“Nyika” means “Large Plains or Great Plains,” and Mara Nyika is the perfect sister camp to Mara Plains in Kenya. It rings with the romance of the vast open plains of East Africa from a time when light canvas flapped in the light breeze across those plains as wildebeest and zebras call to each other and at twilight, “Simba,” the great lion’s roar across the Nyika.
Typical of the Maasai Mara’s ancient Nyika is the flat-topped Acacia kirkii trees. While the camp is in a valley, actually straddling a small stream, the light-coloured canvas tents are set up high under the trees' canopy to offer guests awe-inspiring views out over the bush. Many may think of Mara Nyika as a treetop camp, with the tents' walkways to the main area giving a feel of a treehouse under canvas. However, the camp’s ethic and inspiration are still one of exploration and adventure - a sense of impermanence in this ever-changing world.
Accommodation
All Meals
All beverages including premium brand spirits and champagne
All conservation/park fees
Game Drives
One pair of high quality binoculars per suite
A professional camera set, including camerabody and 100-400mm and 24-70mm lenses per suite
Laundry
Return airstrip road transfers
Air plane transfers from Nairobi Wilson, or properties in the greater Maasai Mara region (subject to a minimum 2 night stay)
Every 3 night + stay includes one day’s Game Drive in the Maasai Mara Reserve per day
Wi-fi available in guest tents
Main lounge and library on raised deck, uniquely framing the landscape
Dining room and bar
Coffee/tea station
Outdoor fire pit with seating
Safari shop
Yoga mats and bands are provided in each suite
Wellness spa with locally inspired treatments is available for in-room treatments
Canon EOS 5D camera bodies, monopods and selection of 24-70mm and 100-400mm lens for guest use during their stay
High quality 8 x 42 binoculars
1hr 15min flight to Naboisho airstrip followed by 40-minute drive to the camp, with game viewing en route.
Should you wish to fly in via private aircraft, please let us know and we will assist with the necessary arrangements.
Mara Nyika’s luxury elegant Family Tented Suite comprises of a twin and double room with adjoining common lounge area. Each room has its own ensuite bathroom, a private veranda, and a seating area. The Family Tent can accommodate two adults and two children.
Mara Nyika’s luxury elegant Tented Suites are designed to sit under the canopy of umbrella thorn trees. Spanning over 1,000 sq. foot the tented suites all include spacious private verandah for in-room dining with unforgettable views out over the plains, elegantly designed bedroom with beautifully handcrafted artefacts, and fine antiques to complete the tasteful interior. The ensuite bathroom comprises both an indoor shower and a copper bathtub overlooking the plains of the Masai Mara.
“Nyika” means “Large Plains or Great Plains,” and Mara Nyika is the perfect sister camp to Mara Plains in Kenya. It rings with the romance of the vast open plains of East Africa from a time when light canvas flapped in the light breeze across those plains as wildebeest and zebras call to each other and at twilight, “Simba,” the great lion’s roar across the Nyika.
Typical of the Maasai Mara’s ancient Nyika is the flat-topped Acacia kirkii trees. While the camp is in a valley, actually straddling a small stream, the light-coloured canvas tents are set up high under the trees' canopy to offer guests awe-inspiring views out over the bush. Many may think of Mara Nyika as a treetop camp, with the tents' walkways to the main area giving a feel of a treehouse under canvas. However, the camp’s ethic and inspiration are still one of exploration and adventure - a sense of impermanence in this ever-changing world.
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Main lounge and library on raised deck, uniquely framing the landscape
Dining room and bar
Coffee/tea station
Outdoor fire pit with seating
Safari shop
Yoga mats and bands are provided in each suite
Wellness spa with locally inspired treatments is available for in-room treatments
Canon EOS 5D camera bodies, monopods and selection of 24-70mm and 100-400mm lens for guest use during their stay
High quality 8 x 42 binoculars
Mara Nyika, located in the private and exclusive 50 000-acre Naboisho Conservancy, is unique because it allows guests to explore the conservancy and further afield with safari drives into the Maasai Mara Reserve. Guest’s stay enables Great Plains to support over 500 Maasai families with a sustainable livelihood through the payment of conservation fees, which ultimately ensures the conservation of the wildlife in this vital corridor of the Maasai Mara eco-system.
1hr 15min flight to Naboisho airstrip followed by 40-minute drive to the camp, with game viewing en route.
Should you wish to fly in via private aircraft, please let us know and we will assist with the necessary arrangements.
No two days are the same on safari. 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. However, you can choose to go out all day with a packed breakfast, lunch, and beverages should you wish. One visit per guest’s 3- or 4-night stay includes heading into the famous Maasai Mara Reserve. Very often, safaris will continue into the night, a possibility because of Mara Nyika's location on the private Naboisho Conservancy. Night drives are incredibly prolific, and while they take patience, sightings commonly include lesser known nocturnal mammals and even lion and hyena hunts.
Experience the beauty of the Masai Mara on a hot air balloon flight. Take off at dawn and float in whichever direction the morning winds take you. Your altitude may vary from treetop height or lower, which offers a unique perspective and great photographic opportunities, to 300 metres (1 000 feet), showcasing the vastness of the panorama. From time to time the pilot must put more heat into the balloon with the powerful whisper burners. In between these burns, there is silence apart from the natural sounds below. This is a once in a lifetime experience to really appreciate the spectacular magnificence of wild Africa. The hot air balloon flight lasts about an hour and is followed by champagne and a full English breakfast.
The freedom and purity of Africa is the ideal way to escape the “everyday” and bond with the land and with each other. Great Plains Young Explorers program is designed to enhance both a child and a family’s overall safari, weaving themes of conservation and culture into each fun activity with the intention of giving children tangible examples and moments to bring back to their peer group. The future of conservation is, after all, in the hands of these young ambassadors. Exciting new animals are a huge part of a safari experience, but delving deeper and more personal into what lies in heart of the land and its people while learning and experiencing gives great satisfaction and interaction to kids (and parents). Stepping away from everyday life to build a mini Maasai boma, or treasure hunting and practicing your newly learnt traditional bush survival skills is an experience we would all cherish. For kids, it is magical.