Reviews of Offbeat Mara
Wildlife sightings and reviews
42 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Offbeat Mara and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
100% success
76% success
100% success
27% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
94% success
29% success
7% success
7% success
0% success
"A True African Safari Experience"
The communal tent and dining area invited you in with comfy cozy lounges and pillows, bar, games, and books, and a variety of animal skulls for the kids to investigate. Drinks and snacks around the campfire in the evenings to share game drive stories and highlights of the day, and communal dinners by candle light and lantern in the open air dining was fantastic, with a special visit from a little bush baby friend. Food was excellent and varied and dietary needs for finicky eaters (3 and 6 year old) were met. We arrived on my birthday, and the chef and staff surprised us with song and a gorgeous birthday cake to help us celebrate. It was lovely. When it was time to retire, the night watchman walked us back to our tents and stood guard all night long. Kyle walked with us as well, because our youngest wouldn't let him out of her sights. ;-) We felt very safe and well looked after.
Massai Mara is a wildlife wonderland, and this visit did not disappoint. We saw so many amazing things and any expectations we may have had were shattered. We witnessed The Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the seven wonders of the world, with our very own eyes and it was more than we ever could have imagined. Thousands and thousands of wildebeest and zebra nervously gathering at the river banks to drink, cautiously pressing forward and then retreating until one takes a leap of faith and the rest follow. What surprised me the most was that the animals go back and forth, at one point wildebeest crossing one way, and zebra crossing the other. It was hilarious and confusing and wonderful. Hungry crocodiles circling and waiting for opportunity to strike. Hippos grunting and nudging and positioning for the best spot. We were watching a National Geographic special live, with our own eyes, and I do not think anything will compare to this experience.
We saw lions, lots and lots of lions and cubs too, a rare black rhino, leopards, elephants and elephant babies, zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, topi, hyena, giraffe, eagles and birds, cheetah, hippos fighting and more. I could not get over the abundance of animals we saw, and the experiences we had in three short days. David and Kapen were our Massai game driver and spotter, and I cannot stop telling people about them and how wonderful they were. They were fantastic, period, and especially with our two girls, and so very knowledgeable and personable and fun. We had an exceptionally hard time saying goodbye, and I tear up writing this just thinking about it. This was a dream, a trip of a lifetime, and a dream come true.
We hope to inspire people to visit Kenya by sharing our stories and our photos, because this place is truly special, truly magical, and everyone should experience it at least once in their lifetime, and Offbeat Mara should be part of the plan." See all these reviews: 12n in Kenya
"Perfect in every way."
Just returned from a two centre holiday in Kenya and as always had the most fantastic time. First time however taking our three children who were blown away!!!
This camp was so perfect in so many ways, it's peaceful carefully considered location- stunning!! No man made boundaries or hard landscaping, just sitting within the natural environment, allowing stunning views and perfect viewing of passing wildlife including families of elephants and lions.
The small selection of well spaced out tents provided both comfort and privacy and a real sence of adventure. All amenities you would need well provided for, lots of little extra touches too,favourite being the hot water bottle awaiting in your bed after a great supper and nightcap with fellow travellers.
All the meals were beautifully presented, cooked and varied. No repetition over our six day stay. A real achievement from two great chiefs in the most unlikely of kitchens! Most certainly worth asking to visit them.
All of the above can only be achieved with the great leadership and orchestration of our hosts Kyle and Lara, the most welcoming warm and friendly couple. Who with the benefit of such great staff, guides and drivers make not just a holiday but a heart warming experience.
From Kyle and our special guide,David, as well as all the other staff nothing was unachievable. Their diversity of knowledge and passion was inspiring and tangible.
We had a very special reason for this trip and could not of have had our hopes and wishes better executed, for which as a family we will always be eternally grateful.
If a camped safari is your desire, within an exclusive yet prolifically diverse game viewing location, this camp would certainly be worth a visit. We as a family will certainly be returning hopefully for many more years to come.
Thank you Kyle,Lara and the "Gang"" See all these reviews: 11n in Kenya
"Like visiting the Garden of Eden"
The staff was Excellent. The food was good (ok, my picky husband who doesn't eat vegetables got a little hungry) and the beer was Ice cold. They were accommodating for special requests for meals, and served good wines with dinner. The guides were great, the jeeps were in good condition, and in July, the weather was perfect. It got a little cold at night, but they had nice warm comforters on the beds, so it was very comfortable.
The Mara was a lot different from Meru, and I totally enjoyed seeing both areas. We missed the migration, but didn't mind, because driving through the open plains was such an experience. The Lions that live in the Offbeat reserve were fun to watch and we were able to see them everyday.
We spent 3 nights in Mara and wasted almost a whole day traveling due to Air Kenya changing our reservation, but that was still plenty. We actually spent one day at the camp without getting in the jeep, and were able to take a guided hike in the afternoon. Overall GREAT experience!" See all these reviews: 3n in Kenya
"Wonderful Safari at Offbeat Mara"
Enjoyed a night drive, and also had a brilliant walk with Kyle - fantastic experience and felt totally safe at all times. The animals were plentiful with sightings of Lion everyday and Leopard sightings on 2 days! We saw a baby impala born and within 15 minutes of watching it was on its feet.
The food in camp was excellent, as was the service from all of the camp staff, nothing was too much trouble.
The tents are new and very spacious with comfortable beds. We had a fantastic view from the tent, plenty of game directly in front of the tent. Tents spaced out throughout the camp.
