Secluded African’s Instinct of the Mara is an idyllic slice of the Maasai Mara, sitting right amid the trees and exuding an exclusive atmosphere. An entirely solar-powered camp on a private conservancy with two freshwater springs, this is truly a wild and adventurous experience, far from the crowds forming in the busier sections of the Mara.
Location
Instinct of the Mara is located on the 8,000-acre Olderkesi Conservancy in the Maasai Mara. The camp sits on the edge of a hill surrounded by lush woodland with an ancient river running through the green rolling hills. Offering stunning views across the land, the area is also home to one of the Mara’s largest packs of wild dog and the camp has many visitors who roam the landscape including lion, elephant, black rhino, cheetah and leopard.
Rooms
There are eight Premium tents and two Luxury tents at Instinct of the Mara, all nestled beneath the foliage. Interiors are warm, cosy and rustic with dark wooden floors covered in red rugs and a plethora of dark wooden furnishings and en-suite bathrooms to the back of the tents with double vanities. Each tent offers a private veranda to enjoy intimate views of the surrounds. Luxury tents have the added benefit of two rooms, a bathtub and a private entrance. One even offers a private plunge pool while the other has a large private deck.
Communal Areas
The tented lounge is a simple and comfortable area with sofas, chairs and tables. The bar and dining area, with its long communal tables, flows out to two dark wooden outdoor decks with more sofas and a fireplace. On the lawn in front of the main lodge, there’s also an outdoor lounging area with sofas and a fire pit, perfect for watching the sun descend over the trees.
Activities
This Secluded African property arranges activities around the preferences of the guests, making every day a tailormade experience. Take day and night game drives through the conservancy in custom-built 4×4 vehicles where everyone gets a window seat. Take ornithological walks with expert guides to bird watch or head out on safari bushwalks in the surrounding area to spot bigger wildlife. Walk’s extend into the nearby hills where sundowners can be enjoyed with elevated views across the land. Guests can also take cultural visits to local Maasai villages to meet locals and browse craft markets.
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRY SEASON
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains. The migration will be located within the southern regions of the Serengeti during this period. The resident (non-migratory) wildlife in the Masai Mara is however superb throughout the year, so still well worth consideration as a safari destination. Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Masai has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,435 to 2,143m or 4,708 to 7,031ft) moderate these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F. The mornings can, however, be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
DRY SEASON
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains. The migration will be located within the southern regions of the Serengeti during this period. The resident (non-migratory) wildlife in the Masai Mara is however superb throughout the year, so still well worth consideration as a safari destination. Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Masai has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,435 to 2,143m or 4,708 to 7,031ft) moderate these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F. The mornings can, however, be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
DRY SEASON
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains. The migration will be located within the southern regions of the Serengeti during this period. The resident (non-migratory) wildlife in the Masai Mara is however superb throughout the year, so still well worth consideration as a safari destination. Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Masai has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,435 to 2,143m or 4,708 to 7,031ft) moderate these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F. The mornings can, however, be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. On the plus side, rates are at there cheapest, and visitor numbers to the park are incredibly low, offering a more private safari experience for those who don’t mind taking their chances!
During this period the great migration starts to make its way north towards the Western Corridor of the Serengeti ecosystem, in Tanzania. The resident (non-migratory) wildlife in the Masai Mara is however superb throughout the year, so still well worth consideration as a safari destination. Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Masai has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,435 to 2,143m or 4,708 to 7,031ft) moderate these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F. The mornings can, however, be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. On the plus side, rates are at there cheapest, and visitor numbers to the park are incredibly low, offering a more private safari experience for those who don’t mind taking their chances!
During this period the great migration starts to make its way north towards the Western Corridor of the Serengeti ecosystem, in Tanzania. The resident (non-migratory) wildlife in the Masai Mara is however superb throughout the year, so still well worth consideration as a safari destination. Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Masai has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,435 to 2,143m or 4,708 to 7,031ft) moderate these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F. The mornings can, however, be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
DRY SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. On the plus side, rates are at there cheapest, and visitor numbers to the park are incredibly low, offering a more private safari experience for those who don’t mind taking their chances!
During this period the great migration starts to make its way north towards the Western Corridor of the Serengeti ecosystem, in Tanzania. The resident (non-migratory) wildlife in the Masai Mara is however superb throughout the year, so still well worth consideration as a safari destination. Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Masai has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,435 to 2,143m or 4,708 to 7,031ft) moderate these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F. The mornings can, however, be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
DRY SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. On the plus side, rates are at there cheapest, and visitor numbers to the park are incredibly low, offering a more private safari experience for those who don’t mind taking their chances!
During this period the great migration starts to make its way north towards the Western Corridor of the Serengeti ecosystem, in Tanzania. The resident (non-migratory) wildlife in the Masai Mara is however superb throughout the year, so still well worth consideration as a safari destination. Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Masai has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,435 to 2,143m or 4,708 to 7,031ft) moderate these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F. The mornings can, however, be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
During this period the great migration will be making its way into the Masai Mara from the Serengeti. Game viewing will, therefore, be exceptional, this the perfect time of year to visit!
Its location so close to the equator means that the Masai has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,435 to 2,143m or 4,708 to 7,031ft) moderate these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F. The mornings can, however, be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
During this period the great migration will be making its way into the Masai Mara from the Serengeti. Game viewing will, therefore, be exceptional, this the perfect time of year to visit!
