After more than 4 months of being away from the Mara, the longing for the vast open plains of the Mara was growing stronger and stronger. The inter-county borders opened again, travel restrictions lifted, domestic flights resumed, and I didn’t waste a minute! Safari bag packed, camera dusted and cleaned and with hubby and few friends we headed off to Masai Mara, one of my most favourite places.
And we weren’t the only ones! Now that many camps and lodges in the Mara were welcoming guests again (after having put in place the Government-required COVID-19 health and safety protocols), we were happy to see many people were also heading to the Mara. This is very encouraging as tourism has been at a complete standstill as a result of the pandemic.
Entim Camp
Our base in the Mara was Entim Camp, perfectly positioned in the heart of the Mara Reserve on the Mara River. A beautiful camp, Entim’s Main Camp has 12 rooms, 6 in the north wing and 6 in the south wing all facing the Mara River. divided by the mess (lounge) and dining area. The camp is set slightly back from the Mara River to allow free movement of the wildlife. Hippos usually venture out at night for grazing and you will sleep to the sounds of grunting gnu (Wildebeest), hippos, hyenas and lions . Entim’s Private Camp, a short walk from the Main Camp, is a smaller camp with the tents overlooking the wilderness. Great for private groups.
The en-suite tents are luxurious, airy and spacious, each with its own veranda where you can watch the animals whilst enjoying your morning coffee (or tea!)
The cosy bed made it very difficult to get up for the early morning game drives! The bathroom has the most incredible showers, (again very difficult not to spend more time in the shower) and the camp generously provides shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and body cream which saves you carrying your own.
The main lounge is cosy with an ‘Out of Africa’ feel, perfect to relax with a drink and reminisce about the day, but we also enjoyed sitting outside around the bonfire under the stars.
The staff are extremely flexible and accommodating, making it very easy for any last minute plans.
Entim: A Photographers Paradise
Entim is a ‘photographers camp’. I myself am an avid photographer and I know that many professional photographers such as David Lloyd, Margot Raggett, Paolo Torchio, Federico Veronesi and others make Entim their home when in the Mara. What I love about Entim is its most incredible locations in the heart of the Mara reserve along the Mara River for wildlife viewing. During the wildebeest migration one doesn’t have to venture too far to see this incredible event. Entim has an iMac photo studio where guests can download images, see their shots of the day and edit the images. The flexibility of the staff and camp make it so easy to make last minute plans for the next day – they’re so accommodating with meals, either picnic if you plan on being out for half the day or in house meals.
The luxury of the Entim Picnic Breakfast
The best picnic breakfast I have ever experienced! It’s sheer luxury to enjoy tea or coffee out of an enamel mug out in the bush. Picnic breakfasts are generously packed individually for each guest, complete with butter and jam packed in small glass jars – such attention to detail is what I love! Their granola parfaits are to die for! I really wondered if I’d be hungry for lunch after such a generous breakfast.
COVID-19 Health & Safety Protocols at Entim
The ‘New Normal’ now! Prior to our safari we completed the required pre-trip arrival form online which asked for our contact information for tracing purposes. At the camp we were warmly welcomed, although without the usual handshake. Luggage was disinfected with a spray solution before being taken to our tents. We were given hand sanitizer and for the guests convenience, a foot press hand basin is placed outside the lounge tent. Our temperatures were taken upon arrival and all staff members were wearing face masks throughout our entire stay. Each guest is given a hygiene kit with travel size hand sanitizer, wet wipes and masks.
I must say it was rather strange to see people out on safari with masks – they don’t make for the best photographs! All the Entim staff wear masks, but the camp also recommends, as courtesy to others, that guests also wear masks while in public places.
All meals are individually served at meal times and also individually packed for picnic meals. It was reassuring to see other guests at the camp respecting the social distancing protocols between staff and other guests.
Our Safari Experience
We had received reports that the wildebeests were crossing the sand river in the Masai Mara from Tanzania. Though the mega herds had not yet crossed, the Mara plains were full of
wildebeest and zebra. Driving through the great masses I felt like Moses parting the waters. Occasionally a bull would find courage and run after our vehicle. The great wildebeest migration is the largest large mammal migration in the world, and to witness this event is an amazing experience.
The arrival of the wildebeest and zebra means there’s plenty of food for the predators and kills are happening on a regular basis. We did see some elephants on our game drives but once more wildebeest arrive, the elephants and rhinos, who prefer peace and quiet, will make their way to the hills and adjoining conservancies.
We did encounter some burning in parts of the Mara. Though this is done to allow for the land to renew and new grass shoots to come up, it was rather unpleasant to drive on the plains inhaling smoke. Hopefully this will stop soon as more and more tourists arrive.
The Great Wildebeest Migration
If you can travel to the Mara, this year’s migration promises to be a great event. However, even without the international tourists the Mara still has a lot of resident tourists making the most of getting out in the wild and nature.
Driving to the Mara is now a very comfortable experience, the road is paved all the way to Sekenani gate. The only difficult part we experienced was getting out of Nairobi due to the current ongoing road works on the highway.
The boutique camps and lodges in the Mara (and the ones we recommend) have all passed the COVID-19 inspections and are safe and secure to visit. A number of properties can also be booked on an exclusive use basis at this time. The staff, including all the safari guides have undergone COVID-19 testing, the domestic scheduled and charter airlines are also following the regulations. So far, all our guests have returned safely with great experiences.
Here’s what one of our guests had to say about their safari experience at Entim:
“We were really, really impressed with Entim. Their service, food and general attention to things that matter was absolutely brilliant. We are still talking about our trip there. Thank you Ahnasa for organizing such an incredible trip for us.”
– Kush & Charlotte
For me, a wonderful safari experience consists of wonderful accommodation, detailed logistics, delicious food, safety and great experiences, all this will surely leave you with the most incredible memories of your safari.
And this is what we provide for our guests.
At Ahnasa we love creating amazing experiences.