At Kobe Mara, we offer more than a safari stay—we offer an authentic connection to the Maasai Mara. Imagine wildebeest passing in front of your room, cuckoos calling from the branches of the Kobe tree, hyenas cackling at night, and Maasai herders moving with their cattle—reminders that the camp exists within the ecosystem, not apart from it.
“Kobe” means tortoise in Swahili, a name inspired by the iconic tree in front of Kobe House, shaped by giraffes and elephants into the form of a tortoise. The tortoise reflects qualities we value: an easy, unhurried way of life, resilience, and quiet strength—just like the experience we aim to offer.
Our founder, Jacky, grew up on this land, and her roots, combined 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.”
Sammy is the driving force behind Kobe Mara. A proud Maasai from the northwestern region of the Mara ecosystem, he brings both experience and a deep connection to this place. His journey through hospitality is remarkable: starting out as a staff cook, then working in housekeeping, returning as a guest chef, supporting service teams, working in maintenance and even behind the wheel as a driver. There are few roles in camp life that Sammy hasn’t done himself.
Over the years he has taken on bigger responsibilities, working as a safari guide driver, project manager and coordinator, before stepping into leadership roles as Assistant Camp Manager and Eco-Camp Manager. Today, as our General Manager, he leads with the same dedication, calm confidence and hands-on knowledge he’s built along the way.
Sammy’s commitment to this industry, the environment and the cultural heritage of his community continues to inspire everyone he works with. We’re incredibly proud to have him leading the Kobe Mara team.
At Kobe Mara, 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 member of our team brings generations of knowledge, quiet strength, and a deep connection to nature. Their bright red shúkà is more than just clothing—it is a symbol of bravery, unity, and identity. Their beadwork carries meaning passed down through time. And their values of respect, community, and resilience are woven into every interaction with our guests.
Whether you’re heading out on a game drive, sharing conversations around the fire, or simply enjoying being at camp, our team is there to make your experience genuine, thoughtful, and memorable. We are proud to work alongside them and to celebrate the heritage they bring to Kobe Mara every day.
Like most Maasai children, Jacky grew up surrounded by wildlife, watching as visitors from around the world came to experience the Mara each year. For her, it was part of everyday life — familiar, yet distant. In her early twenties, after meeting and falling in love with her husband Mike, she began to see the Maasai Mara from a new perspective, shaped in part by his experiences as a balloon pilot. It was no longer just her backyard, but an environment she came to value deeply — and one she felt inspired to build her life around.
The first step toward this vision was building their family home on her land in the heart of the Mara. As friends and family visited, it quickly became clear they had created something special — a home in a truly remarkable place. From this, Jacky was inspired to open their home to others, and the idea of Kobe Mara was born.
The early years of Kobe Mara were some of the happiest of Jacky’s life. Sharing her home, the Maasai Mara’s wildlife, and her culture with guests from around the world brought her immense joy.
The Kobe Mara you see today reflects that journey. When asked about the future, Jacky’s vision is clear: to see Kobe thrive as a sustainable business that supports families, uplifts the community, protects the ecosystem, and amplifies the voices of emerging Maasai entrepreneurs shaping the future of tourism on their land.
Kobe Mara is an unfenced property with unobstructed savanna views and a high diversity of wildlife present. There is a waterhole in front of the Kobe House veranda which attracts daily animal visits.
Directly next to the exclusive Zebra Barrier gate of the Maasai Mara National Reserve and bordering the Olare-Motorogi Conservancy (OMC). Just outside of national reserve on private land which avoids park entry and community fees when staying at Kobe.
Our property is located on a ridge overlooking the Maasai Mara National Reserve and Oloololo Escarpment. Our accommodations are positioned towards the setting sun allowing for magical sunsets.
A Maasai woman is one of our company directors and shareholders, and most of our team comes from nearby Maasai communities. By staying with us you directly support local livelihoods and community driven conservation.
At Kobe Mara we are committed to minimizing our environmental impact through a range of sustainable practises:
