Mara Intrepids: Our full report

Mara Intrepids is in a prime location in the heart of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, overlooking the Talek ...

... River and very close to the Mara River. The location is ideal for witnessing the dramatic wildebeest migration. With impressive year-round resident wildlife, Mara Intrepids is an all-year round favourite.

The 30 tented rooms at Mara Intrepids are on raised wooden platforms overlooking the Talek River. The tents are split into two wings, on either side of the communal area and are furnished in classic safari style with four-poster beds and mosquito netting over the bed. They can be configured as doubles or twins and triples can be arranged. There are two family units in each wing, each comprising two tents with a shared communal lounge. There is plenty of storage space, a writing table and chair, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. In front of the tent, you have a viewing deck area with two comfy director’s chairs with a footstool to relax and soak up the view.

At the back of the tent, you have an en-suite bathroom with flush toilet, tiled shower room with hot water, two wash basins with all toiletries provided, even slippers and a hairdryer (most camps can’t offer the latter because of electricity supply limitations). Each tent also has a full-length mirror.

The central areas at Mara Intrepids consist of a welcome reception, makuti-roofed area where, on arrival you are welcomed with a hot towel and a welcome drink before a safety briefing. Along the pathway of the well-manicured gardens, you come to a large open area. Weather permitting, this is where the camp’s buffet breakfast and lunch are served. Dinner is à la carte and served in the indoor makuti dining area.

The bar overlooks the Talek River and in the evening a firepit is lit to enjoy drinks before dinner. There is a conference room next to the bar. Opposite the bar there is a “swinging footbridge” which can be accessed during the day and leads to a different area within the Maasai Mara Reserve for game drives, with vehicles parked on the other side of the bridge. The swimming poolmassage rooms where you can enjoy some pampering at extra cost.

Mara Intrepids has a very well well-stocked boutique/curio shop, where you will find local carvings, beadworks, handbags, souvenir T-shirts and similar gifts.

The camp is fenced throughout, so children can wander relatively safely, though little ones should still be closely monitored.

Mara Intrepids is recommended for families with children as they have their Adventurers’ Club offering activities at selected times for children aged from 4 to 17 years old. Younger children can participate in everything from fire-making to painting and using a bow and arrow; while for older ones activities include tree identification, guided bush walks and basic first aid training.

Our view

Mara Intrepids is a very well-established camp located in the heart of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. It’s a larger than average set-up, but the friendly staff and great facilities make it a great choice for families.

Parita Masani

Kenya expert

Geographics

Location: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Ideal length of stay: 3 nights plus
Directions: It is roughly a 60-minute flight from Wilson Airport Nairobi to Ol Kiombo Airstrip in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. From here, it is a 10-minute drive to Mara Intrepids.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Food quality: During our visit, we were not here long enough to have a meal, however during breakfast they have a huge spread with live cooking for pancakes, and choice of eggs with tea or coffee.

For lunch usually starts with a choice of soup, delicious salads and a variety of other dishes.

Afternoon tea is served before guests depart on a game drive and expect lovely cakes.

Dinner is à la carte, with a choice of soup, choice of main course and delicious desserts.

They cater well for vegetarians and with enough notice any dietary requirement can be catered for.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Drinks included: Drinks at Mara Intrepids are at an extra cost. It costs around US$5 for a local beer, US$2 for a soda, and around US$30 and up for a bottle of wine.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome.
Property’s age restrictions: Mara Intrepids welcome children of all ages, however we recommend children should be over the age of 8.
Special activities & services: The Adventurers’ Club welcomes children aged 4 to 17. Child-minding and babysitting are available on request at extra cost, using back-of house staff earning extra pocket money (there are no professional child care staff).
Equipment: The Adventurers’ Club has a dedicted room with various stations for painting, bead-making and board games. In the garden area there is a wooden climbing frame and natural wooden playing structures.
Generally recommended for children: Mara Intrepids is a good choice for a family safari with the Adventurers’ Club and a swimming pool. Children will be well occupied and entertained.
Notes: We recommend 8 years and above.

Communications

Power supply notes: The power is from the main grid and generator. The generator is off between 3:30pm and 6.30pm and from midnight to 5am. The tents have UK style 3-pin plugs and overnight charging can be arranged.
Communications: Wi-Fi is available in the main areas.
TV & radio: There is no TV in the camp.
Water supply: Borehole
Water supply notes: Filtered bottled water is provided for drinking in the tents.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: Staff have basic first aid training. There is a doctor on site with a basic clinic. The camp has access to the AMREF flying doctors service in case of emergency.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: Askaris patrol the property day and night and the camp is fenced. Nevertheless, after dark guests are escorted to and from their tents.
Fire safety: Every tent has a fire extinguisher and staff have fire-training,

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Hot air ballooning
Private activities

Extras

Disabled access: In Place
Laundry facilities: Laundry can be done at extra cost.
Money: There is a central safe in the manager’s office.
Accepted payment on location: Extras can be paid for in cash (US dollars, Euros, Pounds Sterling and Kenya shillings) or using major credit cards, with a nominal surcharge.