T+L Hotel Review of Mahali Mzuri Safari Camp, Kenya

First hint Virgin Limited Edition’s Mahali Mzuri Jackson Nchoe welcomed me with Maasai warmth, and a glass of champagne, before I had even set foot in the camp. Zebras were galloping along the dusty Mara North Airstrip. On the way to camp—a short 20-minute drive—a few giraffes prompted a traffic jam crossing in the bush, and we also encountered elephants grazing on vegetation.

Wilson Odhiambo (camp’s general manger) told me that I was the only person in camp tonight as I entered the resort. The camp is mostly masked into the landscape. Mahali Mzuri – or “beautiful” in Swahili – will officially reopen its doors in June 2025, following a redesign that has elevated Sir Richard Branson’s 12 tent safari camp. The resort has been named the best safari camp in Africa as well as the best hotel worldwide in T+L’s 2021 World’s Best Awards.) Developed with Lynne Hunt LondonThe new camp seamlessly blends sustainability and modern African style, including custom Maasai-made beadwork, bronze spear finials, which celebrate the local cultural heritage.

Branson began his involvement in 2007 after a visit to Nairobi, where he learned of the conservation threats facing the Olare Motorogi area. This region is a vital wildlife corridor that connects the Serengeti with Kenya’s Loita Hills. In 2007, Branson began working with Maasai Landowners to develop Mahali Mzuri into a world class safari destination as well as conservation solution. A primary school was also established along the way.

I waltzed down to tent No.5, located on the right—more secluded—side of the main communal areas, and gasped when I opened the doors to find a claw-foot tub with unobstructed views of the Olare Motorogi Conservancy. I set intentions to spend ample time at the sizable deck with my favorite in-room amenities—binoculars and a French press with local Kenyan coffee—and Mother Nature at my fingertips. The nightly turndown service included a hot water bottle and I slept like a little baby in the African bush.

As I was the only one in the camp, I took advantage of my time alone and ordered room-service. To my surprise, a three-course meal with full service was served at a candlelit dining table on my balcony. After dinner I sat outside and took in the sounds of nature after dark. Then, I went inside to read and take a bath.

Another highlight was the food. The food was always delicious, so I never skipped meals, even if I wasn’t really hungry. My final night I joined a group travel agents for cocktails around the campfire, followed by an elegant dinner under the stars. We shared our favorite lioness and lion stories, and we bonded over the incredible food and camp adventures.

The area is special, and Odhiambo was right—it truly was a buffet for the apex predators. I was blown away by the intensity when lions devoured a zebra. The circle of life and raw predatory beauty were in their most authentic form.

I found myself in a rhythm that was perfect: a coffee at dawn before my morning drives, a lazy afternoon pool session during the midday heat, a therapeutic massage with Joan and a spa treatment with Joan in the afternoon, and evening drives which ended with sundowners on beautiful locations.

The bush is a place where I can learn to live without electronics, and instead observe my surroundings. By the end, I was able to gauge the temperature or time of day by listening to nature’s rhythms. Odhiambo says it is best to “let schedule mentality go, and go along with the flow.”

After experiencing the remarkable combination of luxury, conservation and genuine Kenyan Hospitality, I left the camp feeling a little emotional. I waved goodbye to the crew who had become my new friends, from the plane.

Here’s my complete review on the reimagined Mahali Mzuri wildlife sanctuary in Kenya’s Olare Motorogi Conservancy.

The Rooms

The 12 tents at Mahali Mzuri are accessible via elevated walkways. Six of them are located on either side of the central space. Tent positioning is crucial: Tents 1 and 3 offer privacy as they are located the farthest away from main area. The right-side tents, however, are nestled into the bush. Families and groups will benefit from the left side, especially after adding a larger, new family tent.

Recently, these accommodations have been transformed into luxurious five-star resorts. These rooms with their floor to ceiling sliding glass doors and large windows offer an experience unlike any other. They are like your private screening room where you can watch wildlife documentaries.

The color palette evokes the bush—warm taupes and deep browns grounded by ivory, with vibrant splashes of red and black referencing traditional Maasai attire. Each tent is equipped with carpeted floors and king-size beds, plush sofas, writing tables, and stunning bathrooms featuring all-black fixtures. Freestanding bathtubs look out over the conservancy. Additionally, Mahali Mzuri’s tents are among the few outside the Serengeti with in-room air conditioning—a game-changer in the heat.

The minibars—although they are anything but mini—are another highlight. The minibars are stocked with complimentary drinks including African gins such as The Mara Edition Gin. African Originals (with stunning African beading on the top). Amarula The estate of Mont Rochelle produces Mont Rochelle Wines (which you can use in a sweet twist on a White Russian). Virgin Limited Edition Mont Rochelle Hotel. There’s everything you could ever want to drink in your fridge. A cutting board, some citrus fruits and a cocktail shaker are included. 

Food and Drink

Mahali Mzuri’s cuisine is a culinary adventure through Africa. The meals feature both Kenyan cuisine and international cuisine using fresh ingredients. The chef has a greenhouse that produces a lot of fresh herbs, vegetables and fruits.

While enjoying a breakfast filled with homemade pastries and fresh fruit, you can also prepare eggs in any style.

After morning game drives, I was always excited for the chef’s cold soups—the snap pea was a particular favorite for cooling down after hours in the African heat. Lunch included a variety of delicious dishes like the poached pears salad with figs and sundried tomato ribbons or a heartier main like Kashmiri style lamb rogan josh Served with Chapati The meal included flatbread, steamed white rice, mango sauce, a side salad and tzatziki. Whether enjoying the panoramic views of camp or picnicking on the open plains – every midday lunch was worthy enough to warrant an afternoon nap. 

Dinner included a sun-blushed organic tomatoes, basil, and Fennel soup, with truffle oil. Then, there was a succulent roast lamb with Lyonnaise potato and honey-minted gravy. Even the vegetarian options impressed. Githeri—a hearty stew of corn, beans, and spring vegetables served with steamed rice and guacamole. Desserts were a must. It was impossible to resist the chocolate fondant and deconstructed affogato as well as Kenyan cheeses and crackers.

You can enjoy your meals anywhere: under the stars, in the dining tent or on your own private deck. All drinks are included in the package, so guests can access a well-stocked bar at any time. There is also a bartender on hand to create the perfect cocktail for an aperitivo by the campfire. Evenings involved settling down by the glowing firepit, drinking chilled wine while swapping tales of the day. Kenyan background music was also played.

Activities and Experiences

The Olare Motorogi Conservancy is home to two daily safaris that explore the area. The guides were very knowledgeable and told us the importance of termite mounds. They also helped us identify the secretary bird, with its distinctive feathers that look like a headpiece, which hunts for snakes.

Join a night drive to see nocturnal animals like honey badgers and bush babies. The conservancy’s location allows guests to observe territorial battles, hunting behavior and lion prides as they converge. The same guide will accompany guests throughout their entire stay. This allows them to improve their wildlife and animal tracking skills.

Hot-air safaris give you a birds-eye view of the savanna. Golden light will illuminate elephants and giraffes below, or, if your luck is in, the Great Migration. After the balloon ride, a Champagne breakfast is served in the bush.

The Maasai warriors are expert guides who will take you on a walking safari to discover nature like no other. You’ll track animal tracks and see a variety of birds, while also gaining a deeper understanding of traditional Maasai culture.

Tours to the traditional manyattas Cultural performances The Maa Trust’A beading class is also offered.

The Spa

Nasaro Spa, located at the base of the valley, offers massages, body scrubs and facials in a small treatment area. The natural soundtrack of Africa’s wilderness adds to the experience. It is the perfect accompaniment to a safari that involves physical and mental activity.

There’s also a gorgeous heated 39-foot infinity pool with stylish striped cabana chairs where guests can sip on rosé and watch elephants.

Offers for Families

Mahali Mzuri is one of Kenya’s family-friendly luxury camp. It welcomes children as young as three years old, which is significantly younger than the standard safari minimum age of 5. It has a comprehensive program The activities are designed to keep the children entertained throughout their stay. There are treasure hunts in and around camp, safaris for nature watching to find lizards, birds, insects and other creatures, as well games that cater to each age group. The evenings can be made even more enjoyable with a story time where guides share stories about bush creatures. Children from six years and over can take part in game drives.

After renovation, there’s a brand new tent for families, with two bedrooms, two bathroom, and a lounge shared by all. This allows families to spread out. At night, security guards pay extra attention to tents that have children. Families can enjoy game drives in vehicles that are dedicated to them, which allows flexibility for timing and activities.

Accessibility, Sustainability and Sustainability

Mahali Mzuri may be difficult for guests who have mobility issues due to its elevated walkways. However, the staff will try their best to accommodate any special needs. The property does not meet ADA requirements due to its remote location and the traditional safari tent design.

Sustainable initiatives include a solar-powered farm, which can provide up to 100 percent renewable electricity, rainwater harvesting, and a kitchen garden, with a greenhouse, that produces fresh organic produce all year round. Some transfers are now made by electric vehicles, which reduces the impact on the environment while maintaining a safari-like experience. The uniforms for the staff are made by Kenyan heritage brand KikoRomeo, using natural and biodegradable fabrics.

Mahali Mzuri is a camp that employs a majority of Maasai staff. The camp has been supporting the development of 300 primary students in the area for more than a decade. The newly launched Inua Jamii charitable association Transfer all donations to community projects focusing on education, health, water and sanitation. 

“We’re extremely proud of what we’ve achieved since the founding of the conservancy. This includes hugely impactful projects for community development in the area, which range from building schools, health centers and supporting SMEs. [small to medium enterprises] Odhiambo is also a member of the conservancy’s board. 

Location

Mahali Mzuri lies within the exclusive Olaremotorogi Conservancy and is adjacent to Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve. The journey is half the fun. It is most convenient to fly to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, then connect to Olare orok Airstrip OLG (or Mara North Airstrip HKR), where you can take an impromptu safari to the camp.

This conservancy offers a number of advantages that are worth the trip: there are only five safari camps operating within the 33,000 hectares, which ensures intimate wildlife encounters and avoids the crowding found in most public reserves. During the peak season, guests who stay three nights receive a complimentary day pass to Maasai Mara National Reserve.

No urban centers or towns are nearby. Road access to Nairobi from Nairobi is about five hours long, but the scenic views of the countryside and the opportunity to spot wildlife make the journey into a mini-safari.

Consider extending your stay in Kenya for the ultimate adventure. Finch Hattons Tsavo National Park in Kenya.

“Mahali Mzuri & its sister camp” Finch Hattons“The ultimate Kenyan safari includes the Big Five in the Maasai Mara, and the peaceful wilderness of Tsavo, which is off the grid,” said James Bermingham CEO Virgin Hotels Collection.

Connectivity is key to seamless service. Scenic Air Safaris Private charter flights are available between Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO), and Olare Orok Airstrip using an Executive Cessna Grand Caravan C208B, for up to 10 people, starting at $2,436 one way.

Book Now

Mahali Mzuri is part of the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio by Sir Richard Branson. Virgin Red Members are identified by pointing.

Virgin Limited Edition offers the most competitive rates and flexible cancellation policies. The peak season is from mid-June to September with an extra surge during the festive season in December. Check out the camp’s website. website for the most current offers.

Get special rates on nights at Mahali Mzuri Start from $3,100 per tent per night Included in the price are all meals, drinks, two-daily games drives, transfers to and from the airstrip, laundry services, taxes, and daily game drives.

Each T+L Hotel Review is written by a reporter or editor who has visited the hotel. The hotel chosen must also align with our standards. core values.