Plan Safari
Luxury

House in the Wild

📍 Maasai Mara, Maasai Mara, Kenya

Boutique

Overview

Exclusive family-owned boutique safari lodge on the Mara River offering luxury accommodations, unlimited game drives, and sustainable hospitality.

Experience an exclusive safari escape at House in the Wild, a family-owned boutique lodge nestled in Kenya's pristine Enonkishu Conservancy. Our travel specialists can unlock insider rates and curate complete packages that include game drives, meals, and conservation experiences—often at better prices than booking directly [1][4].

Booking through our platform provides seamless planning support, exclusive perks, and access to seasonal rates unavailable elsewhere. Let us handle the details while you focus on the adventure ahead [1][4].

Where You'll Stay

House in the Wild sits elegantly along the Mara River on Naretoi, a private estate within the Enonkishu Conservancy at the northern edge of the Maasai Mara ecosystem [1][6]. This remote location ensures total tranquility while providing direct access to some of the world's best wildlife viewing [5].

The lodge was originally a family getaway on the Wood family's commercial farm and has been lovingly restored into a boutique safari sanctuary [1]. Owned and operated by Lippa and Tarquin Wood with their three children, the property exemplifies sustainable luxury in the African bush [1].

Accommodations

House in the Wild features six thoughtfully designed cottages accommodating up to 16 guests total, creating an intimate and exclusive atmosphere [6][7]. Each cottage combines authentic African aesthetics with modern comfort, offering private verandahs with stunning Mara River views [6][9].

  • Cottages (6 total): Stunningly decorated with authentic African design, private verandahs overlooking the Mara River, en-suite bathrooms, and personalized service [6][9]
  • Room Features: Climate control, hot showers, quality bedding, and thoughtful touches creating a home-away-from-home experience [6]
  • Unique Elements: Some rooms offer semi-outdoor showers and direct river views, ideal for wildlife spotting from your private space [9]

Dining Experiences

The lodge emphasizes homegrown, locally-sourced cuisine prepared fresh daily from the Wild Shamba vegetable garden [1]. Meals are crafted to celebrate East African flavors while accommodating dietary preferences and special occasions [1][6].

  • Main Dining Area: Open-plan restaurant featuring a Swahili bar, log burner fireplace, and elegant ambiance for group dining [6]
  • Alternative Settings: Dinner under the stars, private meals on your verandah, or intimate gatherings in the thatch gazebo by the pool [6]
  • Beverages: Soft drinks, local beers, and non-premium wines and spirits included; premium spirits and cellar wines available at additional cost [4]

Property Amenities

House in the Wild combines sustainable luxury with genuine African hospitality, featuring amenities designed for relaxation and connection with nature [1][6].

  • Pool & Spa: Swimming pool with thatch gazebo overlooking the Mara River; guests enjoy watching hippos from the pool area [6][9]
  • Outdoor Spaces: Expansive lawns, fire pits for evening gatherings, sunset viewing areas, and dedicated sundowner locations [6]
  • Recreation: Tennis court, bike rides within the conservancy, guided nature walks available [4]
  • Sustainable Systems: 95% solar energy operation, eco-wetland water recycling, sustainable firewood plantation, and organic vegetable cultivation [1]
  • Connectivity: WiFi available at the main lodge (limited in cottages to encourage digital detox) [6]

Activities & Experiences

The lodge offers unlimited game drives through three conservancies plus immersive cultural and conservation experiences led by knowledgeable Maasai guides [4]. Activities range from wildlife photography to community engagement, creating meaningful connections with the Mara ecosystem [1][4][9].

  • Safari Activities: Unlimited game drives in Enonkishu, Ol Chorro, and Lemek Conservancies; bush breakfasts and picnics in the field [4]
  • Nature Experiences: Guided nature walks, bike rides, Mara River viewings, and sunrise/sunset excursions [4][9]
  • Cultural & Conservation: Maasai village visits, Mara Training Centre tours, local school visits, Rhino Sanctuary excursions (entrance fees extra), and community engagement programs [4][9]
  • Seasonal Highlights: Great Migration crossing season (July-October) offers dramatic wildlife moments; year-round birding opportunities for enthusiasts [1][9]

Pricing & Seasons

House in the Wild operates on a tiered seasonal pricing structure with conservancy fees charged separately [1][4]. The most current rates reflect 2025 pricing; booking through our specialists often secures better terms [1][4].

  • Regular Season (Jan 5-June 14, Sept 1-Dec 19): $985 per adult, $640 per child (5-15 years), plus $130/$85 conservancy fees respectively [4]
  • Premium Season (June 15-Aug 31): $1,440 per adult (sharing), $1,690 single, $930 per child, plus conservancy fees [4]
  • Festive Season (Dec 20-Jan 4): Highest rates apply; villa packages available for exclusive use [3]
  • Inclusions: Full board accommodation, soft drinks, local beers, non-premium wines and spirits, laundry, exclusive vehicle use per group, airstrip transfers from Ngerende, and statutory taxes [4]
  • Minimum Stays: 2 nights standard; 3 nights during peak seasons; children under 5 stay free [3][4]

At a Glance

  • Check-in: Standard times apply; contact lodge for specific times
  • Check-out: Standard times apply; contact lodge for specific times
  • Total Rooms/Cottages: 6 cottages
  • Maximum Guests: 16 guests total
  • Star Rating: Boutique luxury (5-star equivalent)
  • Property Type: Family-owned boutique safari lodge
  • Best For: Luxury safari travelers, families, couples, conservation enthusiasts, and wildlife photographers seeking exclusive African experiences
  • Location: Enonkishu Conservancy, Maasai Mara, Kenya

Recognition & Conservation

House in the Wild has been featured in prestigious publications including Condé Nast Traveller, The Times, and Town & Country, reflecting its status as a premier safari destination [6]. The property's commitment to sustainability—operating on 95% solar energy, recycling water through eco-wetlands, and partnering with local conservation initiatives—sets it apart in the luxury safari market [1].

The lodge actively supports the Enonkishu Conservancy's wildlife protection and community development programs, allowing guests to contribute directly to conservation during their stay [1][4].

Why Book Through Us

Our travel specialists have direct relationships with House in the Wild and can secure rates unavailable through standard booking platforms. We handle all coordination, provide 24/7 support during your journey, and ensure your experience exceeds expectations [1][4][6].

Whether planning a romantic safari escape, family adventure, or conservation-focused journey, we curate personalized itineraries that maximize wildlife viewing opportunities and meaningful cultural connections [1][4].

Ready to book your House in the Wild safari? Contact our specialists today for exclusive rates, flexible payment options, and insider recommendations that turn your African dream into reality [1][4][6].

Gallery

Amenities & Features

Swimming Pool
Mara River Views
Wifi
Solar Power System
Eco-wetland Water Recycling
Tennis Court
Thatch Gazebo
Main Lounge And Dining Area
Swahili Bar
Fire Pit Areas
Bike Rentals
Airstrip Transfers
Game Viewing Vehicles
Outdoor Shower Options

Activities

Unlimited Game Drives In Enonkishu, Ol Chorro, And Lemek Conservancies
Bush Breakfasts And Picnics
Guided Nature Walks
Bike Rides Within Conservancy
Mara Training Centre Visits
Local School Visits
Maasai Village Visits
Rhino Sanctuary Excursions
Sundowners And Sunset Viewing
Sunrise Excursions
Wildlife Photography
Birding Opportunities
Community Engagement Programs

Location

Maasai Mara, Maasai Mara, Kenya

Naretoi, Enonkishu Conservancy