Mara Nyika Camp brings a distinct architectural perspective to Kenya's safari landscape. This Relais & Châteaux-accredited Great Plains Conservation property rises from the valley floor within the private 50,000-acre Naboisho Conservancy, its elevated tree house-styled suites connected by wooden walkways that create the sensation of floating above the bush. The camp was meticulously positioned after CEO Dereck Joubert spent three years evaluating potential locations, ultimately selecting a site where wildlife encounters proved consistently exceptional and where neither artificial light nor noise intrusion would compromise the wilderness experience. The property expertly balances a sense of romantic adventure with an emphasis on privacy—creating spaces where guests can live, think, explore and be pampered against what Joubert calls "one of the most spectacular backdrops Africa can provide."
Awarded: Silver
Location
Mara Nyika Camp occupies an intimate valley setting within the Naboisho Conservancy, straddling a small seasonal stream with accommodations strategically positioned high under the canopy of flat-topped Acacia kirkii trees. This elevation delivers panoramic views across the surrounding plains while maintaining a sense of seclusion within the landscape. The location provides a dual wildlife access advantage—guests enjoy both the private Naboisho Conservancy and arranged visits into the Maasai Mara National Reserve proper.
The site’s position was chosen specifically for its consistent wildlife activity, with leopard and lion sightings recorded during Joubert’s initial surveys. Today, the camp maintains this wildlife-centric focus while also supporting over 500 Maasai families through conservation fees—a partnership that ensures protection of this vital corridor within the greater Maasai Mara ecosystem. The property’s situation within a private conservancy allows for night drives, a significant advantage over camps restricted to national reserve boundaries, revealing nocturnal hunters and specialized wildlife rarely observed during daylight hours.
Many guests use Mara Nyika as a starting point before continuing to sister properties like Mara Expedition Camp, Mara Toto Tree Camp, or Mara Plains Camp—a progression that offers increasingly comprehensive wildlife experiences across three distinct wildlife areas within the Mara region.
Rooms
The camp accommodates a maximum of 12 adult guests across four 1,000-square-foot guest suites, plus a two-bedroom family suite and the exclusive Sambuk Suite (a private two-bedroom accommodation with dedicated wildlife viewing vehicle and guide). Each suite rises on elevated wooden decking with nearly equal-sized private verandahs, creating a genuine treehouse aesthetic connected to the main areas via raised wooden walkways.
The guest accommodations feature light beige canvas exteriors with high ceilings and extensive netted windows that create bright, airy interiors. The spaces include desk and dressing areas, small lounges, bar fridges stocked with preferred beverages, tea/coffee stations, and overhead ceiling and standing fans. Bathrooms include flush toilets, indoor showers, copper bathtubs, and double basins with hot and cold running water. The family suite adds a common lounge area flanked by two bedrooms—one with double bed, one with twin configuration—with two en-suite bathrooms (one featuring bath and shower, the other with shower only).
Communal Areas
The central facilities continue the elevated design approach with main lounge, dining room, library, wine cellar, and bar all positioned to maximize views. Additional amenities include a coffee/tea station, outdoor fire pit with seating, and the Great Plains Safari Boutique selling locally produced crafts and the brand’s proprietary d&b clothing line designed by founders Dereck and Beverly Joubert.
Activities
Wildlife viewing forms the core of the Mara Nyika experience, with activities structured around the natural rhythms of the ecosystem. Early morning, late afternoon, and evening game drives take place in customized, open-sided Toyota Land Cruisers specially modified for photographers with fold-down screens, raised roofs, photographic bars, and multi-plug inverters—designs that reflect the Jouberts’ background as National Geographic photographers.
The standard configuration accommodates four guests per vehicle, though family groups may include up to six. Drive schedules remain deliberately flexible, with options ranging from traditional morning and afternoon excursions to full-day adventures with packed meals. Guests staying three nights or longer have the opportunity to visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve, complementing their private conservancy experiences.
Night drives represent a significant advantage of the camp’s conservancy location. Though requiring patience, these excursions frequently reveal lesser-known nocturnal mammals and occasionally even lion and hyena hunts—spectacles unavailable to visitors restricted to national reserve properties.
Additional activities include hot air ballooning (arranged at extra cost with advance booking) and cultural experiences through the Naboisho Women’s Group supported by the Great Plains Foundation. Photography enthusiasts appreciate the professional camera equipment provided in each suite, complete with camera body and 100-400mm and 24-70mm lenses, with all photos downloaded to memory sticks upon departure.
The Relais & Châteaux culinary program features world-class meals prepared by executive chefs, with dining options ranging from group meals to individual tables, indoor or outdoor settings, and private dining on guest verandahs. Schedule flexibility allows for picnic breakfasts and lunches during extended wildlife viewing. Each suite comes equipped with yoga mats, light weights, and an exercise bike for personal fitness, complemented by in-room spa treatments featuring locally inspired wellness protocols.
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.
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What People Say
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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…
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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!!
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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...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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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.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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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.
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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.
