Having shown what a bona fide and well banked wildlife operation can do with the previously wasted Grumeti concession, the 2012 opening of Singita Mara River Tented Camp in the Lamai Triangle was eagerly anticipated by both those in the industry and knowledgeable travelers.

Located north of the Mara, and just south of Kenya, Singita Mara aimed to capitalise on the late October and August stages of the migration – doing so in a style and area consistent with Singita’s reputation for setting luxury accommodation in the most authentic of habitats.

The whole camp is designed in the Bohemian-chic fashion with splashes of bold colour, that has become synonymous with Singita properties. Using natural and recycled materials wherever possible, Singita Mara was styled by South African interior design company Cécile & Boyd. A huge amount of thought has gone into the detail, from the modern African wall art, to the cushions, baskets and beadwork. We loved the combination of contemporary design and traditional materials.

The eight tents at Singita Mara make up six separate units. Closest to the main area are two family units, each comprising two tents, with a shared decking area, while a further four double tents are located slightly further along the river. All are set on wooden platforms about a metre off the ground, with a large veranda and seating area; and are sheltered by canvas fly-sheets. In the family units, the two tents – either double or twin – are joined by a covered walkway and a shared deck. All of the tents are made from canvas, have zip entrances and gauze windows which lets a nice cooling breeze through. There are also fans in the rooms to help with really hot nights.

Slightly regimental in terms of their positioning, the rooms at Singita Mara River Tented Camp are spaced out along the rise. They are divided into 4 standard size tents and 2 family tents. Each consists of its bed(s), a seating area, private veranda, en-suite bathroom, writing desk and storage. As with the mess tent, the styling is colour led, the whites and creams offset by the occasional dark rug, or black stripe. The furniture is unobtrusive, subtle, and elegant.

Please note that each of the family tents is in actual fact two standard tents linked by a canvas tunnel. Unique and eminently flexible, they are easily utilised for couples and travelling groups. There is complimentary Wi-Fi access, although – due to the lodge’s remoteness – it can be slow at times.

A canvas, wood and stone build, set on a treeless rise overlooking the Mara River, Singita Mara River Tented Camp consists of a main mess tent and 6 sleeping tents. A signature Singita setup – in so far as the architecture and design is typically environmentally conscious – the shared areas consist of a bar, plunge pool, lounge, small library and extensive decking.

All bleached woods, black and white abstract art pieces, cream seating, stainless steel paneling and a Bedouin-esque ceiling, the overall style here, inside and out, is slightly other worldly. The pale colour scheme is bold in its stated neutrality, and everything points out, toward the river.

The service and food is, as one would expect, first class. We particularly recommend the scrambled eggs, cooked to perfection every morning, whilst the chocolate soufflés are simply divine.

Inside, the tents feel modern and bright, with white, perfectly pressed, sheets and matching mosquito nets draped over the bed. The furniture is very smart with matching, safari-style bedside tables, wardrobe and bureau, and a spotlight that wouldn't look out of place on a film set!

• Stargazing: There is perhaps no more transcendent experience than looking up at a full sky of sparkling stars. Man has had a love affair with the nighttime sky for centuries and with very little pollution and no city lights to detract for the stars, your view of the heavens here will be crystal clear – nothing between you and the vast African sky above.
• Tennis: Experience a game of tennis as you never would have before. Enjoy your time on court whilst being surrounded by the beauty of the African wilderness. Cool down with rewarding refreshments and a dip in the nearby swimming pool
• Antipoaching Observation Post: The Singita Grumeti Fund anti-poaching team is made up of 120 dedicated scouts. These scouts patrol the 350,000-acre private concession and are based in 12 scout camps and in 12 observation posts (OP) dotted across the reserve. Each OP is manned by two scouts who are constantly surveying the area for any unusual activity.
• Swimming Pool: Singita Mara River Tented Camp offers an expansive swimming pool next to the main house in addition to private infinity pools at each cottage and at the private villa.
• Spa: The Singita wellness philosophy creates an environment for our urban-weary guests to reconnect to nature, revive their senses, restore their body and mind, and explore our African culture.
• Guided Safari Walks: Walking safaris are an incredible way to experience the bush up close and personal. Your expert guide and tracker will accompany you as you track animals on foot through the wilderness and explore the magnificent plants and landscapes around you.
• Community Visits: Perhaps Africa’s greatest beauty is its people and, as part of Singita’s deep commitment to community development, guests are invited to visit the nearby communities. The Grumeti Fund Community Outreach Program works with residents of the 21 villages bordering Singita Grumeti to realise their development goals.
• Game Drives: Daily game drives with professional guides provide the perfect opportunity to get up close to Africa’s incredible animals, while evening drives reveal the elusive magic of nocturnal Africa.