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 prolific game viewing area.
Awarded: Bronze
Location
Mara Toto Camp sits in a slight bend of the Ntiakitiak River, where the thick forest meets savannah, and just a few kilometers from its sister camps, Mara Plains and Mara Expedition Camp. Mara Toto is a place for the ardent safari-goer looking for the best wildlife sightings when on a Masai Mara safari. It is locally famous for its leopard residents wandering the riverbanks. And is positioned to take the best advantage of two migrations – the famous annual Serengeti migration and the green season migration from Loita Plains, an additional 50,000 wildebeest and over 100,000 zebras vying for grazing rights.
Rooms
Accommodation consists of five light and airy, spacious canvas tents, each with en-suite bathrooms with piping hot water from huge brass ‘safari showers’ to a chorus of hippos lazing nearby. It is set down low, hidden from lights and noise and any sign of mankind. Under the grove of Africa ebony trees, the main area is lit by lantern and candlelit, simple in design, but just enough for all the comforts.
Communal Areas
The communal lounge and dining areas at Mara Toto Camp occupy a wooden structure that’s entirely open sided with a sturdy roof. In common with the guest tents, the floor is raised above ground level. Here, you can relax with a book or enjoy delicious food and drink while admiring views of the river. A few steps from this structure, there’s a circular area for the camp’s fire-pit. This is great for getting to know your fellow guests and exchanging safari stories. You could also eat here, if you wish, and staff will happily pack up a picnic for you to enjoy while out in the reserve.
Activities
Explore in the camp’s specially designed, open-sided Land Cruisers with top-notch guides, a stocked fridge and plenty of photography equipment. Take hot-air balloons over the Mara to see the stunning landscape from on high, visit local schools and community projects to meet the locals
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.
