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Ishara
Ishara
Ishara
Ishara
Ishara
Ishara
Ishara
Ishara
Ishara
Ishara

About Ishara

Ishara, meaning ‘sign’ in Kiswahili, is the brainchild of Azhar Madhani.

Coming from a prominent family of Kenyan entrepreneurs, Azhar felt a strong connection with the Maasai Mara from an early age. When the opportunity arose to build a safari camp in a prime location on the Talek River he seized the chance and set out to build Ishara. The resulting camp, which opened in 2022, is arguably one of the top safari lodges in Kenya. It is clear that no expense has been spared when creating Ishara, and the camp delivers the highest level of luxury while also being designed to have minimal impact on the surrounding environment.

We are often dubious about the arrival of yet another new safari camp in the very crowded Maasai Mara National Reserve. The official management plan for the reserve that was supposed to put a moratorium on all future developments was torpedoed in 2016 by a number of stakeholders. But we have to say that Ishara has been sensitively designed with environmental considerations first and foremost. With only ten tents it does not feel intrusive and is in harmony with its riverine setting. There are very few safari camps in Kenya that can match Ishara for luxury or attention to detail, and for travellers looking for an exquisite lodge with outstanding food and a highly curated safari experience then Ishara is certainly worthy of consideration.

Our view

We are often dubious about the arrival of yet another new safari camp in the very crowded Maasai Mara National Reserve. The official management plan for the reserve that was supposed to put a moratorium on all future developments was torpedoed in 2016 by a number of stakeholders. But we have to say that Ishara has been sensitively designed with environmental considerations first and foremost. With only ten tents it does not feel intrusive and is in harmony with its riverine setting. There are very few safari camps in Kenya that can match Ishara for luxury or attention to detail, and for travellers looking for an exquisite lodge with outstanding food and a highly curated safari experience then Ishara is certainly worthy of consideration.

Lyndsey Marris

Lyndsey Marris

Kenya expert

Accommodation

16 suites

Children

Best for older children

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Hot air ballooning

Hot air ballooning

Private activities

Private activities

Ishara: Our full report

Ishara, meaning ‘sign’ in Kiswahili, is the brainchild of Azhar Madhani.

Coming from a prominent family of Kenyan entrepreneurs, Azhar felt a strong connection with the Maasai Mara from an early age. When the opportunity arose to build a safari camp in a prime location on the Talek River he seized the chance and set out to build Ishara. The resulting camp, which opened in 2022, is arguably one of the top safari lodges in Kenya. It is clear that no expense has been spared when creating Ishara, and the camp delivers the highest level of luxury while also being designed to have minimal impact on the surrounding environment.

Reached by a footbridge, Ishara has a stunning setting on the south bank of the Talek River. The main area consists of a lounge, bar and dining space, with an expansive deck to the front with a fire pit and views over the river. This is decorated in Ishara's signature colours of muted terracottas, olive greens and creams; it is beautifully styled and feels very in keeping with its surroundings. The attention to detail at Ishara is second to none, and it is clear that every aspect of the design has been carefully considered, with much of the furniture hand-crafted by local artisans, and we loved the contemporary African sculpture and artwork. The standout feature of this space is the large bar, comprised of backlit etched glass panels depicting the coat patterns of animals in the Mara.

A series of sandy paths and bridges connects the communal areas and Ishara’s 10 luxurious guest suites, which comprise:

