There's something truly refreshing about stepping away from the hustle and bustle of the city, even if just for a few days.
Travel and vacation have a way of resetting the mind, offering new perspectives, and reminding us of the beauty that exists beyond our daily routines. And if there's one thing Kenya is blessed with, it's an abundance of breathtaking destinations and endless opportunities for exploration.
Escaping the City of Nairobi
With that in mind, I packed my bags and set off for an adventure to the Maasai Mara, eager to immerse myself in its untamed beauty, witness the incredible wildlife, and just relax my mind body and soul, while being pampered.
The journey began on a slightly wet morning in Nairobi, after some light drizzles. As we (my good friend, myself and the driver) set off at exactly 10 a.m., the city slowly faded in the rear view mirror, replaced by the open highway stretching ahead with plenty of Acacia trees dotting the landscape and well, the many many trucks along the Mai Mahiu route.
A few hours in, we cruised through Narok, the last bustling outpost before the wilderness takes over. The air was rich with the scent of roasting maize, and vibrant roadside stalls displayed colorful shukas, intricate beadwork, and baskets of fresh produce. After a quick refuel, we were back on the road, the tarmac soon giving way to dusty trails leading deeper into the Mara ecosystem.
By the time we reached Talek, the gateway to the Mara, it felt like stepping into another world--one where adventure truly begins. From here, we veered off towards Motorogi Conservancy, the private reserve that would be our home for the weekend. As we navigated deeper into the conservancy, the wilderness seemed to embrace us fully--golden grasslands stretching endlessly, the occasional acacia tree casting long afternoon shadows, and the distant calls of wildlife echoing through the air.
Olare Mara: The Luxury camp in the wild
Then, finally, we arrived at our destination at about 2 45 pm, home for the next couple of days: Olare Mara Kempinski, a luxury Unfenced camp nestled within the Motorogi Conservancy. Olare is a word from the Maa language. It translates to "salty water" or "place of salty water." This camp is located along a river that a slightly salty taste, often due to mineral deposits in the soil. This is a big attraction for animals. Olare Mara features 12 elegant tented suites and prides itself on offering a classic safari experience, where guests are surrounded by rolling savannahs teeming with wildlife. Here, nature takes center stage, and close encounters with the Big Four--lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalos--are not just possible, but 100% guaranteed.
As I stepped out of the Land Cruiser, a vibrant welcome awaited. Tall Maasai dancers, adorned in their striking red shukas and intricate beadwork, stood in formation, their rhythmic chants and jumping movements filling the air with energy. I couldn't resist joining in--what a warm, exhilarating way to arrive!
Just as I caught my breath, a smiling gentleman stepped forward. "Welcome to Olare Mara!" Dominic, the camp manager, greeted us warmly. "I hope you had a good journey. You must be ready to stretch your legs--come on in, we've got something refreshing for you."
We were ushered into the open-air lounge, where the staff handed us cool, freshly squeezed juice. "Take a seat, relax," Dominic continued with an easy smile. "In a moment, we'll get you checked in and brief you on the camp. But first--just breathe it in. You're officially on Mara time now."
As we sipped on our refreshing drinks and took in the serene surroundings, Dominic continued, "Now, let me show you to your tents--you're going to love them."
A friendly staff member picked up our bags, and we followed along the natural grass pathway, shaded by towering trees. The sounds of nature surrounded us--distant hippos roar, birdsong, and the rustling of leaves in the gentle afternoon breeze.
As we strolled, I couldn't help but notice several trees with small name plaques attached to them. Curious, I turned to Dominic.
"Guests who visit have the chance to plant a tree and leave their name on it," he explained with a smile. "It's our way of giving back to nature and creating a lasting memory of your time here." What a beautiful gesture--leaving a mark on the Mara in such a meaningful way.
Luxury in the wild
As we continued, I also noticed that each tent bore a unique Maasai name. Dominic shared that some were named after animals, others after trees, elements of nature, and even local rock formations. That thoughtful detail added such a rich, local touch to the experience, making every stay feel deeply connected to the land.
And then, we arrived. This was my tent, all to my self. Pure heavenly right?
