Overview

House in the Wild is a boutique safari lodge positioned as an intimate, conservation-focused alternative to larger Mara accommodations. Known for: river-facing cottages with authentic local design, access to three private conservancies for game viewing, and owner-operated personal service. Best for: couples seeking a quieter safari experience, families wanting hands-on conservation education, and travelers prioritizing sustainable tourism practices. The lodge operates under the Collection in the Wild brand, which emphasizes eco-friendly practices and community benefit initiatives across its Maasai Mara properties.

Accommodation & Rooms

House in the Wild comprises seven individually designed cottages, each named after local flora and fauna. The Kisaru and Marula cottages are two-bedroom suites featuring en-suite bathrooms with distinctive copper bathtubs, cosy fireplaces, and private verandas ideal for families or small groups. The River, Hippo, and Olerai cottages are intimate one-bedroom units, with River Cottage offering particularly striking Mara River views from its front-facing double bed. The Warbugia cottage includes an upstairs loft sleeping two children, making it suitable for families with young kids.

All cottages feature mosquito nets, electronic safes, 24-hour solar-powered lighting, yoga mats, torches, and comfortable indoor seating areas with writing desks. Stone floors are decorated with kilims and natural weave rugs. Double doors open onto verandas with varied outlooks—some face manicured lawns while others overlook the Mara River. Sustainable design elements include simple hanging storage, luggage racks, and minimal electronic footprint to preserve the lodge's rustic character.

Dining & Cuisine

House in the Wild operates on a full-board basis with all meals included in accommodation rates. The property features a central dining room where guests gather for breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The lodge accommodates dietary requirements and preferences with advance notice. Beverages included in rates are soft drinks, beers, and non-premium wines and spirits. Premium spirits and wines are available at additional cost. The intimate dining setup encourages interaction among guests and provides insights into local food traditions and conservation topics from lodge staff.

Wildlife & Activities

Game drives operate twice daily from House in the Wild across three private conservancies bordering Maasai Mara National Reserve, maximizing wildlife-viewing opportunities beyond park boundaries. The region supports populations of all Big Five species—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros—along with extensive plains game including wildebeest, zebra, gazelle species, and giraffe. During the annual Great Migration (July-October), guests witness massive herds crossing the Mara River.

Activities include guided game drives led by experienced Maasai guides, bush walks through conservancy terrain, and bird watching with over 450 bird species recorded in the Mara ecosystem. Night drives offer opportunities to observe nocturnal species including hyena, jackal, and aardvark. Cultural visits to nearby Maasai communities provide context for the region's human-wildlife coexistence traditions. The lodge can arrange additional experiences such as hot air balloon safaris and visits to Maasai cultural centers.

Location & How to Get There

House in the Wild is situated in the northern Maasai Mara region, approximately 270 kilometers west of Nairobi. The lodge sits directly on the Mara River, within sight of the main wildlife crossing points. Transfers are arranged from Ngerende Airstrip, the nearest regional airfield, located approximately 25-30 kilometers from the lodge (roughly 45-minute drive).

International travelers typically fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, then connect to a domestic charter flight to Ngerende Airstrip. Charter flight duration from Nairobi's Wilson Airport is approximately 1.5-2 hours. Road access is possible but requires 6-7 hours of driving from Nairobi via the C13 highway to the Maasai Mara region. Airstrip transfers are included in full-board rates. The lodge can arrange vehicle rentals or organized road transfers for guests preferring overland travel.

Best Time to Visit

House in the Wild operates year-round, with distinct seasonal advantages. The dry season (June-October) offers optimal game viewing as wildlife concentrates near the Mara River during the Great Migration. July through September sees the dramatic river crossings when millions of wildebeest and zebras move between Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Mara. Daytime temperatures range from 20-25°C (68-77°F), with cooler evenings requiring layers.

The short rains (November-December) bring lush vegetation and fewer tourists, though some wildlife disperses across the landscape. The long rains (March-May) can restrict game drive access due to muddy tracks but offer exceptional bird watching and dramatic storm photography. January-February represents the dry season with comfortable temperatures (22-28°C / 72-82°F) and strong wildlife concentrations. Late October and early November are shoulder season periods offering moderate prices and reasonable wildlife viewing without peak-season crowds.

Conservation & Community

House in the Wild operates as part of the Collection in the Wild portfolio, which prioritizes conservation-focused business models across its Maasai Mara properties. The lodge uses 24-hour solar-powered electricity, minimizing diesel generator reliance and reducing carbon footprint. Water conservation practices and waste management systems reflect sustainable hospitality standards appropriate to a riverine environment.

The lodge engages with neighboring Maasai communities through employment opportunities for guides, staff, and service providers, ensuring tourism revenue benefits local populations. Cultural visits and community interactions are structured to respect local traditions while providing travelers with authentic context for the region's human geography. The Collection in the Wild brand emphasizes that lodge operations support wildlife corridors and conservancy management that benefits both wildlife and pastoral communities dependent on the same landscape.

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