It is hard to say where to begin. Our family of six adults stayed at the Mara Bush House and it was simply incredible. From the moment we were picked up at the airstrip by our guide, Sammy, until the moment we left we were cared for w such hospitality. Our lodging was a three bedroom (each w private bath) lodge w a beautiful large living space w fireplace, dining room, huge covered porch which looked over a watering hole (that was very regularly visited by all manner of wildlife), a swimming pool w large covered porch, dining and grill. Our entire staff was superb, with a wonderful chef and delightful housekeeping. The bedrooms were well appointed, very comfy beds, wonderful soaking tubs (and showers) and huge windows looking out. Wildlife can come very close to the house and easily visible from the porch or within the house.
Every time we arrived we were greeted w hot towels and welcome back drinks. Every meal from our morning start w coffee, tea and cookies, to the “real” breakfast (eggs,s ausages, scones or breads, fruit, yogurt, granola, bacon, you name it) set up beautifully wherever we were in the bush, lighter (and delicious) lunch fare, then tea and then dinner. All is served family style and was delicious. The food represented Kenyan influences, whether Indian or British or Masai. It was also so very well prepared and so healthy. We did not want for anything. It was also a very nice touch to have Sammy, our guide, join us for dinners. He was from the immediate community and knew the region very very well. His wisdom and knowledge was fascinating as he told us so much about the animals and environment and the conservancy itself.
The setting is high on a hillside w the road up providing some fun challenges and views down toward the valley. The proximity to the watering hole was a huge added bonus. We took a walking safari one morning w our guide and a couple of a Kenyan rangers accompanying us. We also made our way to the white rhino conservancy nearby - what a highlight! We were amazed to be the only people there and even more amazed to walk into the bush w the last two white rhinos in Kenya right there. We thought they would be behind a fence but they each have their own guard as they are allowed to roam whereever they like and are then guided into a protected area at night.
Our guide found so much w us: so many cheetahs! The momma and 6 babies that we watched play for 30-40 minutes and two adult males before and after the hunt and the next day stalking. Large elephant herd at the watering hole and an adult male bull, jackals, ostrich courting, giraffe nursery, a pride of young lions, and on and on. We headed from this location to an Asilia sister lodge, Rekero, within the main park reserve. (Will post a review there as well)
The differences between the conservancy (here) and the reserve were a few: conservancy was more lenient about night drives and about off road exploring. They were more strict about number of vehicles (limited to a max of 4 or 5 while viewing) and overall it seemed a more intimate experience. I highly recommend doing some of each.
The only negative that I can even think (only if pushed) of is the time it takes to get from the lodge down into the plains/bush - though that was really negated by having the watering hole right there. And one super simple little thing, I would have loved to have a few more options on some great South African wines (there is an open bar with basic spirits and a red and white wine and all forms of non- alcoholic drinks).
Having stayed at two Asilia properties (and one of my brothers has stayed at a total of nine different lodges in the Masai Mara) I believe they define radical hospitality and offer that organization the highest accolades.
