Olare Mara Kempinski Masai Mara

Staying at Kempinski Olare Mara was truly the most beautiful and unforgettable experience of my life. From the moment I arrived, I was surrounded by breathtaking nature, impeccable service, and genuine hospitality. Every game drive felt like a dream, every meal was exceptional, and every member of the team made me feel so welcome and cared for. This is not just a lodge — it’s a sanctuary where luxury meets the wild in the most magical way. I’ll cherish every memory and can’t wait to return. Thank you for an experience beyond words.

I recently stayed at the Olare Mara Kempinski for a three-night safari with my partner. The staff, facilities, and location were lovely and enabled us to have the most personalized safari experience to date. Location: Located in the Olare Conservancy in the northern Mara, the lodge benefits from an exclusive setting with only four other camps permitted in the area. This meant we only encountered a handful of other vehicles on most drives. Wildlife: The limited human presence meant Giraffes, Zebras, Elephants and Hippos frequently passed by the lodge. We also spotted Lions and Wildebeests on most drives, with a Cheetah on the last day. Staff: Dominic, the General Manager, ensured our trip was personalised, complete with dinners by the fire and day trips. Moses and the restaurant staff quickly learned our preferences for drinks and meals. Our guide, Dixon, was fantastic and his extensive knowledge of the Mara and ability to locate animals was truly impressive. We also appreciated his flexibility in extending drives, especially after rainy days. Food & Drink: The quality of the meals was exceptional, particularly given the camp's remote location. The three-course menu, which changed daily, offered variety and was on par with other Kempinski properties we've visited worldwide. All soft and alcoholic drinks were included and available throughout the day. The wine selection was excellent, however I would encourage that the menus are made available such that the drinks options are more visible to guests. Rooms: The rooms feature large king beds, private terraces facing the river, high-pressure hot showers, and a bath, with toiletries consistent with other Kempinski hotels. We were kindly upgraded to Room 12, which provided a front-row view of the hippo pond and giraffes and elephants traversing the savanna. While the hippos can be loud, earplugs easily mitigated any disturbance. Wider Facilities: The design beautifully balances safari-style tents on the outside with luxury hotel decor on the inside. The main lobby area offers ample seating, a lovely fire in the evening, and a veranda perfect for evening drinks. My partner thoroughly enjoyed her massage at the spa overlooking the river. There is a non-heated pool, though we didn't use it. One recommendation would be to retreat the wooden flooring around the camp, as it is starting to look quite weathered.

The staff was incredibly kind and accommodating. The accommodations were beautiful, but dated and need to have an update. Also, the Jeeps are fine and supposedly they’re getting new Jeeps in August if so that would be great. The pool is lovely but doesn’t have umbrellas by the lounge chairsdespite what I’ve just said it’s still a magnificent property and was very enjoyable.