Mara Conservancies, Kenya
House in the Wild
A private lodge ideal for groups and families
Situated on the banks of the Mara River within the Enonkishu Conservancy, House in the Wild is a family-owned luxury safari lodge. At its heart is a model of regenerative eco-tourism, and a commitment to restoring wildlife habitats and improving the lives of the people living in the area. The estate is the first project of its kind where the land on the edge of the Mara has changed from farming back to nature.
The accommodation itself is split across seven riverside cottages, each exuding laidback charm in an ode to the lodge’s former life as a farm. Inside though, you’ll find the utmost luxury. All the cottages have either one or two ensuite bedrooms, where freestanding bathtubs overlook the river and you can enjoy both indoor and outdoor showers. Your private verandah leads onto the lodge’s spacious lawns, and local crafts add a personal touch.
Dine privately under the star-filled sky, or, for something cosier, by the open fire in the dining room. End your evenings with a drink in the Swahili bar as you reminisce on everything you’ve seen that day.
Your own safari guide will help plan your activities throughout your stay – head out on game drives into the Enonkishu Conservancy, whose conservation efforts are spearheaded by a cooperative of pastoralist families. It’s home to varied and dense game, and animals migrate freely in between the neighbouring conservancies of Lemek and Ol Chorro Oiroua. Beyond excellent wildlife viewing, you’ll have the opportunity to get involved with community and conservation initiatives supported by the lodge, such as ethical farming initiatives and tea tree planting.
Highlights
Stay in one of seven cosy cottages for a quiet and intimate experience
Learn about the lodge’s re-wilding and conservation work designed to protect the area’s wildlife
Go out on a game drive with your private safari guide to spot the Big Five
Admire views of the Mara river from your freestanding copper bathtub or private verandah
Choose from a range of dining locations, including under the stars, by the open fire, or on your verandah
The impact of your stay:
- See how conservation and community go hand in hand. Set in the heart of the Mara, your stay supports efforts that help keep the landscape thriving, through the protection of wildlife and funding rangers to restore natural habitats.
- House in the Wild partners with Women in the Wild to help empower local women with enterprise training and essential life skills, helping them build brighter futures. The organisation also manages the Trees in the Wild nursery, which has planted or grown tens of thousands of trees and seedlings and donated thousands of fruit trees to local families as a source of income, as well as giving training on sustainable farming practices.
- Learn how traditional herding is being transformed through Holistic Planned Grazing, a practice that helps balance the needs of livestock, wildlife and people – ensuring the grasslands continue to flourish for generations to come.
- Through the camp’s work with local schools, your stay helps open doors for the next generation. From building classrooms and libraries to supporting wildlife clubs, more than 4,800 children have gained access to learning, connection and a deeper understanding of the wild spaces around them.
Trip Inspiration
Plan your trip to Mara Conservancies
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Places to combine House in the Wild with
Amboseli
Angama Amboseli is an intimate safari lodge in Kenya’s land of giants, Amboseli. This lodge is based in Kimana Sanctuary, which is the central part of a crucial corridor that links Amboseli National Park with the Chyulu Hills and Tsavo protected areas, providing animals with a route through the narrowest part of the space between two settled areas.
A modern take on a traditional safari with stunning views out to Mount Kilimanjaro and charming fever tree forests, Angama Amboseli is accessed by light aircraft. The camp offers 10 suites which are a mix of canvas, concrete and rattan with earthy, neutral colours. Each suite is perfectly positioned to offer not only views of kili but also peaceful privacy. There are two sets of inter-leading suites for families.
At Angama Amboseli there are a collection of wonderful communal areas with a swimming pool cast in natural stone and complete with shady areas and comfortable seating. Excellent cuisine is important to Angama and all your delicious meals are included here, either in the common dining area or in secluded spots around the property.
There’s many safari experiences to enjoy whilst staying in Amboseli including daily game drives to discover the incredible herds of elephants, prides of lions, plains game and much more.
Borana Conservancy
Perched majestically overlooking a serene lake, Borana Lodge offers a front-row seat to nature’s grand spectacle. Here, elephants and buffalos gather in abundance, drawn to the shimmering waters, while Mount Kenya stands sentinel in the distance.
Across the plains of the Borana Conservancy, large packs of wild dogs roam freely, along with the stealthy presence of leopards, lions and cheetahs.
Owned by the Dyer family for three generations, Borana Lodge pulsates with a palpable passion for conservation. Every corner of this retreat whispers tales of their dedication to preserving the wilderness they call home.
Eight rustic cottages, each a haven of tranquility, offer unparalleled views of the Laikipia wilderness and the tranquil dam below. As dusk descends and the chill of the African night sets in, gather around a crackling fire, serenaded by the symphony of the bush, and let the magic of the wild weave its spell.
In the heart of the lodge, an infinity pool beckons, inviting guests to surrender to the rhythm of the savannah.
