Tangulia Mara
A riverside tented camp offering front-row wildlife viewing and legendary Maasai guiding in the heart of the Mara
Overview Tangulia Mara
Set on a sweeping bend of the Mara River overlooking the Olotulo-Murt springs and salt lick, Tangulia Mara Camp enjoys one of the most wildlife-active locations in the Maasai Mara. Positioned on private land just north of Musiara, it provides seamless access to Musiara Marsh, Rhino Ridge, the short grass plains and the Mara Triangle, prime big cat territory and key migration crossing points. With just seven ensuite tents and a family tent, the camp remains intimate and authentic, led and owned by renowned Maasai guides Jackson Looseyia and Dominic Nchoe, whose decades of experience and cultural insight define the true spirit of Tangulia — “to lead.”
The six spacious guest tents at Tangulia Mara are built on raised wooden decks and each is fully en-suite. Bathrooms are thoughtfully finished, with hot and cold running water and flush toilets, ensuring comfort in a classic safari setting. Every tent opens onto a shaded private verandah overlooking the salt lick, where wildlife regularly gathers. Interiors are finished with comfortable, high-quality linen and subtle beaded detailing handcrafted by a local women’s group, adding a distinctive sense of place and a meaningful connection to the surrounding community.
The Family Tent at Tangulia Mara comprises two spacious en-suite bedrooms — one double and one twin, making it ideal for families or small groups. Each bathroom is fully plumbed, with hot and cold running water and flush toilets, offering modern comfort in a classic tented setting. A generous shaded verandah runs the length of the tent, providing ample space to spread out and relax while enjoying views over the salt lick, with the river beyond. Interiors are finished with comfortable, high-quality linen and hand-beaded detailing crafted by a local women’s group, adding warmth, character, and a strong sense of place.
The spacious, open-plan sitting and dining area overlooks the Olotulo Murt salt lick, with the Mara River beyond. A wide wooden deck runs along the front of the space, offering a front-row seat to wildlife as it comes and goes freely, all without leaving camp. The décor reflects the camp’s Maasai ownership, with much of the furniture handcrafted on site from fallen indigenous trees. As evening falls, guests gather around the fireplace with a drink in hand, sharing stories and reflecting on the day’s safari adventures.
Game Drives in the Maasai Mara Reserve and Triangle
Guided Walks
Bush Breakfast
Hands-On Maasai Heritage
Sundowners
Balloon Safaris
Campfire Conversations
The Great Migration
There is an overwhelming number of tented bush camp choices in the Maasai Mara in Kenya. Why choose Tangulia Mara? My daughter and I stayed there in mid-July 2024 for 4 nights, and we can’t think of a single thing that could be improved. Not one. From the people, to the accommodations, to the stunning views, to the unbelievably good food, it was perfect.
Tangulia Mara is one of the original Maasai-owned camps in the Maasai Mara and remains proudly and entirely locally owned and run. The camp is directed by Jackson Looseyia and Dominic Nchoe, both born and raised in the Mara, whose lives and livelihoods are deeply intertwined with this landscape. Their shared vision has shaped Tangulia into a camp that offers guests an authentic safari experience grounded in knowledge, respect, and long-standing connection to place.
Dominic Nchoe brings decades of experience in camp ownership and management, having previously operated a camp at this very location. His deep understanding of the Mara ecosystem and its people extends beyond tourism: a committed conservationist, Dominic was instrumental in the establishment of the Lemek Conservancy and continues to serve on its management board, playing an active role in balancing conservation, community, and sustainable tourism.
Jackson Looseyia is internationally recognised as one of the Maasai Mara’s most respected safari guides. Born in the Mara in 1967 and educated locally, Jackson began his career as a night guard and tracker, following in his father’s footsteps. His exceptional skill, instinctive understanding of wildlife, and passion for guiding soon set him apart, and he went on to become the first Maasai guide in the Maasai Mara. With over 25 years of guiding experience, Jackson’s knowledge of the Mara’s landscapes, wildlife behaviour, and seasonal rhythms is unparalleled.
