The intimate Mara Plains Jahazi Suite is perfectly suited to experience the safari spectacle on offer in the Maasai Mara Reserve and the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy. The 2-bedroomed suite is on raised, recycled railway sleeper decking and offers guests incredible views of the steady stream of wildlife parading past whilst discreetly tucked away under the tree canopy. Central to the Jahazi Suite offers an indoor dining area leading out to a prominent private outdoor verandah and flanked by two large bedrooms with en-suite facilities consisting of flush loo, double basins, indoor and outdoor showers, and luxurious baths. When residing at the Mara Plains Jahazi Suite, guests automatically enjoy the services of a private game drive vehicle and guide.
One of only five camps in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Mara Plains has unrivalled access to more than 40,000 hectares of exclusive land, prime habitat for a vast number of wildlife species, as well as unfettered access to the Maasai Mara Reserve. “As something who has studied predators my whole life, Mara plains has to be the finest place in Africa. I often go out and struggle to decide between the lions, cheetahs, hyenas and leopards within an hour or two.
Game drives (day & night) take place in some of the Mara’s most coveted vehicles. Each of the four Toyota Land Cruisers is open-sided, canopied and customised for photographers (fold-down screens, raised roofs, photographic bars, multi-plug invertors). With just four to six guests each, the Cruisers also have fully-stocked fridges stocked with drinks and snacks. No two days are the same on safari. Game drives typically start at sunrise, returning for lunch and depart again in the mid-afternoon before returning just after sunset. However, very often we will go out all day, deep into the Reserve or Conservancy with a packed breakfast and lunch. One visit per guest per 3-night stay included, additional visits subject to park fees. Very often, our safaris will continue into the night, a possibility because of our location on a private conservancy. Night drives are particularly prolific in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, and while they take patience, sightings commonly include lesser known nocturnal mammals and even lion and hyena hunts.
Each of Mara Plains’ guest suites has a professional camera set, including a camera body and lenses. Photos will be downloaded to a memory stick on guest’s departure. Each suite comes with a pair of high-quality binoculars for guest use as well. Photographic tuition can be arranged for guests (at an additional cost) and we recommend prior booking if possible. Tuition can be either on company cameras or own guests’ personal cameras.
Hot air ballooning is available, but should be booked in advance and is subject to availability and additional cost. Departures are very early in the morning to allow time to transfer to the nearest launching point.
Safaris with kids are much the same – a time to stimulate all the senses. Safaris open up a whole new world to us all, but for kids it is magical. While new animals are a huge part of the excitement of safari, stepping away from everyday life in favor of spotting animal tracks and practicing your newly learnt traditional bush survival skills is an experience that kids and parents alike will cherish.
The Great Plains Young Explorers Program blends fun with conservation learning. On arrival each child receives a Young Explorers pack full of all that is needed for them to become a Conservation Ambassador. The pack includes an activity book full of interesting information including animal tracks, seTswana or Kiswahili vocabulary, facts on flora, fauna and stars, word games and a safari journal. Great Plains guides and staff seamlessly modify the level of activities according to age.
The Camp is delighted to be offering guests high-end locally sourced plant-based meals offering a vast selection of delicious vegan cuisine using the finest local ingredients. Great Plains chefs undergo culinary training in the preparation and presentation of vegan cuisine to a very high standard, which caters to all palettes and dietary requirements.
