Brand new Wilderness Mara opens up in the Masai Mara – as an already saturated safari destination we wonder how another new camp will impact the vehicle numbers. Luckily this one is small, and Wilderness are incredibly conservation focussed so we know they will do their best in a bad situation. East Africa and Kenya still remain the most popular safari destinations in Africa and that is for a reason, not only are the animal densities higher than anywhere else in Africa, but the rich cultural heritage is also incredibly appealing.
Wilderness Mara has been built on the beloved site of Little Governors Camp so at least its not an entirely new site, but one the wildlife in this area is already accustomed too. This location is prime time, in the Mara Triangle, within the Mara Reserve – this does come with some seriously large added vehicle numbers, numbers that are only rivalled by the number of big cats who also reside in this area. This area is ecologically significant so steps have been taken to preserve it, such as no off road driving and strict rules about when to be back in camp.
The marsh that Wilderness Mara sits on attracts wildlife all day long including good numbers of relaxed elephants, a huge highlight for anyone staying here. Wilderness Mara has only 12 suites and one family room, so although on the larger side for the luxury safari market still manages to maintain a feeling of cosiness and closeness to nature.
This area cannot be denied as one of the hotspots for wildlife in the Masai Mara, it always has been which is why Governors set up here originally – they were the first safari camps in the whole of the Masai Mara and their location for wildlife viewing has never been disputed – but they have had to battle against over tourism and constant corruption leading to more and more lodges being built in this area. Although you’ll see lots of vehicles, you will also see some amazing predator sightings, and if lucky you may be able to see rhino too which do very well in this area.
When the world famous Wildebeest Migration passes through, usually from July to September, you will be in a prime location to view it as the original Governors Camps were set up near to some of the main Mara River crossing points – from Wilderness Mara, you are literally right there to witness one of the most exciting wildlife spectacles on earth.
Where Wilderness Safaris as a company excel themselves is with their conservation efforts – for instance they are committed to many different projects in Kenya, many started by them, and their latest is to protect the forests of Loita, Mau and Nyekweri as these forests feed the Mara River, so being wholly responsible for the Masai Mara ecosystem.
When we sell Masai Mara safaris it is with care and fair warning as to the type of experience you will have there – word on the street is that thanks to thousands of social media posts exposing the corruption and over tourism here in the last few years, Mara visitor numbers are way down, maybe now is the time to visit after all?
