Drunken Elephant Mara

The Masai Mara National Reserve is an ecosystem defined by its expansive grass plains and acacia-dotted savannah. Drunken Elephant Mara sits directly within the Siana Conservancy, bordering the main reserve's boundaries.

This prime location offers guests immediate access to high-concentration wildlife areas without the need for daily transit through public park gates, placing them at the heart of the action from sunrise.

The Unfenced Camp Design at Drunken Elephant Mara

Drunken Elephant Mara is an unfenced property, a deliberate design that fosters a close connection with the wild. This open layout allows wildlife to move freely through the camp grounds, offering an unfiltered safari experience. The property's footprint is small, cultivating a quiet and personal atmosphere amongst the few guests and the camp staff.

To minimise light pollution and preserve the nocturnal environment, the camp keeps its pathways unlit at night. As a mandatory safety protocol, Maasai askaris escort all guests between their tents and the main lodge after dusk. This measure is essential given the regular presence of nocturnal animals moving through the camp.

Authentic Tented Suites at Drunken Elephant Mara

Accommodation at Drunken Elephant Mara consists of just six classic canvas tents, ensuring an exclusive stay. Each tent is built upon a raised wooden platform, which provides a solid foundation and elevates the private veranda for improved views over the surrounding bush.

The accommodation provides an authentic safari feel, where the natural sounds and scents of the Mara are an integral part of the experience.

Inside the Classic Canvas Tents

Tented suite interiors are efficiently appointed with full en-suite bathroom facilities, including a flushing toilet and a safari-style bucket shower. The staff prepares hot water on request for the showers.

The canvas walls allow the ambient sounds of the Mara, from the chirping of insects to the distant calls of hyenas, to create a natural soundtrack. All beds feature protective mosquito netting for comfort and peace of mind.

• Private, furnished veranda overlooking the plains
• En-suite bathroom with a hot water bucket shower
• Dedicated luggage rack and wardrobe space
• Complimentary insect repellent and purified bottled water

The Central Mess Tent and Communal Dining Experience

A central mess tent serves as the primary communal space for all guests, containing the lounge, a small reference library, and the main dining area. The structure is largely open-sided, which permits continuous airflow and provides unobstructed views of a nearby water source known to attract local elephant herds. This design makes the mess tent a superb vantage point for passive game viewing throughout the day.

Dining is a communal affair, with meals served at set times organised around morning and afternoon game drives. The kitchen prepares a set course menu that emphasises fresh, wholesome ingredients. This approach is consistent with a traditional safari camp, focusing on quality rather than an extensive à la carte selection.

Power, Connectivity and Camp Logistics

The camp operates on a timed power schedule to manage its environmental footprint. Solar panels and a backup generator supply electricity, meaning power for charging devices is only available during specific hours.

WiFi connectivity is a secondary amenity, available exclusively in the main lounge area and subject to the same power schedule. These operational limitations are standard for this category of remote camp and encourage guests to disconnect and immerse themselves in the environment.

Resident Wildlife Encounters within the Camp

Wildlife encounters at Drunken Elephant Mara extend beyond game drives due to its unfenced design. Various species, including zebra, impala, and occasionally hyena, commonly pass through the camp's periphery.

As the name implies, elephants are frequent and welcome visitors, and their calm presence nearby is a signature feature of the property. All animal interactions are passive, and the camp team provides a thorough safety briefing upon arrival.

Who Should Stay at Drunken Elephant Mara?

Drunken Elephant Mara is best suited for safari traditionalists and first-time visitors to Africa who seek an authentic bush experience. The unfenced grounds and classic tented accommodation provide a genuine connection to the wild without sacrificing core comforts like a private bathroom and comfortable bedding.

The property is less suitable for travellers who require constant connectivity or those who may feel uneasy with the close and unpredictable proximity of wild animals.