Independent luxury safari camp Ishara has reopened to guests in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve following a nine-month renovation. New features include a redesigned and expanded Aya Spa, a yoga and meditation deck a, Nordic Spa, an interactive kitchen in its “Shamba of Goodness” aeroponic tower farm, a wine cellar and an al fresco fireplace and lounge. Upgrades to its existing luxury tented accommodations include repositioned River Suites designed to be "one with the forest" and an enhanced Villa Suite with a private heated infinity pool and fire deck.
Originally opened in March 2022 by the Kenyan Madhani family, Ishara introduced first-of-its-kind offerings in the Masai Mara, such as the Starbed Experience and aeroponic tower farm, which uses 95 percent less water than traditional methods, to additions such as coffee machines on game drives.
Stepping into the refreshed Ishara, guests will discover a labyrinth of pathways that connect public spaces. As guests meander across bridges and walkways that soar through the tree canopies, the forest comes alive, offering a type of micro-safari. The property itself is often visited by wildlife such as hippos, giraffes, elephants, lions and leopards. The camp’s manmade waterhole attracts wildlife and serves as a checkpoint for birds and mammals undertaking their annual migrations.
The updated Aya Spa offers two treatment realms: one dedicated to exfoliations, soaks and signature therapies, and the other offering body wraps complemented by a hydro shower. Ishara has also introduced a new Nordic Spa that offers a sauna, cold plunge and hot tub overlooking the Mara’s Posse Plains. A new yoga and meditation deck provides a novel vantage point. Additionally, a gym with panoramic views and a heated pool rounds out the wellness options.
Ishara’s “Shamba of Goodness” aeroponic tower farm now houses a garden extension with an interactive kitchen designed for learning and culinary exploration. The new teaching kitchen showcases the 28 aeroponic towers that grow about 1,232 plants monthly, including cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, peppers, eggplant, celery, leafy greens and more. The garden averages about 440 pounds of organic produce per month, promoting a farm-to-table approach while reducing the need for produce to be transported to the property.
The Pangolin Cellar is another new addition to Ishara’s food and beverage program, and houses a selection of wines. Adjacent to the property’s stained-glass bar, a new al fresco fireplace and lounge were added to provide an additional place for guests to socialize.
The camp's existing Observation Deck underwent an expansive redesign, as well. From sundowners and candlelit dinners to intimate proposals and exploratory star quests, the place is a guest favorite, be it day or night.
Tip: Ishara is home to the first official Canon Brand Experience Centre in the Mara, and guests can take advantage of complimentary high-end Canon cameras, lenses, accessories, binoculars, Canon printers for professional-quality prints to take home (packing tube included) and photo editing suites. Ishara’s three resident professional photographers offer complimentary on-safari and in-camp photoshoots, guided photo safaris, shooting and editing sessions, and photography classes and tutorials. Together with Canon’s Miraisha Program, Ishara also conducts photography training workshops for younger members of the Maasai community as well as guides from across the Mara.
Additionally, Ishara’s Starbed Experience now houses a deck extension with a new stone bathtub.
Ishara is accessible from Nairobi by road (163 miles) or by air to the Mara’s Olkiombo airstrip, just three miles away.
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