Mara Enkaji, a home in the wild

Mara Enkaji. [Peter Muiruri] Maasai Mara is a land of superlatives. It is one of the most written about animal reserves in the world, and although not the biggest (at least in comparison with the neighbouring Serengeti), Mara, as it is known, stands in a class of its own. Epic big cat chases reel in global filmmakers and tourists alike, turning the local plains into one big wild theatre. The local Maasai community, whose legendary customs and hospitality makes them one of the world's well-recognised people, call Mara and the environs home. For beginners, Mara is like a multifaceted jewel that sparkles every side you turn to. It is possible to visit the Mara as many times as you can and have totally different experiences each time. Such experiences are not only found within the confines of the animal kingdom but also in the numerous camps and lodges. Like a fingerprint, each camp here has a distinctive feature that sets it apart from the dozens that dot this landscape. These exquisite camps are also run by men and women who have honed their craft around the wildlife-rich Mara. Take Mara Enkaji, for example. The camp, set on a verdant forest, was the first of three that we had visited on a whirlwind tour of Masai Mara at the beginning of April. The journey to the camp, or indeed to the Mara is part of the experiences that make the region memorable. To visit the Mara, you have two options. You can take a 45-minute flight through the myriads of carriers at Nairobi's Wilson Airport. I call them the 'wild matatus' as they drop and pick up passengers in multiple airstrips, flying at low levels and giving visitors a bird's eye view of the plains below. And then there is the road. This a good option for those who want to soak in much of Kenya's fabled terrain while interacting with the rural community at different touch points in the journey. And this was the option we had. Our small team had woken up early for the six-hour drive, and by first light, we had assembled at the Standard Group offices along Mombasa Road, the pickup point. Nairobi was chilly, as expected at this time of the year. There was the usual fog that engulfs the route up until the Rift Valley viewpoint along the Maai Mahiu-Naivasha Road, a must-stop site for nature enthusiasts. Here, your geography lessons come to mind as you view the sheer drop of the eastern wall of the Rift Valley. Hard to contemplate the forces of nature that were at play as huge chunks of land sant to create one of the most magnificent geological spectacles on earth. We moved on, egged on by a desire to know what Mara had in store for the team this time round. Just before Sekenani, the main gate to the reserve, a dirt road turns left, punctuated by a plethora of signposts. Mara Enkaji was among them. At the camp, we were met by a group of Maasai dancers who ushered us into the breezy lounge overlooking the main gate to the reserve. The camp takes on the shape and feel of a Maasai boma, not surprising considering 'Enkaji' is home in Maasai. Itis created not only to offer comfortable living but out of respect for local culture. Taking on natural contours and sitting firmly on the sloping ground, there is little disruption to the natural environment as the high-end cottages seem to grow organically from the well-preserved forest and the perfect concealment from prying eyes. Blending well with the lush surroundings Enkaji has made good use of local materials such as stone, bamboo and reclaimed wood and powered exclusively by solar power, thus reducing the camp's carbon footprint. The recycling and sustainable regime inside the cottages makes them truly authentic with the creativity behind repurposing rusty items into functional beauty stirring a deep sense of connection both to nature and to human ingenuity. For example, old charcoal iron boxes have been repurposed as bases for lamps, galvanized iron pipes serve as a bulb holder, while hewn rock is at home as a wash basin. And talking of washing, the bathroom mimics a rock mountain with water oozing from a fountain. Are you the adventurous kind? Then try the exterior shower where a bath is taken out in the sun, or under the stars in the evening. Even the small details such as keyholders and toiletry furnishings take on the Maasai-inspired patterns, evoking an appreciation for conservation and reminding guests that luxury and environmental responsibility can intertwine seamlessly. During the evening, a dinner that included meals prepared with fresh, organic produce from an on-site farm, and a bonfire under the stars punctuated by hearty conversations and Maasai dances wrapped the day before the team retreated to respective cottages for a night of dreams interspersed with wild sounds. This is a partnership between Msafiri (www.msafiri.ke) and The Standard travel brand, Travelog.

Mara Enkaji, a home in the wild

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