MARA TOTO TREE CAMP BY GREAT PLAINS PROMISES UNIQUE SAFARI EXPERIENCES IN KENYA
Great Plains, the renowned eco-tourism company founded by National Geographic explorers and filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, unveiled a few months ago one of its most extraordinary offerings yet: the Mara Toto Tree Camp in Kenya.
Mara Toto Tree Camp promises a safari experience unlike any other in Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
A Unique and Secluded Retreat in the Heart of the Maasai Mara
Mara Toto Tree Camp is nestled within a lush forest canopy, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that combines luxury, adventure, and nature in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The camp sits above the Ntiakitiak River, surrounded by ancient ebony trees, and is located within the 150,000-hectare Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Guests also enjoy private access to the 26,000-hectare Mara North Conservancy. With space for just eight guests, the intimate camp is designed for those seeking a secluded and romantic safari experience in one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife regions.
“This camp is one of the most ambitious and unique projects in our portfolio,” says Dereck Joubert, CEO and Founder of Great Plains. “It’s Tarzan meets Robinson Crusoe in the heart of the treetops. We’ve created a design that blends seamlessly with the environment, ensuring that the safari experience continues even when guests return to camp. From the cool river breeze to the incredible wildlife, Mara Toto Tree Camp offers an awe-inspiring, movie-set-like atmosphere.”
Impeccable Design That Merges with Nature
Each of the camp’s four light-filled, spacious canvas suites is perched in the trees and features an en-suite bathroom with luxurious double vanity basins, a ceramic bath, and oversized safari showers. The central lounge and dining area provide a relaxed space to unwind after a day of adventure, while an outdoor fire area is perfect for enjoying a sundowner while listening to the sounds of the bush.
The Jouberts, known for their impeccable sense of style, have personally overseen the interior design. The camp’s décor showcases natural, light wood and soft neutral tones, with local fabrics and a unique sculpture made of leaves above the dining table. Hanging seedpod lights crafted from Baobab trees add an extra touch of authenticity.
Guests will notice a playful “life in the trees” theme throughout the camp, with woodpecker doorknobs, monkey lamps, and weaver nest chairs on the suites’ decks. Elevated walkways wind through the tree trunks, offering endless opportunities for wildlife sightings long after the day’s safari ends.
Sustainability is a core value for Great Plains, and this camp is no exception. Much of the furniture and structure was crafted using recycled wood from old sailing dhows, while bathrooms were creatively designed to integrate around the existing ebony trees. This innovative approach ensures that no trees were harmed in the camp’s creation.
Wildlife and Activities in the Heart of Big Cat Territory
As one would expect from a camp set in one of East Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, Mara Toto Tree Camp is an excellent base for wildlife enthusiasts. The Mara is world-renowned for its big cat populations, and guests will have ample opportunities to spot leopards, lions, and other iconic species. The camp offers three specially designed, open-sided Land Cruisers for private safari drives, giving guests a 300-degree view—perfect for photography.
Each suite is equipped with high-quality binoculars and a professional Canon camera, and guests will receive a memory stick with all the photos they capture during their stay. Photography lessons, tailored to both novice and experienced photographers, are also available upon request.
Guests can also take advantage of the two migrations that pass through the Mara: the famous southern migration from the Serengeti (July and August) and the green season migration from Loita Plains, where hundreds of thousands of zebras and wildebeest arrive in the spring. For a truly unforgettable experience, guests can book a hot air balloon ride to soar over the Mara, offering an unparalleled view of the vast landscape at sunrise.
After a thrilling day of wildlife viewing, guests can unwind with a soothing in-room spa treatment, enveloped in the tranquil sounds of the surrounding bush.
A Complete Kenyan Safari Experience
Mara Toto Tree Camp is ideally situated near other Great Plains properties, including Mara Plains Camp and Mara Expedition Camp. It pairs perfectly with Mara Nyika Camp in the private Naboisho Conservancy, as well as the renowned ol Donyo Lodge in the Chyulu Hills, creating an exceptional Kenyan safari itinerary.
Nightly rates at Mara Toto Tree Camp start from $1,445 per person, all-inclusive. For more information and to make reservations, visit Great Plains Conservation.
About Great Plains
Founded by Dereck and Beverly Joubert, Great Plains is an iconic eco-tourism company committed to sustainable travel and wildlife conservation. The company owns and operates a collection of luxurious safari camps and lodges in Botswana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, offering bespoke, meaningful experiences that highlight Africa’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
About Great Plains Foundation
The Great Plains Foundation is dedicated to conserving Africa’s wildlife and habitats through innovative, long-term programs. By integrating tourism with conservation efforts, the Foundation works to ensure a lasting impact on Africa’s ecosystems and communities.
For more information, visit Great Plains Foundation.
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