Mara Plains Camp & Ol Donyo Lodge Nominated as Most Romantic Safari Properties 2019
The spectacular Mara Plains Camp and Ol Donyo Lodge have been nominated as Most Romantic Safari Property 2019by safariawards.com. Both properties offer the ultimate African hospitality, unprecedented private luxury and the finest wildlife sightings, but here’s what makes these Kenyan establishments such great contenders for the title:
Mara Plains Camp is a private and exclusive luxury-under-canvas accommodation set alongside the Ntiakitiak River on 35,000-acres of pristine wilderness bordering the world-renowned Masai Mara Reserve. Mara Plains Camp is a beautiful and intimate safari camp accommodating only 14 guests at a time, offering couples and families unrivalled access to luxurious facilities and amenities, exclusive landscapes and unfettered wildlife in low-vehicle density land.
When you arrive at the foot of the camp, you will find yourself crossing a quaint wooden bridge and climbing a few large steps – a small adventure, before reaching the luxurious and sleek reception area. Every step will mean something once you reach the view of an endless horizon. Right ahead of the main area is a scene from one of Disney’s most iconic films, The Lion King as you lay your eyes on the single, flat-topped Acacia tree – the icon of the Mara Plains Camp.
Tucked away amongst the trees, the seven decadent suites are integrated between the hippos, monkeys and sweet-sounding birds. Here, the natural environment will always have prominence, and so the camp’s design honours rather than upstages what nature has provided.
The furnishings pay tribute to the spirit of East Africa; and the camp’s Swahili heritage is reflected in tasteful décor. Each suit is more like a home and is exquisitely designed to give you complete privacy, an unbeatable view, and your very own piece of African bushveld. The wooden floors, neutral palette, draped canvas and natural fabrics are discreet allowing the beauty of the outside world to envelop you, even once inside. The sounds of Africa enter through the sides to entertain you. Elaborate finishing touches signal to the colonial era with rich leather pieces, Persian carpets, deep reds that honour the great Maasai chiefs and warriors and a delightful mixture of large wooden doors from the island of Lamu and copper to marry the Arab and Maasai influences.
These little perfections together make Mara Plains Camp the perfect combination of romance, adventure and exploration.
A 10 hour drive away from Mara Plains Camp, a bull crosses the grasslands, heading for the ol Donyo waterhole. In the heart of the Chyulu Hills is a timeless wonder that emanates raw beauty. Under the watchful care of Mount Kilimanjaro, this area is protected and rich with rare and endangered wildlife such as Africa’s last big tusker elephant bulls and endangered lion.
ol Donyo Lodge brings together contemporary architecture and décor and accentuates it with the rich culture of the Maasai. With only 16 guests at the lodge and no two villas looking the same, ol Donyo is both private and exclusive.
Built to combine the most heart-stopping views and merge outdoor and indoor living, the thatch suites are perfect for honeymooners. The unique suites and villas rise from the landscape and blend effortlessly with the African bushveld around them. Boasting amazing star beds atop each one, you can lie up there for hours with a sneaky nightcap and gaze up at Africa’s astounding blanket of stars. With a grand stone fireplace at its heart the main lounge and library will make you feel completely at home. It’s the perfect spot to socialise with your family, friends and other travellers. Take some time out, relax and sit on the spacious veranda marvelling at the view, or in the dining room savouring your mouth-watering meal, as there is no such thing as time on an African safari.