  • Seven River Suites which as their name suggests are spread along the riverbank. Providing plenty of space, these are beautifully designed and finished to the very highest standard with bespoke furniture and hand-painted fabrics. They ooze with understated luxury, and we loved the tasteful colour scheme of creams and olive greens as well as use of local woods and natural materials. The expansive bedrooms have either a king or twin beds, in addition to a comfortable seating area with ‘grandmother’ chairs and a fridge stocked with a selection of drinks. A Dyson standing fan helps to keep the rooms cool during the heat of the day. The shaded decking to the front provides further seating, while each suite also has a copper-plated outside bathtub with views over the river. The en-suite bathrooms have both inside and outside rain showers, twin basins and full length mirrors. Luxury toiletries are provided. Suite #5 is fully wheelchair-accessible.
  • Two Family Suites, which are comparable to the River Suites in style, and are also located on the south bank of the Talek River. They consist of a master bedroom (identical to the standard River Suites) interconnecting with a second en-suite bedroom which is typically arranged as a twin, although triples are possible. Each family suite has a large deck, which can be accessed via the hall or master bedroom.
  • The Villa Suite is also river facing and this consists of two separate River Suites which are adjoined by a huge lounge and dining area, while the decking also has a private plunge pool and sunken fire pit. This suite would be ideal for a family or two couples travelling together, looking for greater privacy and exclusivity.
  • The Starbed offers a unique sleeping experience, with a double bed set on a wooden platform, with stunning panoramic views over the plains of the Maasai Mara. A bathroom with rainfall shower is located on the level below.
Ishara loves to promote the concept of the slow safari, encouraging guests to slow down, relax and enjoy the tranquility of their surroundings without feeling the need to constantly be on the move. Here the wellness area comes into its own, with the Aya Spa providing an array of massages and therapies; one of their more unusual offerings is the ‘red river treatment’ involving a soak in a bath containing red wine. There is also a gym, kitted out with a selection of weights and cardio equipment, as well as a beautiful infinity pool decorated in colourful tiles with designs inspired by traditional Maasai jewellery.

A highlight of Ishara is the fully kitted out photography studio. Ishara is a Canon official partner, and they have an extensive range of Canon camera bodies and lenses which are free to use, while their resident photography guides can join you on game drives to provide professional tuition or photoshoots. Photo safaris and professional photoshoots are included as standard, although these are subject to availability. Back at camp you can take photo-editing tutorials, and they also have a professional-grade printer, allowing you to take your prints home with you at the end of your stay.

Ishara has a strong commitment to sustainability: the camp is run mainly on solar power; their rainwater harvesting system stores 150,000 litres; a filtration plant provides grey water for irrigation and washing vehicles; their aerophonic tower garden (the 'shamba of goodness'), grows fresh produce in vertical towers, using a fraction of the water needed in traditional vegetable gardens; and the biogas generated from the camp's food waste is used for cooking and heating water. Care has also been taken with their building materials, with the owners going to great lengths to source sustainably produced wood, while also using biodegradable ecoBoard rather than standard fibreboard. When developing Ishara a key focus was to have minimal impact on the natural surroundings, including not chopping down trees; for example, the decking in the central area has been shaped around the existing tree trunks. In addition, more than 12,000 native trees have then been planted on the site, and they have a seedling nursery too.

Activities at Ishara are predominantly focused on game drives in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, and with their own local waterhole you do not need to travel far to see fantastic wildlife. Private vehicles are allocated as standard and their comfortable and fully open Land Cruisers have been adapted for them, with padded camera rests for photographers. Ishara has permission to offer unusual dining experiences, including providing hot bush lunches for guests who want to stay out all day. Other activity options include nature walks around the camp with a local naturalist,and visits to a nearby Maasai village.

Geographics

Location
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Ideal length of stay
Spend three or more nights to explore the Maasai Mara and enjoy the facilities at Ishara.
Directions
Ishara is around a 15-minute drive from Ol Kiombo Airstrip
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
The food is a stand-out feature of Ishara. The majority of the produce comes from the lodge's vertical tower garden, and the food here is all fresh, inventive and tasty. While we only had the opportunity to eat once here we were blown away by the quality and creativity – some of the best dishes we'd ever eaten in Kenya. Ishara makes most of its own fruit juices, and we also loved the array of loose leaft teas on offer, served in beautiful tea glasses.

The team at Ishara are constantly looking for ways to offer new and exciting dining experiences, from offering private dinners at the observation deck to cooking hot lunches for guests in the middle of the bush.

On our visit in 2023, lunch starters included chilled strawberry and basil soup and orange, beetroot, feta and avocado salad with a balsamic reduction. Main course options were grilled rib-eye steak with onions, bearnaise sauce and hand cut chips; grilled chicken and coconut sauce with sweet potato and arrow root mash and crisp vegetables; and the vegetarian dish was arancini with mushroom sauce and truffle salsa. Desserts included tiramisu and berry cheesecake.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Room service is available on request.
Drinks included
All drinks are included at Ishara with the exception of Champagne and premium spirits.

