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Welcome to Angama, inspired by the Swahili word for ‘suspended in mid-air’. Located high above the floor of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Angama Mara is a remarkable owner-run safari lodge overlooking Kenya’s Maasai Mara, considered by many as the loveliest game reserve on the continent. Here guests will find a lodge where everything is as it ought to be: two intimate camps of just fifteen tented suites each, a private airfield and access to the Mara below, tailor-made safari days and a famously warm Kenyan welcome.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
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Angama Mara seems to offer a polarizing yet often luxurious experience, nestled in a serene setting with beautiful views that many guests enjoy. The hotel's amenities, including diverse dining options and unique activities like game drives, earn rave reviews, as does the attentive and warm service provided by the staff.
Cleanliness is another high point, with travelers noting the spotless environment. However, some guests report concerns over room privacy, a lack of air conditioning, and the noise level, while opinions on value for money are split, with a few finding it overly expensive.
Atmosphere
Mixed
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Outstanding
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What a magical place with magnificent views of the Mara and superb people to look after you. We stayed four nights in January and had a great guide called John who made sure we saw the big 5 and a lot more! The team in the restaurant were really helpful with Josephat and Sadera looking after us really well. I loved the photography studio with Adam and Jeff - the camera I hired meant I got some really great shots. I could not recommend Angama more highly.
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Date of stay: January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from NickyFitzKenya, Owner at Angama Mara
Responded 08 Apr 2020
Please accept my heartfelt apologies for not replying sooner to thank you for your gracious review on your stay with us earlier in the year. Every review is welcomed by the team especially so when our staff are mentioned by name. John, Josephat, Sadera, Adam and Jeff all join me in thanking you for your lovely feedback on the way in which they cared for you whilst staying with us. Thank you for your vote of confidence in our lodge - we are delighted! Warmest thanks Nicky
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This is our second time at Angama Mara. We loved it so much we had to come back. It is luxury beyond luxury in the bush. But more than that - it is exceptional 5 star service like what you would find at any luxury hotel. The tents, if you can call them that, have a desk with all the charging stations you could want, a sitting area, large soaking bathtub, large shower, closet area and gorgeous outdoor deck with table and chairs overlooking an expanse that is hard to describe. Terry in the main lodge is amazing. She took care of our every need with warmth and a smile. We adored her. Violet was our housekeeper and we so appreciated all of the extra touches she provides. Sammy was our driver. One of the best we have had and we have been on quite a few safaris. Not only could he find the animals, he is an astute observer of animal behavior, able to accurately predict where animals were going to be moving or what they would do. He knew the name of every plant, bird and animal we encountered. Sammy was not only a wonderful guide but also an amazing person. We felt we had found a friend. We cannot recommend Angama Mara more highly. They have a wonderful foundation that supports the local community and clinic that we will help support. We will be returning again next year.
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Date of stay: October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kate Fitzgerald Boyd, Owner at Angama Mara
Responded 23 Feb 2024
Thank you so much @Tieraonal for this wonderful review, especially as this was a return trip, which has resulted in your planning to come again. You have summed your experience up perfectly, as what is evident about what made the longest lasting impression on you, was that while the buildings and amenities are very lovely, it is the people of Angama that make your stay. Terry, Violet and Sammy (who I am sure you know is Angama Mara's Head Guide) are just three of the many who make our guests fall in love with Angama, and Africa, and have them returning time and again. We look forward welcoming you back home on your next trip - your Angama family is waiting.
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A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
We travel frequently around the world and stay at luxury destinations. Angama Mara was the BEST overall lodging experience we have ever had anywhere.
The Animals: that's why you come on Safari. We saw ALL of them and our guide made sure we did. We went during the great migration and it was worth it.
Location: Breathtaking views from your luxury tent and from the restaurant. There is no better location in the Masai Mara and trust me we drove all around it. Believe the pictures and be prepared to be blown away.
Service: Seamless in all aspects. It is truly a personalized experience - from start to finish. You will not get this at one of the chain lodges. Everyone knows where you will be and when you will be there and are ready for you. You become friends with the staff that is graciously serving you. We will never forget the friendly faces.
WHY is this place so special? The owner has a long career in hospitality and this is her only project. She hand picks the staff. She takes a special interest in her guests' personal wishes. The focus on customer experience is truly exceptional. I cannot stress what a difference this makes.
Special thanks to Wilson (the best guide at the lodge), James (training to be the #2 best guide), Wiki (the best butler at the lodge), Albert, George, Lumaian, and Nicky.
