The Olare Motorogi Conservancy covers 14,164 hectares of private land bordering the northern edge of the Masai Mara National Reserve. This area is managed for a low-density, high-quality safari experience. Olare Mara Kempinski occupies a prime position within this conservancy. The main lodge and twelve guest tents are built along a bend of the seasonal Ntiakitiak River, a natural corridor for migrating wildlife.
Getting to Olare Mara Kempinski in the Masai Mara
Guests reach Olare Mara Kempinski via a short charter flight from Nairobi's Wilson Airport (WIL) to the Olare Motorogi airstrip. From the airstrip, a guided game drive of approximately 45 minutes transfers you to the camp. This transfer serves as your first safari, with the route frequently yielding sightings of plains game. The camp’s location within the conservancy grants exclusive access to this land. Vehicle density is strictly controlled and remains significantly lower than in the main public reserve directly adjacent.
The Unfenced Camp Design of Olare Mara Kempinski
Olare Mara Kempinski is an unfenced camp, a deliberate design choice that allows for an authentic connection with the wilderness as animals roam freely through the grounds. A central structure with a high-pitched canvas roof and open sides contains the main lounge and dining area, offering expansive views over the riverbed. Stone pathways connect this central hub to the individual guest tents, which are carefully spaced to ensure complete privacy. The grunts and calls of a resident hippo pod in the river provide a constant auditory backdrop to the camp.
Luxury Tented Suites at Olare Mara Kempinski
The accommodation at Olare Mara Kempinski consists of just twelve exceptionally spacious canvas tents built on raised hardwood platforms. Each structure uses a solid frame overlaid with heavy-duty, multi-layered canvas to provide robust protection from the elements while retaining a classic safari aesthetic. Inside, polished hardwood floors and a decor blending colonial-era campaign furniture with contemporary comforts create a refined atmosphere.
Each tent is designed as a private sanctuary, offering a significant amount of personal space. The layout prioritises both comfort and a direct connection to the surrounding environment, with a natural flow from the indoor living areas to the outdoor viewing deck. This design philosophy ensures guests feel immersed in the location without sacrificing luxury.
Private Decks and En-suite Bathrooms
A standard luxury tent provides over 80 square metres of private space. The interior floor plan incorporates a large bedroom and living area, a separate en-suite bathroom with a claw-foot bathtub and shower, and a private outdoor deck. This deck is a standout feature, furnished with chairs and a daybed to create a private vantage point directly overlooking the river and its resident wildlife. The exclusive honeymoon suite also includes a private outdoor plunge pool.
Modern Conveniences and Lodge Facilities
A hybrid system, combining a solar farm with a silent-packed generator, powers the camp and ensures a continuous 24-hour electricity supply. This reliable power supports modern amenities not always found in remote safari locations. WiFi connectivity is available throughout the camp, including in all guest tents and the central lounge. The main lodge area also includes a separate tented lounge for relaxation and a swimming pool with a sundeck for cooling off during the midday heat.
Exclusive Safari Activities in the Conservancy
The conservancy location provides a key advantage through its expanded range of safari activities. Guests at Olare Mara Kempinski can join guided night game drives to observe nocturnal species, an activity not permitted in the main National Reserve. Walking safaris, led by an armed Maasai guide, offer a more intimate perspective on the ecosystem. Game drives take place in custom-built 4x4 Land Cruisers, with a maximum of six guests per vehicle to guarantee every passenger an excellent view. The local Maasai guiding standard is exceptionally high, with a focus on interpreting animal behaviour beyond simple wildlife identification.
Safety and Connectivity at Olare Mara Kempinski
The camp's unfenced design requires guests to follow strict safety protocols. After dark, Maasai guards, known as askaris, must escort guests to and from their tents. This arrangement creates an authentic bush experience, but families with young children should carefully consider the implications. The camp's WiFi is generally reliable for standard use like email and social media. It should not be considered high-speed and may experience latency common with remote satellite-based systems.
Olare Mara Kempinski Key Facts
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Location | Olare Motorogi Conservancy |
| Power Supply | 24-hour solar/generator hybrid |
| Internet | WiFi in all tents & public areas |
| Perimeter | Unfenced |
| Room Types | Luxury Tents, Honeymoon Suite |
| Key Activities | Night drives, walking safaris |
Who Should Stay at Olare Mara Kempinski?
Olare Mara Kempinski appeals to discerning travellers, particularly couples and photographers who value exclusivity and a broad range of safari activities. The combination of high-comfort accommodation, reliable power, and private access for night drives and walks provides a comprehensive Masai Mara experience. Because of its unfenced perimeter and reliance on escorted movement after dark, the camp is better suited to families with older, self-aware children rather than toddlers.
