Ishara is the Swahili word for ‘sign’, and in this majestic part of the world, nature invites you to embrace each moment as a sign.Uniquely situated in one of the most sought-after locations in the Masai Mara National Reserve,
Ishara is an immersive luxury experience steeped in intense African splendour. Our authentically Kenyan, world-class experience is about more than just escaping the hustle and noise of daily life. Here, there’s a story embedded in each grain of earth, and a purpose behind every shift in the
wind. There are signs all around if you stop and listen.
At Ishara, we have created an alchemy of nature where high-end luxury meets the unspoiled wilderness and local culture to create a story of harmony between old and new. With its very own wildlife waterhole, game sightings within the vicinity of the camp—even just outside your tent—are
frequent and astonishing.
Passionate attention to detail has been put into designing, selecting, and curating each component of the Ishara experience. Our interior finishes and décor draw inspiration from a rich tapestry of African design. Craft is reinterpreted; prints are redefined, and texture elevated to create a backdrop where the echoes of the past are retold to reflect the contemporary.
Ishara has taken the utmost care to ensure that the land we operate on continues to thrive, as though uninhabited. We’ve consciously designed our luxury camp with the intention to be discreet, thoughtfully managed, and in tune with the natural rhythms of the wild.
Our team of experts from the travel industry and the surrounding communities are dedicated to providing the highest levels of service to our guests. We are committed to excellence and to making your stay not only memorable, but truly unforgettable.
Getting to Ishara
Our location is comfortably accessible by road or air, only 262km from Nairobi by car or a short flight to the Mara’s Olkiombo airstrip, 5km away. Your adventure starts upon arrival with your personal guide meeting you at the airstrip or at sekenani Gate.
Ishara was built to accommodate an array of travelers with different wishes and needs. Whether you are a solo traveler or part of a group, and whether you are seeking exhilaration or relaxation, we have a breathtaking space for you to experience everything you desire. With seven River Suites, two Family Suites, one Villa Suite, four Safari Suites and one Starbed, Ishara was created to provide joy, adventure, reflection, and serenity to all who enter.
Our open-plan suites are thoughtfully placed on the brink of the wild, amidst the existing ecology. Immerse yourself in the natural environment with unobstructed views of the river, forest, and expansive savanna from every corner of the spacious room and outdoor deck.
• Each river suite (103m2) offers a King or two Twin beds.
• The villa suite (379m2) consists of two River Suites around a central lounge and dining area encompassing a private sundeck, plunge pool and firepit. This suite accommodates up to four adults sharing.
• Each Family suite (168m2) consists of two inter-leading tents with a King or two Twin beds in one suite and two Queen beds in the other. This suite accommodates up to four adults sharing or a maximum of five for families with children (exceptions may apply).
• Each safari suite (46m2) is steeped in the bush and facing the plains, offering a King or two Twin beds.
Ishara is often visited by wildlife such as hippos, buffaloes, hyenas and even lions and leopards. Maasai guards will accompany you as you move around camp in the early mornings, late evenings or at night to assure safety from any wandering animals.
Our camp is best suited to host guests from the age of 8 years and above. Several of our suites and most parts of the camp are wheelchair accessible.
SUITE AMENITIES
• Indoor bathroom with rainfall shower
• Outdoor shower and vintage bathtub for each River and Family Suite
• Mini-bar, tea and Nespresso coffee brewing station
• Writing desk with universal charging sockets
• Premium organic bath products, hand sanitizer and insect repellent
• Bathrobe and bedroom slippers
• Yoga mat
• Electric blanket, fan and hair dryer
• Electronic safe
• Wi-Fi and mobile reception
CAMP FACILITIES & SERVICES
• Dining area, bar and lounge
• Observation deck
• Wildlife waterhole
• Wellness Area – Spa, Gym & Infinity Pool
• Photo Studio with Resident Professional Photographers
• Complimentary use of Canon professional cameras, lenses and binoculars
• Complimentary exclusive use of luxury Land Cruisers for each River Suite and Family Suite stay
• Shamba of Goodness aeroponic tower farm
• Expert guides
• Bush breakfast and sundowners
• Room service
• Laundry service
• A boutique
DINING
A meal at Ishara is crafted to be a holistic, sensory experience. Visitors are treated to a dining experience that caters to individual and well-travelled palates, accompanied by the finest wines and spirits from around the world. Each day offers a different selection to choose from and caters for various dietary requirements (special dietary requirements must be communicated in advance). Enjoy a perfectly crafted cocktail at our bar and lounge or a freshly brewed espresso by the camp fire. Eat under African skies at our al fresco deck overlooking the river or dine in the
privacy of your own suite. Fulfil the desires of your taste buds with just the thing you’re craving, whenever you like.
Our solar-powered, aeroponic tower farm grows most of the produce that appears on the menu. The farm not only allows for incredibly tasty meals, but it ensures that we are doing our part to keep the land thriving. Enjoy a tour of our ‘Shamba of Goodness’ with our chef and learn more about our delicious ingredients.
The Photo Studio
Ishara is the photographer’s canvas; each new sunrise brings with it new and unique opportunities to capture nature’s beauty. With this in mind, Ishara and Canon have set up the first official Canon Brand experience Centre in the Masai Mara, a world-class interactive and artistic space. Complete with high-end Canon cameras, accessories, binoculars, photo printers, professional photo editing suites and resident pros, whether you are a professional or a first timer, Ishara and Canon give you the space to explore, learn, and hone your shooting skills.
The Starbed Experience
The first of its kind in the Masai Mara, Ishara’s Starbed Experience embodies the true meaning of freedom and is an inimitable way to embrace nature. Experience a spectacular evening beneath the African night sky, below a blanket of stars. Elevated above ground on a private observation deck, you’ll enjoy scenic views of vast plains stretching into the horizon and fig trees scattered along the river. From lions roaring at dusk and hippos frolicking in the water, to the lively dawn birdsong and the gentle gurgle of the stream; close your eyes and experience the enchantment that is the Masai Mara night.
Preserving our Home in the Masai Mara
We take pride in this place we call home and aim to not only preserve its natural beauty, but also to help it thrive. Ishara is off-grid, which is why we have invested in a 110KW solarcultivating energy farm (comprising 275 panels paired with Lithium-ion batteries) to generate renewable electricity. Our biogas digesting system also turns food compost waste into usable
gas energy, giving us up to 4 hours of consumption.
An extensive rainwater harvesting system capable of collecting and storing up to 150,000 litres of fresh rainwater has been implemented at Ishara. Coupled with a water filtration plant, this supply caters to the hydro needs of our entire camp. A Waste Water Treatment Plant from Bioliff Biorock© ensures that the waste can be reused safely for landscaping irrigation, outside cleaning and washing of vehicles. During harsh weather conditions or drought, a portion of the water from our harvested rainwater supply is pumped into our wildlife waterhole, guaranteeing a supply of safe drinking water for animals throughout the year.
The first of its kind in the Masai Mara, our aeroponic Tower Farm grows fresh organic produce and uses 95% less water than traditional methods. This ensures minimal land degradation and does not affect the indigenous biodiversity of the flora native to the Mara ecosystem.
EXCURSIONS & EXPEDITIONS
Additional activities that can be enjoyed in and around Ishara:
• Hot air balloon safaris
• Maasai village, dancing and cultural tour
• Guided nature walks around camp
• Birdwatching safaris