One Nature Mara River: Northern Serengeti
Seven spacious, wood and glass villas are raised on a stone platform and illuminated by natural light that filters in from long translucent sliding doors. Indoors and outdoors seems to merge at this private, ultra-luxury accommodation in the Mara region of Tanzania.
One Nature Mara River opened in 2024, a sister property to One Nature’s upscale Nyaruswiga lodge in the Central Serengeti. Recent guests to this secondary, even more posh iteration of the boutique hotel have called it a once-in-a-lifetime experience “with every comfort you could imagine.”
Its proximity to the Mara River allows guests a privileged view of herds crossing the water during the Great Migration through Serengeti National Park. With only seven villas (each with an attending butler), the peace and privacy here is incredible.
Each villa has its own secluded deck and heated pool, indoor and outdoor showers, outdoor copper bathtub, an emperor-sized bed with high-end linens, a seating area, fireplace, bar, air conditioning and other luxuries.
“But the view … wow … it was absolutely stunning,” a reviewer wrote. “We opened the sliding glass doors, and it was like stepping into a beautiful picture. We spent hours just relaxing by our private pool, soaking in the view, it was the most peaceful and perfect spot.”
One Nature is not only opulent but it’s also family friendly. It offers extra space and time to younger guests through its Little ONEderers program with wildlife encounters and interactive activities for children.
While six of the villas are already a generous 150 square meters, larger groups and families can stretch out even more in the huge 291 square meter presidential villa. It has the same features as the other six plus an extra bedroom for the children.
This all-inclusive sanctuary is in the Northern Serengeti, about a 30-minute drive from the Kokatende Airstrip. After long days of seeking out Africa’s Big Five on wildlife game drives, return to be pampered with five-star service and cozy comforts.
All meals and drinks are covered here, along with laundry service, your butler (of course), game drives, WiFi, and return airstrip transfers. The property is open throughout the year, but July through October are the best months to see herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelles crossing the river.
Share safari stories with new friends at the lodge’s authentic boma, an outdoor space for gathering on the grounds. Lounge in one of the communal areas by the fireplace with a book. The bar is stocked with fine wines.
Have a meal in the stylish dining area or outdoor space: Some guests referred to the food as incredible, calling it “fine dining on a high scale.”
Need to work off that big meal? There’s an air-conditioned gym on site that also offers great views.
The landscapes and wildlife are especially attractive to shutterbugs. One Nature Mara River has its own photography area just outside the lodge atop a huge rock. Here, photographers can rent high-quality gear to capture shots of the Great Migration. If the timing is right, they can spot thousands of wildebeest, zebra, Thomson’s gazelle and other migratory animals cross the crocodile-infested Mara River waters to reach the Serengeti plains.
A recent guest said in her Google review that this was a trip she’ll never forget: “The mix of luxury, amazing service, and incredible wildlife … we’re already excited to visit their other Serengeti lodge next year!”
