Great Plains has opened Zamara Private, a new private safari residence in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, as part of its Réserve-Collection of safari camps.
The eco-tourism company, founded by National Geographic explorer-filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, said the residence is now open at the gateway to the Maasai Mara Reserve. It is designed for families and small groups seeking exclusive-use accommodation in one of Africa’s best-known wildlife areas.
Zamara Private can accommodate up to 12 adults across six suites, each with natural grass planted roofs intended to help the buildings blend into the surrounding landscape. Four of the suites can also be configured as triple bedrooms for families travelling with children aged six and above.
Dereck Joubert, co-founder of Great Plains, said the property had been developed in response to demand from guests seeking privacy while travelling as a family. “So many of our guests want to travel as a family and have complete privacy in their own home away from home, so we designed and built Zamara for them,” he said.
He described the property as “a residence in so many ways”, with facilities including a private gym, spa, saunas and media room. He added that the residence overlooks the Maasai Mara “from high ground tucked into a hillside forest”.
The company said the design of Zamara Private is rooted in Wabi Sabi principles, with elevated wooden walkways, open-plan spaces, organic textures and earth-toned interiors. At the centre of the villa is a large lounge with a fireplace, opening on to a broad deck overlooking the wilderness.
Each suite includes overhead fans, air conditioning, a private outdoor deck, a writing desk and an outdoor shower. Two master suites offer additional space and features, including a separate living room, private lap pool, walk-in his-and-hers wardrobes, an indoor bathtub, double indoor and outdoor showers, and an additional single room suitable for a guest’s personal assistant.
Other facilities include a media room, dedicated wine room, spa and in-suite private dining. The property also has a 15m by 5m infinity pool and a wellness area with a fully equipped gym, sauna and steam room.
Wildlife viewing is central to the stay, with daily safari drives into the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Great Plains said guests use open-sided, canopied Toyota Land Cruiser safari vehicles customised for photographers, with fold-down screens, raised roofs, photographic bars and multi-plug inverters. The vehicles also carry drinks and snacks for longer excursions.
Guests can also book a hot air balloon ride over the Mara. Great Plains said the experience offers a sunrise view of the landscape, adding to the range of activities available from the residence.
The company is also offering guests opportunities linked to the Great Plains Foundation. These include visits to a Great Plains Bridge, described by the company as a local community link, time at a partner school, and participation in Conservation Roots through planting an indigenous tree. Guests may also visit a local women’s group, where Maasai women share beadwork and sustainable projects.
Meals and beverages are included in the nightly rate and are prepared in an open kitchen by executive chefs. Great Plains said menus are plant-rich and use local ingredients, with dining available on the main deck, in the wine room, on the rooftop terrace or in-suite on private decks.
Destination picnic breakfasts and lunches can also be arranged for guests who want to dine in the bush. The wine room has a curated selection of more than 47 bottles, with 65% from South African vineyards, according to the company.
Zamara Private is Great Plains’ sixth camp in Kenya. It joins Mara Expedition, Mara Nyika, Mara Plains and Mara Toto Tree Camp in the Maasai Mara region, as well as Ol Donyo Lodge in the southern Chyulu Hills between Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks.
Nightly rates at Zamara Private start from $32,500, or £24,117 at the time of publication, based on 12 guests sharing on an all-inclusive basis. Bookings and further information are available through Great Plains.
