Angama Mara is synonymous with luxury, exclusivity, and breathtaking views. Perched on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment (also called the Siria Escarpment), Angama Mara is a flagship lodge for discerning safari-goers seeking unparalleled service, wildlife encounters, and a true connection to the wilderness of the Masai Mara. This guide provides a detailed overview of what makes Angama Mara one of the finest accommodations in Africa.
Location: A Bird’s-Eye View of the Masai Mara
- Region: Overlooks the Mara Triangle, the western part of the Masai Mara National Reserve.
- Setting: Elevated on the escarpment, the lodge offers sweeping 180-degree views of the plains below, made famous by the movie Out of Africa.
- Accessibility: A short 45-minute flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Angama Airfield, followed by a 10-minute drive to the lodge.
Proximity to Wildlife
- Direct access to the Mara Triangle ensures incredible game viewing, particularly during the Great Migration.
- Close to the Mara River, where dramatic wildebeest crossings occur.
- The lodge’s escarpment setting means you can spot wildlife from your balcony or while dining.
Accommodation: Luxury Tented Suites
Angama Mara consists of two separate camps, each with 15 tented suites, ensuring a sense of privacy and exclusivity.
Suite Features
- Design:
- Floor-to-ceiling glass fronts allow uninterrupted views of the Mara plains.
- Inspired by minimalist design with an emphasis on blending with nature.
- Interiors feature modern African décor, handwoven textiles, and high-quality furnishings.
- Comfort:
- Spacious bedrooms with king-sized beds (or twin options).
- En-suite bathrooms with rainfall showers and standalone bathtubs, overlooking the savannah.
- Private decks with lounge furniture for relaxation and wildlife spotting.
- Amenities:
- Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Fully stocked minibar.
- In-room safe, robes, and high-quality linens.
Dining: A Culinary Journey
Angama Mara delivers gourmet dining with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Dining Experiences
- Out-of-Africa Breakfasts: Enjoy a picnic-style breakfast in the bush, paired with spectacular sunrise views.
- Bush Barbecues: Immersive al fresco dining amidst the wilderness.
- Fine Dining: Meals are served in the lodge’s stylish communal areas, with a menu that blends international cuisine with Kenyan flavors.
- Private Dining: Option to dine on your private deck under the African sky.
Activities and Experiences
Angama Mara offers a wide range of activities, catering to diverse interests.
Game Drives
- Morning and Evening Drives: Led by expert guides in open-sided safari vehicles, these drives provide intimate wildlife encounters.
- Photography Safaris: Tailored for professional and amateur photographers, with the option of private photographic guides.
- Night Drives: Available in the Mara Conservancies to explore nocturnal wildlife.
Walking Safaris
- Guided walks on the Oloololo Escarpment offer a chance to connect with nature, identify flora and fauna, and enjoy panoramic views.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
- A signature activity at Angama Mara. Float over the Mara plains at sunrise, capturing the magic of the landscape and wildlife from above.
Cultural Visits
- Visit a nearby Maasai village to learn about the Maasai way of life, traditions, and crafts.
Wellness and Relaxation
- Spa: On-site spa treatments include massages, facials, and body treatments.
- Infinity Pool: Overlooks the plains, providing a serene spot to unwind.
- Fitness Center: Equipped for those who wish to maintain their fitness routines.
Exclusive Experiences
- “Out of Africa” Picnic Spot: The exact site where the iconic movie was filmed is accessible for private picnics.
- Sundowners: Enjoy cocktails while watching the sun set over the vast savannah.
Wildlife: A Front-Row Seat to the Great Migration
- Big Five: Frequent sightings of lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos.
- Migration Spectacle: Angama Mara’s proximity to the Mara River makes it an excellent base for witnessing the annual wildebeest migration.
- Predator Action: Exceptional predator activity, including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
- Birdwatching: Over 450 bird species, including raptors, can be spotted from the lodge.
Sustainability: Responsible Luxury
Angama Mara emphasizes eco-tourism and community engagement, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Eco-Friendly Practices
- Solar power is used extensively.
- Water conservation measures, including rainwater harvesting.
- Waste management practices ensure minimal landfill contribution.
Community Involvement
- Maasai Support: Angama Foundation works closely with local Maasai communities, funding education, healthcare, and conservation projects.
- Employment: Most of the staff are from nearby Maasai villages.
- Cultural Preservation: Supports Maasai artisans through craft sales and exhibitions.
Service: Impeccable Attention to Detail
- A high staff-to-guest ratio ensures personalized service.
- Butler service for all guests.
- Guides are highly knowledgeable, offering in-depth insights into the flora, fauna, and culture of the Mara.
Cost and Value
Angama Mara is a luxury lodge with a price range reflecting its premium offerings. Rates typically include:
- Accommodation.
- All meals and beverages (excluding premium wines and champagnes).
- Game drives and safari activities.
- Laundry services.
Estimated Cost: $1,400–$2,000 per person per night, depending on the season.
Angama Mara Rates:
The 2025 rates for Angama Mara reflect its positioning as one of Kenya’s premier luxury safari lodges, combining exclusive access to the Maasai Mara ecosystem with world-class service, exceptional design, and conservation-centered tourism. Rates are split into two seasonal brackets—Standard Season (January–June, October–22 December) and Peak Season (July–September, 23 December–4 January)—to align with migration periods and holiday demand.
