Travel reviews by Ms T from Cambridge, UK

"I absolutely loved the Offbeat Mara tented camp arrangement, as it feels like there isn't much between you and the wildlife. The welcome was really warm and friendly, and the staff were keen to make the guests feel at home and comfortable. There is a very comfy central sofa area where guests gather before meals and to just socialise over a drink, which I really appreciated as a single visitor.

The food was fantastic, prepared lovingly by the Chef, and a highlight was the regular visit by a melanistic greater galago coming to steal the bread! The accommodation tents were fabulous, with a flushing toilet and warm shower (from a hanging bucket, carefully pre-ordered as you returned, dusty, from safari).

Morning safaris were preceeded by a cup of real coffee steaming outside the tent so you could wake up in luxury. However, the wildlife is what it's all about, and there is so much of it. Offbeat Mara had a pride of lions close by on Lion rock, and I was hugely priviledged to spend a long time watching two females and their cubs playing tag after gorging on a fresh kill. Even though my stay was very short (2 nights) I was able to see a leopard and cheetah every day, not even mentioning the vast herds of game we saw gathering on the banks of the Mara River in the Mara Reserve itself. Outings are in groups, obviously, so your itinerary is somewhat directed by other guests who may be fairly assertive about what they want! However, for me, the trip was utterly fantastic."