Many travelers often associate safaris solely with the thrill of observing wild animals in their natural habitat, but the Ishara experience transcends this common misconception. It encompasses a holistic journey of mindfulness, gourmet dining, wellness, and relaxation within the ethos of sustainable luxury, where elegance and environmental stewardship are seamlessly blended. An Ishara safari is a mosaic of meaningful and transformative experiences, a reminder that amidst our fast-paced lives, there exists a place where time slows, hearts open, and the beauty of the natural world reminds us of who we are and what truly matters.
Ishara Mara
Awards
- Winner of the LUXlife Magazine "Best Emerging Luxury Safari Camp - Africa" 2024
- Winner of the LUXlife Magazine "Luxury Safari Camp of the Year - Africa" 2025
What's Special About Ishara Mara
From its first-of-its-kind offerings in the Masai Mara, such as the iconic Starbed Experience and the Canon Brand Experience Centre that provides complimentary gear, photo safaris, and photoshoots with resident professionals, to inventive additions like Nespresso machines on private game drives and bespoke culinary explorations, Ishara not only offers the expected comforts and experiences synonymous with a luxury safari camp, it exceeds them.
Parks
Masai Mara National Reserve
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On safari
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The Fireside Lounge
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The Bar & Lounge
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The Restaurant
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The Villa Suite
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The Wellness Area
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The River Suite
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Vintage bath tubs
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The Starbed
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Aya Spa
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The Nordic Spa
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The Canon Photo Studio
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On safari
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The Fireside Lounge
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Located within the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve, Ishara Mara is an intimate luxury eco-retreat providing guests with river facing suites, exhilarating wildlife viewing, gourmet dining, a bespoke spa, sauna, cold plunge, gym, heated pool, Starbed, observation and yoga decks, wildlife waterhole, and Canon photo studio.
All you need to know
Intro
Highlights
Ishara was built to accommodate an array of travelers with different wishes and needs. Whether you are a solo traveler or part of a group, and whether you are seeking exhilaration or relaxation, we have a breathtaking space for you to experience everything you desire.
Need To Know
Our location is comfortably accessible by road or air, only 262km from Nairobi by car or a
short flight to the Mara’s Olkiombo airstrip, 5km away. Your adventure starts upon arrival with
your personal guide meeting you at the airstrip or at Sekenani Gate
Safaris
- Our guides are masters in the art of wildlife spotting and are able to find and interpret tracks, animal behaviour, and other ‘Isharas’ to provide a captivating and in-depth safari experience.
- Our fleet of custom-built, luxury Land Cruisers, exclusively designed by Ishara, provide the ultimate photography vehicles. From panoramic views to padded storage for stowing away unused lenses or valuables, on board fridges and even Nespresso machines—our vehicles are designed for maximum comfort, flexibility, and professional use.
Wildlife
- Unfenced and in the heart of the Reserve, Ishara is often visited by wildlife such as hippos, giraffes, elephants, and even lions and leopards. The camp’s manmade waterhole has become a place where nature finds sustenance, transforming into a spectacular carnival of life from day to night and across the seasons. It attracts diverse wildlife from near and far, even acting as a checkpoint for birds and mammals undertaking their annual migrations.
- Game drives within the Reserve and the Mara Triangle feature a multitude of abundant wildlife habitats.
Quick Facts
3 - 5 nights
- US$1500 per person sharing in Green Season
- US$2450 per person sharing in Migration Season
Our camp is best suited to host guests from the age of 8 years and above.
Accommodation
With seven River Suites, two Family Suites, one Villa Suite, and one Starbed, Ishara was created to provide joy, adventure, reflection, and serenity to all who enter. Our open-plan suites are thoughtfully placed on the brink of the wild.
Immerse yourself in the natural environment with unobstructed views of the river, forest, and expansive savanna from every corner of the spacious room and outdoor deck.
- Each River Suite (103m2) offers a King or two Twin beds.
- The Villa Suite (379m2) consists of two River Suites around a central lounge and dining area encompassing a private sundeck, an infinity pool and firepit. This suite accommodates up to four adults sharing.
- Each Family Suite (168m2) consists of two inter-leading tents with a King or two Twin beds in one suite and two Queen beds in the other. This suite accommodates up to four adults sharing or a maximum of five for families with children (exceptions may apply).
Accolades
Ishara, one of Africa’s leading independent luxury safari camps, reopened to guests in February 2025 after an expansive nine-month renovation. Renowned for providing guests with the ultimate proximity to wildlife and the most fulfilling safari experiences year-round, Ishara’s new infrastructure, hospitality upgrades, and additions elevate it to the standard-bearer for luxury safaris in East Africa.
Season
- Green Season: 3 Feb - 15 Jun 2025
- Migration Season: 16 Jun - 15 Oct 2025
- Green Season: 16 Oct - 21 Dec 2025
- Festive Season: 22 Dec - 5 Jan 2026
Region
Property Type
Ishara Fact File
Ishara is the Swahili word for ‘sign’, and in this majestic part of the world, nature invites you to embrace each moment as a sign.
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Location is literally in the heart of Maasai Mara national park
Truly a romantic safari destination. They have the most beautiful star bed experience is extremely romantic
The team is truly dedicated. Every staff is gentle, happy and bring the most vibriant energy to not only make you feel welcome but making sure you have everything you need. They are a family
Spa facilities are simply magical. I’ve experience the sauna, cold plunge and hot pool and it is impeccable.
Food is very fresh and some of the veggies and sources are produced there in the garden
Very conscious about every single ecological detail. They show responsibility and make sure we use ecological packages and don’t produce much rubbish.
Very knowledgeable guides. We learned so much about widelife
Just wow. The attention to detail, knowledgeable guides, comfort. Ishara provides it all. Coffee, warming bags for cold weather, ponchos, cameras and most important, genuine and welcoming hospitality.
Beautiful location right in the middle of nature.
The star bed is very romantic. The decor of the place is very beautiful and romantic
Incredible services with attentive professionals. The spa is beautiful with lovely views of nature
Very adaptive to restrictions. Delicious meals.
Amazing luch forest, organic food and nature guides and photographers who are all very sensitive and protective with their natural environment
A lodge surrounded by nature, what else ?
Ideally located with spectacular views over the river
Romantic dinner and sleep under the star experience. The romantic bath is a must
Awesome guide team
A superb location, very cocooning, and awesome techniques from the spa therapist
Nice two bedroom villas
Food is spectacular