In 2008, Jackson rose to global prominence as a co-presenter of the landmark BBC series *Big Cat Live*, and has since contributed to numerous high-profile wildlife productions, including *African Cats* for Disney, *Planet Earth*, and other internationally acclaimed documentaries. Today, the guiding legacy continues with Jackson’s son, Morris, who has joined the Tangulia guiding team and is fast becoming a guest favourite, bringing a new generation of Maasai storytelling and expertise to the safari experience.
“Happiness is being outdoors, with the breeze in your face and a camera in your hand”
Why Tangulia Mara?
Property Highlights
- Fully Maasai-owned and operated safari camp - leadership rooted in the land and community
- Prime access to both the Mara Reserve and the Mara Triangle
- Set on 1,000 acres of private land bordering the Mara River
- Located on the banks of the Mara River overlooking a natural salt lick
- Exceptional Big Five territory including the Tangulia pride of lions
- Outstanding migration access with proximity to major river-crossing sites
- Offers walking safaris, game drives and some of the Mara’s most authentic cultural experiences
- Seamless access to the Reserve while retaining exclusivity
- Private guiding available with Jackson Looseyia (minimum 3 days, subject to availability)
Positive Impact
- Fully Maasai-owned and operated in a partnership between Jackson Looseiya and Dominic Nchoe
- 80% of staff employed from the local Maasai community
- Tourism revenue supports protection of 1,000 acres bordering the Mara Reserve and River corridor
- Active support of Mara Rianta School (including development of a modern kitchen)
- Supports local women’s beadwork initiatives through the gift shop and beaded accents across the property
- Sponsorship of guide training programmes, with an emphasis on women empowerment
- Solar power with generator back-up (220V)
What to expect at Tangulia Mara
Accommodation
- 6 luxury ensuite tents (sleeps 12)
- 1 family tent (sleeps 4)
- All tents ensuite
- Plumbed showers and flush loos
- Pure cotton linen and lock box
- Square pin plug sockets (3-pin)
- Reliable high-speed Starlink WiFi in all tents
- Central communal dining and sitting area
Experiences Included (Safari Package)
- Shared game drives in the Mara Reserve and Mara Triangle
- Bush breakfasts and bush lunches
- Guided walks on Tangulia plains (private conservancy)
- Maasai village visits
- Full board accommodation
- Soft drinks, drinking water, beers, house wines and non-premium spirits
- Daily laundry service
- Musiara airstrip transfers
- Maasai Mara Reserve Fees are not included in the accommodation costs and will be quoted separately
Enhance Your Stay (Additional Cost)
- Balloon safaris
- Private guiding with Jackson Looseyia (minimum 3 days)
- Exclusive use of vehicle
- Champagne, premium spirits and cellar wines
- Extra lunch for late departures (regular season only)
Getting There
By Air
- Scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Musiara Airstrip
- Private charters to Musiara Airstrip
- Daily shared Scenic Wilderness Charter from Laikipia/Samburu to the Mara
- By helicopter
By Road
- Approximately 5–6 hours’ drive from Nairobi
- Direct transfer from Musiara Airstrip (20 minutes; 30 minutes to Kichwa Tembo)
- GPS Coordinates: 1°14’05.8”S 35°02’29.1”E
Additional Details
Property Details
- Maximum 18 guests
- Guide accommodation: 2 ensuite tents (2 doubles)
- Open year-round
- Altitude: approx. 1,617m above sea level
- Warm climate year-round (12–27°C range)
- Check-in: 11:00AM
- Check-out: 10:00AM
- Late departures possible during Regular Season with surcharge
- No late departures in premium season
Power and Connectivity
- Solar and back up generator power (220V)
- Charging points in rooms and main areas (3-pin square)
- No adapters provided
- CPAP supported
- Airtel mobile reception
- Starlink WiFi in main area and all tents
Facilities
- No swimming pool
- Massage available (payable direct)
- Gift shop
- Payment accepted: Visa & Mastercard
- Tipping: cash only at camp
- Communal dining (private dining available on request)
- No steps across the camp. Tent 1 most suitable for wheelchair access. No disabled facilities
Child Policy
- Children of all ages welcome (more suitable for 5+)
- Child minding available at additional cost with advance notice
Vehicles
- Toyota Land Cruisers with open roofs and large windows
- Shared vehicle policy
- Charging points in vehicles
- Refeshements available in coolers provided in each vehicle
- Photography bean bags provided
- Reference books available (birds, mammals, flora & fauna)
