Meaning ‘to lead’ in the Maasai language, Tangulia Mara is a camp in the Maasai Mara in Southern Kenya built on a kopje (hill) and fully operated and owned by a local Maasai community group.
Overview
Consisting of a living and dining with eight guest tents, the communal areas are open fronted and under thatched roofs, overlooking the Olotulo Murt Salt Lick, where large mammals come to for their salt intake, and which leads down to the Mara River. The views at the camp are eastward across the Maasai Mara and much of the camp is shaded from the hot sun by an olive grove and croton bushes. Please note WiFi is available throughout the camp.
Food & service
The food at Tangulia Mara, all cooked by local chef, is created to an international standard, which is impressive given its remote location and involves a lot of locally grown vegetables and fresh bread. The staff at the lodge are all local Maasai people including guides, hospitality staff, and chef.
Rooms
Tangulia Mara is made up of seven single-room tents and a family-size tent, all of which benefit from the shade and camouflage of the olive grove. All sit on Talek flat stone and come with a veranda and king-size beds. Some come with an additional single bed. Each has an en-suite bathroom with a shower, basin and flush toilet. The family tent comes with an extra sleeping room.
Activities
The main activities at Tangulia Mara are in the form of wildlife drives around the campsite. Guided walks on the escarpment outside and overlooking the reserve can be arranged, as can trips to experience the hospitality and culture of the local Maasai villages.
Impact
Commerce
As previously mentioned, the camp is completely run by Maasai staff, which creates jobs for the local community and an alternative to keeping cattle.