Angama Mara | Luxury Safari Lodge in the Maasai Mara

When you arrive at Angama Mara, the view is the first thing that strikes you; from the glass front of your tented suite, the land falls down to the Mara Triangle, the plains being dotted with winding tracks and distant herds. It's a location that encourages you to take a few moments of calm before breakfast, even though a game drive is about to take place.

For someone looking for a luxurious safari that allows them to slow down and properly experience the environment, this lodge is an excellent option.

Location of Angama Mara

Angama Mara is located on the Oloololo Escarpment, adjacent to the Mara Triangle, the western section of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. There is a private road leading from the lodge to the entrance of the reserve, and this route takes approximately ten minutes to travel. Since the property is situated at a high elevation, each of the tented suites has a view of the valley.

If you'd like to explore the Mara Triangle and at the same time benefit from the privacy that an escarpment lodge provides, then this place is ideal. However, before deciding on your travel dates, it's a good idea to look at our guide to the Maasai Mara National Reserve to find out more about the area.

Angama Mara, which has tented suites with a view worth staying for, offers 30 en-suite tented suites divided between two camps containing 15 suites each. The design of each suite is such that it brings out the surrounding landscape, with large glass fronts overlooking the Mara and a private deck available to every guest.

In here, there is a large suite featuring an extra-long super king bed which can be arranged as two single beds, together with a writing desk, a drinks cabinet and a bathroom having double vanities, a soaking tub and an indoor-outdoor shower. A private butler's lobby allows tea or coffee to be taken to your room, meaning that early mornings also feel relaxed.

What is included in an Angama Mara stay

Angama Mara is a fully all-inclusive camp, and the price includes guided shared safaris in the Mara Triangle, guided walks on the Oloololo Escarpment, meals, most drinks, laundry, Wi-Fi, on-property experiences, and transfers to and from Kichwa Tembo Airstrip.

Certain significant costs are not covered by the lodge rate; these include the Maasai Mara park fees, the nightly contribution to the Angama Foundation, hot-air balloon trips, visits to the community, tips, private safari vehicles, and some premium drinks or treatments. When you book Angama Mara with us, we will show you how all the costs fit together in your full quote.

Dining that follows the mood of the day

You are not obliged to have your safari lunch in the dining room; at Angama Mara you may have your meal at the lodge with views of the Mara, take a packed lunch for a full day in the reserve, or choose to have a more private meal on site. Various options are available during your stay through the use of the Shamba garden, the sundowner areas, and the special dining events.

A picnic breakfast is ideal when you plan to go out early for a game drive; on different days you could return from the plains just to have a relaxed lunch. Should you be celebrating an occasion, inform us at the time of your enquiry so that we are able to propose private dining arrangements for you. Please let us also know about any dietary requirements in advance.

Safari experiences beyond the game drive

The Mara Triangle forms a key part of your time at Angama Mara, and with guided drives you get the opportunity to see lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelope, and a number of smaller animals which you would probably fail to spot without the help of an experienced guide. Although wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, it is precisely this uncertainty that makes each sighting so special.

With guided walks, you can concentrate on animal tracks, plants, birds, and the various shapes of the land. The lodge has a Photographic Studio which can be used for editing, lessons, and renting equipment, and its Beading Studio displays the work of Maasai women from the local community. 

If you would like some ideas prior to putting together your schedule, why not take a look at the various activities and experiences available in the Maasai Mara, such as photography safaris and hot-air balloon rides.

Time to enjoy the lodge itself

At Angama Mara, you have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the lodge. The 12-metre rim-flow pool has views over the plains, and the fitness room also provides a good view. You can use the Map Room to plan your drives or to talk about what you've seen, and there is also a Safari Shop, a beading studio, and in-suite massages, which can be arranged by request.

It is not necessary for you to leave at sunrise and return at dusk each day, and activities such as enjoying the view from your private deck, spending an afternoon by the pool, and having a slow dinner are all things that contribute to making this lodge special.

When to visit Angama Mara

Because of its position, Angama Mara is an attractive place to visit all year round; the ideal time for a visit depends on whether one wishes to see the migration, take photographs, have a more peaceful stay, or celebrate an occasion.

Getting to Angama Mara

It is possible to get from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to the Maasai Mara, with the length of the flight and the route varying according to the airline. The transfers between Kichwa Tembo Airstrip and the lodge are included in your accommodation. Furthermore, private charters from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport can be arranged.

If you'd like to drive, it is possible to arrange a road trip using a Land Cruiser as part of a longer journey. The time taken for the trip will depend on the route and the state of the roads. 

Angama Mara’s suitability for families

Angama Mara accepts children of all ages and offers interconnected suites for families; each pair of connected suites can accommodate up to two adults and four children, according to the arrangement of the rooms.

The rules regarding sharing rooms and the family rates vary according to the children's ages and the season, so please tell us your children's ages when you request a quote. Childminding is provided during certain evening hours.

The lodge is also an excellent option for honeymooning couples, those celebrating an anniversary, photographers, single travelers, and families with members from several generations. For people who want complete control over their safari drives, it is advisable to book a private vehicle.

Conservation and community connections

The Angama Foundation provides support for education, healthcare, and conservation in the communities surrounding Angama’s lodges. In the Mara region, it does this by working with the Mara Conservancy and by supporting local schools and healthcare projects.

It should be mentioned that Angama imposes a Foundation contribution on a per-person, per-night basis in addition to the lodge rate, and our safari expert will add this to your trip quote so that there are no surprises.

How long you should stay

With a stay of three nights, you have enough time for a number of game drives and also for a relaxing afternoon at the lodge, while four nights allow you to include a guided walk, a photo session, or a balloon flight without feeling rushed.

Angama Mara can serve as the highlight of your luxury trip to Kenya or can be included as part of a broader itinerary. Amboseli has elephants and views of Kilimanjaro, the Rift Valley lakes offer a different kind of scenery, and Diani Beach provides a relaxing way to conclude your safari. For some ideas, have a look at our Maasai Mara safari packages, the 7-day Kenya safari, or the 10-day bush and beach itinerary. Your trip can be tailored to include a visit to Angama Mara, subject to availability and your final quote.

What to know before booking

Angama Mara is situated on the escarpment beside the Mara Triangle, not on the reserve floor. The game drives start at the lodge and go down into the reserve. The advantage of this position is that it offers wonderful views and easy access, but the park fees are charged apart from the lodge fee.

The 30 suites available at Angama Mara are in high demand, particularly during the migration season. It is advisable to enquire well in advance about the balloon flights, private vehicles, the family suites and the accessible suite. Guests check in at noon and must check out by 10 a.m., though arrangements can be made if space is available.

Plan your Angama Mara safari with Halo Safaris & DMC Today

Your Angama Mara trip should give you time to enjoy both the Mara Triangle and the lodge itself. We can plan your route, flights or road transfers, park visits, and other destinations based on how you want to travel.

Start planning your Angama Mara safari by sharing your travel dates and the kind of experience you are looking for.