Mahali Mzuri: Richard Branson’s Award-Winning Safari Sanctuary in the Maasai Mara

Introduction: A Beautiful Place

Mahali Mzuri Camp — Swahili for ‘beautiful place’ — is exactly that. Perched on a private ridge in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, this Virgin Limited Edition property has earned global acclaim. It was named the best hotel in the world by Travel + Leisure. For discerning travellers seeking safari luxury, the resort delivers an exceptional experience, blending Sir Richard Branson’s flair with Kenyan hospitality.

Location: Exclusive Wildlife Access

Mahali Mzuri is situated in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy, approximately 24 kilometers north-east of Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve . This 13,000-hectare (35,000-acre) private wilderness area shares traversing rights with the neighboring Olare Orok Reserve, granting guests access to an expansive 130-square-kilometre game-viewing area .

Why this location matters:

• The conservancy model limits vehicle numbers, ensuring intimate wildlife encounters without crowds 
• Multiple lion pride territories converge here, offering exceptional predator viewing 
• The camp sits directly on the Great Migration route (July–October) 
• Night drives and off-road game viewing are permitted—unlike within the national reserve 

Accommodation: Five-Star Tented Luxury

Mahali Mzuri features 12 luxury tented suites, each raised on wooden decks with sweeping views over the valley and river below . The recent redesign has transformed these accommodations into five-star oases with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and sliding doors—essentially private wildlife documentary screening rooms .

Suite Highlights

• Spacious interiors with king beds, plush oversized sofas, and writing desks 
• En-suite bathrooms featuring freestanding claw-foot baths overlooking the conservancy, separate showers, and black fixtures 
• Private viewing decks with comfortable seating for uninterrupted wildlife viewing 
• In-room air conditioning—a rare luxury in safari camps 
• Minibars stocked with premium African gins, Amarula cream liqueur, and Mont Rochelle wines, complete with mixology equipment 

Family Accommodation

Two family tents cater to travellers with children, affectionately known as “Little Warriors”:

• Children aged 2–5 stay free of charge 
• Children aged 6–15 enjoy a special rate of $950/night 
• Closed vehicle game drives are mandatory for families with children aged 2–6 

Dining: A Culinary Safari

Mahali Mzuri Camp offers an all-inclusive dining experience showcasing pan-African and international cuisine. The culinary team maintains an organic greenhouse garden supplying fresh herbs and vegetables.

Dining Experiences

• Breakfast on the deck while watching hippos and elephants in the valley below 
• Bush breakfasts and picnics during game drives 
• Alfresco lunches by the infinity pool overlooking the plains 
• Dinner served fireside, poolside, or in the main dining tent under the stars 
• Signature dishes: Sun-blushed organic tomato soup with truffle oil, Kashmiri-style lamb rogan josh, and traditional githeri (corn and bean stew) 

Drinks are included with a self-serve honesty bar available around the clock, plus bartenders on hand to craft custom cocktails during sundowners by the firepit .

Amenities: Beyond the Game Drive

Safari Experiences: Unrivalled Wildlife Encounters

Twice-Daily Game Drives

Expert guides lead morning and afternoon game drives across the Olare Motorogi Conservancy. With exclusive traversing rights, vehicles are limited, ensuring personal, crowd-free viewing . Wildlife regularly sighted includes lion, leopard, elephant, cheetah, giraffe, hippo, and during migration season (July–October), massive wildebeest herds .

Night Drives

As a private conservancy, night drives are permitted, offering rare opportunities to spot nocturnal species such as aardvark, honey badger, and bush babies .

Additional Activities

• Hot air balloon safaris (book in advance, additional cost) offering unparalleled aerial photography opportunities 
• Maasai community tours for authentic cultural immersion 
• Guided bush walks with armed Maasai guides 
• Spa treatments at Nasaro between game drives 

Mahali Mzuri Rates and Inclusions

2025 All-Inclusive Rates (per person per night) :

What’s Included:

• Luxury accommodation in a tented suite
• Twice-daily game drives in a 4×4 vehicle (optional night drives)
• All meals and drinks (including alcoholic beverages)
• Unlimited access to Olare Motorogi Conservancy
• Airstrip transfers (25-minute drive from Olare Orok airstrip)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and laundry service
• Maasai market visits
• All taxes and levies

Additional Charges Apply For:

• Airport transfers
• Private vehicle hire ($790/day)
• Spa treatments
• Hot air balloon safaris
• Maasai Mara National Reserve day passes