Visit Mara Explorer

Opened in early 2001, Mara Explorer has elevated the art of the African safari to spectacular new heights. This exclusive five-star camp, situated on a thickly forested river in the middle of the Maasai Mara reserve, offers guests the ultimate wilderness retreat, where you can watch elephants or giraffes drinking from the privacy of your verandah or from your own outdoor Victorian bathtub!

Situated in the heart of the Masai Mara game reserve, Mara Explorer enjoys prime views of the spectacular wildebeest migration between June and September, and some of the world’s most rewarding Big Cat sightings during the remainder of the year.

Mara Explorer has been constructed as an eco-friendly camp, and its operations are designed to have a minimal impact on the fragile Talek ecosystem. All biodegradable waste is mulched for compost, while water heating is quelled by briquettes made from used coffee husks.

All the public areas are decorated with old African artefacts and memorabilia from the earliest days of the African safari.

Accommodation

This exclusive five-star camp has 10 luxurious and well-spaced tents, each with its own private river frontage and views over the Talek’s southern banks. Seven of the tents have giant double beds, while three have twin beds. Each tent is furnished in a classic ‘Explorer’ style, with fine hand-carved mahogany furniture, antique chests and historic prints, and equipped with a luxurious en-suite bathroom with twin basins and all modern amenities.

The tents have been specially designed to open up to the sky and, on a deck on one side, a Victorian claws foot bathtub offers secluded open air bathing and a unique new perspective of the African bush. Each tent has a personal tent attendant and radios for tent service.

An intimate canvas covered dining area looks out over the river close to the camp entrance. Meals are served from own kitchens, using fresh vegetables and herbs grown in the camp gardens. Meals can also be enjoyed on your veranda, or at one of a series of specially-selected bush sites close to the camp. Next door, the camp bar provides beautiful river views and a well-stocked library, while the lounge area offers luxurious sofas for reading, playing board games, or swapping safari tales.

Activities

At Mara Explorer, you will enjoy private game drives with experienced professional safari guides, walking safaris in the Mara Conservation Area, Bush Breakfasts and dinner under the stars, Romantic sundowners in spectacular selected areas. You can arrange early-morning hot air balloon rides or fishing safaris to Lake Victoria. Attend and learn from lectures and slide shows on the Maasai Culture and human-wildlife Ecology. Participate in Environmental activities such as tree-planting with local residents.

Together with a sister camp, the Mara Intrepids camp, Mara Explorer support local primary schools and medical clinics. Guests are invited to visit these facilities as well as the villagers’ own Manyattas, which offer a fascinating insight into traditional Maasai life.

Mara Explorer Gallery

Talk to a Specialist

Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.

Rick McIntyre

Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.

You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014.

Rachel Chambers

Rachel Chambers

Rachel resides on the vibrant West Coast of Canada, specifically on Vancouver Island. She has a profound love for travel, having explored nearly 30 countries. However, it was a solo journey to Africa that truly ignited her passion. Upon stepping foot in Botswana for the first time, Rachel was captivated and knew she needed to explore more of the continent. Since then, she has ventured solo to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya, where she traveled with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps.

It was during these experiences that Rachel realized her desire to be a part of the Gamewatchers team.

You can contact Rae at rae@gamewatchers.com or WattsApp +1-250-588-9112

Julie Roggow

Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014.

Sally Wanjau

Having travelled extensively throughout East, South and Southern Africa, I remain passionate about Kenya, my love of which is fed by my many fantastic wildlife experiences at the Porini Camps.

You can contact me at sallywanjau@gamewatchers.com or call me at +44 7546 433 250

Wayne Hammond

If you're ready to embark on your own African adventure, don't hesitate to reach out to me at wayne@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +44 7986 978 985.

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Andrea Landaeta

Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I've had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul. If you're eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@gamewatchers.com

Let's connect and embark on a journey through Africa's wild wonders together.

Pranay Chandra

Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendours of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.

You can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or by phone at +91 801 788 5256

Kristy Thomson

Kristy Thomson Hello, I’m Kristy, your Australian-based Safari Advisor with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps. My background in ecology and conservation management, combined with a deep passion for nature and the great outdoors, led me to Kenya where I instantly fell in love with its spectacular wildlife and warm-hearted people. Having spent significant time at our Porini Camps and explored other camps we offer, I bring intricate knowledge to help craft your ultimate wildlife safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the savannah or the serenity of the wilderness, I’m here to make your safari dreams a reality. Feel free to reach out to me on the Gold Coast, Australia, at kristy@gamewatchers.com or call +61 419 175 672

Talk to a Specialist

Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.

Rick Mcintyre

Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me. My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience. Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let's embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.

Julie Roggow

Rachel Chambers

Hello, I am Sally Wanjau, and I have been travelling to Kenya on safari since the 1980’s which led to me living and working there for several years. Married to a Kenyan, it is a place that I now call home. I currently live in the UK with my husband. For a number of years, I ran my own safari business as an agent working closely with Gamewatchers Safaris creating unique and tailor-made holidays for my clients, and in 2017 I joined Gamewatchers Safaris full-time as one of their dedicated team of Safari Advisers. Having travelled extensively throughout East, South and Southern Africa, I remain passionate about Kenya, my love of which is fed by my many fantastic wildlife experiences at the Porini Camps. You can contact me at sallywanjau@gamewatchers.com or call me at +44 7546 433 250

Sally Wanjau

Hello, I'm Wayne Hammond, and I'm fortunate to have embarked on over 30 incredible journeys to the enchanting continent of Africa. It's a place that has captured my heart time and time again. My travels have taken me to Kenya, which I've had the pleasure of visiting far more times than I can recall, as well as to Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, and Mozambique. Among my cherished bush haunts, I hold dear the Masai Mara in Kenya, the mesmerizing Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, and the wondrous South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. I'm not just a passionate traveler but also an avid amateur wildlife photographer and an occasional travel writer. Currently based in the UK, I'm proud to serve as a Safari Consultant for Gamewatchers Safaris, helping fellow adventurers craft their dream African experiences. If you're ready to embark on your own African adventure, don't hesitate to reach out to me at wayne@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +44 7986 978 985. Let's bring your African safari dreams to life.

Wayne Hammond

Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I’ve had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul. If you’re eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@gamewatchers.com

Let’s connect and embark on a journey through Africa’s wild wonders together.

Andrea Landaeta

Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendors of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges. I’m based in Bangalore, India, and you can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or reach me by phone at +91 801 788 5256, including WhatsApp. Let’s embark on a journey to celebrate the beauty and conservation of our natural world together.

Pranay Chandra

Hello, I’m Kristy, your Australian-based Safari Advisor with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps. My background in ecology and conservation management, combined with a deep passion for nature and the great outdoors, led me to Kenya where I instantly fell in love with its spectacular wildlife and warm-hearted people. Having spent significant time at our Porini Camps and explored other camps we offer, I bring intricate knowledge to help craft your ultimate wildlife safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the savannah or the serenity of the wilderness, I’m here to make your safari dreams a reality.

Feel free to reach out to me on the Gold Coast, Australia, at kristy@gamewatchers.com or call +61 419 175 672

Kristy Thomson

Curating ultimate tailor-made safari experiences for 35 years

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Exploring Africa’s Wilderness on foot – Mara Walking Safaris

A Maasai women group from the Greater Maasai Mara region in the former Ol Kinyei Group Ranch has benefit from a 3,000-litre solar-powered milk coolant donated by the World Wide Foundation for Nature(WWF) with funding from the German government in partnership with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps.

Visit Mara Explorer

Accommodation

Activities

Mara Explorer Gallery