. Please note guides are not equipped with firearms for walks in big game areas which you need to bear in mind when deciding whether to join a walk. As the camp is in a private concession there are no set timings and activities can be tailored to guests' wishes. Hot air balloon flights are also offered, taking off at dawn, a spectacular way to begin your day.
While at Ol Seki you have the chance to visit Paya village and learn about life in this part of rural Kenya. The camp is active in both community and conservation projects and by staying here you play your part in supporting these worthwhile causes.
O Seki Mara is owned by the Hemingways hotel group.
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0"Fantastic attention to detail. Guides and wildlife great. Being in private conservancy a real advantage in terms of night drives, bush walks. Would highly recommend. Strangely you had issued us 3 day passes to Masai Mara national Park and we only used one. It would have been difficult to use all 3 as we were only there for 2 full days and also wanted to see what the private conservancy had to offer. Luckily Cathy the owner of Ol Seki bought our surplus passes off us, as otherwise that would have been money wasted."