Kyle and Lara were wonderful hosts and managed the camp extremely well, dealt with any concerns promptly." See all these reviews: 5n in Kenya
"Here we saw The Crossing and the Leopard"
Here we took a night safari, which I thought was outstanding. We also were lucky enough to see the crossing to the wildebeasts. Amazing. The leopard in the tree was awesome. Our guides were so helpful in making sure we saw these rare amimals. They really went out of their way to see that we had an exceptional experience.
One day as we arrived back at camp, there was a herd of zebras just outside our tents. Friends and family really can't believe that we were that close to the animals." See all these reviews: 8n in Kenya
"Offbeat Mara review"
Often heard lions in the distance and zebra grazing outside our porch." See all these reviews: 9n in Kenya
"Honeymoon heaven"
The rooms were not only clean and spacious, but also stylish and comfortable. The staff were all so funny and sociable, not to mention educated in all things safari. We asked many questions and received insightful, interesting answers. Lunch and dinner with the rest of the guests (in our experience, this was between 6 - 10 other people) was an absolute joy. We met so many interesting people with such varied lives. Kyle used to be a cook and so the standard of food was incredibly high given the camp's location in the middle of the bush. Everybody would sit around telling stories and sharing experiences. There are also lots of fantastic photography books to look at, further adding to the enjoyment. It's unbelievable to think that you have seen these things in books and films and then minutes later, you're sat in a jeep staring into the eyes of a pride of lions. Breathtaking.
The drivers at Offbeat were simply unbeatable. It's as if they were orchestrating the animals themselves and we were constantly finding ourselves in the right place at the right time. At first we thought this was luck, but then it dawned on us that it was the highly expert driver (David) and his spotter that were working so hard to make sure we had the best possible time. Not only this, but they had a passion for the wildlife that rubbed off on us, teaching us about animal psychology, local whether movements or bush-craft.
We saw the Marsh Pride of Lion with young cubs, 2 Leopards; one on the way from the airport strip to our lodge and one from the hot air balloon, lions mating and 2 river crossings we were very spoilt!" See all these reviews: 7n in Kenya
"Offbeat Mara"
However, organisation of the camp was a little weak when we were there. Everything was too relaxed really, so we had to shift our own luggage ( I have no problem doing this but it is kind of annoying when someone says they will bring it: we arrived after a four hour flight, keen for a shower and after ten minutes I just went to fetch the luggage myself). Power for the lights did not get switched on until an hour after dark one night. Showers were forgotten on occasion too and it was hard to find someone to sort these fairly minor issues out.
We enjoyed ourselves and the guiding was good but changing guides each time was odd (although all were good). Despite a lack of organisation on our visit, they were flexible so we did everything we wanted. However, we had a sense of being a little abandoned in comparison to the excellent service and management at Offbeat Meru." See all these reviews: 4n in Kenya
"East Africa Manager"
"A true safari camp"
Our guide Josephatt was a charming knowledgeable guide who did his utmost to give us the best possible view of any sighting.
A leopard at last!" See all these reviews: 4n in Kenya
"Great Safari at Offbeat Mara"
Each day you decided what you wanted to do ie: full day, half day, night drive etc. The food was very good and the area is abundant with wildlife." See all these reviews: 7n in Kenya
Holiday styles & special interests in Kenya
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Kenya.
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
Kicheche Mara Camp has just ten tents and a rustic and comfortable feel. It is set by a stream in a pretty area of the Mara ecosystem's Mara North Conservancy.
Kicheche Valley
Kicheche Valley is a boutique tented camp in a wooded district of the Mara ecosystem's Naboisho Conservancy, with plenty of wildlife in the area.
Naboisho Camp
Naboisho Camp is one of the most luxurious of the handful of camps in the Naboisho Conservancy. It offers day and night game drives, game walks and full creature comforts in the bush.
Encounter Mara
Encounter Mara is located in the private Naboisho Conservancy – a game-rich area of the Mara ecosystem – and offers a contemporary take on the traditional, low-impact luxury safari camp.
Elephant Pepper Camp
Elephant Pepper Camp is a small 10-tent bush camp, put together in the traditional "campaign" style, and including a large honeymoon/family tent.
Serian
Serian is a luxury tented camp on the east bank of the Mara River in the Mara North Conservancy. It is the sister camp of Ngare Serian, on the west bank.
Mara Plains Camp
Mara Plains is one of the very best camps in the Mara ecosystem. Located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, just outside the Mara reserve, it has access to three wildlife-viewing areas.
Kicheche Fly Camp
Kicheche Walking Wilderness Fly Camp is a temporaray dome tent camp set up for participants in Kicheche's two-day walking safari between Kicheche Valley and Kicheche Bush Camp.
Basecamp Eagle View
Basecamp Eagle View is a community-focused safari camp in the Naboisho Conservancy, with a strong emphasis on responsible tourism and a spectacular location.
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
Saruni Wild is a rustic and traditional safari camp in the Lemek Conservancy, with just three tents and limited electricity.
Offbeat Ndoto
Small and intimate, Offbeat Mara is set in a valley above the (often dry) Olare Orok River within the Mara North Conservancy.
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.
Ngare Serian
The luxurious Ngare Serian and its sister camp Serian face each other across the Mara River on the western side of the Mara North Conservancy
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.
Mara Toto Tree Camp
Mara Toto Tree Camp is located on a wooded bend of the Ntiakatek River, 1km south (as the pied crow flies) from its sister camp, Mara Plains. It's the offspring of the original "Mara Toto" which was swept away in floods.
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.
Basecamp Mara Houses
Basecamp Mara Houses consists of three private houses located in the northernmost part of the Mara North Conservancy.
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.