Special interests

Honeymoons
Ishara provides a romantic setting for a highly luxurious honeymoon. Enjoy a honeymoon photoshoot on the wild side, indulge in a couples massage and end the day with romantic dinner under the stars.
See ideas for Honeymoons in Kenya
Photography holidays
Ishara is one of the few safari camps to boast it's own photography studio. There are high end Cannon cameras and lenses for guests to use, while the resident photography guides can join you on game drives, providing tuition and editing advice. Professional safari photoshoots can also be arranged.
See ideas for Photography holidays in Kenya
Wellbeing
The wellness area at Ishara is an oasis of calm and serenity. The Aya Spa offers a curated selection of therapies, including their unique red wine soak, while they also have also an excellent gym and infinity pool. The perfect place to relax and unwind after your safari.
See ideas for Wellbeing in Kenya
Luxury
Ishara oozes understated luxury, with sumptuous suites, each with indulgent copper plated bath tubs overlooking the river. The food is outstanding, the attention to detail exceptional, and we loved the relaxing spa and infinity pool.
See ideas for Luxury in Kenya

Children

Attitude towards children
Ishara welcomes children over the age of eight, although exceptions can be made for larger families booking Ishara on an exclusive basis.
Property’s age restrictions
8+
Special activities & services
There are no child-specific activities. For older children, games include backgammon and chess, and there's a good-sized swimming pool.
Equipment
None
Generally recommended for children
Ishara has a more mature, adult atmosphere, however the family suites could be a good option for families travelling older children and teenagers,

Communications

Power supply notes
Ishara is predominantly solar powered, however they have a back-up generator for cloudy days.
Communications
There is fast WiFi throughout the lodge, including in all the guest tents and around the outdoor areas such as the pool.
Water supply
Mains
Water supply notes
Ishara has a rainwater harvesting system and a water treatment plant.

Health & safety

Medical care
Staff are first-aid trained and there is a full time resident nurse and medical clinic at the camp. Ishara also has links with a flying doctors service and the airstrip is only a 10-15 minute drive from the camp.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
The camp has 24-hour security in place, with askaris (Maasai warriors) escorting guests to and from their tents in the evenings.
Fire safety
Fire extinguishers are in place and staff are trained.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Hot air ballooning

    Hot air ballooning

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
In Place
Laundry facilities
Laundry is included. All items are machine washed and ironed.
Accepted payment on location
All major currencies are accepted at Ishara. Visa and Mastercard are accepted with a 3% surcharge. American Express is not accepted.

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Ishara's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Ishara.


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When to go to Maasai Mara National Reserve

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Ishara in Maasai Mara National Reserve


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Kenya in January

Clear, hot days and warm nights make this high season a popular time for safaris and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling as water clarity is excellent and gets better as the dry season progresses. Most lodges and tented camps treat January after the New Year week is over, as mid-season, making it a good compromise in terms of value for money with reasonably reliable, dry weather and some greenery left in the landscape.

Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in January, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

  • On average, January is the second driest month of the year
  • Elephants dig waterholes in the dry riverbed in the Samburu reserve.
  • Wildebeest and many antelope have their calving season, to February.
  • Migrant birds are seen in huge numbers, especially in the Rift Valley.
  • Sea water clarity around the coral reefs generally good.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in January

Kenya in February

With the short dry season well established, the grass grazed down and wildlife gathering close to water points, this is still a good time for a safari. Good water clarity in the Indian Ocean's coastal waters makes for excellent diving and snorkelling conditions.

Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in February, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

  • On average, February is the driest month of the year.
  • It’s sometimes possible to swim with whale sharks at Diani Beach.
  • Migrant birds are still seen everywhere, especially near water.
  • This is usually peak calving season for wildebeest and many antelopes.
  • This month is often the hottest of the year, especially on the coast.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in February

Kenya in March

Hot, increasingly humid weather – with good diving and snorkelling conditions at the start of the month – gives way to rains and lower accommodation costs. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in March, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and predicting the seasons since the beginning of this century has been difficult.

