Kenya: Enjoy breakfast with the Hippos at Ashnil Mara Camp
Few safari experiences capture the magic of Kenya’s wilderness quite like waking to the sounds of the Mara River. At Ashnil Mara Camp, guests are immersed in one of Africa’s most spectacular ecosystems, where wildlife, luxury and the rhythms of nature meet. Following its 2025 revamp, the camp introduces an elevated safari experience that blends contemporary comfort with the untamed beauty of the Masai Mara—complete with unforgettable moments such as breakfast beside a hippo-filled river.
Ashnil Mara Camp has long been a preferred choice for travellers seeking authentic game viewing experiences in one of Africa’s richest ecosystems. The Masai Mara is the stage upon which one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth plays out each year, and it remains the benchmark against which all other savannah experiences are measured.
Situated on the banks of the Mara River, the camp offers guest the unique opportunity to watch hippos and other wildlife directly from the property, adding an immersive riverside dimension to the safari experience.
Following a significant revamp in 2025, Ashnil Mara Camp was reimagined to blend contemporary design with the timeless allure of the Masai Mara. Now, with a fresh new look and enhanced guest offerings, the camp elevates the safari experience while remaining rooted in the natural beauty of its surroundings.
The all-inclusive camp also now offers a 4-course plated lunch and dinner service, replacing its traditional buffet. This more refined approach ensures a personalised culinary journey, with flavours inspired by local ingredients and international cuisine.
Each of the newly built tents is more spacious and stylish than ever before. Designed with privacy and comfort in mind, the tents feature lounge areas, refined ensuite bathrooms, minibars, private outdoor seating to soak in the views and sounds of the bush, and WiFi connectivity.
The revamp also added a serene open-air meditation and yoga space for wellness and mindfulness, and a gym for guests who wish to stay active while on safari.
The Great Wildebeest Migration passes through this region between July and October, but Ashnil Mara Camp offers prime access to year-round game viewing. Guests can expect unforgettable sightings of lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, and vast herds of wildebeests and zebras, sometimes without leaving the camp’s immediate surroundings.
Add on Experience: Hippo Pool Breakfast
The Hippo Pool Breakfast offers guests a truly magical way to start the day in the Mara. Located just a short drive from Ashnil Mara Camp, the experience takes place beside the iconic hippo pool along the Mara River and features a selection of gourmet hot and cold dishes, fresh coffee and juices, and a celebratory touch of bubbly.
As golden morning light filters over the landscape, the gentle grunts of hippos, birdsong, and wildlife activity along the riverbank create an unforgettable, immersive safari atmosphere.
For those seeking a safari that seamlessly blends untamed moments with refined luxury, the Hippo Pool Breakfast is a must-do experience at Ashnil Mara Camp.
Whether you are returning to the Mara or discovering it for the first time, the all-new Ashnil Mara Camp delivers an elevated safari experience that is stylish, soulful, and deeply connected to its spectacular setting.
Ashnil Aruba Lodge: Club Wing & Gazebo Dinner
Set within the vast landscapes of Tsavo East National Park, Ashnil Aruba Lodge offers a comfortable and well-positioned safari retreat on the edge of one of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife areas. Overlooking the historic Aruba Dam, this tranquil base places guests close to the natural rhythms of the park, where water, wildlife and wide-open plains define the experience in a landscape of sweeping red plains, ancient lava flows and the occasional dust-red elephant.
Designed to offer a more private and elevated safari stay, the Club Wing introduces 12 luxury rooms, each thoughtfully positioned to capture uninterrupted views across the park. Guests enjoy enhanced privacy and access to a dedicated private pool, creating a refined retreat.
The unforgettable Gazebo Dinner is one of Ashnil Aruba Lodge’s most enchanting experiences. A beautifully set, intimate space where elegant décor, warm lighting and a romantic atmosphere create the perfect setting for a special evening with a delightful variety of expertly prepared dishes, paired with refreshing drinks, all served with attentive care.
About Ashnil Camps & Surana Luxury Collection: Ashnil Camps & Surana Luxury Collection offers a unique safari experience in the heart of Kenya's stunning wilderness. With strategically located properties in premier game reserves, we provide unparalleled access to diverse wildlife and breathtaking natural landscapes. What sets us apart is our commitment to sustainable tourism, seamless service, and creating transformative experiences for our guests. Whether it's a luxury safari lodge or a tented camp, we strive to immerse travellers in the beauty and wonder of the African bush.