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The Ark
Opened in November 1969 The Ark overlooks the Yasabara waterhole, perhaps the largest salt-lick in the Aberdare Mountains and the haunt of a variety of forest game unequalled in Africa. This tree-lodge is uniquely shaped to resemble the actual Ark, designed with decks from which numerous balconies and lounges provide superb vantage points for viewing the animals visiting the salt-lick and waterhole. A ground-level bunker provides excellent photographic opportunities, and the Yasabara waterhole is floodlit by night to enable all-night viewing of game. A 'Resident Hunter' is always on hand to elucidate on the wildlife and landscape.

Access to vehicles is limited to conserve and protect the environment which hosts wildlife such as elephant, rhino, buffalo, bush bucks, giant forest hogs, Sykes monkey, leopard, and bongo. After lunch at The Aberdare Country Club guests take a 45-minute game drive within the National Park arriving at The Ark in time for afternoon tea.

The 60 guest rooms are all en-suite. 9 of these are triple-bedded State Cabins, there are 45 Twin/Double-bedded State Cabins, 5 single-bedded State Cabins and 1 single-bedded courier cabin which is not en-suite. All cabins have bedside lamps and carpeted floors to ward off the evening and morning chill, small luggage racks and views of the forest or waterhole revealing game in the proximity. Cabins are provided with water flasks and glasses, hot water bottles and extra blankets. The bathrooms contain 115/240v shaving socket, shower stall, washbasin and flush toilets. For additional information, or to make a reservation, click on The Ark - Reservation Rates.

Also located on `C' Deck, the Lounge has a fireplace lit from the afternoon to late at night. Comfortable leather settees surround the fireplace and the glass walls, while the bar sports leather-padded stools. The walls are graced with paintings of wildlife. Above the fireplace in the lounge hangs the preserved head of a black rhino, the creature having been trampled to death by an irked elephant at the waterhole. The lounge remains open throughout.

The Yasabara waterhole and salt-lick is frequented by great numbers of animals, elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, bushbuck, besides other rare creatures such as the suni, and genet cat. To enable guests to continue watching late into the night, the waterhole is floodlit from 1800 hours to dawn. Spare blankets are available for guests' use in the lounges. Children under the age of 7 are not permitted at the Ark unless on special "Children's nights". Photographic flashlights are not permitted as some animals are startled by flashlights and will be scared away at once.

A Deck
Lounge - The 'A' Deck has a glassed-off viewing lounge, overlooking the waterhole. Settees enable you to view the game in comfort. Decorated in warm earth tones, the lounge affords guests a modicum of privacy in their viewing experience. Capacity is 10 seated.

B Deck
Balcony - The 'B' Deck has an open balcony just above the salt-lick and waterhole, where the spotlights are aimed from. As it is open, it is exposed to a bracing chill and the view is literally breathtaking - an uninterrupted horizon, with below you a vista of wildlife at close range. Capacity is 60 people standing.

C Deck
Enclave - Just ahead of the main lounge, there is another glassed-off lounge, a designated non-smoking area, which affords a spectacular view of the waterhole. Four o'clock tea is served here. Capacity is 30 people.

The Yasabara waterhole and salt-lick

Balcony
The open-air balcony off the side of the lounge provides guests with an angled view of the waterhole and the small clearing before the advent of the dense forest, one of the routes used by game on their way to the waterhole. Chairs line the balustrade. Capacity is 25 people, seated.

D Deck
* Photographic Hide - There is a non-smoking "bunker" at ground level through a door leading from a front lounge, from which animals can be seen at close range. As it has an open window guests are placed eye to eye with the game, and photographs taken from here are startling in quality. Capacity is 8 people.

* Glass Enclave - Another glassed-off, non-smoking lounge is located here. Based on the ground floor level, this viewing area gives guests a life-sized experience of the game. Capacity is 20 people seated.

The Catwalk
The catwalk is a useful place to observe both animals and birds, and is a pleasant place to walk. Birds are fed here every evening at 1700 hours. Guests are not allowed beyond the gate.