My tent was nothing short of spectacular--a seamless blend of luxury and wilderness. The canvas walls and wooden deck opened up to breathtaking views of the savannah, where zebras grazed lazily in the distance. Inside, a plush king-sized bed, elegant furnishings, and a freestanding bathtub awaited, offering the perfect retreat after a day of adventure. Honestly this is the life I was meant for and so glad I have it.
In search of The BIG Four
After a quick refresh, we gathered for afternoon tea, the anticipation of our first game drive buzzing in the air. At exactly 4:30 p.m., we climbed into the open Land Cruisers and set off--our daily safari ritual had begun. Raphael, our tour guide, was in control and he seemed to know exactly where to find to spot and find the animals, and he was very knowledgeable, telling us stories and stories of the wildlife
Barely six minutes into our drive from the camp, we stumbled upon a pride of lions, their golden coats blending seamlessly into the sun-drenched grass. The cubs, brimming with energy, wrestled and tumbled over each other, their tiny roars piercing the quiet afternoon air. Nearby, a massive lioness, her muscles rippling beneath her sleek frame, kept a watchful eye, her gaze both tender and fierce.
A dominant male, his thick mane swaying slightly in the breeze, lifted his head--his piercing amber eyes locking onto ours for a brief, electrifying moment before he let out a deep, guttural sigh and rested back down, unbothered. I couldn't help but hum under my breath, "Aaron Pierre... That's Mufasa..." The scene before me felt straight out of a movie--majestic, powerful, almost scripted, yet undeniably real.
Further along, a herd of elephants lumbered towards a watering hole, their sheer presence commanding attention. The matriarch led the way, her wrinkled skin dusted with the red earth, her massive ears fanning slowly. A young calf, barely able to control its trunk, splashed excitedly in the shallow water, causing ripples that shimmered under the waning sunlight.
Scattered across the vast landscape, zebras and antelopes moved in perfect harmony, their striped and tawny coats a striking contrast against the golden plains. Some grazed peacefully, while others lifted their heads, ears twitching--always on high alert. The Mara had its own rhythm, a delicate balance of predator and prey, survival and serenity.
Every angle, every movement felt like something worth capturing--though no camera could ever truly do justice to the raw beauty unfolding before us.
Sunsets, Views and Sundowners
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Mara transformed into something even more enchanting. The golden hues of the savannah gave way to a deep indigo sky, dotted with the first twinkling stars of the evening. The air was cooler now, carrying with it the distant sounds of the wild--a lion's deep-throated roar, the occasional laugh of a hyena, the rustling of leaves as nocturnal creatures began their nightly rituals.
We wrapped up our game drive and made our way to an open spot where the camp had orchestrated the perfect sundowner experience. A beautifully arranged spread awaited--glasses of chilled prosecco, fine whisky, crisp wines, and refreshing juices, all glistening under the fading sunlight. The air was rich with the enticing aroma of sizzling chicken wings and perfectly crisp samosas, expertly prepared by a chef stationed nearby. With a drink in hand, we sank into the moment--capturing golden-hour photos, sharing laughter, and simply reveling in the magic of the wild as the sky transformed into a breathtaking canvas of fiery oranges and deep purples. It was the kind of evening that made time stand still, where the beauty of the Mara wrapped itself around us in the most intoxicating way. I live for such moments.
We made our way back to camp, for a quick freshen-up, then we gravitated towards the heart of the camp--the common area lounge, where a crackling fire beckoned. With a bottle of chilled Prosecco in hand, we sank into the plush seats, letting the warmth of the flames and the soothing sounds of the wilderness wrap around us.
A love story in the Wild
It was here that we met them--a European couple in their fifties, radiating the kind of love and warmth that felt almost infectious. They spoke with ease, their laughter blending seamlessly with the flickering firelight. As we got to talking, they revealed that they had been coming to Olare Mara every single year for the past three years, without fail. It had become their special place, a retreat from the world where they could reconnect--not just with nature, but with each other.
Watching them as we had our dinner all together, it was easy to believe they were still on their honeymoon, despite the many years of marriage behind them. There was a lightness in their eyes, a quiet understanding in the way they spoke, as if time had only deepened their bond. "Kenya is truly a beautiful place," the woman said, her voice filled with admiration. "There's nowhere else quite like it." Her husband nodded in agreement, raising his glass in a silent toast to the land that had captured their hearts.
