Authentic Safari Experiences at Marasa Africa

Marasa Africa’s portfolio of properties are set in the greatest national parks in Uganda and Kenya and offer unrivalled destinations. Tracking gorillas in Uganda and witnessing the Great Migration in the Masai Mara are amongst the absolute highlights of African travel.

With a focus on providing authentic safari experiences and promoting sustainable tourism, the brand has become synonymous with the East African warmth and professionalism, luxurious accommodation, fine dining and exceptional wildlife encounters. The lodges cater for all types of guests, from adventure and leisure travel, family groups, weddings and conferences.

The Madhvani Group is a conglomerate based in Uganda with interests in sugar manufacturing, hospitality, tea, and other sectors. The group has a long history in Uganda, dating back to the early 1900s.

The Madhvani family, which founded the group, arrived in Uganda in the early 1900s and established themselves as traders. In the 1920s, they entered the sugar industry, building the first sugar mill in the country in 1924. Over the years, the group has expanded into other areas such as tea production, hospitality, and engineering.

Today, the Madhvani Group is one of the largest private sector employers in Uganda, with a significant presence in the country's economy.

Marasa Africa has established itself as a leading player in the East African tourism industry. The brand's properties are located in some of the region's most iconic national parks and reserves, including Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Aberdare National Park, and Masai Mara National Reserve.

In Kenya, Marasa Africa welcomes guests to three landmark lodges that provide visitors with a chance to explore some of the country's most iconic wildlife destinations.

The Aberdare Country Club, only a two-and-a-halfhour drive northeast from Nairobi, is nestled on a slope of Mweiga Hill in the Aberdare Highlands, part of the Great Rift Valley. This captivating site was the homestead of an English couple that decided to settle in Kenya. Almost a half century later, their home, "The Steep", was renamed the Aberdare Country Club and opened for guests. Considered a heritage property in Kenya, The Aberdare Country Club has retained the charm of a private home with the simple comforts; a grand garden and national park where the rare Rothschild giraffe are enjoyed on horseback, the country club’s spa is perfect to rejuvenate, and there are unapparelled views over the Kenyan Highlands.

The sanctuary abounds with zebra, rare Rothschild giraffe, impala, warthog, duikers and the more elusive leopard. It is a home to many species of East African birds.

All guest Cottages have spectacular views to the North, overlooking the Solio Game Sanctuary the home of the black and white rhinos. The Aberdare Mountains to the west and Mount Kenya to the East provide a stunning backdrop to the beautiful grounds.

The Ark is set in the heart of the Aberdare National Park, iconic and yes, quirky. The Ark overlooks a floodlit waterhole and salt lick, which attracts a host of awesome wildlife. Resembling and named after Noah’s Ark, The Ark comprises of three decks from which numerous balconies and lounges provide a superb location for wildlife to be seen. So that you don’t miss any animal sightings, the night guard will buzz your room when special animals come to the waterhole. The Ark has four viewing areas for observing the ever-present animal activity.

There is also a ground level bunker –the perfect hideout for the discerning photographer. This is a circular pillbox-like structure, and it is from this vantage point that pictures of animals on the salt lick only yards away may be taken through the view holes in complete safety.

Set in what is considered Kenya's prime wildlife area, Mara Leisure Camp is located along the Talek River, at the confluence of the Masai Mara's four wildlife viewing areas, on the northern boundary of the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Mara Leisure Camp is located within one of the most spectacular locations in the entire Masai Mara Game Reserve.

One of the most exciting spectacles in the world is that of the 'Great Migration', where two million wildebeest, zebras and other herbivores pass through the Masai Mara/ Serengeti ecosystem in Kenya and Tanzania. This is a perilous migration for the animals, where they encounter many river crossings, and have to run the gauntlet of crocodiles in waiting.

In Uganda, Marasa Africa operates four lodges, each of which offers a unique safari experience.

Mweya Safari Lodge is located in the Queen Elizabeth National Park. On a clear day, the Rwenzori Mountains provide an incomparable backdrop while the dining veranda enjoys a grandstand view of the opposite Kazinga Chanel, which routinely attracts large herds of buffalo and elephant. Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its big cats, large mammals, and recognised for having the largest elephant population in Uganda. Experience plains game, including the rare Uganda kob, Cape buffalo and the famous tree-climbing lions. No stay is complete without a Kazinga Channel River Cruise where you come close to the abundant game along the riverbanks. Over 600 bird species are found around the crater lakes and numerous game drive routes. A visit to Katwe Salt Pans is fascinating, Kyambura Gorge is home to the chimpanzees and these attractions make for great day excursions from the Lodge.

Silverback Lodge located in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an intimate and charming forest lodge located with spectacular views over the valleys of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Daily guided gorilla treks afford first hand experiences to view these elusive and endangered creatures in their natural environment, a spine-tingling wildlife experience without peer. Take an opportunity to interact with the Batwa Pygmies who lived in the forest interiors, forest walks, the Gorilla Centre, local winemaking and coffee experiences all make great day excursions. Currently Silverback Lodge is undergoing a total refurbishment, incorporating a mix of contemporary luxury fused with African safari style, and will reopen to guests in 2024.

Paraa Safari Lodge located in the in Murchison Falls National Park remains a true safari destination with countless game encounters alongside the fabled Nile River and its’ surrounding vast open grasslands. See the big cats, elephants, spot plains game, including the rare Uganda kob and Cape buffalo, then join a Nile River cruise to see the base of the extraordinary Murchison Falls. Guided walks take you to the top of the falls where you can truly appreciate the staggering power with which the Nile crashes through a seven meter gap in the escarpment.

Chobe Safari Lodge located in the Murchison Falls National Park has extraordinary views over the legendary River Nile that surrounds the lodges. Cascading swimming pools and sun-drenched poolside decks allow guests take a welcome break and rejuvenate from their long travels. Our luxury rooms, generous patios, delicious food, and a well appointed spa add to the sense of peace at the Lodge. Early morning guided walks into the forest woodlands lead guests to our watering hole overlooked by a sumptuous Safari Lounge.

Marasa Africa offers Bush Plane Safaris in Uganda and Kenya, allowing travelers to experience the beauty and wildlife of these countries from the air. Bush planes are small, light aircraft that are designed for flying over rough terrain and landing on dirt runways in remote areas.

In Uganda, Marasa Africa offers a variety of bush plane safari options, including trips to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking, Kidepo Valley National Park for game drives, and Murchison Falls National Park for a combination of wildlife viewing and a boat trip to see the falls.

In Kenya, Marasa Africa's bush plane safaris include flights to Masai Mara National Reserve for game drives and the chance to witness the wildebeest migration, as well as trips to other parks such as Amboseli National Park for views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Samburu National Reserve for a chance to see rare wildlife species such as Grevy's zebra and Somali ostrich.

Bush plane safaris offer a unique perspective on the African landscape and wildlife, and are a popular option for travelers who want to cover a lot of ground quickly or who want to access remote areas that are not easily reachable by road.

AeroLink Uganda operates into all safari destinations within Uganda on both scheduled flights and charter service.