Comfort in the Wild
The EcoTraining Mara Training Centre’s accommodation perfectly balances comfort and the authentic bush experience. The camp offers a range of options, from shared tents to more private setups, ensuring something for everyone. The EcoCamp is bush chic, well-maintained, and equipped with comfortable beds, Wi-Fi, and electricity, providing a cosy retreat after a day of exploration. Nestled into the riverine vegetation next to a tributary of the Mara River, the birding is phenomenal. The lush lawns are a gorgeous place to lap up the sun while you study in peace. The camp has a shared and very comfortable ablution with three toilets and showers, with hot water from a traditional wood-fired boiler.
Each tent is open-fronted but safe from critters, and it has a mesh or canvas cover to allow a sense of immersion in the natural surroundings. The sound of the African wilderness at night—the distant roar of a lion or the gentle rustle of the wind through the trees—adds a magical element to the stay. The camp’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the eco-friendly facilities, which include solar-powered lighting and eco-toilets.
There is a daily turn-down service and friendly, efficient laundry; the staff is an absolute delight, always smiling or making a friendly gesture.
Culinary Delights: A Taste of Africa
The culinary experience at Ecotraining Mara Training Centre is as impressive as the wildlife. The camp’s chefs (rotated between the Ecocamp, the higher-end Bandas and the 5-star lodge at House in the Wild) prepare various delicious meals that cater to diverse dietary needs,
including vegetarian and vegan options. Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the in-camp garden or Shamba, they create dishes that reflect the rich culinary heritage of Kenya.
Meals are served in the communal dining area, next to the roaring and warming fireplace, fostering a sense of community among guests. This setup encourages sharing stories and experiences, adding a social element to the dining experience. Breakfasts typically include fruits, cereals, eggs, and freshly baked bread, providing a hearty start to the day. Lunch and dinner feature a mix of traditional African dishes and international cuisine, almost always involving homemade bread, from focaccia to sourdough, ensuring something for everyone.
Learning in Nature
The core of the EcoTraining Mara experience is its educational programs. These programs, led by knowledgeable and passionate instructors, cover various aspects of wildlife conservation, field guidance, and environmental education. Participants can engage in hands-on learning, whether it’s tracking animals, identifying plants, or understanding the intricate balance of the ecosystem.
Daily activities include game drives, bush walks, and interactive lectures. The game drives, in particular, offer unforgettable encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife. The training centre at the Enonkishu Conservancy is home to many animals, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and numerous bird species. Most of these animals are residents of the conservancy, meaning that there is always lots on offer, whether it’s the migration season or not.
The conservancy’s commitment to sustainable tourism ensures that these activities have minimal environmental impact. The sustainable grazing plans they pioneered to empower local communities mean that animal numbers have increased phenomenally. Learners also have access to dozens of km of safe Mara River frontage, provided by the Mara Training Centre, to ride bikes and explore the local area safely but adventurously.
When the day is warmest, and all the animals are taking shelter, there is a crystal-clear pool on site, table tennis, and a darts board to unwind. There couldn’t be a better place to relax.
Community and Culture: A Holistic Approach
A standout feature of the EcoTraining Mara Training Centre is its integration with the local Maasai community. Guests can learn about Maasai culture and traditions through interactions with community members and visiting local manyattas (traditional Masai villages). This
Cultural exchange enriches the overall experience, providing a deeper understanding of the region’s coexistence of humans and wildlife.
Moreover, the training centre’s involvement in local conservation projects underscores its commitment to positively impacting. By participating in these projects, guests contribute to the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve the Mara ecosystem.
One of the projects on offer is the women’s empowerment program. Here, beadwork, soap, and candle-making skills are taught at the Mara Training Centre, allowing women in the area to utilize the incredible variety of herbaceous plants to create excellent high-end products to sell to lodges in the area. There is also the opportunity to plant Indigenous trees from the on-site nursery and work in the beautiful shamba.
A Journey of Discovery
A stay at the EcoTraining Mara Training Centre and Enonkishu Conservancy is more than just a travel experience; it’s a journey of discovery. Comfortable accommodation, exceptional food, and immersive educational programs create a memorable adventure that stays with you long after you’ve left. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a budding conservationist, or simply seeking a unique getaway, this destination offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature and learn from some of the best in the field.
Immerse yourself in the African wilderness, expand your knowledge, and embark on a transformative learning experience with EcoTraining.
Sign up for the 55-day Kenya Field Guide Course today!
For more information on the 55-day Kenya Field Guide Course, contact [email protected] or call +27 (0)13 7522532
Discover Kenya | Interview with Marisol Aranui
Meet Marisol Aranui from Germany, who has always been passionate about the African Bush and wildlife. Her passion led her to Kenya, where she joined EcoTraining’s 55-day Field Guide (FGASA & CATHSSETA) course. She describes her learning experience as amazing and life-changing; she thinks, talks, AND DREAM AS NATURE. One of her favourite moments was exploring the ancient forest and discovering the Colobus monkeys (Colobus guereza). The monkeys live in the mountains and are hard to find, making them a real treasure.
