Review of Ishara: A Contemporary Safari Camp in the Heart of the Masai Mara

A contemporary safari retreat

The Maasai Mara is home to some of Africa's best-known safari lodges, making it increasingly difficult for a new camp to stand out. Yet Ishara manages to do exactly that. Set on a quiet bend of the Talek River, it brings a fresh perspective to the classic safari lodge through thoughtful architecture, modern comforts, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.

Originally opened in 2022, the lodge underwent an extensive transformation following the devastating floods of 2024 and reopened in early 2025 with expanded facilities and an even stronger focus on wellbeing, sustainability, and photography. The camp feels both intimate and surprisingly spacious. Its light footprint blends naturally into the riverine forest, with elevated wooden walkways linking the different areas while allowing wildlife to move freely through the camp. Impressively, not a single tree was removed during construction.

The arrival experience is special in itself. Walking across the wooden suspension bridge over the Talek River, with traditional Maasai singing and a welcome performance waiting on the other side, immediately made me feel at home. Named after the Swahili word for "sign," Ishara encourages guests to slow down, embrace the rhythm of the bush, and pay attention to the many signs that nature quietly reveals.

The welcoming restaurant and riverside deck at Ishara

Tented safari living by the river

The seven tented River Suites bring a refined sense of comfort to the bush. Natural woods and canvas, together with a restrained palette of cream and olive green, give the interiors a warm, understated character. Bespoke furniture and subtle local details add a sense of place, with thoughtful nods to Maasai culture throughout. The open plan suites are generous in size, with large, comfortable beds with heating for cooler nights, a cosy seating area with leather armchairs, and spacious bathrooms featuring double vanities plus indoor and outdoor rain showers.

Spacious and elegant tented River Suites

Set well apart from one another along the banks of the Talek River, the suites feel private, with views of the river and surrounding bush. Elevated timber decks extend the living space outdoors, with a daybed for relaxing between game drives. Keeping the canvas flaps open whenever possible made the suite feel even more connected to nature. One of my favorite details is the vintage-style outdoor bathtub, perfect for a long bubble bath after an afternoon in the bush or before heading to bed.

For families, there are two connecting suites offering additional space and privacy. The accommodation highlight, however, is the Villa Suite, which combines two River Suites with a central living and dining area, its own infinity pool, and a sunken fire pit.

Sleep under the stars

Set a little further away from the main suites, the Starbed offers a unique way to experience the Mara. Elevated on a private wooden deck, the comfortable bed is covered only by a mosquito net, allowing you to fall asleep beneath the stars with the sounds of the bush all around. A rainfall shower, stone bathtub, and space for dinner on the deck add plenty of comfort.

The unique Starbed for an unforgettable sleep-out in the Mara

Perhaps the greatest reward comes in the morning, waking to the sunrise over the plains, accompanied by birdsong and the sounds of the river below. It's weather-dependent, but you keep your regular room throughout and can return at any time, although I was told this rarely happens. Maasai guards patrol the area throughout the night, providing some extra peace of mind.

Into the wild

You come to the Maasai Mara for the wildlife, and at Ishara, two daily game drives are included and, importantly, they are always private. Having your own vehicle and dedicated guide makes the experience highly personal and flexible. Want to start a little later, spend an hour photographing a lion pride, or focus more on birds than big cats? No problem. The guides are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, adapting each drive around what interests you most. And there is plenty to see. The Mara is home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, with excellent chances of encountering prides of lions, herds of elephants, and with some luck, leopards and cheetahs.

The Maasai Mara is known for its numerous prides of lions.

On your private game drive

During the Great Migration, vast herds of wildebeest add another dimension, although this is also when the reserve becomes very busy, with considerably more safari vehicles. One advantage of Ishara's location along the Talek River is easy access to both sides, allowing guides to react quickly to sightings that might otherwise require a lengthy detour.

One of Ishara's standout features is its photography program. In partnership with Canon, the lodge has built a photography studio with high-end cameras and professional safari lenses available for guests to use. It means you can experiment with serious wildlife photography without having to buy or carry heavy equipment all the way to Kenya. The team of resident photographers can join you on game drives, whether you want to improve your own photography or simply spend more time enjoying the experience while they help capture it for you. Afterwards, you can head to the studio together to review, edit, and even print your images.

State-of-the-art Canon photography studio

Wildlife also comes surprisingly close to camp. A waterhole just behind the lodge attracts animals throughout the day, while the elevated Observation Deck on the riverbank offers a peaceful vantage point. Hippos can often be seen in the river below, with elephants and other wildlife passing through the surrounding bush. Beyond traditional game drives, Ishara can also arrange a sunrise hot air balloon safari over the Mara, as well as visits to nearby Maasai communities for an introduction to local traditions and daily life.

