Angama Mara

Angama Mara is a beautiful and unusual lodge: iconic in many ways, not least because some of the most famous and lovely scenes from the film Out Of Africa were filmed just below where the lodge sits, 1,000 metres above the Mara plains.

With some forward planning, picnics can be had at one of the most scenic of these Out Of Africa spots – the view from here will remain with you all forever.

The tented suites are truly unique – canvas on three sides, and glass at front, to take advantage of the jaw-dropping views of the Masai Mara from every room. At dawn, hot-air balloons float past silently as the sun rises, creating an unforgettable tableau.

Game drives depart from the lodge, and after 20 mins meandering down the escarpment, the terrain flattens out into the Masai Mara plains and one can see for miles and miles. Little eyes will enjoy using the guide’s binoculars to spot wildlife, and once back at the lodge, the afternoon drive can always be forfeited in favour of a micro-safari in the vegetable garden, a bird walk around the lodge’s environs, a dip in the pool, or a beading session with the local Masai ladies who come to the lodge every day to share they local customs and culture with Angama guests.

For the more active members of the family, the Angama Running Club welcomes guests to join them – good luck keeping up with the Kenyans though!

The wine cellar is worth investigating, and the cuisine is consistently excellent, making great use of the home-grown produce. Children are welcomed into the kitchen to try their hand at being a baker for the day, and will leave the kitchen with their own Angama apron and a copy of the recipe they made – together with the goods of course!