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SIANA SPRINGS
Just eight kilometres from the eastern boundary of the Masai Mara reserve,
Siana Springs Intrepids offers a uniquely personal safari experience on
the edge of the world's most celebrated wilderness.
Location
Situated at the base of the Ngama Hills, on the western edge of the Masai
Mara National reserve. Siana Intrepids occupies a lush indigenous forest
watered by the largest natural springs in the Mara ecosystem - Siana Springs,
or 'the plentiful springs' in Maa. The camp's location in the heart of
the Siana Group Ranch offers guests unique opportunities for the private
bush walks and drives on the game rich plains and along the seasonal streams
beneath the Ngama Hills. Siana sister properties in the Mara reserve also
offer the prospect to break all day game drives with lunch, swimming and
other activities in the middle of the reserve. Siana Intrepids is 240
kilometres southwest of Nairobi and the journey tot he camp involves a
four-hour drive from the capital or 30-40 minute flight to the camp's
own airstrip.
Accommodation
This luxurious tented camp offers 38 spacious tents situated in three
secluded 'wings'; the Bamboo wing, surrounded by bamboo groves and flowering
ornamental trees near the main camp, the Palm wing, overlooking a series
of springs, lily-clad ponds and lush indigenous forest, and the Acacia
wing, which occupies more open acacia woodland rich in bird life on the
camp boundary. The tents boast the very latest in luxury camping, with
large single or double beds, personal closets and writing desks and en
suite bathrooms with flush toilets and steaming hot showers.
Public Areas
Siana Intrepids is centred around a large dining area with a beautiful
open-air terrace that looks out across the camp's lush lawns to the open
plains of Africa beyond. While the dining room has a large seating capacity,
most guests prefer to take their meals outside, where they can watch Siana's
famously fearless bushbucks, vervet monkeys and tree hyraxes during the
day - and genet cats and mongooses during the night. Dancing and singing
performances by the local Masai are normally held on this terrace. There
is also a spacious bar and comfortable lounge area, a conference room
with modern business facilities, and a boutique selling local handicrafts
and safari essentials. In the middle of the forest, a beautiful swimming
pool offers a soothing respite from the heat of the day.
Ecotourism
In keeping with the new 'green movement' of Kenyan tourism, Siana Intrepids
endeavors to uphold the highest standards of social and environmental
responsibility. The camp enjoys very close ties with its Masai landlords,
who make up more than 60 per cent of its workforce. The local Nkoilale
Primary School was built with support from Siana, which continues to fund
the school's development. The camp is also supporting an initiative to
develop a local conservation area, which will protect the area's rich
game and limit degradation by livestock grazing. The camp itself is run
on strict eco-principles with water heating fuelled by waste charcoal
dust, biodegradable waste mukhed for compost, and all waste water recycled
through the camp's extensive constructed wetland system.
Services
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Room service for snacks and beverages
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Mineral water and repellent in tents
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telephone, e-mail, fax and postal services
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foreign currency exchange at reception
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Single day laundry and valet services
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Early morning calls with tea or coffee
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Chilled towels and drinks upon check in
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Complimentary airstrip transfers
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Medical officer available 24 hours
Facilities
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Luxurious modern tents with secluded verandahs
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Open-air dining terrace with nightly campfires
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Freeform swimming pool and sunbathing terrace
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Private conference room with business facilities
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Custom built four wheel drive safari vehicles
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Reliable 240 volt generator electricity supply
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Safety deposit facilities for guests' valuables
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Board games and reference books
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Boutique with souvenirs and safari essentials
Activities
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Game drives with highly trained personal guides
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Escorted walking safaris and night game drives
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Riverside banquets in the main Mara reserve
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Arrangements for dawn hot air balloon safaris
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Transfers for fishing trips to Lake Victoria
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Bush breakfasts and dinners under the stars
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Romantic sundowners on the Ngama Hills
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Catered parties at bush sites and animal hides
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Unique lifestyle tours with our Masai hosts
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Traditional dances by local Masai warriors
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Lectures and slide shows on culture and wildlife
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Heritage's famous Adventurers' Club for children of all ages and interest.
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