Overview
Private game viewing in the Maasai Mara
If your family is looking for a private, remote getaway with plenty of opportunities to see animals and a variety of activities to fill the days, then House in the Wild is the perfect place for you.
Family-owned, this home away from home sits on the banks of the Mara River on the private 1,000-acre Naretoi estate within the Enonkishu Conservancy. Once farmland, the family has embarked on an ambitious rewilding project to restore wildlife habitats and improve the lives of those who call the area home.
The lodge has seven cottages, including three two-bedroomed cottages perfect for families and each is uniquely decorated, many with feature baths overlooking the river. Shared areas include a spacious mess tent lounge and bar, as well as a pool lounge. When you’re not out looking for animals or participating in various fun outings, relax beside the swimming pool which boasts wonderful river views. If you're after total privacy, House in the Wild also has three exclusive-use private villas.
Facts
At a glance
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Seven cottages including three two-bedroomed family cottages
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Exclusive use vehicle and guide for all bookings
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Great wildlife viewing, conservation and community projects
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Swimming pool and lawns for games
Experiences
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Game drives
Your experienced guide knows the Enonkishu, Lemek and Ol Chorro Oiruwa conservancies extremely well. There are plenty of big cats, elephants and plains game to see within a short distance of the house. The Mara Game Reserve is a 50km game drive away, and if you’re visiting over the Great Migration, you may even witness a dramatic river crossing.
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Guided walks
Head out on a guided walk and there is lots to see, including a huge variety of bird species around the house and on the river banks. If you’re feeling more energetic you can go on a guided walk or climb up the Kileleoni Hill. It’s the highest point in the Greater Mara Ecosystem and you’ll be treated to incredible views. This is also the perfect spot for sundowners or bush breakfasts if you take a drive up first thing.
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Farm activities
There are generally a variety of activities going on around the farm on a daily basis which you can discover. Take an early-morning 15-minute walk to the dairy herd to milk a cow. Fresh milk makes your morning coffee all the more delicious.
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Cultural visits
Join a local Maasai guide who will take you to his family home of the Emarti Primary and Secondary schools are just 5km from the main farm gate across the river. With over 700 children, you’re bound to get a warm welcome. The team of Maasai watchman on the farm itself are also very talented singers and dancers, and often perform on the lawns at sunset.
Community & Culture
The Enonkishu Conservancy is a community driven conservation model. Most of the staff at House in the Wild live within a 5km radius of the property. The owners founded the Mara Training Centre through the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund grant which helps communities to sustainably manage their natural resources. They also built the Emarti Primary and Secondary schools, where students can take part in a conservation programme.
Conservation
The founders of the House in the Wild aim to restore and regenerate biodiversity in a sustainable way with social, ecological and economic benefits. The owners, Lippa and Tarquin Wood were part of founding Enonkishu Conservancy, a community-led conservation initiative which safeguards the natural resources, heritage and people of this fragile ecosystem. The aim is to establish a balance between conservation and enterprise for the Maasai communities.
Footprint
House in the Wild runs on 95% solar energy and recycles water through an eco wetlands system. They also source firewood from their own sustainable plantation and grow homegrown vegetables for their daily menus.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.