Tented Camps · Masai Mara, Kenya
Ishara Mara
Overview
Ishara is located in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve alongside a river, a short drive from Olkiombo airstrip.
Drawing inspiration from a rich tapestry of contemporary African influences, the eco-luxury resort offers exceptional wildlife viewing, fabulously memorable gourmet dining, an aeroponic tower farm, a first-of-its kind Canon Brand Experience Centre, a Starbed, a spa, sauna, cold plunge, gym, heated pool, an Observation Deck, a wildlife waterhole, vintage river-facing bathtubs and outdoor showers, and an extensive list of amenities and unforgettable experiences.
Ishara’s 10 luxury tents comprise 7 River Suites, 2 Family Suites and 1 Villa Suite, each serene, secluded and thoughtfully placed on the brink of the wild. The Starbed embodies the true meaning of freedom and is an inimitable way to embrace nature beneath the African night sky, while the fully-outfitted photography studio, complete with professional Canon equipment and resident professionals, gives guests the chance to explore, learn, and hone their photography skills.
Follow the signs and step into a world of authentic, sublime possibilities at Ishara.
Suites & Rates
Choose how you stay
Family Suite
Each Family Suite consists of two inter-leading tents with a King or Twin beds in one suite, and two Queen beds in the other. This suite accommodates up to four adults sharing or a...
River Suite
Serene and secluded, our open-plan River Suites are thoughtfully placed on the brink of the wild, amidst the existing ecology. Immerse yourself in the natural environment with unobstructed views of the river, forest, and...
The Starbed
The first of its kind in the Masai Mara, Ishara’s Starbed Experience embodies the true meaning of freedom and is an inimitable way to embrace nature. Experience a spectacular evening beneath the African night...
The Villa Suite
Ishara’s exquisite Villa Suite is a place where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the African wilderness and discover a sanctuary to connect and unwind. A visual and sensory experience, it has...
Details
Good to know
Languages spoken
English, Swahili
Ideal for
Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, Gourmet, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
Property facilities
Accept Credit Cards, Activity Desk, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Gym on property, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service, Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Outdoor Pool / Pool Deck, Pool, Power Generator, Restaurant, Room Service, Shops, Spa, Vegetarian, Wellness Centre, Wine Tasting
Accommodation & amenities
Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Ensuite, Fan, Fridge, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Meal on Request, Private Vehicle (Available), Room Service
On-site activities
Big 5, Bird Watching, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Garden Tours, Gourmet Picnic, Massages, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Nearby activities
Animal Encounters, Big 5, Bird Watching, Cultural Tours, Game Viewing, Safaris, Wildlife Tours
Location
Where you'll be
Video
See the stay
Venture into the heart of enchantment at Ishara
Ishara invites you to lose yourself in its wonder. This is not just a journey for the eyes, but an odyssey for the soul, inviting adventurers, dreamers, and seekers alike to explore and discover a feeling of uncharted joy and serenity.
Ishara Reimagined
Nestled within the heart of Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve is Ishara, an enchanting paradise that beckons with the promise of unforgettable experiences. More than a luxury safari destination, Ishara is a feeling, an invitation from nature itself to embrace each moment as a sign.
Walk With Me Tim Review
YouTube content creator and connoisseur of luxury travel, Tim Lindon, shares his candid review of his stay at Ishara.
The ultimate luxury safari at Ishara
Join two beloved members of our Ishara family, Matthew and Dani, for an intimate behind the scenes journey of the 'new' Ishara.
Unearth your inner voice. Find yourself at Ishara.
As travellers, we are seekers. Seekers of serenity and sublime experiences. Seekers of connection to the earth and the sky, and connection to our fellow beings. At Ishara, deep in the wilderness of the Masai Mara, there’s a new dimension of connection to be discovered. Connect with yourself, your soul, and your purpose like never before. Follow the signs. Follow your Ishara.
Generating growth: Ishara's tree planting initiative
This beautiful ecosystem is our home and we are committed to ensuring it remains healthy and vibrant for generations to come. One of our sustainability initiatives is continuous tree planting that ensures this land and its inhabitants thrive. We believe that every single tree we plant has a positive impact on the environment and we have planted over 12,000 indigenous trees to date. This is just one part of our larger commitment to preserving this incredible ecosystem.
Sustaining life at Ishara's waterhole
Tayla McCurdy recounts the impact the Ishara waterhole has had on sustaining life around the camp. She is an acclaimed safari guide, trainer and wildlife expert who is working with Ishara on various guide training and conservation initiatives.
Photography: A journey of emotion, awareness, and change
Photography is a canvas for creative expression and storytelling that allows us to evoke emotions, raise awareness, and even inspire change. It is a form of mindfulness, a way to connect with ourselves and the world. As photographers, we have the power to shape a story through our lens and embark on a never-ending journey of discovery.
Activities
What you can do
Expeditions & Excursions
Inhale the smell of rich soil soaked by equatorial showers as you take a guided nature walk around camp. Learn about the medicinal plants of the Mara and the traditional practices of its indigenous people. From young explorers to seasoned travelers, Ishara's in-camp expeditions have something for everyone. These include birdwatching and nature walks around camp; spear throwing; traditional beading; medicinal plants of the Mara; and bird and animal species identification.Excursions such as hot air balloon safaris and Maasai cultural village tours may also be arranged.
