House in The Wild

Perched on the bank of the Mara River, House in the Wild is tucked away within the award winning Enonkishu Conservancy bordering the Masai Mara Reserve. With six cottages, beautiful lawns and a freeform swimming pool, House in the Wild offers the warmth and rustic charm of a family lodge, with all the home comforts you could ask for.

Owned and built by Tarquin and Lippa Wood, who were the founders of Enonkishu, and run with a team of friendly Maasai staff, House in the Wild is an ideal family retreat. Its six cottages, a mix of canvas, stone and thatch, are spread over neat lawns up to the river’s edge. Two of the cottages have two bedrooms, with a shared living area, ideal for families. A third double cottage has a loft chill-out area, which has two lovely daybeds that can be used for children. The remaining three cottages are double rooms with large verandas overlooking the Mara River. Cottages can booked individually, and the lodge works well when booked exclusively by a group of family or friends.

The main farmhouse was originally a family getaway on the Wood’s farm but has been restored and lovingly put together by the family and their team. It houses the dining room, bar and lounge all with a relaxed casual ambience, not forgetting the large curved swimming pool and adjacent thatched gazebo, ideal for lazy lunches. All of the fresh veggies, eggs, milk, cream and baked goods are produced by the farm or the family and delicious wholesome meals are a highlight. Dinner is either under the stars on a table by the campfire or in the dining area by the log fire, and bush dinners and brunches are also popular.

Activities at House In The Wild are extremely varied and can include anything from croquet or boules on the lawn, to going on wildlife drives and guided walks. Guests can also visit the local Maasai villages, go fishing, visit the rhino sanctuary or even help out on the estate; milking cows, beekeeping, planting trees or assisting the scouts in their conservation work.

House in the Wild is a welcome retreat for a few days respite while still being “on safari”. The wildlife within the Enonkishu Conservancy is excellent, with big cats, elephant and plain game aplenty, and for those wishing to go further afield it is also possible to visit the Mara Reserve. As the lodge is on private land and fenced, you also have the security of knowing that children can play freely in the grounds of the house in safety.