House In The Wild
Enonkishu Conservancy, Maasai Mara / KenyaOnce used as a family getaway on the banks of the Mara River, House In The Wild have been transformed into a Boutique luxury-adorned lodge consisting of four cottages and the original family holiday home, The Wild Villa. The family that owns this beacon of responsible tourism are masters in sustainability and have transformed the once intensely farmed surrounding land with a pioneering re-wilding project, which has consequently seen diverse wildlife return to the area. It makes this sustainable retreat with fantastic safari routes on its doorstep feel truly alive.
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What to love
- House In The Wild prioritises sustainability: 95 per cent of its energy is solar; water is recycled through an eco wetland; vegetables are grown on site.
- Guests are invited to embrace life on the farm, and can help out with milking the cows, tending to beehives and planting trees.
- The lodge has a longstanding relationship with the Maasai community, supporting schools and increasing work opportunities.
- The Enonkishu Conservancy was established to protect the nearby animal habitats and grazing areas and keep vital wildlife migration routes clear.
What to know
- This quiet family-run lodge has a particularly homely atmosphere, while the owners, Tarquin & Lippa, are always around for a guided walk or a post-safari sundowner.
- House In The Wild sits on the edge of the Maasai Mara game reserve, where you can usually view the spectacular 'Great Migration' from late August to early November.
- The land immediately around the cottages is on a fenced wildlife estate, making it safe for walking, running and mountain biking, as well as being suitable for children.
- Wi-fi is available throughout all properties.
Description
House In The Wild gives visitors an authentic taste of life on a Kenyan game reserve, whilst providing all the modern comforts of a luxury resort. The four cottages can each accommodate between two to four people and have been designed with a cool African style, with spacious bedrooms, lavish bathrooms, and wide-open windows to let in the wild vistas outside. A cozy main lounge and dining area is shared between guests, while there are also options that are ideal for families with children. The Wild Villa is ideal for larger groups and can be booked for up to 12 people on an exclusive basis only.
Situated on the edge of the Mara River within a fenced wildlife estate, the area surrounding the lodgings alone gives guests plenty to experience: start the day with a bush breakfast with the bubbling waters for company; take in some lengths in the thatch-covered swimming pool; or perhaps learn about keeping cattle at the local farm. Then, of course, there are the fantastic opportunities for wildlife spotting. The area is thought to be home to more than 400 species of birds, while lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, rare black rhinos and giraffes are among the animals that have been encountered during game drives in the area.
The family that owns the lodge has established the Enonkishu Conservancy, where important work with Maasai families has helped to rejuvenate and maintain the surrounding wildlife grazing spaces, which in turn has boosted local communities through tourism. The resort realises the importance of green initiatives, which is why it prioritises water management and solar energy, and sources all of its firewood for construction and produce locally (vegetables for the kitchen are grown in their private garden).
When to Travel
The Maasai Mara is an excellent destination to visit year round. When to go will depend on your preferences. July to October offer the easiest game viewing period as the season is dry and the vegetation less dense. The great wildebeest migration usually unfolds in the Mara from August to early November. This is naturally a busy time of year so you may prefer April to June when the rains turn the landscape vibrant green or December to March when there is still very good experiences to be had.
Location
The properties are located North West of the Maasai Mara Reserve, within the Enonkishu Conservancy. Most guests will travel from Nairobi from where you can take short shuttle flights to nearby airstrips (total travel time approx 2.5 hrs) or drive by road (approx 5-6 hrs).
