After spending two incredible days at One Nature Nyaruswiga, a resort immersed in the wild nature of the Serengeti (don’t miss the dedicated post!), we moved to the second gem of the One Nature chain: Mara River. This ultra-luxury 5-star boutique hotel is located in the heart of the Serengeti, just a few minutes’ drive from the legendary Mara River, famous for the great wildebeest migration. Positioned on a hill, the resort offers a breathtaking view of the valley below, providing a unique and complementary experience to that of Nyaruswiga.
A Room Like No Other
As soon as we entered our villa at One Nature Mara River, we were left speechless. The architecture and design of the villa are extraordinary, rivaling the best resorts in the Maldives or Bora Bora. The room features a 5-6 meter wide window overlooking the Serengeti valley, offering an incredible panoramic view. The ability to fully open the window, allowing light and nature to enter, creates a perfect harmony between the luxurious interior of the villa and the wild exterior of the park.
The villa is a paradise of comfort and luxury: our private, spacious, and inviting pool was the perfect place to relax after a day of safari. But the real jewel of the room was the outdoor bathtub, located next to the pool. Taking a bath at sunset or dawn while watching animals pass by just meters away is an experience filled with emotion and wonder.
The villa is designed to offer every imaginable comfort. In addition to the pool and bathtub, there was a swing to relax on, a lounge area with a table and sofa, and a private bar stocked with high-quality spirits, alcoholic beverages, and soft drinks. One morning, the resort's chefs surprised us with an incredible breakfast served on the table in our private lounge: every dish was prepared to perfection, from French toast to crêpes, a true delight for the palate.
Attention to detail is a constant in this resort. Every evening, we found two bottles of chilled champagne in our room. The bed was carefully prepared, with hot water bottles to warm it and chocolates on the nightstand. The laundry service was free and impeccable: every day, our clothes were washed, ironed, and neatly arranged in the wardrobe, while our shoes were cleaned and polished, ready to wear. The staff was always on hand to light the fire or prepare a bath with rose petals and foam, accompanied by a bottle of champagne next to the tub.
Top-Notch Services
The common areas of One Nature Mara River are of an exceptional level. The lounge, with its magnificent bar, offers the perfect environment to relax while smoking a cigar or sipping a high-quality cognac or whiskey. The resort also offers the possibility to rent high-end cameras, including professional 500mm lenses, ideal for capturing every detail during the safaris. Additionally, it is possible to purchase memory cards, chargers, and any other accessory you might need, making the resort a true paradise for photography enthusiasts.
One evening, after a safari, I decided to pamper myself with a massage. When I returned, I found the room lit by candles, with a massage table set up in front of our private pool. With dim lighting, the sound of animals in the distance, and soft background music, I enjoyed an hour of massage in a super romantic atmosphere. It was an unforgettable treat that will stay with me forever.
Unique Safaris and Experiences
The transfer from Nyaruswiga to Mara River was one of the most extraordinary experiences of our trip. Instead of taking an internal flight, we chose to drive across the Serengeti, turning the transfer into an unforgettable day of safari. During the journey, we passed through breathtaking landscapes and spotted an incredible number of animals. One of the most exciting moments was when we found ourselves surrounded by a group of about 40 elephants, passing just a few meters from our car. It was a breathtaking scene that left us completely in awe.
Shortly after, we witnessed a cheetah that had just caught a prey and was eating it a few meters away from us. Seeing such a scene up close, with the wild nature so tangible, was simply indescribable.
During the transfer, the resort had prepared a packed lunch for us, but what they offered far exceeded our expectations. Our guide took us to a beautiful spot under a tree, where a table was set with a tablecloth and everything needed for an impeccable lunch in the bush. The meal, prepared that morning by the chefs at Nyaruswiga, was one of the most beautiful and unexpected moments of the trip.
Upon arriving at Mara River, the main attraction was the great migration of wildebeest. During our stay, we were fortunate enough to witness this spectacle twice, just a three-minute drive from the hotel. The Mara River, with its incredible landscapes and impressive width, offered us a completely different experience from that of Nyaruswiga. The migration of wildebeest, risking their lives to cross the river in search of greener pastures, was an emotionally charged sight to behold.
Another unforgettable surprise was the sunset aperitif. One evening, our guide took us to a raised rocky formation, where they had prepared an aperitif with cushions, snacks, and cocktails, all carefully crafted by the chef. We enjoyed one of the most beautiful and emotional African sunsets, immersed in the wild nature of the Serengeti.
On the last evening, the resort organized a bush dinner for us, in front of a small stream with a fire lit and a Masai warrior watching over us. Usually, it is not allowed to get out of the car in the Serengeti, but the resort has a special agreement that allows them to organize these unique experiences, with the help of rangers and Masai to ensure safety. After an aperitif on lounge chairs by the fire and stream, we moved to the table where the chef, just a few meters from us, prepared a delicious dinner. It was like a star-rated dinner in the heart of the Serengeti, immersed in nature: something truly unexpected and extraordinary.
Conclusions
I highly recommend visiting both resorts and driving between them. In the first camp, there is a greater variety of animals and predators, especially big cats, while in the second, you can witness the great migration of wildebeest and see elephants, zebras, crocodiles, and hippos. Both resorts offer an unforgettable experience and are worth every penny spent on services, the quality of the rooms, the food, and attention to detail. The safari vehicle is something truly special that everyone envied us. Every day, there was hot tea, coffee, snacks, and drinks in the fridge, ready to be enjoyed, with power outlets to recharge your phone or camera, all perfectly cared for. There wasn't a single request that wasn't fulfilled during our stay, making this experience truly unique.
In both resorts, our guide was available all day, whenever we wanted. Once, we informed him just 20 minutes before that we wanted to go on a safari, and he was ready with the car cleaned and even with the packed lunch prepared by the chefs. This level of service and responsiveness is truly remarkable. I still remember that packed lunch we enjoyed while watching the wildebeest migration: a delicious stew of meat, rice, and vegetables, followed by a great brownie, all prepared with care and served in the heart of the Serengeti.
If you are looking for an experience that combines luxury, adventure, and total immersion in nature, I can only recommend visiting both One Nature resorts. They are the most incredible places I have ever been to, and every detail is designed to pamper you and make you live an experience you will remember for a lifetime.
Useful Tips for a Perfect Trip
Among the various experiences we had, there are some important tips to keep in mind:
Visas: Make sure to check the visa requirements for Tanzania and obtain them in advance if necessary.
Drone: If you want to fly a drone, it is mandatory to obtain a permit, which can be requested online before departure.
Private Safaris: If possible, try to arrange private safaris like ours. Being alone with your driver, rather than with other strangers, makes the experience much more romantic and intimate.
Tips: Tipping is essential in Tanzania. I recommend being generous, especially with the staff who accompany you during safaris and at the tented camps.
Internal Flights: Internal flights in Tanzania can be expensive, even if they are short. Consider them in your budget.
Climate: In August, the daytime temperatures are magnificent, around 25 degrees, but the nights can get cooler. Bring some sweaters or light jackets, especially if, like us, you want to spend as much time outdoors as possible.
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