Maasai Mara, Kenya

Ishara

Insider’s Review of Ishara

The rhythm of the word fairly floats over the grassy undulations of the wide Maasai plains, I-sha-ra. From the Swahili for sign, we find ourselves steered towards this outpost of African splendour again and again. Deep in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, signs of life abound: hippo, buffalo, and hyena, lion, leopard, and cheetah roam here. Blending in seamlessly, our camp nestles among shade-giving growth and one magnificent resident olive tree. Bridgeway-linked tents provide both camouflage and comforts in a bang-up hideaway, ideal for explorations of the vast animal-blessed Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Accommodations at Ishara

Ishara’s seven River Suites (arranged with either one king or two twin beds) sit atop cleverly cantilevered structures that ensure minimal impact and maximum vantage. In addition, there are two Family Suites with inter-connected tents to accommodate up to five, thoughtfully designed with children in mind. Each suite is elegantly appointed with spacious bathroom and rainfall shower, an element-embracing outdoor shower and vintage bathtub, a deck with daybed, and well-stocked minibar whose contents are complimentary, of course. (As are many other aspects of your Micato Safari including – rather remarkably, we believe – all tips, everywhere and everyway.) For intimate groups, the Villa Suite comprises two generous suites with comfortable connections. In spite of its myriad amenities and high-design notes (we love the hand-carved headboards and Maasai spear door handles), Ishara is off-grid: fueled by a snazzy solar-cultivating energy farm, served by aeroponic tower farms that grow most of its produce and, for kicks, a dream-inducing Starbed whose nights come with a 100 percent solar-system-powered guarantee.

Activities at Ishara

It’s tough to best indulging in a good book perched one of Ishara’s comfy open-air patios, or luxuriating with a cool drink on the Observation Deck as animals pass by doing their animal business. For more get-up-and-go moments, there are guided nature walks, spear throwing lessons, or perhaps some time to edit a few of our best shots (how to choose?) in the impressive Canon photo studio. Not to be overlooked: the chance to slip into the spa, duck into the gym, or loll about the cooling waters of the infinity pool. A visit to a Maasai village gives a fascinating glimpse into local culture and community life. Game drives, the pillar of our safari days, typically depart in the wee hours and again in the late afternoons. (Rest easy: our safari vehicles are kitted out not only with handy charging sockets and professional binoculars, but also a much-loved Nespresso machine.) As dusk descends, another glorious day of wildlife romping is marked with a ritual sundowner, a delicious dinner and after, perhaps a few tales around a roaring campfire to the background beat of a Mara night’s symphony.

Note for Families

Ishara is best suited for guests aged from eight years and up, up, upwards. For these lucky groups, two Family Suites with inter-connecting tents accommodate up to four adults, or five persons for families with children

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