At Kobe Mara, we offer more than a safari stay. We offer an authentic connection to the Maasai Mara. Wildebeest pass in front of your room, cuckoos call from the branches of the Kobe tree, hyenas cackle in the night, and Maasai herders move with their cattle at dawn. This is a camp that lives within the ecosystem, not apart from it.
“Kobe” means tortoise in Swahili. The name was inspired by the iconic tree that stands in front of Kobe House, shaped over the years by giraffes and elephants into the form of a tortoise. The tortoise reflects the qualities we hold dear: an easy, unhurried way of life, resilience, and quiet strength. It is the spirit we want every guest to feel.
Our founder, Jacky, grew up on this land. Her roots, together with the spirit of the Kobe tree, shape everything we do. From these roots, we invite you on your journey, where wildlife, culture, and nature come together to create a lasting memory.
Our roots. Your journey. A lasting memory.
Kobe Mara is an old property with a new soul and purpose. Founded by Jacky Sairowua and her family, it is the realisation of a Maasai woman’s dream to build her place in the tourism industry, on her own land and on her own terms.
Like most Maasai children, Jacky grew up surrounded by wildlife, watching visitors travel from around the world to experience the Mara each year. For her it was simply part of everyday life, familiar yet somehow distant. In her early twenties, after meeting and falling in love with her husband Mike, she began to see the Maasai Mara through new eyes, shaped in part by his work as a balloon pilot. What had always been her backyard became a place she valued deeply, and one she felt inspired to build her life around.
The first step was building the family home on her land, in the heart of the Mara. As friends and family came to stay, it became clear they had created something rare: a home in a truly remarkable place. From there, Jacky was moved to open that home to others, and the idea of Kobe Mara was born.
The early years were some of the happiest of Jacky’s life. Sharing her home, the wildlife of the Maasai Mara, and her culture with guests from around the world brought her immense joy.
The Kobe Mara you see today reflects that journey. Asked about the future, Jacky’s vision is clear: for Kobe to thrive as a sustainable business that supports families, uplifts the community, protects the ecosystem, and amplifies the voices of the emerging Maasai entrepreneurs shaping the future of tourism on their own land.
Kobe Mara is run almost entirely by our Maasai team, the people who bring this place to life every day.
Sammy is the driving force behind Kobe Mara. A proud Maasai from the north-western region of the Mara ecosystem, he brings deep experience and an even deeper connection to this place. His journey through hospitality is remarkable. He started out as a staff cook, then moved through housekeeping, returned as a guest chef, supported service teams, worked in maintenance, and even took the wheel as a driver. There are few roles in camp life that Sammy hasn’t done himself.
Over the years he took on greater responsibility as a safari guide, project manager and coordinator, before stepping into leadership as Assistant Camp Manager and then Eco-Camp Manager. Today, as our General Manager, he leads with the same dedication, calm confidence, and hands-on knowledge he has built along the way. His commitment to this industry, to the environment, and to the cultural heritage of his community inspires everyone around him, and we are proud to have him leading the Kobe Mara team.
Our Maasai team is at the heart of everything we do. They are more than guides, hosts, and hospitality professionals. They are storytellers, guardians of tradition, and warm ambassadors of a living culture that has shaped this land for centuries.
Hailing from communities across the Mara, each brings generations of knowledge, quiet strength, and a strong connection to nature. The bright red shúkà they wear is more than clothing. It is a symbol of bravery, unity, and identity, and their beadwork carries meaning passed down through time. Their values of respect, community, and resilience are woven into every interaction with our guests.
Whether you are heading out on a game drive, sharing stories around the fire, or simply enjoying the quiet of camp, our team is there to make your experience genuine and memorable. We are proud to work alongside them, and to celebrate the heritage they bring to Kobe Mara every day.
