Olare Mara Kempinski

Location: Olare Mara Kempinski sits within the exclusive Olare Motorogi Conservancy, a 35,000-acre private reserve that borders Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. This area is known for its incredibly high density of big cats, open plains teeming with game, and strict vehicle limits that ensure a much more peaceful and immersive safari. The camp’s riverside setting, shaded by thick stands of acacia, gives it a serene, tucked-away feel - yet you’re right in the heart of one of Kenya’s most wildlife-rich regions. It’s the kind of place where you fall asleep to the sounds of the bush and wake up to hippos grunting nearby.

Rooms: There are just 12 spacious tents at Olare Mara Kempinski, including a honeymoon suite, all designed to balance safari authenticity with high-end comfort. Raised on wooden decks and spread out for privacy, each tent features polished floors, four-poster beds, freestanding baths, indoor and outdoor showers, and private verandas overlooking the river or plains. The design blends classic safari style with subtle luxury - nothing over the top, but everything well thought through. You get the atmosphere of a proper tented camp, with the refinement and attention to detail you’d expect from Kempinski.

Amenities: For a remote safari camp, the amenities here are impressive. There’s a central lounge and dining tent, a swimming pool with a sun deck for warmer afternoons, and a small spa offering massages and wellness treatments. Dining is a highlight - fresh, imaginative meals served under canvas or alfresco beneath the stars. Service is polished yet warm, with the team making a real effort to personalise each guest’s experience. It feels indulgent, but not disconnected from the wilderness around you.

Activities: Game drives take centre stage here, with exceptional sightings of lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and more. Thanks to the conservancy’s low vehicle numbers, you can often enjoy sightings without another car in view. Guests also have access to the Maasai Mara Reserve itself, offering even more variety, especially during the Great Migration months. Night drives and guided bush walks add depth to the experience, while cultural visits to local Maasai villages can also be arranged. The guides are experienced and sharp-eyed, striking the right balance between informative and intuitive.

Sustainability: Olare Mara Kempinski operates with a strong focus on sustainability, working closely with the Olare Motorogi Conservancy to ensure tourism supports conservation and community. The camp runs on solar power, uses eco-friendly waste systems, and prioritises local sourcing. But perhaps more importantly, it contributes directly to the conservancy model - paying land lease fees that provide income to local Maasai families in exchange for protecting the land and wildlife. It’s a real example of luxury tourism working hand-in-hand with grassroots conservation in Kenya.