Safari Review: Angama Mara, Kenya

Property Overview

• Location: Masai Mara Triangle, Kenya (top of escarpment)
• Duration of Stay: Multi-day safari experience
• Camp Structure: Divided into North and South sections, each with own lodge area
• Unique Feature: Private access gate directly into the park
• Established: 10 years ago

Accommodation

Room Features

• King-sized bed
• Working desk
• Luggage storage area
• Seating area
• Complimentary whiskey and gin

Bathroom

• Double sinks
• Bathtub with panoramic views
• Separate toilet and shower

Balcony

• Sweeping views over Mara Triangle
• Primary selling point of the property
• Glass walls allow star viewing at night from bed

Complimentary Items

• Safari bag for game drives
• Full amenities included

Dining Experience

Lunch Service

Sample Menu:

• Papaya salad (from on-site garden)
• Grilled calamari (cooked to perfection)
• Schnitzel
• Freshly baked bread (different varieties daily)
• Vanilla brandy homemade ice cream

Bush Dinner (Barbecue Night)

• Outdoor setup with two fire pits
• Candles throughout
• Full meal service cooked on-site
• Bar available
• Dessert served separately: salted caramel brownies, lemon bars, mango mousse
• Weekly rotating special activities

Shamba (Garden) Lunch

• Served directly in the vegetable garden
• Fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables visible
• Menu included:
  • Quinoa salad with squash
  • Kenyan cheese board
  • Chicken
  • Fresh lettuce and tomatoes
  • Bread with olive tapenade
• Stunning views while dining

Breakfast

• Option for lodge breakfast (starts 6am) or packed breakfast for early game drives
• Packed breakfast includes: fruit, yogurt, granola, muffins, sandwiches, sausages
• Fresh smoothies and juices (watermelon-ginger, orange)
• Muesli and fresh yogurt
• Scones with banana jam
• Hot options like shakshuka (eggs with tomatoes)

Beverage Program

• Level 3 sommelier on staff (Adelaide)
• Staff member trained in South Africa on wine course
• Personalized wine recommendations and pairings

Safari Experience

Game Drives

• Schedule: Early morning departures (6am when gates open)
• Guide: Lemalo (with camp for 10 years, highly knowledgeable)
• Vehicle: Modified Land Cruiser with sliding screens, tiered seating with center aisle
• Sharing: Mainly shared game drives (private option available for extra cost)

Wildlife Sightings

• Over 100 elephants in one gathering
• Lions (including tracking pride through muddy terrain)
• Cheetahs
• Baby animals (less than one week old)
• Hippos and crocodiles at river
• Serval cat hunting
• Various birds
• Hyenas near camp at night
• Lions heard roaring close to camp multiple times

Safari Highlights

• Sunrise viewing opportunities
• Bush breakfast stops under trees
• Ranger collaboration for tracking animals
• Challenging terrain navigation (mud, rocks)
• Off-road tracking for better sightings

Lodge Facilities

Main Lodge Areas

• Reception area
• Bar with extensive seating
• Central fireplace
• Indoor dining room (all meals available)
• Outdoor deck with fireplace and Mara views
• Separate lodge areas for North and South sections

The Pavilion Complex

Pool Area:

• Swimming pool with panoramic views
• Full gym facility

Gift Shop:

• Massai ladies doing beadwork on-site
• Live demonstrations
• Hands-on experiences available
• Souvenir purchases

Photography Studio:

• On-site photographer (Jay mentioned specifically)
• Camera rentals for game drives
• Photo shoots available
• Photography lessons and editing instruction

Map Room (Unique Feature):

• Multiple maps of Mara, East Africa, Kenya
• Large magnetic wall map
• Guides update animal sighting locations with magnets before each drive
• Especially useful during migration season

Special Activity Areas

Out of Africa Location:

• Filming site from "Out of Africa" movie
• Available for picnic lunches, breakfast, proposals
• Romantic occasion setup

Boma Area:

• Sundowner location
• Extensive lantern lighting
• Elevated viewpoint
• Snacks including cheese/spinach samosas, popcorn, grilled beef skewers
• Items from garden served fresh

Staff & Service

• Lemalo: Safari guide, 10-year veteran, excellent personality and knowledge
• Adelaide: Waitress/sommelier, warm hospitality, expert wine pairings
• William: Shamba (garden) host
• Consistently described as outstanding and attentive

Overall Assessment

Top Three Highlights (Ranked)

1. Location

• Best safari camp location in Kenya
• Escarpment positioning provides unmatched views
• Breathtaking vistas from every area of camp
• Recommended: sleep with blinds up for stars and sunrise

2. Staff Quality

• Knowledgeable, personable guides
• Expert wine service
• Warm, attentive hospitality throughout

3. Off-Site Activities

• Bush walks
• Out of Africa filming location visit
• Boma sundowners
• Barbecue dinners
• Shamba lunches
• Daily variety prevents dining room monotony

Additional Notes

• Rooms rated as "okay" (not the primary draw)
• Food consistently good quality
• Activities create unique daily experiences
• 75+ safari camps visited in Kenya for comparison
• Strong recommendation from reviewers

Booking Information

• Recommended booking through: Hungry Expeditions (3-year partnership)
• Specializes in East Africa safaris (Tanzania, Kenya)