Enjoy the ultimate luxury safari at Kenya’s newest and most extraordinary safari lodge, Angama Mara, which is literally between heaven and earth. Baroque Travel has all the details
Set on the edge of Africa’s Great Rift Valley in Kenya, this brand new creation from unconventional African luxury hotel brand andBeyond offers panoramic views that stretch forever across the Maasai Mara 300m below. The site, which is where the famous Hollywood film Out of Africa was filmed, is so breathtakingly beautiful that it has been described as being ‘between heaven and earth’.
The Maasai Mara is named in honor of the indigenous Maasai people who live here alongside a variety of wildlife including leopard, cheetah, the rare black rhino, lion, elephant and herds of buffalo, some 1,000-strong. Every year in July the famous Great Migration takes place, four months of the most awesome, unforgettable game viewing imaginable.
The Mara Triangle, where the lodge is located, is one of the most scarcely populated areas in the Masaai Mara, with very few lodges in this 500 square kilometer area, which is home to such a diversity of mammals and birds.
The new luxury safari lodge, Angama Mara, is located on a 700-hectare site, with its own lush forest, home to a variety of wildlife. Each of the magnificent modern tented suites, of which there are 30 in all, divided into two separate camps of 15 on each side, offer stunning 180-degree views from their 1.2 km cliff-side location over the Rift Valley below. Each camp has its own kitchen, dedicated staff and separate guest area where one can dine, drink, relax or read a book from the library. Between the camps is a public area with swimming pool, fitness area and shop. For guests, everything is within a 10-minute walk.
Unrivalled exclusivity is the name of the game at this stunning establishment, which also features a private airfield and a track that leads directly down into the Reserve.
A stay at Angama Mara is a never-ending spectacle of beauty provided by nature. All of the tented suites have three canvas sides and an 11 m wide floor-to-ceiling glass window in the front offering exceptional views. The suites feature a bedroom, bathroom, sitting area and spacious wooden deck. Luxury additions include Wi-Fi, superb guest amenities, a collection of books on East Africa to browse through and a tablet with all the guests’ personal information on it.
Guests can sleep with the sliding doors wide open enjoying the fresh air and sounds of the wild. Meshed doors are latched for safety, but still allow the outside world in. Sunrise is an unforgettable, unique spectacle every morning, as hot air balloons float by, taking people on a game-viewing adventure from a most unique vantage-point.
Aside from being located exactly where part of the film Out of Africa was shot, the lodge’s dramatic guest areas are reminiscent of the Muthaiga Club in Nairobi, which was built in 1917 and was featured extensively in the film. The area has no clearly defined dining-room, living room or bar; all are inter-connected. It also features an extensive deck overlooking the Rift Valley offering endless views. Here too is the Fitness Room which features state-of-the-art equipment and an infinity pool that is solar-heated with loungers.
Life at the lodge is leisurely and full of numerous experiences, including game viewing safaris in four by four vehicles, hot air balloon rides, walking safaris, relaxing or learning about the fascinating Maasai culture. Rates, which are approximately $825 per night per guest, include superb meals, drinks and various safari activities. Hot air balloon safaris and park fees are extra.