Olare Mara Kempinski Masai Mara

Staying at Kempinski Olare Mara was truly the most beautiful and unforgettable experience of my life. From the moment I arrived, I was surrounded by breathtaking nature, impeccable service, and genuine hospitality. Every game drive felt like a dream, every meal was exceptional, and every member of the team made me feel so welcome and cared for. This is not just a lodge — it’s a sanctuary where luxury meets the wild in the most magical way. I’ll cherish every memory and can’t wait to return. Thank you for an experience beyond words.

I recently stayed at the Olare Mara Kempinski for a three-night safari with my partner. The staff, facilities, and location were lovely and enabled us to have the most personalized safari experience to date. Location: Located in the Olare Conservancy in the northern Mara, the lodge benefits from an exclusive setting with only four other camps permitted in the area. This meant we only encountered a handful of other vehicles on most drives. Wildlife: The limited human presence meant Giraffes, Zebras, Elephants and Hippos frequently passed by the lodge. We also spotted Lions and Wildebeests on most drives, with a Cheetah on the last day. Staff: Dominic, the General Manager, ensured our trip was personalised, complete with dinners by the fire and day trips. Moses and the restaurant staff quickly learned our preferences for drinks and meals. Our guide, Dixon, was fantastic and his extensive knowledge of the Mara and ability to locate animals was truly impressive. We also appreciated his flexibility in extending drives, especially after rainy days. Food & Drink: The quality of the meals was exceptional, particularly given the camp's remote location. The three-course menu, which changed daily, offered variety and was on par with other Kempinski properties we've visited worldwide. All soft and alcoholic drinks were included and available throughout the day. The wine selection was excellent, however I would encourage that the menus are made available such that the drinks options are more visible to guests. Rooms: The rooms feature large king beds, private terraces facing the river, high-pressure hot showers, and a bath, with toiletries consistent with other Kempinski hotels. We were kindly upgraded to Room 12, which provided a front-row view of the hippo pond and giraffes and elephants traversing the savanna. While the hippos can be loud, earplugs easily mitigated any disturbance. Wider Facilities: The design beautifully balances safari-style tents on the outside with luxury hotel decor on the inside. The main lobby area offers ample seating, a lovely fire in the evening, and a veranda perfect for evening drinks. My partner thoroughly enjoyed her massage at the spa overlooking the river. There is a non-heated pool, though we didn't use it. One recommendation would be to retreat the wooden flooring around the camp, as it is starting to look quite weathered.

Where do I even begin?! This resort in Kenya wasn’t just a stay — it was a spiritual awakening. I’m convinced I was reborn somewhere between the sunrise game drives and the mango smoothies. From the moment I stepped onto the property, I was greeted like royalty by ERIC — who might actually be part-human, part-angel. Within minutes, he had me laughing, hydrated, and checked in, all while giving me insider tips that made me feel like a VIP guest of the Serengeti gods. DAVID, the walking encyclopedia of Kenyan wildlife, taught me more in one safari drive than four years of biology class ever did. I swear he made eye contact with a leopard and it nodded back like, “Yes, king, I see you.” Then there’s NATHAN, aka the Bush Whisperer™, who casually helped me track lions like it was no big deal, all while sipping chai and quoting ancient proverbs. How does he know everything?! I don’t know. But I trust him with my life. BENSON — bless this legend — made the best passionfruit cocktails known to man and once carried my luggage and my emotional baggage after a long day (okay not really, but emotionally yes). And TJ? Don’t get me started. This man deserves a Netflix special. He curated a surprise sundowner with Maasai dancers, a fire pit, and snacks I’m still dreaming about. I almost proposed to him. Twice. The food? Ridiculous. The service? Impeccable. The views? So good I checked my passport to make sure I wasn’t in Narnia. I laughed. I cried. I almost adopted a baby elephant (emotionally). If you’re thinking of booking — don’t hesitate. Just go. Prepare to be humbled, pampered, and completely blown away. 10/10. Would sell my left shoe to come back. Tell Eric, David, Nathan, Benson, and TJ I said hi — and that I still think about them daily.