March is the month when – traditionally – intensely hot conditions build up until a cloudburst finally happens at the end of the month or in early April, to relieve the humidity. As ever, regional variations across the country can greatly impact on visitors' experiences.

  • Sea-water clarity is best for diving before the long rains start.
  • Visitor numbers are low, though the Easter holidays can be busier.
  • Night skies can be scintillatingly clear in early March.
  • Cropped down savannah grasses can make it easier to see the wildlife.
  • Temperartures climb high, especially at lower elevations.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Kenya in April

April sees the full onset of the southeast monsoon wind or kusi, which heralds the long rains. Temperatures drop soon after the rains are established and you’ll often have facilities largely to yourself in this more affordable low season, sometimes known as the "green season". The bush quickly springs to life, with greenery sprouting almost before your eyes. While you're likely to get a fair number of heavy showers, the breaks in the rain can yield sparklingly clear conditions.

With the dust settled and bright sun piercing the clouds, conditions can be sublime for photography, especially first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon with another storm brewing. You may be lucky, or you may find conditions very wet and muddy.

  • A wet month, the coast often gets more than 300mm (12in) of rain.
  • Sunny spells can provide great light for photography.
  • Buffalo and zebra calving season often happens in this month.
  • Baby crocodiles hatch, for example on Central Island in Lake Turkana.
  • Palearctic migrant birds gather to fly north to breeding grounds.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in April

Kenya in May

While game viewing can be trickier as vegetation runs riot, between the cloudbursts the colours and light are great for photography at this time of year. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in May, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and while it's reasonable to expect heavy rains in many parts during this month, especially on the coast, the rains don't always come evenly or in some areas come at all.

In an El Niño year, the so-called long rains that normally are established across much of the country by May can be meagre, to the despair of farmers. On the other hand in a La Niña year, the long rains can bring floods. On the coast, the monsoon winds make the climate much more predictable, with heavy rains common throughout this month.

  • Frogs breed in the ponds in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest near Watamu.
  • Wildebeest, impala and other grazers are in rut (the breeding season).
  • Kilimanjaro looks its best as heavy rain falls as snow on the summit.
  • There's a sharp peek of rainfall on the coast with many rainy days.
  • Accommodation prices are uniformly low, while some camps close.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in May

Kenya in June

The rains give way to cloudy, cooler weather, often making for comfortable conditions by the end of the month, especially in the highlands. Starting from mid-June or the beginning of July and running until the end of October, this is the high season, and accordingly has higher accommodation rates and – at least until early September – higher numbers of visitors.

While the early part of June can often be rainy on the coast, it can be a great time to go on safari, with fresh greenery, many young animals and good photographic conditions with clear air.

  • The Taru Desert, inland from the coast, is carpeted with flowers.
  • The Lake Turkana Cultural Festival is held in Loiyangalani.
  • Madaraka Day (commemorating self rule) is 1 June.
  • The annual Lewa marathon runs a course through the wildlife.
  • The Diani Rules "sports" event rips up the rulebook at Diani Beach.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

Kenya in July

Kenya’s “winter" season sets in (winter is a misnomer but locals feel the change), and the highlands can be rather grey. Skies are often cloudy and the days can be surprisingly cool, with an average daytime high in many highland safari areas of 15-20°C and night-time temperatures dropping below 10°C in Nairobi and the highlands. Lower parts of the country and the coast are usually warm and dry, typically reaching highs of around 25°C with lows in the high teens.

As this is the start of the high season, coinciding with the usual arrival of the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara, July is a busy month. Ask your Expert Africa specialist to advise on how to avoid the crowds, which is not that difficult to do.