FAIRMONT MARA SAFARI CLUB
The main building, with lounge, bar and dining room is cantilevered over the river. Game drives, guided by our experienced 'driver-naturalists', are by four-wheel-drive Land Cruiser. At the Club, the pool, al fresco buffet lunches and nightly activities of Masai dancing, slide shows and talks on the Mara's ecosystem and Masai culture, all add up to create a truly unique experience.

Upon arrival, all guests are given a complimentary, non-alcoholic welcome drink. Special Alcoholic or non-alcoholic special punches / cocktails, can be arranged. Besides a Masai dance occurring every three days, the performers are available for special occasions, on request, and at a charge. Anniversaries, birthdays, weddings and other parties can be celebrated in style, with a festive ambience created by the melding of an appropriate decor and menu. Cakes can be presented with a grand (Masai) entrance upon prior arrangement. Fruit and flowers are available on request, and are subject to seasonal availability. Guests can choose from a wide range of activities at Fairmont Mara Safari Club, including game drives and balloon safaris over the Mara plains capped with a champagne breakfast on the savannah or a stroll in the footprints of the hippo-trodden path escorted by a Masai Moran. The location provides a perfect base for visiting the Masai Mara, one of the world’s richest wildlife reserves, and home to an astounding array of animals including zebras, cheetahs, wildebeests, gazelles and of course the “Big Five.”
 

For additional information, or to make reservations, click on The Mara Safari Club - Hotel Packages

There is a total of 50 tents with four poster, pillow-top beds and a veranda overlooking the hippo and crocodile-filled river. Each of the 50 tents at Fairmont Mara Safari Club is superbly furnished with its own private, three-piece bathroom, including a number of “outdoor showers” in select tents. The larger-sized accommodations also feature expanded decks which allow for private dining, a new service.

Riverfront Deluxe Tent - Riverfront Deluxe Tent with a four-poster beds, full bath with hot water and power. There is also a deck.

Riverfront Tent - Riverfront Tent with four-poster beds, ensuite shower with hot water and power. There is also a deck.

Common Amenities for all tents include: Water flasks with glasses - Shower stall or bath – Insecticide - Air-freshener - 220v electrical sockets - Lamps (electrical) - Dressing table - Hand-woven rugs - Poster-bed drapes - Windows with mosquito gauze and flaps – Flashlight – Umbrella - Square-pin electric sockets for easy charging of video cameras, cameras and other electric gadgets. (Adapters are available from Reception.)

Bathrooms: Shower stall or bath - Flush toilets in bathroom – Washbasin - Freshly laundered towels- Solar-heated hot water - Cold running water  

The main lodge at the center of camp hosts an indoor restaurant, bar and library. Outdoor dining will be enhanced with the creation of a boma, a structure influenced by traditional homesteads, where guests can enjoy a cultural dinner reflecting not only African cuisine but also rich musical accompaniment.

Dining Room - Located in the main building, the dining room is hewn out of wood beams and glass, allowing natural light to filter in to the high-ceilinged, spacious room. Evenings are cosy in the softly lit area. The menu is a cosmopolitan combination of European, African and Asian dishes, made from the abundance of fresh Kenyan produce. Both breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style, while dinner is Table D'Hôte, with a choice of main course. Seating Capacity is 90 people.

The Lounge and Main Bar - The lounge is also in the main building. Sectioned off to create 'private' seating areas, the decor has a definitely African flavour, with woven wall hangings, and Masai artefacts. An extended veranda adjoins the lounge to afford superb views of the Mara River. A fire is lit each evening. This area is the venue for the Masai Dancers, slide shows and lectures. Liqueurs, beers, soft drinks, cocktails, wines, spirits, tea and coffee are served here. Seating Capacity is 80 people, (though use of the verandah can increase the numbers).

The Pool Bar - Located at the swimming pool, the Pool Bar is a shaded area, with bar stools set around the curved structure. Also just off the bar, weather permitting, buffet lunches are served. A barbecue pit is located close to the bar. Liqueurs, beers, soft drinks, wines, spirits, cocktails, tea and coffee, as well as light snacks and outdoor lunches are served here. Seating capacity is unlimited. The free-form swimming pool is manned by an attendant from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sun-beds and mattresses abound. Towels are provided here. Changing rooms, both the men's and the ladies', have showers. Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The swimming pool surrounds are ideal for private cocktail parties.

The Mara Safari Club