Frequently asked questions
Looking for answers?
Read on for our most frequently asked questions about staying at Mahali Mzuri.
What are the arrival and departure times at Mahali Mzuri?
Check-in is officially 2pm. If you want to arrive earlier we’ll make every effort to have a tent ready for you, but if not we’ll look after your bags so you can start enjoying yourself straight away.
Check-out of your room is officially 11am, however we are flexible. Just ask us the night before you leave. If your flight leaves later in the afternoon we won’t leave you stranded and you are welcome to make use of the camp’s facilities until it’s time to say your goodbyes.
Head here to get more information on arriving at the camp.
How do I get there?
The main international airport in Nairobi is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, with daily direct flights from the main European hubs: London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, as well as New York. There are also daily arrivals from Johannesburg in South Africa as well as from hubs in the Middle East including Dubai and Doha.
Flights from Europe take on average just over 8 hours, and direct flights from New York take 15 hours. Those connecting from any other USA hub will need to travel via one of the cities above. We can also book the Fast Track service for you at the Kenyatta Airport to speed up your journey.
Our reservations team can help organise transfers to and from the airports.
Wilson Airport is the domestic airport in Nairobi with scheduled flights to the Olare Orok Airstrip. If you booked a transfer to Wilson Airport, a local agent will meet you in the arrivals hall once you’ve collected your baggage and cleared customs. Look for the Mahali Mzuri logo which will be held up on a board. There are two airstrips close to Mahali Mzuri that we would recommend guests to use.
Both airstrips are served by flights operated by SafariLink Aviation and Air Kenya. Olare Orok is also served by the Governor’s Aviation. Special charter flights can also be arranged on request, and they can land at the private airstrip in the conservancy, roughly a 20-minute drive from camp.
The luggage limit on the flights from Wilson Airport to Mahali Mzuri is 15kg, which includes your hand luggage. This is quite strictly enforced as the aircraft used doesn’t have a lot of extra space. If you’re on a longer trip and have additional luggage, you can usually leave this at the terminal free of charge until you return. Please check with your airline before departing. At the other end, when you land at the Olare Orok Airstrip, our team will collect you in Mahali Mzuri vehicles for the 25-minute transfer to the camp.
Can you assist with flights?
For availability, rates, and to book your flights, you will need to contact your preferred airline directly. There are two airstrips close to Mahali Mzuri that we would recommend guests use. Both airstrips are served by flights operated by SafariLink Aviation and Air Kenya. Olare Orok is also served by the Governor’s Aviation.
Special charter flights can be arranged on request and land at the private airstrip in the conservancy, roughly a 20-minute drive from camp.
We can book the Fast Track service for you at Kenyatta airport to speed up your journey.
Our reservations team can help organise transfers to and from the airports.
What's the best time to visit and what will the temperature be?
For game viewing, the Olare Motorogi Conservancy has abundant wildlife year-round.
Kenya’s position straddling the equator means there isn’t a huge amount of variation in temperatures throughout the year. You can expect average highs of about 30°C/86°F in the months from December to March with somewhat cooler temperatures from July to September during the height of the migration.
Due to its elevation, temperatures in the evening do drop to around 15°C/59°F, however it rarely gets much colder than this.
Take a read of our blog for more details - Kenya, a timeless, year-round destination
When is the best time to visit for the Great Migration?
The Great Migration is the largest herd movement of animals on Earth, involving up to 1.2 million wildebeest and 300,000 zebra as they move across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of food and water.
An ever-shifting climate and variable rainfall make predicting their exact schedule challenging, but typically, September is your window of opportunity at Mahali Mzuri, which lies right on their migration route.
You can read more about the Great Migration here.
How does the weather influence the safari?
While many people flock to Kenya from July to October to witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles, the Great Migration, the East African country is also an excellent year-round travel destination.
Each season brings a new and exciting environment for viewing the animals, so no matter the weather, there will always be something to see.
You can read more about each season in Kenya here.
What clothing and footwear will I need?
For game drives you should wear pale or neutral colours. In the warmer months from December to March these should be lightweight but take a windbreaker or light jacket for evenings.
For the cooler and wetter months take a jumper/sweater, fleece or warm jacket too. Trainers/sneakers are fine for safari walks, and it’s a good idea to bring a hat and sunglasses for all seasons.
Around the camp, you can wear whatever you like. Formal wear is at your discretion. Make sure you don’t forget your swimsuit.
What's in my tent?
Each tent at Mahali Mzuri includes a spacious seating area, en-suite bathroom and large deck to maximise those amazing views over the plains.
All our tents cover approximately 106 square metres including the external decks, and two of the 12 tents can accommodate up to two additional guests.
All rooms are equipped with a hairdryer, sunscreen, insect repellent, torches, extra blankets, ponchos, bathrobes, slippers, a complimentary minibar, snacks, tea and coffee-making facilities and hot water bottles.
Kenyan power sockets use the British standard three-pin plug, so guests visiting from other parts of the world will need an adaptor, which we provide in your room. Please note that the current in Kenya is 240 volts.
Is Mahali Mzuri suitable for children?
We love children at Mahali Mzuri, and our team are experts at keeping your little warriors entertained while you enjoy some rest and relaxation during your family vacation.
We know every little warrior is different, so we do not operate a set kids' programme. Instead, we offer a fun range of activities tailored to each of our younger guests or groups.
Children must be two years old to visit Mahali Mzuri and over six years old to accompany their parents on a game drive. For children under the age of six to go on game drives, a private closed vehicle must be hired (at an additional cost). We provide children’s car seats.
Can I hire Mahali Mzuri exclusively?
