Angama Mara takes its name from the Kiswahili word for suspended in mid-air, an apt description for a lodge perched 300 metres above the floor of the Masai Mara on the Oloololo Escarpment, looking directly down over the Mara Triangle. Opened in June 2015 by Steve and Nicky Fitzgerald, it was named the number one resort in Africa by Condé Nast Traveler in 2018 and has continued collecting accolades since, including recognition in Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards and Fodor’s Finest Hotels. Sense of Adventure books Angama Mara for guests who want the view itself to be as much a part of the safari as the wildlife below it.
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A View Filmed for Out of Africa
Each of the two camps at Angama Mara holds 15 glass-fronted tented suites, spanning over 100 square metres apiece with polished parquet floors and expansive wooden decks that frame the escarpment view directly. This exact location hosted several scenes from Sydney Pollack’s 1985 film Out of Africa, giving the lodge a genuine cinematic history alongside its modern design reputation. Beyond the view itself, guests can book hot air ballooning, walking safaris, garden-to-table lunches in the property’s own Shamba garden, and hosted photographic safaris, while a 12-metre rim-flow pool overlooks the Mara Triangle for anyone content simply to look out at it.
6 Facts About Angama Mara
1. Suspended in Mid-Air, Literally
The name Angama means suspended in mid-air in Kiswahili, describing the lodge dramatic position 300 metres above the Mara Triangle floor.
2. Named Africa Best Resort in 2018
Condé Nast Traveler listed Angama Mara as the number one resort on the entire continent, cementing its reputation beyond the safari industry alone.
3. Real Out of Africa Film History
Several scenes from the 1985 film Out of Africa were shot on the exact site the lodge now occupies, a genuine cinematic connection rather than marketing invention.
4. Two Intimate Camps, 30 Suites Total
Split across two separate camps of 15 suites each, every glass-fronted room spans over 100 square metres with private wooden decks.
5. A Garden-to-Table Dining Concept
The property own Shamba garden supplies produce for on-site lunches, a genuine farm-to-table element uncommon among Mara lodges.
6. Frequently Rated Best for Photographers
Industry rankings consistently name Angama Mara among the top choices specifically for photographic safaris, thanks to its light and elevated vantage point.
Stay Above the Mara Triangle
We build Angama Mara into fly-in or road itineraries across the wider Masai Mara.
Angama Mara: Quick Reference
- Opened: June 2015.
- Location: Oloololo Escarpment, 300m above the Mara Triangle.
- Accommodation: 30 glass-fronted suites across two camps.
- Recognition: Condé Nast Traveler’s #1 Africa resort, 2018.
- Film history: Out of Africa (1985) scenes shot on-site.
- Best for: photographers, honeymooners, escarpment views.
Comparing Mara Lodges
Angama Mara is one of several exceptional properties across the wider reserve. Our Best Camps and Lodges in Masai Mara guide covers how it compares to other top options.
The View Alone Is Worth the Trip
Message us today and we will build Angama Mara into your Masai Mara safari.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Angama Mara mean?
Angama means suspended in mid-air in Kiswahili, describing the lodge dramatic position 300 metres above the floor of the Masai Mara on the Oloololo Escarpment.
Why is Angama Mara so highly rated?
Angama Mara was named the number one resort in Africa by Condé Nast Traveler in 2018, praised for its escarpment views, design, service and photography opportunities.
Was Angama Mara really used in a film?
Yes, several scenes from the 1985 film Out of Africa were filmed at the exact location the lodge now occupies, giving it genuine cinematic history.
How many suites does Angama Mara have?
Angama Mara comprises two separate camps with 15 glass-fronted tented suites each, 30 total, each spanning over 100 square metres.
What activities are available at Angama Mara?
Guests can book hot air ballooning, walking safaris, garden-to-table lunches from the property’s own Shamba garden, and hosted photographic safaris, alongside standard game drives.
