Moorea664
July 9, 2024
My husband and I went to Olare Mara in June 2024, for a celebration of my birthday. What a wonderful experience! The staff and hotel were exceptional. Ben picked us up from the airstrip for the drive to the camp. On the way, he showed us some of the wonders that we would see in greater detail when we went on the game drives in the early mornings and evenings. He was very knowledgeable and accommodating. Dominic, Leaky and his team, and the Masai men in traditional dress met us with a welcome drink and then the lunch that followed was just great. There wasn’t a meal the chef prepared and Moses and his staff, including the always smiling Lewis served, that was not delicious. There were lots of great food options. The special breakfast and sun-downer drinks on my birthday on the savannah with the sunrise and sunset were experiences that were thrilling . Wildebeest were in the distance , the leopard tree in silhouette, was like a postcard. For the game drives, our driver and guide Alex was just fantastic. He was very attentive, kept us comfortable and informed. He spent a lot of time taking us to try to find the cheetah and leopard, but unfortunately it was not to be. We saw an abundance of other animals - lions, zebras, buffalo, elephants, hippopotamuses, gazelles, giraffes, guinea fowl, jackals, hyenas, secretary birds- all easily accessible and just beautiful. A visit to a Masai village was eye opening and educational. Our tent (#5) - tent being an understatement- was luxurious and comfortable. The hot water bottles were a nice touch for the cooler nights. Jackson kept our tent beautiful and well appointed with coffee, teas and water. The turndown service was greatly appreciated. This was “glamping” at its finest!!! The only minor drawback was that there was no wi-if in our tent , but we didn’t really need it. It was enough to just turn in early in the really huge and comfortable bed in order to be up for our 6:30 a.m. game drive. Especially, while hearing the hippos honking and grunting outside. One highlight of many, was that the staff prepared a bush- cook buffet dinner on the night of my birthday and the staff sang happy birthday in Swahili and danced as they brought the birthday cake. Another highlight of the trip was being able to plant a tree in my mother’s honour just outside our tent. I expected the Masai Mara to be beautiful and the experience, amazing. It was made ever more so by the warmth, welcome and hospitality of the staff who made the trip a truly memorable one. Our sincere gratitude and praise for an amazing experience.