When I first heard about Mara Toto, I couldn’t help but smile at the coincidence. Toto, after all, is the name of the iconic Japanese company behind the world’s most revolutionary invention: the electronic toilet. Surely, I thought, this was a sign from the universe. But, in the spirit of Swahili, “Toto” actually means “baby,” and this intimate camp earned the name because of its small size. But let’s not let the facts interfere with a good story.
I was intrigued to learn that Mara Toto came into existence after a flood. Originally known as Mara Expedition, the camp had to be relocated and rebuilt after the floodwaters swept through. It was then renamed Mara Toto—reborn from the water, much like its Japanese namesake, though less focused on “disappearing things” and more on creating an unforgettable experience.
Setting
Nestled along the tranquil Ntiakitiak River in the Maasai Mara, Mara Toto offers a sense of seclusion that makes it the perfect escape. Though it’s just a short drive from the upscale Mara Plains, Mara Toto stands apart. It’s located within the wild heart of the Mara Reserve—unlike its neighbor on a private concession. In the Reserve, there are no limits on the number of vehicles allowed at a sighting, which means the area can quickly turn from peaceful to chaotic. The Reserve operates on a rigid 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM schedule, meaning no off-roading or night drives. As a result, the area is lively, yet bound by daylight and the main roads.
Mara Toto does have access to the private Mara North Conservancy, though it’s about a 30-40 minute drive from the camp.
Getting There
My journey to Mara Toto from Mara Nyika should have been a short 45-minute drive, but as is often the case with safaris, it turned into a three-hour adventure. We were lucky enough to witness the rare and beautiful birth of a baby topi—another reminder of the magic that can happen when you embrace patience in the wild. It was the perfect illustration of what a safari is all about.
Facilities
Mara Toto offers a fresh design that truly stands out. While it isn’t drastically different from its neighbors, its aesthetic approach is much more refined. The design is minimalist yet luxurious, creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.
The camp’s elevated bridge leads to both the main area and the rooms, winding over the small river that adds to the peaceful backdrop of the property. Elevation was a wise decision, helping to avoid future flooding. The main area offers a cozy boma, outdoor dining areas shaded from the sun, and a quiet indoor library/lounge. There’s also a boutique, although the rest of the facilities are fairly compact, contributing to the intimate feel of the camp.
Though there’s no spa or gym (yet), I did enjoy a wonderful in-room massage. It was a bit odd, as the therapist focused more on my legs when I’d asked for an upper-body treatment, but it was surprisingly relaxing.
Rooms
Mara Toto has only four rooms, each marked by a grand wooden door. Once you step inside, the room is flooded with light due to the large netted windows. The design feels bright and inviting, a departure from the usual dark safari lodge aesthetic. One downside? It can get quite hot, and the fan only circulates warm air, making the room feel uncomfortably warm at times. But the cozy living area, complete with a soft rug and comfortable furniture, more than makes up for it.
The bedroom features a spacious bed, two wardrobes, and a practical desk. While the room is comfortable and well-appointed, there are no plugs by the bed, which can be a bit annoying if you want to charge devices while enjoying the fan. But there are some dumbbells behind the bed—perfect for a little in-room workout, should you choose.
Outside, there’s a charming little balcony with swinging chairs and a canoe-like sofa. The bathroom is luxurious, featuring a separate toilet and a spacious, centrally located shower.
Food
The food at Mara Toto is excellent, with meals often served outdoors under the wide-open sky. Breakfasts are frequently served in the bush, while lunches are single plates with one dessert. For dinner, you select your meal at 4:00 PM before heading out on the evening drive. The meals are thoughtfully prepared and range from baked chicken legs with thyme to mango and avocado salad. I particularly appreciated how the staff catered to my allergies with no fuss.
While I enjoyed every meal, I must admit there was a minor disappointment with some of the baked goods—the cinnamon bun was too hard, and the bread was a bit stale. Still, the overall food experience was fantastic.
Service
The service at Mara Toto is seamless, with a small, dedicated team ensuring your every need is met. The manager, Douglas, is charming, and William, the waiter, is always smiling and attentive. On one particularly rainy evening, they even set up a private dinner for me under a canopy—complete with candles everywhere. It would have been romantic, had I not been dining solo.
One thing I would love to see improved is the flow of communication between the different Great Plains camps. It was frustrating to repeat requests at each new location, especially for simple things like honey.
Activities
The game drives at Mara Toto were nothing short of spectacular. Watching the wildebeest migration at the river crossing was a chaotic but awe-inspiring experience. Seeing wildebeest leaping across the river, stepping on crocodiles’ heads with total disregard, was nothing short of incredible. However, I did have a slightly frustrating experience when a lion sighting was too far away for us to get a proper look. Still, we were able to enjoy an amazing lion and hyena encounter in the Mara North Conservancy, which almost made up for the earlier disappointment.
Conclusion
Mara Toto offers an experience that far exceeded my expectations. It’s a truly unique camp, offering a blend of luxury, comfort, and extraordinary wildlife sightings. While there are a few logistical challenges, such as the 30-40 minute drive to Mara North, the camp’s location in the heart of the Mara makes it a worthwhile choice for any safari-goer.
If you’re looking to plan your next unforgettable safari adventure, reach out to Crystal Tours and Travel Ltd. We’re here to help you craft the perfect experience.
Email: info@crystaltourskenya.com
Contact: +254 721 994 205
