Frequently Asked Questions
Twenty common questions answered. If yours isn't here, email hello@marahilltop.com and a human will reply.
- How far is Mara Hilltop from the main Sekenani Gate?
- Five minutes by road. Some travel sites say 35 minutes — that figure is wrong.
- How do I get to Mara Hilltop from Nairobi?
- Five to six hours by road, or 45 minutes by air to Keekorok or Ol Kiombo and a short pickup. We arrange both.
- What are the three accommodation tiers?
- Luxury tents, standard tents, and hostel beds — all under one ownership, on one site.
- What is the cheapest place to stay?
- A hostel dorm bed. Private hostel rooms and standard tents follow.
- Is there hot water and electricity in the tents?
- Yes. Every tent is en-suite with hot showers and 24-hour solar power.
- Is there Wi-Fi?
- Yes, in the main areas. Bandwidth is shared and adequate for messaging, email, and the occasional video call.
- Do you accommodate vegetarian, vegan, Jain, or Indian guests?
- Yes. Flag your diet at booking and it is handled — these are routine for us.
- Are kids welcome?
- Yes. Family options exist in standard tents and the hostel; quieter spots in the luxury tents.
- What animals can I see on a game drive?
- Lion, elephant, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, hippo, crocodile, and many bird species. The Great Migration crosses August to October.
- Can I do a balloon safari?
- Yes. Dawn balloon flights with a champagne bush breakfast — pre-bookable, weather-dependent.
- Do you take Booking.com, Expedia, Hostelworld?
- Yes. Direct booking through us is the best rate.
- What is the cancellation policy?
- Confirmed at the point of booking; varies by tier and season. Ask before paying if you need to be sure.
- Is malaria a concern?
- The Maasai Mara is a low-to-moderate malaria zone. Talk to your travel clinic before you fly.
- Is it safe for solo female travellers?
- Yes. We host solo women travellers every week; staff and other guests are part of the answer.
- What is the best month to visit?
- Year-round wildlife. The Great Migration peaks August to October. Calving runs January to February. Green-season rates April to June.
- Is the Wi-Fi good enough to work remotely?
- Adequate for email and video calls in the main areas. Not a dedicated co-working bandwidth — plan around occasional gaps.
- Can you arrange a Mara to Serengeti border crossing?
- We can advise. Cross-border logistics depend on permits and timing; not a one-click operation.
- What is included in your rates?
- Bed, breakfast, lunch, dinner, soft drinks with meals. Game drives and balloon are priced separately.
- Do you have family rooms, triples, or quads?
- Yes — across standard tents and the hostel. Tell us your group shape when you book.
- How early do game drives start?
- Morning drives leave at 06:00. Afternoon drives at 16:00. Full-day drives include a packed lunch.