  • The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Maasai Mara in July.
  • Simbi Lake (Kisumu) and Crater Lake (Naivasha) can attract flamingoes.
  • Watersports start to pick up and some surfing is possible at Malindi.
  • Afternoon thunderstorms are a common feature in the Maasai Mara.
  • The sea can be choppy along the coast, making diving difficult.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in July

Kenya in August

The Great Migration fills the plains of the Maasai Mara, and school’s out, so the park roads are full of tourists – ask your Expert Africa specialist for advice on crowd avoidance tactics. Choose a private conservancy rather than a public national park or national reserve for quieter conditions.

Like July, August is generally mild and relatively dry in the safari areas, but it can be very chilly in the highlands, even in the middle of the day, and hail occasionally falls above altitudes of around 2,400m (8,000ft). Nairobi can be disappointingly overcast, with low cloud.

  • Apart from Christmas holidays, this is the busiest month of the year.
  • Late August sees peak wildebeest drama at the Mara River crossings.
  • Coastal winds are good for kite- and wind-surfing.
  • Few mosquitoes are around at this generally dry time of year.
  • The annual Camel Derby takes place in the Samburu capital, Maralal.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in August

Kenya in September

The skies clearing of cloud signals the start of hot, dry weather with little chance of rain – and, after the first few days of the month, far fewer visitors – making the latter part of September a good time for a quieter safari. While early September is often good for dramatic migration crossings along the Mara River, you might consider deliberately postponing your trip until later in the month, when the migration can still be very impressive and visitor numbers fewer.

If tourist surges are somewhat predictable, however, the patterns of the wildebeest migration are more volatile, and like all of Expert Africa's climate and weather assessments, they are based on accumulated years of experience rather than guaranteed certainty.

  • This is still high season, with prices to match.
  • Many river crossings take place on the Mara river in both directions.
  • Natural bush fires flush out insects and small animals for predators.
  • The Rift Valley Music Festival takes place by Lake Naivasha.
  • With school holidays over by early September, late-month is quieter.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Kenya in October

Still hot, mostly dry and not too busy, this is many people’s preferred month for a safari, and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling. The wildebeest and zebra herds of the great migration are often still to be seen, though in dwindling numbers. The swamps of Amboseli attract thirsty wildlife including large herds of elephants.

While we wouldn't expect much rain across most of the country this month, the climate has become so unpredictable that you can never say never, and the possibiity of the short rains – usually associated with November to mid-December, starting early, can't be discounted.

  • This month sees the tail end of the great migration in the Mara.
  • Palearctic migrant birds start to arrive, staying until March.
  • Turtle nests hatch at Watamu, until November.
  • Amboseli elephants focus on the swamps for their daily water.
  • The Indian Ocean monsoon winds turn from southeast to northeast.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Kenya in November

The northeast monsoon wind or kaskazi heralds the start of the “short rains", usually some time in the second half of the month. From November to mid-December, this is the low season, and accordingly has lower accommodation rates and lower visitor numbers. Across most of the country you can expect warm, somewhat cloudy weather, with occasional heavy showers and localised flooding.

Expert Africa bases its description of the climate in November, like the other months of the year, on the records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable: some years the short rains don't come at all, or don't reach every part of the country. In an El Niño year, the November short rains can be very heavy, but in a La Niña year, they can fail completely.

  • Swimming with dolphins in Lamu can be done from now until April.
  • Birders gather at Ngulia in Tsavo West to ring Palearctic migrants.
  • The Lamu Cultural Festival takes over the town and Lamu Creek.
  • Agricultural shows often take place regional market towns.
  • This is low season, so camps can be great value, with special offers.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Kenya in December

In a typical December, the rains usually finish by middle of the month, leaving the landscape looking its best, under clear blue skies, and heralding the start of the second peak tourist season from around 20 December to the first week of January. Our assessment of the likely weather in December, like the other months of the year, is based on climate records, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

Christmas can sometimes be wet, but most years the rains have finished a week or two earlier, with the festive season ushering in the perfect combination of clear skies and sunshine by day and starry nights.

  • Christmas and New Year are busy, with the lodges and camps full.
  • Rates are highest after 24 Dec, with supplements on public holidays.
  • Republic Day and Independence day are celebrated on 12 December.
  • Good kite- and wind-surfing restarts, with strong northeasterly winds.
  • Mango season begins, providing excitement for primates and elephants.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

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