The newest addition to Nomadic Encounter’s growing collection of private houses, Mara House is located in the Ol Chorro Losoit valley, at the northern tip of the Mara, in the 4,000-acre Rekero Private Conservancy. Owned and operated by Nomadic Encounters, it is a comfortable and well-priced private safari house.
Overview
Larger than nearby Acacia House, with which it shares the pool and barbeque facilities, Mara House is a wood and stone build of exceptional quality. Rectangular in shape, and built about a long, narrow courtyard, it consists of a sitting and dining room, kitchen, study, veranda and 3 bedrooms. As with nearby Acacia House, the Mara House design places the shared areas at the front of the house, with the bedrooms and study either looking into the courtyard, or out onto the plains behind the house.
In terms of look, great emphasis is placed on the use of found and mishappen woods, with door-ways, mirrors, window frames and tables and stools all the recipients of the Rekero makeover. Equally important is the Mara House’s use of space. The veranda is vast, and the thoughtful placing of the shared areas’ furniture, makes the most of the house’s cottage-like interiors.
Food & service
Booked on an exclusive basis, guests have the run of the house, which comes with its own chef and house manager. Using local produce, fresh meats, and as at home with an international cuisine as it is with a Kenyan one, the kitchen is superb, the food excellent, and beautifully served. Special diets and tastes are easily catered for. Meals can be taken inside, at the dining room table, or outside, either on the veranda or around the barbeque. The service, discreet, friendly and highly professional, makes for a wonderful stay.
Rooms
Mara House has space for 6 guests, and would suit a family or a smallish group of travelling friends. Each bedroom is en-suite and includes a double bed, sidetables, storage and plenty of room within which to change. Eschewing anything more than functional, the room is very simply – and delightfully – styled, preferring to highlight its well made beds, the beautiful white walls, exposed beams and polished floors.
Facilities include a 24 hr power and wireless internet through an inverter system – please bring your own laptop if you wish to utilise the Wi-Fi. Please note that the inverter system cannot run hairdryers.
Activities
Hosted by the super experienced Rekero team, the activities at Acacia House are first class. Excellent wildlife viewing and bird watching can be enjoyed in custom-built, four-wheel drive vehicles, allowing real access to the animals. Guided walks are a speciality. Visits to one of the local villages, schools or trading centres can easily be arranged at a moment’s notice. Other activities include bush picnics, sundowners and lazing by the pool. Please note that all walks and wildlife drives are led by the Rekero guides, all of whom have achieved the highest scores in the Maasai Mara, in the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association examination.
Impact
Community
Guests interested in Community Conservation are very welcome to participate in Rekero’s projects, including daily computer training for local villagers at the nearby Rekero Trust classroom.