Mahali Mzuri (‚beautiful place‘ in Swahili) is part of Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson‘s collection of unique retreats. The safari camp has twelve distinctively designed guest tents, including two larger family tents, set along a range of hills offering wonderful views of the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy. The striking colors of the interiors are reminiscent of the hosts of this region, the Maasai families who make this land available to safari camps. There are six tents on either side of the Main Tent, each accessible by a walkway. The furthest of which is approximately a five minute walk from the Main Tent, which contains the restaurant, bar and lounge with outdoor terrace, as well as a swimming pool and the Nasaro Spa tent.

There are very few vehicles in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, no need to fear traffic here. The conservancy only harbours four other safari camps. This combined with a high density of big cats results in a very attractive option for a visit to the Maasai Mara region.

The foundation of the Olare Motorogi Conservancy as a buffer to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve back in 2006 was a turning point for conservation in Kenya. The deal with 277 Maasai landowners and the sustainable approach to wildlife conservation is seen as a template for the development of the areas around the Maasai Mara. Tourism in the Conservancy is limited to a maximum number of beds (94), similar to what has long been done in Botswana. Wildlife has returned to the area in large numbers, as have the offshoots of the Great Migration.

The Maasai Mara is home to one of the highest concentrations of big cat in Africa and more than 50 species of raptor. Lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, buffalo and elephant are high on the must-see list of most visitors here, and it is indeed the most likely place to get a snapshot of all of them.

Additionally, July sees the arrival of the first ca. two million wildebeest, zebra and Thompson’s gazelle that migrate from the Serengeti to feast on the fresh green grass of the Maasai Mara. They remain until September, when they make their way south again towards the Serengeti. The animals traverse the Mara River, where hungry crocodiles lie in wait for their prey, a spectacle known as ‘river crossings’.

Day and night game drives, bush walks, balloon flights (additional costs), visit to a local village (Endoinyo Erinka). Guides are allowed to leave the tracks in the private conservancies, which means very close animal encounters are possible.

Game drives take place in the conservancy, but also cross into the actual Maasai Mara Game Reserve, which is particularly popular during the great migrationIt is not unusual for guides to pack breakfast and lunch and spend the whole day out with guests to witness one fo the River Crossings. Night drives are allowed in the private conservancy, but not in the game reserve.

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