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Date of stay: July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nicky Fitzgerald, Owner at Angama Mara
Responded 13 Aug 2021
There are lovely reviews There are wonderful reviews And then there are reviews that just knock it right out of the park. Thank you from us all at Angama for sharing your stay with us, starting with BOOK IT! in the title. That was a first for me and it brought a huge smile to my face. I was delighted to spend time with you at Angama - and so was the team. The more time I spend with guests the less time I am nagging them. After three weeks at the lodge they performed a happy dance on my departure (I turned around and caught them doing it as I was driven out). I do love spending time with this merry crew and our wonderful guests. They are both a blessing and I am so grateful every day to all those who make it possible for our business to flourish and in doing so being able to support the reserve and our neighbouring communities. We really do have the best jobs in the world - delighting our guests and making a difference. Thank you for coming to stay with us most especially so during these upside down Covid times. The resilience and fortitude our guests show in having to deal with endless PCR tests, QR codes, TT codes and paperwork boggles the mind. Wilson asked me to add his warmest thanks for your gracious comments about him. From us all up here on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, asante sana Warm regards Nicky
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Adventure of a lifetime! My 12-year-old daughter and I just returned from 5 nights at the Angama Mara and then 3 at Amgama Amboseli. This was without a doubt the trip of a lifetime! The camp is absolutely stunning and the team at Angama is amazing.
Tash managed our booking and was insanely helpful! She is the one who made this trip happen. She is wonderful and put together a perfect itinerary.
Elly was our guide and could spot a mouse from a mile away. He made our game drives informative and fun.
Wiki is the absolute best! He was our butler for the stay and one of the kindest people I have ever met. He was up early with coffee for me and tea for my daughter and took amazing care of us.
Diana, Bonaface, and the rest of the team were all outstanding.
The meals are delicious. Plan on bringing clothes a size bigger as you are beyond well-fed. We were lucky enough to do the Out of Africa lunch and I highly recommend it as the spot is stunning.
We saw all of the Big 5, enjoyed stunning views from the escarpment, and hope that we will be lucky enough to return one day. We had high expectations for the trip and they were exceeded in every way.
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Date of stay: May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kate Fitzgerald Boyd, Owner at Angama Mara
Responded 13 Jun 2024
Thank you again @aaronwargo for another wonderful review on your stay with Angama - this time in the Mara. It is always so wonderful reading team members being mentioned by name - always recognised and celebrated. It was also wonderful to read that you saw phenomenal game with Elly. Note for us: add one clothes size to our recommended packing list :) - we loved that! Thank you again
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Nowhere more perfect to stay on our first visit back to Africa since the pandemic than amazing Angama. The anticipation of that panorama view from the lodge deck across the beautiful Mara did not disappoint…and the wonderful team made us feel at home within seconds of arriving!
Everyone was exceptional was a special mention to Terry who took care of every need and want - even the ones we weren��t aware of! Fred was a great guide and teacher - after numerous safaris I possibly learnt more about the animal behaviour than in any previous trip.
The setting, the design, the tents and the team are renowned at Angama but for me the diversity of experiences on top of the game drives is was makes it truly stand out. Particularly enjoyed the Shamba lunch and the Out of Africa picnics.
As you always say it’s not goodbye, it’s ‘see you soon’ - already counting the days!
Thanks one and all.
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Date of stay: June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Steve Mitchell, Owner at Angama Mara
Responded 26 Jul 2022
Dear Liane, Thank you for braving all of the travel restrictions and uncertainty to join us in the Mara, and letting us spoil you so. I have passed on your feedback to Terry, Fred and the rest of the team, who are all pleased as punch. See you soon ;) best, Steve
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It is hard to find words to convey the beauty of Angama Mara. High up on the escarpment overlooking the Mara, the views are just incredible. Add to that the warmth of welcome and care from all of the Angama staff, slick modern dining spaces, beautiful luxury tented rooms, amazing food and all the delights of the Mara on the doorstep, it really is a taste of heaven on earth. The highlights for us were the game drives with Tito, who has an incredible knowledge and passion for the natural world all around. We also enjoyed our walk with Leshan, and saw round the Shamba, a wonderful kitchen garden which forms the basis of chef Evans’ delicious cuisine. We were beautifully looked after by our ‘butler’ Terry all week. All in all, it was just an unforgettable week. We very much hope to return.
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Date of stay: February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Steve Mitchell, Owner at Angama Mara
Responded 20 Feb 2022
Dear Helen, Thank you for staying with us recently, I’m delighted that you managed to experience so much of what Angama has to offer. So often our guests rush in and out on a multi-property itinerary, and miss the chance to really take in all that the Mara has to offer. I have passed on your feedback to Tito, Leshan, Evans & Terry – and they are all pleased as punch. Please come back soon, Best, Steve
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Angama Mara is another level of luxury. From the moment we arrived in Kenya we experienced hospitality like no other. A safari has been on our bucket list for years and so we decided to go along for my 40th birthday. Daniel picked us up and drove us to the airport where we would take a short plane ride to the Masai Mara. Daniel is an incredibly friendly and enthusiastic gentleman and we warmed to him immediately. On arrival we were picked up by our assigned game driver Ekai and our holiday really began. Ekai is incredibly knowledgeable and is so much more than a game driver. Thanks to his talent and knowledge, we ticked off the big five and watched lionesses hunting, chasing, killing and feasting on a poor helpless buffalo. He engaged wonderfully with our children and nothing we asked was ever too much for him. The lodge is absolutely stunning, it is perched high on the great rift valley creating out of this world views from all guest areas and the rented suites. Francis was our assigned butler and thanks to him, our stay was absolutely phenomenal. The guest experiences were such lovely additions to the trip for all of our family, and as with Ekai, nothing was ever too much for Francis. The best thing we did at Angama was hire Robert to join us on game drives to take photos- he did not disappoint, Robert is incredibly talented and we have the most breathtaking photos to cherish forever. The Masai people we met and interacted with were all so welcoming and taught us so much about their way of life and the Mara. We will never ever forget this holiday, it was without doubt the best experience we’ve ever had when travelling. Every member of staff was warm and welcoming, my children cried as departed, especially when saying their goodbyes to Doris. This was intended as a trip of a lifetime for us but I can hand on heart say I know we will be back again one day 😄
At Angama you are welcomed as friends, and you really do depart as family. Thank you to all of you for the best birthday ever!