In the Standard Season, rates begin at $1,775 per adult per night, offering remarkable value for access to the Mara Triangle, guided walking safaris on the Oloololo Escarpment, all-inclusive meals and drinks, laundry, childminding, and transfers from Kichwa Tembo airstrip. Children aged 0–12 enjoy deeply discounted rates at just 25% of the adult rate ($444) and, notably, the first two children per booking stay free—a rare and family-friendly policy. Teenagers (13–17 years) are charged 50% of the adult rate ($888).
During Peak Season, which coincides with the Great Migration and festive period, rates rise to $2,650 per adult per night. Children’s rates increase proportionally: $1,325 for ages 0–12 (50% of adult rate) and $1,988 for ages 13–17 (75%). Angama’s generous family policy remains in effect during Standard Season, though it tapers in Peak periods where teenagers in their own suites are charged full adult rates. Single travelers are accommodated without a supplement on the first two suites per booking, with a 50% surcharge thereafter.
Additional costs include Maasai Mara Park fees, which vary from $100–$200 per adult depending on the season, a $20 per guest Angama Foundation contribution, and optional experiences such as hot-air balloon safaris, private vehicles, and photographic services. Overall, the rate structure at Angama Mara is designed to reflect both the exclusivity of the experience and the meaningful contributions guests make to conservation, community livelihoods, and the preservation of one of Africa’s most iconic ecosystems.
Angama Mara 2025 Rack Rates Summary (Per Person, Per Night in USD)
| Guest Category | Standard Season (Jan–Jun, Oct–22 Dec) | Peak Season (Jul–Sep, 23 Dec–4 Jan) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $1,775 | $2,650 |
| Child (0–12 yrs) | $444 (25%) First 2 FOC in group booking | $1,325 (50%) |
| Child (13–17 yrs) | $888 (50%) | $1,988 (75%) Adult rate if own suite |
| Single Supplement | First 2 tents: No supplement Thereafter: +50% | First 2 tents: No supplement Thereafter: +50% |
Angama Mara Reviews
✅ Pros of Angama Mara
1. Breathtaking Location & Views
Perched on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment, Angama Mara delivers sweeping panoramic views of the Maasai Mara. Guests regularly cite the ability to watch sunrise or wildlife directly from their suites as one of the most unforgettable aspects of their stay.
2. Exceptional Service & Staff
The service is consistently described as warm, personal, and attentive. From private butlers to expert safari guides and thoughtful lodge managers, guests feel genuinely cared for throughout their stay.
3. Luxurious Accommodations
Each tented suite features elegant, contemporary design with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, private decks, and amenities like heated beds and soaking tubs. The mix of comfort and minimalism is widely praised.
4. Culinary Excellence
Angama Mara’s food stands out for both quality and variety. Meals are fresh, locally inspired, and beautifully presented—ranging from gourmet dinners to bush picnics and in-room dining.
5. Unique On-site Experiences
The lodge offers more than just game drives: guests enjoy visits to the on-site Maasai beading studio, access to a professional photographic studio, curated walking safaris, and hot-air balloon rides launched nearby.
❌ Cons of Angama Mara
1. Distance from Game Drives
While the views from the escarpment are spectacular, they come at the cost of being a 15–20 minute drive down to the Mara Triangle floor—something a few guests find slightly inconvenient for morning or evening drives.
2. No Night Game Drives
Due to park regulations, night safaris are not permitted within the Mara Triangle, limiting after-dark wildlife observation compared to private conservancies.
3. Limited Privacy in Some Suites
Although most suites feel secluded, a few are situated close to each other. Guests seeking absolute privacy should request specific tents in advance.
4. Minor Housekeeping Issues
Occasional guest feedback mentions delayed turn-down service or small lapses in replenishing in-room amenities like snacks or towels.
5. Patchy Connectivity
Wi-Fi is available throughout the lodge, but given its remote location, connectivity in rooms can be unreliable, especially during peak usage times or adverse weather.
Ideal for:
- Honeymooners: Unmatched romance with private decks, stunning views, and exclusive experiences.
- Luxury Travelers: High-end amenities and world-class service.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Ideal location and tailored photographic safaris.
- Wildlife Enthusiasts: Close encounters with the Big Five and Great Migration.
Why Choose Angama Mara?
- Unrivaled Views: Few lodges in the Masai Mara can rival Angama’s dramatic setting and panoramic views.
- Exclusive Location: Perched on the Oloololo Escarpment, away from the crowds.
- Tailored Experiences: Every activity and service is customized to ensure a memorable stay.
- Commitment to Sustainability: Enjoy luxury with a clear conscience, knowing your stay contributes to conservation and community upliftment.
- Award-Winning Excellence: Regularly recognized as one of Africa’s top safari lodges by Condé Nast Traveler and other prestigious organizations.
Conclusion
Angama Mara offers an unforgettable safari experience that seamlessly blends luxury, nature, and cultural immersion. From its stunning location to its world-class amenities and exceptional service, this lodge epitomizes the very best of what the Masai Mara has to offer. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a wildlife adventure, or a peaceful retreat, Angama Mara delivers in every aspect, making it a must-consider destination for your Masai Mara safari.
Masai Mara Luxury Accommodations