Asilia Encounter Mara
Kenya
Asilia Encounter Mara
Eco Lodge
since September 2025
Encounter Mara’s mission is to create an immersive safari experience that celebrates and safeguards the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Rooted in sustainable tourism, the camp focuses on conserving wildlife, supporting local communities, and protecting cultural heritage—offering guests meaningful connections with nature.
Encounter Mara promotes purposeful travel, transforming its area of operation into a thriving conservation economy that benefits both people and nature. Recognising the interdependence between communities and the environment, the camp collaborates with local stakeholders, government bodies, NGOs, and conservation partners to deliver lasting impact for the Greater Mara Ecosystem. Every aspect of its operation is designed to minimise environmental impact, protect biodiversity, and honour cultural heritage, positioning tourism as a regenerative force for positive change.
CONSERVATION
Situated in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy in south-west Kenya, Encounter Mara plays a vital role in protecting the conservancy through conservation and management fees that fund habitat preservation, wildlife protection, human–wildlife conflict mitigation, and long-term ecosystem sustainability.
Through a solar-powered, rainwater-fed hydroponic vertical garden, the camp grows over 70% of its own vegetables and herbs, championing a true farm-to-fork approach while cutting food waste, packaging, and transport emissions.
COMMUNITY
Around 90% of Encounter Mara’s workforce comes from neighbouring communities within a 50-kilometre radius, ensuring local people benefit directly from employment and capacity-building opportunities.
With guest contributions of US$10 per night, the camp supports grassroots partners working across three key areas: access to education, sustainable agriculture and ecosystem regeneration, and the development of nature-based livelihoods.
CULTURE
Guests are invited to engage authentically with Maasai culture through guided village visits, preceded by cultural briefings that highlight traditions, customs, and the importance of mutual respect.
The camp’s Maasai-inspired design and locally crafted decor celebrate the region’s heritage, while a curated camp shop offers authentic items that directly support local artisans.
COMMERCE
Encounter Mara strengthens the regional economy by sourcing goods and services locally and engaging community members in camp operations and maintenance, ensuring financial benefits remain within the area.
A sustainable procurement policy prioritises bulk purchasing, local sourcing, and collaboration with environmentally responsible suppliers, reinforcing ethical and resilient supply chains.
Asilia Encounter Mara Highlights
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Encounter Mara enjoys an exclusive setting within the private Mara Naboisho Conservancy, offering simple yet elegant accommodation paired with exceptional game viewing. The camp’s lounge provides a warm and inviting space to unwind after an exhilarating drive, savour afternoon tea, and connect with fellow guests over board games.
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Nestled in the heart of the tranquil Mara Naboisho Conservancy, Encounter Mara promises an exclusive safari experience. The conservancy boasts a high concentration of resident wildlife, and is home to the big cats in impressive numbers as well as herds of elephant, giraffes, wildebeests, and so much more, all best experienced on our immersive game drives including the rare thrill of night drives.
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Our hydroponic Vertical Farm at Encounter Mara produces up to 70% of the camp’s fresh vegetables. Powered entirely by solar and rainwater, it grows over 26 varieties of herbs and vegetables in a closed-loop system with no soil and zero water run-off. This reduces transport emissions and cuts packaging waste.
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Operating in remote wilderness means solar is our cleanest and most sustainable energy option. We’re overhauling our energy infrastructure to maximise efficiency, integrating solar heat exchange systems and monitoring per-room energy use. These steps ensure we use every unit of generated energy efficiently while reducing fossil fuel reliance.
