Rediscover Singita Mara River Tented Camp’s inimitable sense of adventure

Tucked into a bend on the Mara River in the Lamai Triangle, Singita Mara River Tented Camp offers a truly unique way to experience the iconic Serengeti landscape and a front-row seat to one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena – the Great Migration.

The location – a secluded and unspoilt spot in the northern reaches of Tanzania – is the source of much of the inspiration behind this intimate and remote camp. Designed to honour the original spirit of tented safari and the sense of discovery that sparked it, it exudes adventure in every element of its design and through the experiences it offers.

The reimagining of Mara River Tented Camp was prompted by a desire to instil a renewed and emphasised sense of place through freshly designed interior spaces. While the footprint of the six tented suites remains intact, the interior concept has been completely overhauled, staying true to Mara’s identity – the sense of escape and intimacy it offers.

Channeling inspiration from the tones and textures of the surrounding landscape, the rich visual language of the local Maasai tribes, as well as the transient nature of tented camps, the interiors team has created a series of spaces that speak to a youthful sense of adventure and exuberance – a contemporary, authentically African and playful take on safari. “We’ve sought to create a contextual yet bold and uncluttered utilitarian interior with pops of colour and surprise,” says Georgie Pennington, Group Head of Creative Direction.

Despite its visual dynamism, the design is eminently calming – layered and textured for optimal comfort and escape. Long adventure-filled days out on the plains are countered by restful spaces back at camp.

The suites are cocooning, with natural textures and uplifting colours that inspire deep relaxation, while communal areas are designed with informal enjoyment in mind – lounging by the newly equipped and updated pool sala or reading in the library room. In the main lodge area, the pool area invites al fresco dining, while a signature bar-deli offers fresh and healthy snacks – well-stocked for guests to help themselves at their leisure and soak in the remarkable surroundings.

The setting has inspired all elements of the guest experience at Mara River. This sense of place extends beyond the camp’s immediate surrounds, however – the panoramic plains punctuated by acacias, expansive skies and dramatic migration scenery – and to the broader context of Tanzania.

Design elements allude to the Maasai tribes’ striking use of geometric motifs and colourful beading, with local crafters and makers lending their artistry to the space.

Aligned with the lodge’s new visual identity, Mara’s food journey has evolved too, to better reflect a sense of place. A refreshed and informal menu embraces local flavours and seasonal ingredients with dishes that offer a contemporary and culturally relevant take on East African fare through light dishes designed for easy enjoyment – mezze boards poolside, fireside snacks, and tapas.

This deep respect for the location and the landscape in which it sits has informed all experiential and operational elements of Singita Mara River Tented Camp and its design.

Mara operates entirely off the grid and relies on a custom-designed solar system and LED lights throughout result in a lower load. The additional indigenous trees that have been planted around the camp to create more shade negate the need for air conditioners and appliances, such as the bar-deli fridges and the energy-efficient fans in tents (instead of air conditioning), are all AAA-rated.

Connecting through every touchpoint to nature, guests will be able to experience our Wholeness philosophy in its very essence in this close-to-the-earth camp. From wellness treatments done in suite, to gym-in-a-bag to help keep you active, or yoga or meditation on your private deck, to long and leisurely soaks in an outdoor bathtub, with framed views of the Mara River beyond.

Explore the new-look Mara River Tented Camp here, and speak to one of our team to plan your next trip.