A safari fit for a (Lion) King

With the release of Disney’s The Lion King set to hit the big screens on 19 July, the UK will once again be reunited with its love of characters such as Simba, Nala, Pumbaa and Zazu.

Set in Kenya, the film, very much takes on the native animals’ natural habitats and at Mahali Mzuri, Sir Richard Branson’s luxury tented safari camp in the famous Maasai Mara, there really is no better place to get up close and personal to the real thing.

There are approximately 60 lions in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, made up of three prides and its newest lion cubs, belonging to the Dikidik pride, were recently born in the last week of May. They have just been introduced to the pride, making this the perfect time for guests to see their very own Simba or Nala in their homeland. For those booking ahead, lion calving season in the reserve is typically from November to February.

Mahali Mzuri’s location in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy means that guests are among one of the biggest lion populations in the whole of the Maasai Mara and sighting these beautiful animals, is almost a daily occurrence. And, just like Pride Rock in the film, one of the lion prides has their very own favourite rock too, named Nkuyana Rock.

It’s not just lions though that make this location truly incredible as your very own Pumbaa (Warthog) and Zazu (Red-billed Hornbill) are regular guests of the conservancy. There are up to 500 warthogs that can be regularly sighted and they are known to come as close as 500 metres from the camp; where they can be found digging out rhizomes and tubers from the ground with their adapted snouts.

Bird-lovers can spot the Red-billed Hornbill searching for insects high in the Acaia trees and making the familiar “tockus, tockus” sound, while those visiting between now and August will have a ringside view of the famous Great Migration.

Between now and December, Mahali Mzuri is offering a free night on bookings of four nights or more, allowing for a four-night stay for the price of three. Offer runs until December 2019 and can be combined with a kid’s go free offer, making it a perfect family holiday experience.

With twice-daily game drives led by expert guides, and 12 luxurious tented suites that look out onto some of the world’s most stunning scenery, Mahali Mzuri offers a truly intimate experience amidst an astonishing natural spectacle.

Rates start from USD 1,380 per person (approx. £1,097 at today’s exchange rate), per night, based on double occupancy and include:

• Daily game drives and game drives at night in 13,500 hectares
• All meals and drinks (including alcoholic beverages)
• Unlimited access to the exclusive Olare Motorogi Conservancy
• One complimentary day pass per adult to the Maasai Mara National Reserve during migration period.
• Transfers from the Olare Orok airstrip (25-minute drive from camp)
• Visits to the local markets
• Complimentary wireless internet available throughout the camp
• Laundry service (dry cleaning not available)
• All taxes and local levies

For bookings please call 0800 716 919 (toll free) or +44 (0) 208 600 0430 alternatively visit the website for more details.

For further information please contact:

Naomi Moreno-Melgar – naomi.moreno@virginlimitededition.com / Tel: +44 (0) 208 600 0468
Or
Charlotte Devenish - charlotte.devenish@virginlimitededition.com /Tel: +44 (0) 208 600 0472