Imagine having an entire luxurious safari residence at your disposal, where every detail is tailored to your family or group’s desires, and the vast, wildlife-rich plains of the Maasai Mara are your private playground. Welcome to Zamara Private, the newest jewel in the crown of Great Plains Conservation’s acclaimed portfolio 

Who is Zamara Private?

Zamara Private represents the pinnacle of safari luxury and privacy. Opened in July 2026, this stunning private residence is part of Great Plains Conservation’s prestigious Réserve-Collection, a testament to its exceptional quality and exclusivity . It is the sixth Kenyan camp from Great Plains, joining the ranks of other legendary properties in the Maasai Mara region such as Mara Expedition, Mara Nyika, Mara Plains, and the recently-opened Mara Toto Tree Camp .

Designed as a “home away from home,” Zamara Private is the vision of Great Plains co-founder Dereck Joubert, who envisioned a sanctuary where families and groups could experience the magic of the Mara in complete privacy and comfort . The residence’s name is said to be a “name that whispers rather than shouts — lyrical and softly powerful, much like the land it overlooks” .

A Sanctuary Rooted in Conservation

Like all Great Plains properties, Zamara Private is built on a foundation of “conservation tourism” . Your stay directly supports the vital conservation work of the Great Plains Foundation, which includes initiatives like the Big Cats Initiative, community development projects, and habitat preservation . By choosing Zamara Private, you are not just booking an extraordinary holiday; you are contributing to the long-term protection of Kenya’s iconic wildlife and empowering local communities.

An Unbeatable Location: At the Gateway to the Maasai Mara

The residence is situated at the gateway to the sprawling Maasai Mara National Reserve, offering exclusive access to one of Africa’s most celebrated ecosystems . This prime location puts the world-famous wildlife spectacles of the Mara right on your doorstep.

Seclusion and Access

Zamara Private offers the ultimate in seclusion. Tucked into a hillside forest with views overlooking the Maasai Mara, the residence provides a peaceful retreat while being perfectly positioned for daily adventures into the reserve . Access is by light aircraft to a nearby airstrip, followed by a short game drive to the property, ensuring your adventure begins the moment you land.

Zamara Private is the ultimate expression of safari opulence. The residence is designed with a spectacular aesthetic rooted in Wabi Sabi principles, using organic textures and calming earth tones to create a grounding connection with nature . Elevated wooden walkways weave through the open-plan spaces, fostering a sense of flow and tranquility .

The Suites: A Private Sanctuary

The villa accommodates up to 12 adults in six luxurious suites, making it ideal for large families or groups of friends .

• Design and Amenities: Each suite offers a supremely private sanctuary with natural grass-planted roofs that blend seamlessly into the landscape . Inside, you’ll find the ultimate in comfort with overhead fans, air conditioning, a private outdoor deck, and the rare luxury of a shower beneath the stars .
• Master Suites: The two master suites are exceptional, offering a separate living room, a private lap pool, walk-in his-and-hers wardrobes, an indoor bathtub, and both indoor and outdoor showers. They even include an additional single room, perfect for a guest’s personal assistant .
• Family-Friendly: For families with children aged six and up, four of the suites can be converted to accommodate an extra child in a triple bedroom configuration, ensuring everyone has their own comfortable space .

Exceptional Communal Spaces

Zamara Private is designed for both grand entertaining and intimate relaxation. The heart of the residence is an expansive lounge with a stylish fireplace, flowing seamlessly onto a broad deck that overlooks the wilderness . Other exceptional facilities include:

• Wellness and Fitness: A 15 x 5-meter infinity pool, a fully-equipped gym, a sauna, a steam room, and a spa for ultimate relaxation .
• Entertainment: A cosy media room, a dedicated wine room for tastings, and a rooftop terrace with a beautifully landscaped lawn, perfect for stargazing over supper .
• Private Dining: Guests can enjoy private dining in their suite or choose to have meals prepared by a team of Executive Chefs in a state-of-the-art open kitchen and served in a variety of settings, from the main deck and wine room to the stunning rooftop terrace . A range of plant-rich menus celebrate local ingredients .

A stay at Zamara Private offers an unparalleled safari experience, with all activities tailored to your group’s interests.

Expertly Guided Game Drives

Daily safari drives deep into the Maasai Mara National Reserve are a highlight . Each customised Toyota Land Cruiser is the ultimate wildlife-viewing vehicle, featuring open sides, a canopy, fold-down screens, raised roofs, photographic bars, and multi-plug inverters for keen photographers . These vehicles are also stocked with a fridge brimming with drinks and snacks . With your own private guide and vehicle, you have the flexibility to tailor your day and track the incredible wildlife at your own pace.

Witness the Great Migration

From July to October, the Maasai Mara becomes the stage for the spectacular Great Migration. From its prime location, Zamara Private offers guests a front-row seat to this incredible event as millions of wildebeest and zebras thunder across the plains .

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

For a truly unforgettable experience, book a hot air balloon ride over the Mara . You’ll rise at dawn and float silently over the sprawling plains, witnessing the landscape and its wildlife from a breathtaking perspective, often culminating in a champagne bush breakfast.

Meaningful Community and Conservation Experiences

Zamara Private guests can take part in impactful experiences that celebrate people, purpose, and place . These include visiting a local women’s group to see traditional beadwork and sustainable projects, engaging with students and teachers at a partner school, or joining Conservation Roots by planting an indigenous tree to leave a legacy of regeneration .

Zamara Private Rate

Zamara Private’s fully inclusive package (from USD $32,500 in 2026 & US$ 34,500 in 2027 per night

• Exclusive use of the villa for up to 12 adults
• All meals and beverages (including premium spirits and champagne)
• Private safari drives in the Maasai Mara National Reserve
• All park entry and conservation fees
• Daily laundry service
• Return transfer from Ol Kiombo Airstrip
• Scheduled flights from Nairobi Wilson or other Mara camps for the first 12 guests (minimum 2-night stay)

Note: The villa welcomes children aged 6 years and older. Additional guests beyond 12 are accommodated with separate air transfer charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who manages Zamara Private?
Zamara Private is owned and operated by Great Plains Conservation, a company known for its top-quality safari camps and lodges across Africa .

Where exactly is Zamara Private located?
It is located at the gateway to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya .

How many guests can Zamara Private accommodate?
The villa can accommodate up to 12 adults in six luxurious suites .

What types of wildlife will I see around the camp?
The Maasai Mara is famous for its abundant wildlife, particularly its high concentration of big cats. You can expect to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and numerous bird species .

What activities are available at the camp?
Activities include daily game drives, hot air balloon safaris, and various community and conservation experiences .

Is Zamara Private Worth It?

For discerning families and groups seeking the ultimate in safari luxury, privacy, and exclusivity, Zamara Private is without peer. It offers a rare combination of having an entire ultra-luxurious residence to yourself, with every amenity imaginable, all set in one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife destinations.

Zamara Private sits alongside other iconic Great Plains properties such as Mara Nyika Camp, known for its intimate luxury and high density of big cats in the Naboisho Conservancy , and Mara Plains Camp, the flagship property praised for its exceptional guiding and prime location in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy . By choosing any of these camps, you are supporting a model of conservation tourism that makes a real difference. For those who dream of an authentic, transformative, and deeply personal safari, Zamara Private is the ultimate destination

see also other exclusive residences in Kenya including: Sirai House,Laikipia and Reteti house, Samburu