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Date of stay: June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Steve Mitchell, Owner at Angama Mara
Responded 26 Sept 2023
Dear SnowWhitey, From the whole Angama team, we in turn say thank you - to you, for coming to stay with us, and for opening up your hearts so that we could creep in and steal them forever, as nothing gives the team more joy than happy guests of all ages. I hope Robert's pictures are adorning your walls at home, to remember your time together in the Mara. And on his behalf, and that of Daniel, Ekai, Francis, Doris and the rest of the team behind the scenes, we look forward to welcoming you and your family back one day. Very best, Steve
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The staff couldn't be more accomadating if they tried. Beautiful views, great game drives and delicious food. Each room has all the amenities of home. You are assigned a butler to take care of any need you might have.
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Date of stay: February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nicky Fitzgerald, Owner at Angama Mara
Responded 22 Mar 2021
Thank you so much for coming to stay with us and I am delighted to hear you enjoyed your stay. The Angama family feels so proud each time we receive full marks: service, game, views and food. Warm regards Nicky
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Angama Mara is a first class, warm, and overall incredible experience of the Masai Mara. As most other reviews indicate - great friendly and warm service, beautiful views, and lots of options of activities when you're resting in between game drives. Our guide/driver was named Jackson, and he really made our experience exceptional... He is a very experienced, keen, knowledgeable guide with a sharp eye that found incredible wildlife sightings and interesting animal behaviors for us. Alot of the guests seemed to have similar experiences with their guides, and it really does make your trip. I highly recommend Angama Mara to make your Masai Mara trip a memorable, first class experience!
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Date of stay: June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Steve Mitchell, Owner at Angama Mara
Responded 26 Jul 2022
Dear Angie, Thank you for sharing your experience here, we are delighted that you so appreciated the hospitality, and in particular your guide Jackson - possibly the most passionate Arsenal supporter on the Angama team. As you mention, it is a team effort and the Angama guides are a special group, and wonderful ambassadors for the Maasai Mara, and Kenya. Thank you again for your recommendation, it's much appreciated by all of us at Angama Best, Steve
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We loved every second of our stay at Angama. Asante sana especially to Alex, Robert, Adlight, Margaret, Felix and many more who made us feel at home instantly and left us with full hearts as well as incredible memories! We were deeply touched by the hospitality of the whole team and enjoyed the numerous animal encounters as well as the gained knowledge on all the wildlife in the Mara. Recommend 1000/10!
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Date of stay: April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Steve Mitchell, Owner at Angama Mara
Responded 18 Jun 2023
Dearest Pipo. On behalf of the Angama team, thanks ever so much for your wonderful review - your first ever!. We hope your heart is still full, and the memories are just as strong. It's a joy to care for guests who appreciate it so. Best regards, Steve
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Dear Kristi.
I'm so sorry for the delay in answering this question, as I hadn't seen it. Angama caters for many different dietary requirements, and yes, there are plenty of gluten-free options available which Evans and his team are adept and experienced in producing. Hope you have what you need to finalize your trip, if in any further doubt please write to us at the email address listed. Best, Steve (CEO & Co-Founder)
Hampshire, United Kingdom153 contributions95 helpful votes
There really isn't a lobby as such. As we arrived, we met the manager at one end of the dining room, which is pretty much open anyway, except in the rain, and from there we moved out onto the large decked sitting and dining area where all the introductions and briefings were conducted in the fresh air. The only problem is that the view from here over the Masai Mara is so fabulous that it's really not that easy to concentrate!
Johannesburg, South Africa46 contributions58 helpful votes
Hello from Angama
We are delighted you are coming to stay with us next and so look forward to welcoming you to the beautiful Mara.
The response above from Charlie is pitch perfect - who needs a marketing team when your guests do it for you? Thanks so much for coming to stay with us Charlie and for jumping in with an answer.
There certainly is a good chance you may see a crossing in October but those pesky migrating animals have a program all of their own - most unpredictable.
But of what I can assure you is that you will not be disappointed by your game viewing experience - the Mara never fails to deliver.
We will do all we can (cookies, marshmallows) to keep the wildebeest in Kenya in time for your arrival.
So looking forward to hosting you here at Angama
Warm regards
Nicky Fitzgerald
Owner
There are more places to choose from in the Maasai Mara National Reserve area.
LOCATION
KenyaRift Valley ProvinceMaasai Mara National Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
30
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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