Angama Mara

Location

Angama Mara occupies an exclusive position along the western edge of Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, built on the rim of the Siria-Oloololo Escarpment overlooking the Mara Triangle. The property is distributed across three kopjes (rocky outcrops), with two used for guest accommodation. This elevated setting provides commanding views across the plains towards Tanzania’s Serengeti in the distance.

This location offers convenient access to the Mara Triangle sector of the reserve, considered one of the less crowded yet wildlife-rich areas of the Maasai Mara ecosystem. The Mara River, famous for dramatic migration crossings between July and October, is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the property, while the diverse habitats of the surrounding savannah are immediately accessible for game viewing activities.

Rooms

Angama Mara’s accommodation consists of 30 tented suites equally divided between two self-contained camps, North Camp and South Camp. Each spacious suite spans approximately 100 square metres, including a 35-square-metre private deck extending from the living area. The defining feature of these accommodations is the 11-metre wide floor-to-ceiling glass frontage that maximises the panoramic views across the Maasai Mara from every part of the room.

The interiors feature polished parquet floors and a clean, contemporary aesthetic with distinctive touches of Maasai red throughout the décor. Each suite is furnished with either an extra-length king-sized bed or twin beds according to guest preference, complemented by a sitting area with comfortable seating, a writing desk with charging facilities, and a private bar. Canvas walls and thatched roofs maintain a connection to safari tradition while offering modern comfort enhanced by ceiling fans and thoughtful lighting.

En-suite bathrooms provide twin vanity basins, separate toilet facilities, walk-in showers, and freestanding bathtubs positioned to take advantage of the views. Additional amenities include a butler’s lobby for discreet service delivery, in-room safes, binoculars for wildlife viewing from the deck, and a collection of East African literature. Four of the tented suites are configured as interconnecting family units, providing appropriate accommodation for guests travelling with children aged six years and above.

Communal Areas

The main guest areas at Angama Mara reflect the same contemporary design ethos as the tented suites, with each camp providing its own dedicated facilities to maintain an intimate atmosphere despite the property’s overall capacity. The pavilions housing these areas feature high ceilings with exposed structural elements and extensive use of glass to capture the dramatic vistas beyond.

Central to each camp is the main lounge, a spacious area with comfortable seating arranged around a stone fireplace and extending onto a baraza, a traditional East African covered terrace. Adjacent dining spaces offer a variety of table configurations for private or communal meals, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that can be fully opened to create a seamless indoor-outdoor environment. A sunken fire deck with cushioned seating provides a cosy spot for evening gatherings, complete with a telescope for observing wildlife on the plains below.

Between the two camps sits the Pavilion, which houses additional shared facilities including a library stocked with African literature and films, a 12-metre rim-flow swimming pool overlooking the escarpment, and a fitness room equipped with modern exercise equipment. The property also features a dedicated Photographic Studio where professional photographers offer tutorials and equipment hire, a safari shop selling locally crafted items, and a beading studio where Maasai women create traditional beadwork that guests can purchase.

Activities

Angama Mara offers a comprehensive range of activities centred on experiencing the natural and cultural richness of the Maasai Mara region. Game drives form the core wildlife viewing experience, with both morning and afternoon excursions into the Mara Triangle conducted in customised 4×4 vehicles with experienced guides. The property’s approach emphasises flexibility, allowing guests to determine their preferred schedule and duration of drives, from brief outings to full-day explorations with picnic meals served in the bush.

Beyond traditional game drives, guests can participate in guided walking safaris along the escarpment with Maasai naturalists who share insights into local flora, fauna, and cultural heritage. Hot air balloon safaris provide an aerial perspective of the landscape at dawn, typically followed by a champagne breakfast upon landing. Cultural interactions include visits to nearby Maasai communities and opportunities to engage with local artisans in the lodge’s beading studio.

For photography enthusiasts, the property’s Photographic Studio offers specialised safaris, equipment hire, and post-processing assistance. Unique to Angama Mara is the “Out of Africa” picnic experience, where guests can enjoy romantic meals set up on the kopje featured in the film’s iconic poster, complete with director’s chairs and panoramic views. Additional options include bush barbecues in the forest near the lodge, garden-to-table dining experiences in the property’s vegetable garden (shamba), and sundowner gatherings at the traditional boma where Maasai warriors perform customary dances as the sun sets over the plains.