Singita Mara River Tented Camp

Overview

Set on a bend of the Mara River in the remote Lamai Triangle, this off‑grid camp keeps things small and serene: six contemporary tents (including a family option) looking straight onto hippo‑filled water. A 2023 refresh brightened interiors with Maasai‑influenced design and added a casual bar‑deli and upgraded pool sala. It’s purposefully lighter and more rustic than Singita’s big‑lodge siblings, but that’s the charm.

Why Stay Here

If river crossings are your dream, this is the spot. When the herds push through the Lamai/Kogatende area (typically July–October), guides can position you for the action—and some guests even catch crossings from camp. The surrounding plains hold big cats, elephants, and abundant general game, while the river hosts crocs and a chorus of hippos.

Rooms & Facilities

Each tent has an en‑suite bathroom, rain shower, and (in some tents) an outdoor shower or tub with river views. Power comes from a custom solar system; there’s no air‑conditioning, just fans. Communal spaces include the pool sala, river‑facing decks, and a relaxed bar‑deli. Wi‑Fi is available but can be slow. Children 10+ are welcome.

Activities & Guiding

Daily game drives (with evening drives offered) put you in the thick of things for crossings and predators alike. Vehicles are capped at small groups, keeping drives focused. Note that popular crossing points can attract many vehicles in peak season; booking strategies and timing matter to find breathing room.

Getting There

Arrive via the Lamai airstrip, then drive roughly 45–90+ minutes to camp depending on conditions. This is true wilderness—roads can be rough, and transfers feel long—but you’re in the action once you arrive. Flights require soft‑sided luggage with weight limits of 15 kg checked and 5 kg hand luggage.

Dining & Wellness

Meals lean fresh, seasonal, and East African‑influenced—from hearty breakfasts to shared small plates and spiced Swahili suppers. Wellness is low‑key and private: in‑tent massages, guided yoga, meditation, and “gym‑in‑a‑bag” kits.

Sustainability

The camp runs entirely off solar, uses energy‑efficient systems and borehole water, and channels a carbon offset levy into regional projects. Singita also partners with the Grumeti Fund supporting wildlife conservation and local communities.

Best Time to Visit

For river crossings, target late July through October, understanding timing shifts year to year. The camp closes in the rainy season from mid‑January to mid‑May. In peak weeks, expect more vehicles at crossing points; shoulder periods trade spectacle for quieter drives.