Its location so close to the equator means that the Masai has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,435 to 2,143m or 4,708 to 7,031ft) moderate these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F. The mornings can, however, be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
During this period the great migration will be making its way into the Masai Mara from the Serengeti. Game viewing will, therefore, be exceptional, this the perfect time of year to visit!
Its location so close to the equator means that the Masai has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,435 to 2,143m or 4,708 to 7,031ft) moderate these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F. The mornings can, however, be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
WET SEASON – ‘SHORT RAINS’
A rather unpredictable time of the year with the occasional heavy shower or thunderstorm, but usually plenty of sunshine in between. While technically the wet season the rains are not as intense during this period as the ‘long rains’, it can therefore still be a great time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Masai has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,435 to 2,143m or 4,708 to 7,031ft) moderate these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F. The mornings can, however, be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
WET SEASON – ‘SHORT RAINS’
A rather unpredictable time of the year with the occasional heavy shower or thunderstorm, but usually plenty of sunshine in between. While technically the wet season the rains are not as intense during this period as the ‘long rains’, it can therefore still be a great time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Masai has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,435 to 2,143m or 4,708 to 7,031ft) moderate these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F. The mornings can, however, be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
Explore Maasai Mara Properties
-
Angama Mara
Angama Mara
Inspired by the Swahili word for ‘suspended in mid air’, Angama Mara is a modern, elegant lodge balancing on the rim of the Great Rift Valley. This luxury property ..
-
Bateleur Camp
Bateleur Camp
Bateleur Camp is a stylish and modern camp retaining its classic charm, set within a dense forest on the boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. With its superb ..
-
Cottar’s Conservation Camp
Cottar’s Conservation Camp
Cottars Conservation Camp is managed by the Cottar’s Safaris group and offers an expedition-style camp that encourages guests to connect with nature on a raw and ..
-
Cottars 1920’s Safari Camp
Cottars 1920’s Safari Camp
Unlike many other camps in Africa that play on that gone by safari era, Cottars 1920 Camp truly has that heritage with the family operating within this area for just over ..
-
Elephant Pepper Camp
Elephant Pepper Camp
Named after the grove of trees it’s nestled in, Elephant Pepper Camp is a simple, stylish camp in the heart of the bush. Ideal for travellers desiring understated ..
-
Ishara Mara
Ishara Mara
Ishara, whose name signifies a ‘sign’ or ‘symbol’ in Kiswahili, is a testament to the visionary endeavor of Azhar Madhani, a Kenyan entrepreneur with deep roots ..
-
Kichwa Tembo Camp
Kichwa Tembo Camp
A large, stylish property located on a private concession, Kichwa Tembo is situated along the Sabaringo River offering total seclusion and commanding views. Its name ..
-
Mara Expedition Camp
Mara Expedition Camp
Tucked into a small bend in the Ntiakitiak River, Great Plain Conservation's Mara Expeditions Camp is a step back in time to the romantic safari era of early explorers. ..
-
Mara Nyika Camp
Mara Nyika Camp
A new lodge with a fresh approach in an area long heralded as the planet's paramount game-viewing destination, Mara Nyika lies in the Naboisho Conservancy (part of the ..
-
Mara Plains Camp
Mara Plains Camp
Situated in one of the richest ecosystems in the world, Mara Plains is a stylish property which sits quietly and seamlessly in its stunning surroundings. A relaxed yet ..
-
Mara Toto Camp
Mara Toto Camp
A classy 1920’s inspired tented camp with all the creature comforts you would expect of a Great Plains camp. Food and service is incredible and the camp is located in a ..
-
Ngare Serian
Ngare Serian
Alex Walker's Ngare Serian is one of the Mara's top properties. With only four high-quality authentic tented suites, this is a top-end small camp offering very high ..
-
Ol Seki Hemingways
Ol Seki Hemingways
Ol Seki Mara is listed in the Hemingways portfolio, which is made up of four high-quality properties spanning the Maasai Mara, Nairobi, and Watamu. The name Ol Seki means ..
-
Rekero Camp
Rekero Camp
Run by renowned operator Asilia Africa and situated within a region prized for its outstanding nature reserves and exceptional safari guides, the tented Rekero Camp ..
-
Sala’s Camp
Sala’s Camp
A simple, laid-back property overlooking the Northern Serengeti, Sala’s Camp has heaps of character and understated charm. A perfect compliment to the rest of the ..
-
Sanctuary Olonana
Sanctuary Olonana
Sanctuary Olanana is an intimate and luxurious lodge with great views and total privacy. Wonderfully located and beautifully designed, the lodge is ideal for exploring ..
-
Sand River Camp
Sand River Camp
Privately located on the banks of the river, Sand River Camp is an exclusive safari stay with an atmospheric touch of the 1920’s heyday. Ideal for those seeking to step ..
-
Serian ‘The Original’
Serian ‘The Original’
Serian The Original is an intimate and relaxed camp overlooking the Mara River. The property exudes a homely atmosphere and natural charm, due to the warmth and personal ..
-
Serian Nkorombo
Serian Nkorombo
Serian Nkorombo is a small, simple camp on the banks of the Mara River. The word ‘serian’ in Maasai means ‘serene’ and this camp delivers. The camp puts emphasis ..
-
Tangulia Mara Camp
Tangulia Mara Camp
The first camp to be owned, run and managed by the local Maasai community, Tanguila Mara is a cosy, traditional camp opened in March 2016. Operated by Maasai guide ..
What People Say
-
The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
-
We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
-
Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
-
Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
-
Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
-
Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
-
Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
-
We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
-
Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
