Olare Motorogi Conservancy Maasai Mara, Kenya
Renovated
2021
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe LocalOutside the door
The house
Great Plains ConservationRiverine safari camp
The camp is built entirely on raised platforms along the river bends, leaving the forest floor to passing wildlife.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Raised canvas suites with antique Blue Train brass chandeliers and carved Swahili doors.
Notable
Private safari hosting with provided professional Canon cameras and personal Swarovski binoculars.
Notable
Game drives across conservancy lands leased in partnership with Maasai pastoralist families.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
It feels as though the camp...was built in and around the thick riverine trees in the northern border of the Masai Mara National Reserve—because it was.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The private Olare Motorogi Conservancy borders the Maasai Mara, keeping vehicle traffic low across prime big-cat territory.
The rooms
Canvas suites hold deep copper soaking tubs and wide private verandas looking into the riverine canopy.
Massage and fitness
Bring a swimsuit.
Massage treatments can be arranged outdoors on the deck, and private verandas hold stationary bikes overlooking the plains.
At the table
Dinners follow the day's game drives, from bush sundowners at dusk to candlelit tables out on the timber deck.
How it began
Builders used recycled railway sleepers without pouring cement foundations, preserving every tree thicker than an index finger.
Maasai Mara
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.