Kenya

Ishara Mara

Wake up to uninterrupted views over the Talek River and plains
Natural stone basins and elegant details in ensuite bathrooms
Spacious tented suites open onto the forest canopy
The Star Bed is a treehouse deck nestled high in the forest canopy
An infinity pool in the villa suite overlooking the Talek River and unspoiled wilderness beyond
Soak in a vintage copper bath surrounded by indigenous trees and birdsong
Safari-chic interiors blend contemporary design with handcrafted African details
Elegant dining beneath vaulted canvas ceilings with views across the Mara
Sundowners under iconic balanite trees on the golden plains

After a thoughtful renovation, Ishara Mara has returned as an intimate, design-led sanctuary in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Just ten suites keep things personal – while a spa that runs on savannah time, sunrise yoga, and game drives stretching into golden hour set the rhythm. Handcrafted details, farm-fresh menus, and a pace guided by river and grassland draw you deeper into the landscape. Here, the Mara unfolds around you – panoramic, alive, and completely unforgettable.

LOCATION

Set on a gentle bend of the Talek River in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, Ishara occupies one of those rare spots where everything comes together. Riverine forest meets open savannah, pale sandbanks catch the light, and the Mara’s wildlife drifts naturally through the scene – including during Migration season. And while it feels wonderfully remote, it’s easy to reach – via a scenic drive from Nairobi or short hop by air to the Mara’s nearby Olkiombo airstrip.

YOUR ROOM

The wild is wonderfully comfortable here. Keeping things elegant with natural textures, each of Ishara’s ten airy suites open to a broad timber deck, complete with outdoor shower, vintage copper tub, and cushioned daybed, overlooking the expansive plains below. Crisp white linens drape super-king beds with hand-carved headboards, and mahogany grandmother chairs are upholstered in green leather – a nod to the majestic Oloirien (olive) tree that stands at Ishara. For families, we especially love the spacious villa suite, which combines two river suites around a central core for perfect views of the river, forest, and savannah.

For something different, Ishara is also home to the Mara’s only “star bed” – a cozy open-air cocoon that sleeps two guests under the night sky. We like to book it mid-stay, once you’re tuned to the bush’s rhythm.

WHO IT SUITS

Ishara works beautifully for couples in search of privacy and romance, with al fresco riverfront dinners, couples’ massages, and sunset yoga. Families will feel equally at home here thanks to flexible suite set ups, a heated pool, adaptable game drives, and hands-on learning alongside Maasai guides making travelling with kids particularly easy.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Expert safari guides, a treetop spa, and exceptional wildlife viewing without the crowds are just the start. Ishara’s location delivers front-row encounters throughout the day, while its thoughtful design and gentle pace create space to truly sink into the Mara. The on-site photography studio also really sets this place apart – where you can borrow high-end Canon gear, sharpen your skills with the help of three resident pros, and enjoy complimentary shoots so you have beautiful images to match your memories.

SUSTAINABILITY

Entirely off-grid and solar-powered, Ishara treads very lightly. Rainwater harvesting secures up to 200,000 liters to support the camp – including the pools and spa – easing strain on local resources, and a nearby waterhole provides safe drinking water for wildlife when it matters most. Solar-fed aeroponic towers also grow crisp greens and herbs on-site – shaping vibrant, hyper-fresh menus.

Other Hotels in Kenya

Lengishu, Kenya

Lengishu gifts its guests a slice of the Kenyan highlands, all to themselves. A glorious exclusive-use home – perfect for families or groups travelling together – you’ll be treated to a…
View Hotel

Eden Nairobi

The moment you step through Eden Nairobi’s doors, it feels much more like a home than a hotel; perhaps because it once was. Originally designed and built by designer Anna Trzebinksi…
View Hotel

Borana Lodge, Laikipia

Capture the magic of Africa from the enigmatic setting of Borana Lodge. On a rolling hillside in the heart of Laikipia, safari in all its forms truly comes to life here…
View Hotel

Mahali Mzuri, Maasai Mara

Translating as ‘beautiful place’ in Swahili, Mahali Mzuri certainly lives up to its name. Commanding sweeping views across the bush, you’ll have front row seats to one of nature’s greatest spectacles…
View Hotel

Ol Lentille, Laikipia

Located at the highest point of Laikipia in northern Kenya, perched on the flanks of a wooded rock kopje in the heart of a private conservation is Ol Lentille. A collection…
View Hotel
View all

“Using AI To Plan Travel: Black Tomato’s New Tool May Reinvent How You Book”

“The hardest parts of travel planning is getting started. The Feelings Engine makes that feel like a game worth playing”

“Many companies brag about offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But with Black Tomato it’s not hyperbole”

“Black Tomato is a super innovative company where the sky is the limit for their clients”

“Black Tomato prides itself on meeting customers every minor need or desires”

“Black Tomato has made it a mission to keep the world of travel fresh, responsible, and exciting”

“Tailor-made travel experiences that truly get under the skin of a country and its people”

“Black Tomato is a leading luxury travel company that provides innovative and inspiring experiences”