Kenya Safaris: The Fairmont Mara Safari Club

The Fairmont Mara Safari Club (Kenya - Masai Mara 4 )

The well-appointed Fairmont Mara Safari Club is set by the Mara River at the foot of the Aitong Hills in the Ol-Choro Oiroua Conservation Area that borders the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The Club is a five-hour drive from Nairobi, or a forty-five minute flight from Wilson Airport (Nairobi) and a ten-minute drive from Ngerende Airstrip.

All tents have their own private river frontage with a viewing deck from where hippo and crocodile are regularly seen. Occasionally elephant wander past to drink the water and during the migration period large herds of wildebeest can sometimes be observed attempting to cross the river nearby. The rooms have twin and double four-poster beds, electricity and modern en-suite facilities with hot and cold running water.The main building, with lounge, bar and dining room is cantilevered over the river, providing a superb vantage point to view the resident hippos and the amazing riverine birdlife. The superb pool set on the banks of the river, al fresco lunches and evening Masai dances, cultural and wildlife talks and wildlife shows all add greatly to the Club experience. The restaurant serves a high standard of international cuisine combined with traditional Kenyan dishes. Game drives here are conducted by experienced "driver-naturalists", in 4x4 Landcruisers and despite being close to the farmlands, the game viewing around the Fairmont Mara Safari Club is excellent.

Facilities and activities:
- Swimming Pool - 06.00 a.m. to 06.00 p.m. The swimming pool surrounds are ideal for private cocktail parties
- Viewing decks
- Business Centre - E-mail, Internet browsing, photocopying and general secretarial services are available at Reception
- Bureau de Change - Reasonable amounts of foreign currencies can be converted to Kenyan Shillings
- Check-in and Checkout Times - Guest check-in cannot be guaranteed until 12.00 p.m. Guests are asked to check out at 10.00 a.m
- Credit Cards - The Cashier accepts Visa, Senator, American Express, and Mastercard credit cards
- Children - Mara Safari Club qualifies as a "family friendly" hotel. Children are most welcome. 2 baby cots are available. Children can be served an early supper, on prior request. Baby-sitting and listening services are available, also on prior notice. Please visit our Young Explorer's Club pages on this site
- Communication - Mara Safari Club is on the telephone exchange. Fax services are also available. The Club is on radio with most landcruisers, neighbouring lodges and Lonrho Hotels Nairobi office
- Disabled Persons - All the tents are on slightly raised platforms, but wheelchairs can be manoeuvred into those closest to the main building. The public areas are all on level ground
- Driver/Maid Accommodation - 3 double rooms are available
- Electricity - Voltage in Kenya is 240 volts. Only the main building has electrical outlets. Shaving outlets only have 220/240 voltage capacities. Mara Safari Club is not on the mains, but a generator operates for 24 hours in both the main building and the tents in the form of 3-point square pin sockets
- Hair-dryers and Adapters - Both are available from the reception for use in the main building toilet facilities
- Laundry/Dry Cleaning - Same day laundry services are available, and providing clothes are handed in before 10.00 a.m., they will be returned at 06.00 p.m. Dry cleaning services are not available
- Lunch Boxes - These are available on prior arrangement. Orders must be placed the previous night
- Medical Services - A clinical officer is based on site, and is available on a 24 hour basis. All Lonrho Hotels are corporate members of the Flying Doctors Services of Africa. In the event of an emergency, patients can be evacuated to a hospital in Nairobi
- Petrol / diesel - Diesel fuel is available at the Mara Safari Club. A mechanic is also available to fix minor vehicle faults
- Safety Deposit Boxes - The Cashier offers the use of a safety deposit box, free of charge
- Shoe Cleaning Services - Please leave your shoes with the tent steward
- Shop - The Gift Shop stocks curios, batiks, "African" clothing, jewellery and accessories, as well as basic necessities such as film. It is open from 08.00 to 10.30 a.m., 12.30 to 03.30 p.m. and 06.00 to 08.00 p.m
- Masai Dances - Every third day
- Slide shows - every 3rd day
- Talk on Masai Culture - every 3rd day
- Table Games
- Library and Information Centre - books on wildlife, maps and other interesting information. The Resident Naturalist is also available to answer any environmental questions
- Wildlife Videos - on alternate days from 09.00 to 11.30 p.m
- Game drives - early morning, mid-morning, late afternoon, full-day

Optional Acitivities:
- Bird Walks - A naturalists guides walkers on the Mara plains (2 km from the camp) pointing out various species of birds (250 have been sighted so far). Walks last for approximately one and a half-hours
- Walking Safaris (half day excursion): Guided by a knowledgeable naturalist, an armed guide and two Masai warriors in full regalia A full safari breakfast/ brunch is served on the river bank perhaps with the hippo eyeing jealously! Guests have to fill out liability forms. Children under 12 are not permitted to join this excursion but could ride in the escort car and join in the bush meal
- Balloon Safaris - Depart at 05.45 a.m. for a balloon ride over the Mara plains. This safari lasts for approximately 2 hours. Guests have to fill out liability forms
- Visit a Masai Village (full day excursion) - Upon arrival, guests are welcomed and guided by a Masai warrior who explains the various aspects of the maasai culture and social life. This visit is a photographers delight and is available from 08.30 a.m. to 05.00 p.m. Exclusive evening and lunch time performances can be arranged at a supplementary cost
- Sundowner cocktails
- Fishing at Lake Victoria (half day excursion) - A 40 minute flight brings one to the second largest fresh water lake in the world. Fish for Nile Perch, some of which weigh over 200 lbs.