Mara Toto Tree Camp: Our full report
Mara Toto Tree Camp is located on the site of the former Mara Toto camp.
That camp was at ground level, and prone to occasional flooding when the Ntiakatek Stream spilled its banks. The revisioned Mara Toto Tree Camp is all well above ground, offering a delightful perspective to guests.With just four platform tented suites, of a hybrid design of canvas and hard wood decking, this innovative camp has a delightful setting, nestled in an evergreen canopy, suspended over the meandering Ntiakatek stream. The reinforced walkways lead to the suites, each with an immersive forest view and a wonderful bush vibe.
The suites are spacious and imbued with the signature opulent luxury that is featured in all the camps owned by Great Plains – especially their "Reserve Camps". Each suite is accessed through Arabic-styled doors, into a large bedroom and lounge area where the bed faces out onto a large deck with a view of the surrounding forest.
Towards the back of the suite is a spacious bathroom, with an open-plan shower, bathtub and dressing area with twin wash basins. If you like a bit of exercise during your stay, each suite has a yoga mat, weights and an exercise bike on the deck. And in keeping with Great Plains’ keen interest in photography, the camp has a hi-spec camera and binoculars that you can borrow during your stay. Please speak to your Expert Africa specialist if you'd like to reserve this equipment.
The main areas of the camp look over a large bend of the river, and the open lounge space blends into a spacious dining area. The showstopper is a suspended foliage-style chandelier, stretching the length of the dining room, and reflecting light from its clever metallic leaves. A small herd of comfy leather sofas provide one of many areas to relax. A wooden deck leads directly out above the river, and the natural shade from the tree canopy makes this a memorable spot for outdoor meals.
Dining at Mara Toto is very much woven into the overall camp experience. At least one night during your stay, you'll be led to the kitchen, where your host will knock on the bolted kitchen’s wooden doors. The head chef then welcomes you in, and you eat at the kitchen bar counter, giving you the best view in the house to watch the culinary magic that takes place in front of you. If you're in a large group, a private table will be set, still allowing you a view into the kitchen.
The activities at the camp consist largely of game drives in open-sided safari vehicles, with a maximum of four guests in each, exploring either the Maasai Mara National Reserve or the Mara North Conservancy, in both of which the camp enjoys driving rights. Each Toyota Land Cruiser safari vehicle is open-sided, canopied and customised for photographers, with a fold-down windshield, raised roof, photographic support bars and a multi-plug invertor for charging your kit. Each vehicle is also stocked with a fridge with drinks and snacks. Note that if a family or group travels together, the vehicles easily accommodate up to six guests. These vehicles are outstanding for the opportunity they offer to immerse yourself totally in the realm of the animals.
Our view
A camp in the Mara on high platforms, connected by aerial walkways, in a forest, by a river: could safari accommodation be more appealing? We loved our visit, and look forward to a longer acquaintance with Mara Toto Tree Camp as soon as possible.
Country manager: Kenya
Geographics
- Location
- Maasai Mara Conservancies, Kenya
- Ideal length of stay
- 4 nights
- Directions
- Ol Kiombo Airstrip is the one used by this camp and you can expect a 30-minute transfer time, depending on any intesting wildlife you see en route.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Well behaved children over the age of six are welcome.
- Property’s age restrictions
- 6+
- Special activities & services
- None
- Equipment
- None
- Generally recommended for children
- This is a luxury safari camp with an adult atmosphere
Communications
- Water supply
- Borehole
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Fire safety
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Night drive
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
Other lodges in Maasai Mara Conservancies
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Kicheche Bush Camp
Kicheche Bush Camp is a smart and intimate tented camp with a relaxed atmosphere and the perfect base in the Mara for keen photographers.
Kicheche Mara
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Kicheche Valley
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Naboisho Camp
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Offbeat Mara
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Encounter Mara
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Elephant Pepper Camp
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Serian
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Mara Plains Camp
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Kicheche Fly Camp
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Basecamp Eagle View
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Porini Lion Camp
Porini Lion Camp is a pioneering, community focused eco-camp, with excellent guides and game viewing, in the predator-rich, Olare Motorogi Conservancy.
Hemingways Ol Seki
Magnificently located tented lodge on a bluff looking south across the Naboisho Conservancy toward the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Saruni Wild
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Ngare Serian
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Offbeat Ndoto
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Porini Mara Camp
Porini Mara Camp is a small, pioneering eco-camp in the first private conservancy in the Mara region, with comfortable accommodation and a range of activities.
Basecamp Leopard Hill
With six beautiful tents, Basecamp Leopard Hill is a smart safari camp in the Naboisho Conservancy in the Maasai Mara ecosystem.
Karen Blixen Camp
Karen Blixen Camp sits on a meander of the Mara River in the Mara North Conservancy, just beyond the northern boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Cottars 1920s Camp
Cottar's 1920s Camp is a classic, luxury tented camp with a 1920s safari theme, located in its own conservancy on the southeast border of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Leleshwa
Leleshwa was a delightful, boutique safari camp on the picturesque banks of a tributary of the Talek, with an extensive, little visited game area on its doorstep.
Mahali Mzuri
Mahali Mzuri is a strikingly modern tented camp in the Virgin Limited Edition group, in a remote part of the Mara ecosytem's Olare Motorogi Conservancy. It has lovely views and all the luxuries of a five-star hotel.
Saruni Mara
Saruni Mara is a luxurious permanent lodge, on the remote northern edge of the Mara North Conservancy, with stunning views, good guiding and very private and comfortable rooms.
Mara Nyika
Mara Nyika is one of the newer additions to the Naboisho Conservancy and offers a luxurious and exclusive safari.
Basecamp Wilderness
Basecamp Wilderness Camp is a simple, traditional tented camp, set in a remote valley in the Naboisho Conservancy in the Mara ecoystem.
Mara Bushtops
Mara Bushtops is a luxury safari hotel on a private concession, outside the Maasai Mara National Reserve, with the emphasis on comfort, relaxation and good food and wine.
Cottars Private House
Cottar's Private House is one of the few truly luxurious, modern private houses in the Mara ecosystem, spoiling its guests with first-rate staff, a swimming pool and wonderful views.
Entumoto
Entumoto is a high-end tented camp, with a swimming pool, situated in a very pretty location on the east side of the Maasai Mara ecosystem.