Hot air balloon and Champagne Mornings
At the break of dawn, groggy but giddy with anticipation, we set out at 5 a.m. for the much-anticipated hot air balloon safari, driving for about 40 minutes to the national park. The predawn air brought us to the launch site, where the balloon crew bustled about, their torches illuminating the crisp morning. The massive balloon billowed and swayed, coming to life as flames roared into its belly. We clambered into the basket, hearts pounding, and then--liftoff.
The world below unfolded in slow motion, what a beautiful feeling. The endless plains of the Maasai Mara stretched out like a masterpiece, painted with rolling grasslands, meandering rivers, and the occasional acacia tree standing tall like a silent guardian. A herd of elephants ambled gracefully, giraffes swayed as they nibbled on treetops, and a pride of lions stretched lazily, basking in the soft warmth of the morning sun. For a fleeting moment, we weren't just visitors--we were part of the wild, suspended between earth and sky in a magical, once-in-a-lifetime dream. Its moments like this that remind you of what a wonderful beautiful country we have, Kenya.
Drifting lower, we skimmed over the golden plains before the balloon gently kissed the earth, touching down with a soft bounce. The crew swiftly secured it, and with reluctant hearts, we stepped back onto solid ground--still lost in the magic of the sky.
But the adventure wasn't over just yet. Under the shade of a lone acacia tree, a beautifully set champagne bush breakfast awaited us. Elegantly arranged tables, draped in African-themed safari linen, gleamed under the golden sun, layered with fine china and sparkling flutes of bubbly. freshly baked pastries, tropical fruits, eggs made to order, and endless cups of aromatic Kenyan coffee, all while watching the Mara awaken.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
This is, without a doubt, one of the moments I always look forward to in the Mara--an indulgent English breakfast in the heart of the wild, with plenty of bubbles to toast to yet another magical morning. My absolute favorite
After returning to the camp about 11 am, a refreshing dip in the pool provided the perfect cooldown from the morning's adventure, followed by indulgent spa treatments that melted away any trace of fatigue. Time seemed to slow down as we basked in relaxation, the distant sounds of nature creating a soothing backdrop. I highly recommend having a spa date at the Olare Mara Kempinski Spa.
By late afternoon, it was time to switch gears once again--at 4:30 p.m., we set off for another exhilarating game drive, eager to witness the Mara's untamed beauty as the golden hour painted the savannah in breathtaking hues.
One day two, In the evening, the camp laid a big surprise for us- an open-air dinner just a short walking distance from the main 'lobby' area. As we arrived, we were greeted by the warm glow of lanterns and flickering candlelight, casting a dreamy ambiance over the beautifully arranged tables. A fully stocked mini bar stood ready, offering an array of fine wines, signature cocktails, and refreshing juices. Nearby, the tantalizing aroma of sizzling meats filled the air as the barbecue station came alive, with chefs expertly grilling succulent cuts to perfection.
A vibrant fruit station displayed an array of fresh, juicy delights, while the buffet spread tempted us with an indulgent selection of dishes- and the bonfire to keep us warm. With the vast Mara as our backdrop and the distant sounds of the wild adding to the atmosphere, it was a night straight out of a dream--intimate, magical, and utterly unforgettable.
For the next four days, this was our life--pure magic, wrapped in adventure and indulgence. Each bush breakfast, each swim, each spa session, each game drive, and each bush dinner held its own surprises, its own moments of wonder. Whether it was the golden light dancing on the plains, an unexpected wildlife encounter, or the simple pleasure of unwinding in such a breathtaking setting, every day felt like a new chapter--seamlessly blending relaxation and exhilaration.
As dawn broke on our final morning, Olare Mara gifted us one last spectacle--a golden sunrise stretching across the endless plains. Over a leisurely breakfast, we savored every last sip of coffee, reluctant to say goodbye to this paradise. Dominic, the camp manager, together with all his staff, bid us farewell with a warm smile. 'Thank you for letting us share this special place with you. The Mara has a way of calling people back--we hope to see you again.' His words lingered as got on board our land cruiser, ready for the journey back to the city. One thing was certain--we weren't just leaving the Mara; we were carrying it with us, etched in our memories forever.
