Great Plains, the ecotourism company founded by National Geographic explorers and filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, announces the opening of Zamara Private in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This new private residence joins the Reserve-Collection, the Group’s exclusive range of safari camps.
Located at the gateway to the vast Maasai Mara reserve, on an elevated private plot within a grove of trees, Zamara Private sits not far from the Group’s other properties in the region, Mara Plains Camp, Mara Toto Tree Camp and Mara Expedition Camp. The property accommodates up to twelve adults across six luxurious suites with grass-thatched roofs, offering exclusive access to one of Africa’s most celebrated ecosystems. Designed for families or small groups, this private safari villa provides a base from which to explore the region and its abundant wildlife, with exclusive use of the property.
Dereck Joubert, co-founder of Great Plains, explained that many of the Group’s guests wanted to travel as a family and enjoy complete privacy in a home away from home, which drove the design of Zamara. He described the property as a genuine residence, featuring a private gym, spa, saunas and a media room, bringing together six suites he hopes will redefine the safari experience. He noted that the residence overlooks the Maasai Mara from a wooded hillside vantage point, designed to slow down time and invite not just a stay, but a true pause, where the pace is set not by a schedule but by sunrises, lion roars and the laughter of loved ones.
Zamara Private showcases striking design rooted in wabi-sabi principles, with raised wooden walkways running through open spaces, organic textures and calming earth tones creating a sense of natural grounding. At the heart of the villa is a spacious lounge with an elegant fireplace, opening onto a wide terrace overlooking the surrounding wilderness.
Each of the six suites offers a private sanctuary, with natural grass roofs blending into the landscape. Inside, guests will find numerous refined touches: ceiling fans, air conditioning, a private outdoor terrace, a desk and the rare luxury of an outdoor star-lit shower. Two master suites offer additional space and enhanced amenities, including a separate lounge, a private infinity pool, his-and-hers dressing rooms, an indoor bathtub, an indoor and outdoor double shower, as well as an additional single bedroom suited to a guest’s personal assistant. For families with children aged six and above, four of the suites can be converted into a triple configuration with an additional bedroom for a child.
Elsewhere on the property, guests can gather in the media room, unwind in the dedicated wine cellar, enjoy the spa or a private in-suite dining experience. For wellness enthusiasts looking to relax while staying active during their safari, a 15-metre by 5-metre infinity pool sits alongside a private wellness area comprising a fully equipped gym, a sauna and a steam room.
At a Glance
Zamara Private — Great Plains, Réserve-Collection – Location: gateway to the Maasai Mara Reserve, Kenya – Concept: private, full-occupancy safari villa for families and small groups – Capacity: up to 12 adults, 6 suites with natural grass roofs – 2 master suites: separate living room, private lap pool, his-and-hers wardrobes, indoor bathtub – Family option: 4 suites convertible to triple configuration (children 6+) – Amenities: media room, wine room, spa, private gym, sauna, steam room, 15m x 5m infinity pool – Design: Wabi Sabi-inspired, elevated wooden walkways, natural earth tones – Founders: Dereck and Beverly Joubert, National Geographic explorers-filmmakers – Nearby Great Plains camps: Mara Plains Camp, Mara Toto Tree Camp, Mara Expedition Camp