Photography
Ishara is the photographer’s canvas; each new sunrise brings with it new and unique opportunities to capture nature’s beauty. With this in mind, Ishara and Canon have set up the first official Canon Brand Experience Centre in the Masai Mara, a world-class interactive and artistic space. Complete with complimentary high-end Canon cameras, accessories, binoculars, photo printers, professional photo editing suites and resident pros, whether you are a professional or a first timer, Ishara and Canon give you the space to explore, learn, and hone your shooting skills.Worshops begin by introducing the Canon cameras and lenses, helping guests become familiar with their size, weight, and layout. Once they have a good understanding of the basics, they then delve deeper into the fundamental aspects of photography, adjusting each setting and observing the visual impact it has. The fun then truly begins as you embark on an exciting photo safari together, exploring the mysterious possibilities of the Mara and making the most of all you encounter. Guest photoshoots are an added perk.
Safari
There are stories to be lived, and moments to be captured. Ishara's location in the Masai Mara National Reserve is an unrivalled, exhilarating adventure. Allow every one of your senses to experience nature’s splendour, uninhibited. Their guides are masters in wildlife spotting, tracking, and protecting. Hear dramatic stories on game drives and harmonious community tales as you experience the wonders hidden within this ancient land.
Safari Photoshoots
Ishara's resident professionals encapsulate the true essence of each individual and their unique journey. From stunning landscapes to candid portraits, every image taken by the in-house creative team evokes a sense of emotion and nostalgia, allowing you to relive and cherish your adventures for years to come. Whether you're a solo traveler seeking to capture your explorations, a couple looking to add a touch of romance to your holiday snapshots, or a family wanting to preserve the joy and excitement of your safari experience, Ishara is dedicated to delivering exceptional world-class photography to every guest.Don't miss the chance to strike a pose and create your own stunning safari image collection with Ishara's complimentary photoshoots in camp or out in the wild.
Special Events & Celebrations
The desire to push the boundaries and make the unthinkable possible is what drives Ishara to constantly innovate and provide unforgettable experiences for their guests. For those seeking something beyond the ordinary, Ishara offers a haven where luxury, wildlife, adventure, and relaxation converge in perfect harmony. It's the ideal destination for anything from romantic proposals to grand milestone celebrations and corporate retreats. The camp takes pride in curating truly authentic and bespoke experiences, filled with the excitement of discovery and a sense of limitless possibilities. With Ishara, the extraordinary is not only within reach, but just the beginning.
The Observation Deck
Situated at a spectacular vantage point on the river’s edge, the Observation Deck raises you up among the treetops. Here, just a few steps away from your suite, you can enjoy exquisite views of the river, the plains, and their wild inhabitants.The Observation Deck is a truly unique experience. Whether you’re there for a romantic escape or simply to enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature, it is the perfect place to create magical moments.
The Shamba of Goodness
The first of its kind in the Masai Mara, this method of growing fresh produce uses 95% less water than traditional methods, ensures minimal land degradation, and does not affect the indigenous biodiversity of the flora native to the ecosystem. Enjoy a tour of our ‘shamba (garden) of goodness’ with our chef and learn more about our delicious ingredients. For a hands-on experience, pick out fresh greens to be used in your next salad or meal. Vertically designed to ensure minimal space is used, our shamba is both functional and eco-friendly.
The Sustainability Tour
At Ishara, luxury and sustainability coexist harmoniously, without sacrificing one for the other. From renewable energy sources and innovative water treatment methods to tree planting and biogas digesters, Ishara is constantly striving to find new solutions that benefit both their guests and the environment. Their unique biophilic architecture seamlessly blends in with the surrounding landscape, creating a tranquil and immersive experience for guests. The camp also has an aeroponic tower farm where fresh produce is grown and used in their gourmet meals. To further support the local ecosystem, Ishara has created a wildlife waterhole, providing a source of sustenance for animals and creating a natural spectacle for guests to appreciate. Take a camp tour and learn more about how it is possible to indulge in luxury while still being mindful of our impact on the planet.
The Waterhole
The Ishara waterhole is the ultimate vantage point for private game viewing and 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. This oasis had always been envisioned as a key sustainability feature for the camp once its use as a source of murram for the build had been completed. It now provides all-season reliable sustenance for both terrestrial and aquatic life inhabiting the area, in addition to mitigating the negative effects of climate change on resident wildlife. In just a short period it time, the waterhole has evolved into a thriving micro-ecosystem that is a joy to behold.
Wellbeing
Ishara is a space to connect with oneself, to invigorate the spirit with moments of wonder and tranquility. While wildlife remains the star of the show, Ishara provides an atmosphere inspired by balance and rejuvenation. Whether you’re lounging in the outdoor heated pool, enjoying the exhileration of the gym, sauna, cold plunge or hot tub, having a massage amidst the treetops from the property’s expansive Aya Spa, or sleeping on the unique elevated “Starbed,” Ishara lets you bathe, eat, and rest in unforgettable splendour.
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