Great Plains, the renowned eco-tourism company, has officially launched its latest offering, the Mara Toto Tree Camp.
Situated in the heart of Kenya’s Maasai Mara, this innovative treetop sanctuary opened its doors on 15th July 2024, marking a new chapter in luxury wildlife exploration.
A Dream Realised: Mara Toto Tree Camp is Born
Founded by National Geographic explorer-filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, Great Plains has always been about the ultimate safari experience. Mara Toto Tree Camp is the latest expression of that.
Dereck Joubert, CEO and Founder of Great Plains shared his excitement about the launch: “It is a delight to share the new Mara Toto Tree Camp – one of the most ambitious and unique camps in our portfolio – with our fellow explorers. Tarzan meets Robinson Crusoe in this treetop camp that ensures the safari experience doesn’t end when our guests return to camp.”
This visionary approach to safari accommodation is not just about luxury; it’s about immersion. The camp’s design seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, offering guests a chance to live amongst the treetops, much like the wildlife they’ve come to observe.
Location and Landscape: A Tree Top Sanctuary
Mara Toto Tree Camp enjoys a privileged position within the vast 150,000-hectare Maasai Mara National Reserve. Its location, overlooking the Ntiakitiak River, provides guests with exclusive access to both the reserve and the adjacent 26,000-hectare Mara North Conservancy.
This strategic positioning offers visitors an unparalleled vantage point from which to observe the rich biodiversity of the region.
The camp’s elevation not only provides stunning views but also brings guests eye-to-eye with some of the area’s more elusive arboreal inhabitants.
Architectural Marvel: Design that Defies Gravity
The camp’s design is nothing short of revolutionary. Four luxurious tented suites are suspended within the forest canopy, each a marvel of engineering and aesthetics. These aerial abodes are connected by elevated walkways that wind between tree trunks, creating an enchanting labyrinth in the sky.
In line with Great Plains’ commitment to conservation, the camp’s construction adhered to a strict ‘no harm’ policy. As Joubert explained, “Every care has been taken to create a design that brings the outside in, catching the cool breezes enjoyed by our fellow tree-dwellers without harming or disturbing the natural beauty of their habitat.”
This commitment is evident in the creative solutions employed throughout the camp. Bathrooms are built around existing ebony trees, and the main decking area wraps gracefully around the branches of another, demonstrating a harmonious coexistence between luxury and nature.
Interior Elegance: A Tribute to Nature’s Palette
The interiors of Mara Toto Tree Camp are a masterclass in understated elegance. Designed by Dereck and Beverly Joubert themselves, the decor reflects a deep respect for the surrounding environment.
A soft colour scheme of airy greys and teal accents complements the natural light wood, reinforcing the ‘in the trees’ theme.
Local artisanship is celebrated throughout the camp. From fabrics sourced from nearby communities to statement pieces like the shimmering leaf sculpture over the dining table and hanging seedpod lights crafted from Kilifi’s Baobab trees, every element tells a story of local craftsmanship and ecological mindfulness.
Whimsical touches bring the treetop theme to life in delightful ways. Woodpecker doorknobs serve as charming wake-up calls, while monkey-shaped lamps grasp at lightbulbs, adding a playful element to the sophisticated decor.
Sustainability at the Core: Eco-Luxury Redefined
In keeping with Great Plains’ ethos, sustainability is not an afterthought but a fundamental principle at Mara Toto Tree Camp. Much of the furniture and structural elements are crafted from recycled wood, including timber salvaged from old sailing dhows off the Kenyan coast.
This commitment to sustainability extends beyond materials to the very concept of the camp. By building up rather than out, Mara Toto Tree Camp minimises its footprint on the delicate Mara ecosystem, setting a new standard for responsible tourism in the region.
Wildlife Encounters: A New Perspective on Safari
The elevated position of Mara Toto Tree Camp offers guests a unique perspective on the Mara’s wildlife. As Joubert notes, “Wildlife spotting opportunities abound from this unrivalled vantage point, where leopards are often seen, and lions are heard almost every night.”
The camp’s location in the heart of East Africa’s big cat territory ensures that wildlife encounters are not limited to daylight hours. Guests may find themselves sharing their elevated domain with rare melanistic bushbabies, offering a nocturnal safari experience unlike any other.
Safari in Style: Cutting-Edge Exploration
Mara Toto Tree Camp doesn’t just redefine accommodation; it revolutionises the safari experience itself. The camp boasts three specially designed Land Cruisers, each seating up to four guests and featuring a rare, totally open-sided design that provides a 300-degree view – ideal for photography enthusiasts.
In a nod to the modern explorer, each suite is equipped with high-quality binoculars and a full professional Canon camera set.
Guests can capture their adventures using either the provided equipment or their own, with the option of photography lessons to hone their skills.
Beyond the Drive: Diverse Exploration Options
While game drives remain a cornerstone of the safari experience, Mara Toto Tree Camp offers a range of activities to enrich guests’ stays.
For those seeking a truly spectacular perspective, hot air balloon rides over the Mara can be arranged, offering an unforgettable sunrise experience and a bird’s eye view of the landscape.
The camp’s strategic location also allows guests to witness not one, but two of nature’s great spectacles. In addition to the famous annual southern migration from the Serengeti, visitors in spring can observe the lesser-known green season migration from Loita Plains, where over a hundred thousand zebras and wildebeest arrive from the northwest.
Relaxation and Rejuvenation: Spa in the Sky
After a day of exploration, guests can unwind with in-room spa treatments, a unique experience that allows them to relax to the sounds of the surrounding bush.
This thoughtful addition ensures that every aspect of the guest experience, from adventure to relaxation, is elevated – quite literally – to new heights.
A New Jewel in the Great Plains Crown
Mara Toto Tree Camp is more than just a new accommodation option; it’s a reimagining of what a safari can be.
As part of Great Plains’ exclusive Réserve-Collection, it joins a portfolio of exceptional properties that includes the nearby Mara Plains Camp and Mara Expedition Camp.
For those looking to craft a comprehensive Kenyan safari experience, Mara Toto Tree Camp pairs perfectly with Mara Nyika Camp in the private Naboisho Conservancy and ol Donyo Lodge in the Chyulu Hills, offering a diverse range of ecosystems and experiences under the Great Plains banner.
Booking Your Treetop Adventure
With rates starting from £1,132 per person per night on an all-inclusive basis, Mara Toto Tree Camp offers a premium safari experience that justifies its place in the luxury travel market. The camp’s intimate size – accommodating just eight adults across its four suites – ensures an exclusive and personalised stay for each guest.
As Joubert summarises, “Mara Toto Tree Camp is the ultimate Kenyan safari choice for families, or small parties, explorers, adventurers and photographers who want to experience Africa the way we have for many years, just better – and now at treetop level!”
With its innovative design, commitment to sustainability, and unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities, Mara Toto Tree Camp is set to become a new icon in the world of luxury safaris.
It stands as a bold statement of what’s possible when visionary design meets conservation ethics, promising guests not just a stay, but an experience that will reshape their understanding of what it means to truly immerse oneself in the heart of the African wilderness.
