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Ashnil Mara Camp

Kenya Acccommodation

Ashnil Mara Camp

The first sound I heard on our first morning as a married couple was not an alarm, or traffic, or anything that belonged to the ordinary world we had left behind in Nairobi. It was hippos. A low, rhythmic chorus of them in the Mara River, maybe thirty metres from where we lay, the canvas walls of our tent doing nothing to muffle the particular joy of that sound.
Ashnil Mara Camp is located directly on the banks of the Mara River, within the national reserve and in what is considered one of the prime migration regions in all of the Masai Mara ecosystem. Africa Bed of Roses Safaris suggested it when we told them we wanted to be close to the river, and close to the migration crossings. They understood exactly what we meant.

The Hotel and Its Setting

The camp sits on the banks of the Mara River at the confluence of the Mara and Olkeju Rivers, a position that places guests at one of the most ecologically active points in the entire reserve. This is where the wildebeest crossings happen in peak season, and even outside of migration the riverbank teems with life: hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and hundreds of bird species using the water as a transit point through their days.

The camp is approximately 270 kilometres from Nairobi. Scheduled flights from Wilson Airport reach the Mara airstrips in about 45 minutes, and Africa Bed of Roses Safaris arranged all our transfers as part of the honeymoon package.

Accommodation

Ashnil Mara has 40 luxury tents set among riverine trees along the banks, with the design keeping guests close to the natural environment while providing genuine comfort. Each tent is spacious, with king or twin bed configurations available, ensuite bathrooms with hot water, and private verandas that in many cases look directly toward the river.

Our tent had a veranda that faced a gap in the riverbank vegetation, and in the mornings we would sit there with breakfast delivered to us, watching the hippos rotate in the water below and the hornbills move noisily through the trees overhead. It is difficult to think of a more complete way to begin a day.

The decor throughout carries the camp’s signature of understated luxury: warm earthy fabrics, local materials, and a layout that feels comfortable without being over-designed. Everything has been thought through for the climate and the setting.

Dining

Meals are served in the main dining area which overlooks the river, and the standard of food consistently surprised us. The kitchen produces a mix of international and East African dishes using fresh local ingredients, and the portions are generous without being heavy. Breakfast was a particular highlight: a full spread of eggs, fresh fruit, breads, cereals, and Kenyan tea that fuelled long morning drives without leaving us sluggish.

Bush meals and sundowner experiences are available at extra cost and highly recommended. We had one evening sundowner on the riverbank, drinks in hand and the sound of the Mara below us, as the sky turned from blue to orange to deep red over the Tanzanian horizon. Africa Bed of Roses Safaris had arranged a small surprise of sparkling wine and local cheeses for the occasion.

Ashnil Mara Camp Rates

Season Rate
Low Season From USD 280 per person per night
Mid Season From USD 420 per person per night
Peak Season (Jul-Oct) From USD 680 per person per night

Rates on full-board basis. Contact Africa Bed of Roses Safaris for current confirmed rates.

Ashnil Mara Camp Activities to do

Twice-daily game drives in 4×4 vehicles with professional guides are the heart of the experience. The camp’s location near the river confluence makes it particularly well-positioned for predator sightings: lion, leopard, and cheetah all use the riverine terrain as cover.

During the Great Migration period from July through October, the Mara River crossings are within close range of the camp, and the guides track the movement of wildebeest herds with the kind of knowledge that comes from years in one specific landscape. Guests can also book hot air balloon safaris, walking safaris, and cultural visits to neighbouring Maasai communities.

Frequently Asked Questions About

Ashnil Mara Camp

The crossing points are a short drive from camp during peak migration season, and guides track herd movements daily to position vehicles at the most likely crossing locations.

Completely. Wildlife along the river is excellent year-round, and the lower-season months often provide richer predator sightings and a more private experience.

Ashnil Mara Camp sits inside the Masai Mara National Reserve in Narok County, positioned along the banks of the Mara River where it meets the Ewaso Nyiro River. The riverside setting within the reserve’s riverine forest gives the camp front-row access to some of the most dramatic wildlife activity in East Africa, including the wildebeest river crossings that define the Great Migration between July and October. Being inside the reserve rather than in a surrounding conservancy means game is present in all directions throughout the year.

From Nairobi, the two options are road and air. The drive takes approximately four to five hours and covers some rough terrain in the final stretch approaching the reserve. For honeymooners, the better choice is a scheduled bush flight from Wilson Airport in Nairobi, which takes roughly 45 minutes and lands at one of the nearby airstrips serving the camp. Africa Bed of Roses Safaris arranges all flight bookings and camp transfers as part of your honeymoon package.

The primary airstrip serving Ashnil Mara Camp is Keekorok, from which the transfer to camp is approximately a 45-minute game drive through the reserve. Olkiombo Airstrip is an alternative arrival point, also roughly 45 minutes from camp by road. Both are regularly serviced by Safarilink and AirKenya operating scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. When booking, confirm your landing strip with your airline and let Africa Bed of Roses Safaris coordinate the pickup so the transfer runs without any friction on arrival day.

Plan Your Ashnil Mara Honeymoon

Africa Bed of Roses Safaris can build your complete Ashnil Mara honeymoon package, including domestic flights, transfers, park fees, honeymoon room decoration, and private dining arrangements. Contact us to begin.

Facilities

Welcoming reception area

On-site Bar and Restaurant

24-hour security

Luxury Tented Suites

Swimming Pool

Safari Excursions on Request

Luxury Rooms with Private Bathrooms

Free Wi-Fi in the restaurant and bar areas

Family-Friendly Stay Experience

Romantic Safari Stays

Curated stays for comfort and privacy


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4.8/5 Based on Our Reviews

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Partnerships & Accreditations

Africa Bed of Roses Safaris is an accredited tour operator under the Kenya Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) and a proud member of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO). As part of the KATO bonding scheme, our services are insured to ensure your honeymoon holiday safari is protected, offering peace of mind even in the rare event of a member ceasing operations.

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Ashnil Mara Camp