Absolutely. Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, wedding or just a great opportunity to experience a safari with family, friends or colleagues, the Mahali Mzuri team is on hand to cater for all requests. Contact us to find out more.
Can I hire a game vehicle privately?
Yes, you can. Contact our team to book a private game vehicle for your stay. Private hire of game vehicles at Mahali Mzuri is on request, and subject to availability.
Will I be able to visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve?
With all there is to offer in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, it’s unlikely you’ll need to go farther afield during your safari.
If you do wish to visit the National Reserve we can arrange this for you. A daily access fee per person will apply, this was USD 80 at the time of writing.
If you are staying with us during High Season for at least three nights we will include one day's complimentary pass to the Reserve per adult.
Do I need to have any vaccinations before I arrive?
No vaccinations are required on entry unless you have just arrived from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Malaria is still a risk in some areas of Kenya so it is important to see medical advice on appropriate precautions during your stay.
Do I need a visa?
Virtually all visitors to Kenya will need a visa to enter the country. UK and Irish citizens travelling to Kenya can apply for their visa in advance online using the Kenyan e-visa portal: www.evisa.go.ke. Visas are generally issued within two working days.
Please note that the e-visa system only accepts debit cards and is roughly USD 51 per person. From 1st February 2016 visa fees do not apply to children under the age of 16.
Visitors are also required to have at least two blank pages in their passport which must be valid for six months beyond your expected departure date from Kenya.
As advice can change on a regular basis we recommend you check with the advice issued by your government’s state department or foreign office before you set off on your journey.
Is Mahali Mzuri fully inclusive?
We want you to feel as relaxed as possible from the moment you arrive. You can see what is included below, and if you have any questions or special requests, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
What's included?
- All meals and drinks (including alcohol*)
- Transfers to and from Olare Orok airstrip
- Twice daily game drives
- Generously stocked complimentary mini-bar
- Hairdryer, Bathrobes & Slippers
- Bathroom amenities
- Torches
- Sunscreen & Insect repellent
- A pair of binoculars in each tent
- Hand sanitizer
- Hot water bottles and extra blankets
- Bottled water
- Tea and coffee-making facilities
- Plug adaptor & extension cable
- Air conditioning & heating
- Safety deposit box
- Laundry services & ironing
- Wi-Fi throughout the camp
*Excluding certain premium brands, which can be purchased and charged separately
Are there any extra costs?
Additional fees may apply, such as conservancy fees and private vehicle fees. Please ask the reservations team for clarification.
How about cash, what's the currency?
The currency is the Kenyan Shilling and is readily accepted for both large and small transactions. You may need at least USD 50 in cash per person to pay for your entry visa if you’ve not organised this prior to arrival.
The airport authorities accept payment in Euros and British Pounds however amounts may vary, and they are less likely to have the exact change. Credit cards are not accepted.
ATMs are available at the main international airport and in larger towns, however, they can struggle to process non-Kenyan cards. We recommend obtaining some Shillings before you depart for small purchases while you’re in transit (or if you plan on spending any time in Nairobi).
At Mahali Mzuri you will not need any cash. Purchases from the gift shop or spa treatments can be made by credit card.
Can you accommodate special dietary requirements?
Of course, let us know in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Breakfast includes a continental buffet with cereals, muesli bars, yoghurts, fresh pastries, cheese, hams, and fruits, plus hot dishes to order. Guests usually share tables, creating a perfect chance to chat about the morning’s wildlife sightings. Lunch is served on the main deck with individual tables and a menu to choose from. Afternoon tea with fruit, cakes, and drinks is served around 4 pm before the game drive. Dinner might be shared around a communal table, in the bush, or somewhere private for two.
Can you arrange other stays in different locations?
Yes! You can visit any of the properties in our Virgin Limited Edition Collection, but we think Mahali Mzuri is best paired with a stay at Finch Hattons for the ultimate Safari Experience.
Stay a minimum of four nights at either the luxurious Mahali Mzuri in the Maasai Mara ecosysystem or the timeless elegance of Finch Hattons in Kenya's oldest national park, Tsavo – and we’ll treat you to a complimentary night at the other.
Two iconic camps. Two extraordinary landscapes. One unforgettable journey. Start your safari in style, and let the adventure unfold.
You can find out more here.
What languages are spoken by locals and staff?
The local Maasai will speak Maa and usually Swahili, which is used across several countries in East Africa. That’s in addition to English, of course! Your in-room directory in your tent has a few phrases in Maa and Swahili which you’re welcome to try out.
What are the accommodations like?
Your tent is your window onto some of the world’s most spectacular scenery. Prepare to forget everything you know about camping as you settle into your tent and enjoy panoramic views of the Kenyan bush.
Following a breathtaking interior transformation, Mahali Mzuri features 12 uniquely designed luxury tents, including one family tent. Each tent seamlessly blends contemporary African design with curated local art and intricate Maasai beadwork, all set against the valley’s breathtaking natural beauty. Every tent has an en-suite bathroom with a freestanding bathtub, a central living area, and a private viewing deck opening onto the valley beyond.
You can find out more about our luxury safari tents here.
What activities are offered?
We can promise that you'll never get bored when staying at Mahali Mzuri.
Spot the game from the comfort of your own tent - the views from the deck are spectacular, and your binoculars are likely to get a good workout. Our infinity-edged pool is a perfect respite from the midday heat, and the game viewing is just as intense. In the main lounge, there are board games and a TV. Make sure you bring a book or two. For the active types, we can provide exercise equipment, including yoga mats, skipping ropes, weights and a step board, either in the tents or by the pool.
Plus, we have a number of excursions and community tours that you can take part in.
You can learn more about things to do here.