Dining beyond the restaurant

As so often on safari, you certainly won't leave hungry, but at Ishara, the food itself is another highlight. The à la carte menus change daily and are fresh and creative, taking a largely international approach while incorporating local ingredients and influences, with plenty of healthy options. Much of the produce comes directly from Ishara's own organic garden, and the chefs put real care into making each dish both enjoyable and beautifully presented without becoming overly elaborate. Wine is taken seriously too, with the Pangolin Cellar housing the lodge's collection of wines and spirits and providing an intimate setting for tastings and private dinners. Service throughout feels attentive without being overly formal, with a genuine warmth and friendliness that makes the experience feel personal rather than polished for effect.

The main restaurant is an open-air space with a bar and large deck overlooking the river, perfect for relaxed dining. But the culinary team makes a real effort to change the setting throughout your stay, so meals rarely feel repetitive. Breakfast might be waiting beneath an acacia tree in the bush after a morning game drive, lunch served in the shamba, Ishara's organic garden, or beside the pool, followed by sundowners out in the reserve. One of my favorite surprises was a pizza stop with drinks at an incredibly scenic spot by the river at sunset. Dinner might then be arranged around the fire or by candlelight on the Observation Deck, beneath the stars.

Slowing down in the wild

As tempting as it is to spend every possible hour out on game drives, safari days can also get a bit tiring, with early starts and busy schedules. Ishara gives you plenty of reasons to slow down for a few hours and make the most of your time in camp.

At the heart of the lodge, the heated pool is a peaceful little spot, popular with guests but seemingly just as popular with the local wildlife. I loved watching the playful mongooses from my sun lounger. A few steps away is the Nordic Spa, with a sauna, cold plunge, and hot tub overlooking the plains, a rather unexpected wellness setup to find this far out in the bush.

The peaceful pool area, perfect for relaxing between game drives.

The two spa treatment rooms are elevated among the treetops.

Then there is the Aya Spa, with two treatment rooms elevated among the treetops and looking out over the surrounding landscape. The menu ranges from massages and exfoliations to soaks and creative signature treatments with names inspired by the wildlife, including the Giraffe's Neck and Gazelle's Foot.

A separate deck provides a peaceful setting for yoga and meditation, while those who want to keep up their fitness routine on vacation will find an elevated gym tent with a good range of equipment and views across the bush that might just provide a little extra motivation to work out.

Who is Ishara for?

Ishara offers a high-end safari experience with a modern twist, an alternative to the classic, nostalgic atmosphere of a traditional safari camp, while still feeling deeply connected to the Mara and the wildlife around it. Excellent game viewing, private drives, and an exceptional setup for photography remain firmly at the heart of the experience.

It is a particularly good fit for couples and honeymooners, families with children from six, photographers, and a younger generation of safari travelers who appreciate contemporary design, great food, and wellness alongside the classic wildlife experience.

Getting there

Multiple daily flights with several airlines connect Nairobi with the Maasai Mara by light aircraft. Ishara is served by Olkiombo Airstrip, followed by a short transfer to the lodge. Travelling by road from Nairobi is also possible, but flying saves considerable time and is generally the more comfortable option.

Best time to visit

The Maasai Mara is a year-round safari destination. July to October is the most popular period, coinciding with the Great Migration and generally drier conditions, but also bringing considerably more visitors and safari vehicles. The greener months offer beautiful landscapes, excellent wildlife viewing, and a quieter experience.

How long to stay

Three to four nights is a good amount of time to settle into the safari rhythm, enjoy several game drives, and leave enough time for the lodge itself. Stay a little longer if you want to add the Starbed, photography sessions, spa time, or a hot-air balloon safari without making the itinerary feel too busy.

Health

The Maasai Mara is a malaria risk area, so it's worth speaking to a doctor or travel clinic at home well before departure to discuss antimalarial medication. Mosquito repellent is recommended in the evenings and at night, and the lodge's tents are netted for extra protection. Beyond that, standard travel precautions apply, including comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.

Families

Ishara welcomes families with children from six years old. The connecting Family Suites and particularly the private Villa Suite make the lodge well suited to families travelling together.

Combine with...

Ishara works well as part of a broader Kenyan safari, combining the Maasai Mara with destinations such as Laikipia, Amboseli, or the Kenyan coast. It can also be paired with another Mara camp for a change of scenery and a different style of safari experience.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Kenya page.