GREAT PLAINS MARA NYIKA - NABOISHO CONSERVANCY - MASAI MARA
Mara Nyika - meaning Large Plains or Great Plains - is a small and intimate camp of just five tents and two 2-bedroom family suites is set in a valley straddling a small stream in the Naboisho Conservancy in the greater Masai Mara. The light-coloured canvas tents are designed to sit under the canopy of umbrella thorn trees with views out over the bush.
Mara Nyika is set in the private and exclusive 50,000 acre Naboisho Conservancy - the second largest conservancy in the greater Maasai Mara region. Naboisho means coming together in the Maasai’s Maa language and represents the 500 local landowners who came together to form Naboisho Conservancy. The conservancy model combines the conservation of nature and cultural heritage, tourism and enhancement of livelihoods for the local communities. Each guest’s stay supports over 500 Maasai families with a sustainable livelihood and helps to ensures the conservation of this vital corner Maasai Mara eco-system.
LOCATION
Mara Nyika is set is located in the Naboisho Conservancy in the greater Masai Mara area in Kenya and the nearest airstrip is Ol Seki airstrip.
CAMP
There are just five tents set on raised decking and the light-coloured canvas tents are set up high under the tree’s canopy to be offer you stunning views out over the bush and the tents have the feel of being in the trees. Tents include ensuite with flush loo, an indoor toilet, copper bath tub, double basins and hot and cold running water and a wooden walkway links the main area with the tented rooms. Mara Nyika has three luxury guest suites and 2 x 2 bedroom family suites which are suitable for families or two couples travelling together.
ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE
Game drives - night and day safari drives in open-sided 4 x 4 vehicles which are customised for photographers with fold-down screens, raised roofs, photographic bars and multi-plug inverters. Wildlife viewing often starts at sunrise, returning to camp for a late breakfast and departing again in the mid-afternoon after tea before returning just after sunset. You can also opt to go out all day with a packed breakfast, lunch and beverages and the vehicles have fully stocked fridges with drinks and snacks.
Very often safaris will continue into the night - possible because of the camp's location on the private Naboisho Conservancy. Night drives are particularly prolific and while they take patience, sightings commonly include lesser known nocturnal mammals and even lion and hyena hunts.
Cultural Visits – visit a nearby Maasai village to learn about the Maasai way of life. Locally produced crafts are available for purchase at the camp with all proceeds going to the community and particularly the women’s groups and schools. You are also able to visit the local ladies’ beading workshop to try your hand at beading or just to see how these beautiful goods are made.
Photography - each of Mara Nyika’s tents comes with a pair of high-quality binoculars for guest use as well as a professional Canon camera set including a camera body and lenses. Photos will be downloaded to a memory stick on your departure and photographic tuition through the Great Plains Wild Studio can be arranged at an additional cost and booked in advance.
Hot Air Balloon – float over the Masai Mara at dawn! Balloon safaris should be booked in advance and are subject to availability and additional cost.
NYIKA MARA CAMP IS CLOSED IN APRIL EVERY YEAR
THE CAMP WELCOMES CHILDREN AGED 8 YEARS AND OLDER AND FAMILIES WILL BE ACCOMMODATED IN THE FAMILY SUITE
