Basecamp Masai Mara is an affordable tented, riverside, safari eco-camp located in the dense tropical forest foliage along the Talek River right on the doorstep to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Home to the highest density of wildlife in the world, the Maasai Mara is renowned for superb Big Five game viewing and the spectacular annual Wildebeest Migration.

Highlights
  • 17 spacious, ensuite riverside eco-tents along the banks of the Talek River
  • Front-row views of the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve
  • Direct access to Maasai Mara National Reserve via a private footbridge
  • Maximum privacy and comfort afforded by the dense riverbed foliage
  • Excellent base for embarking on game drives inside nearby Maasai Mara National Reserve
  • Over 300 species of birds in the surrounding tropical forest area
  • Unique cultural exchanges with the Maasais at the Enjoolata Awareness Centre

Located on the north banks of the Talek River, the natural border to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Basecamp Masai Mara is a Gold Eco-Rated tented safari camp that offers affordable, secluded accommodation for nature-lovers and adventure-seekers alike.

Eco-friendly, riverine safari camp

Basecamp Masai Mara has 17 spacious canvas and mosquito-screened tents resting beneath thatched roofs on wooden platforms that face the Talek River. The en-suite tents are fitted with bio-flush toilets and solar-heated, open-air safari showers.

Each tent walks onto a private balcony where guests can seek refuge from the midday heat on recliners and hammocks in the forest shade. Fifteen tents have king-size or twin beds and the remaining two family tents come with two separate wings with double beds, a shared en-suite bathroom area, and a larger balcony to accommodate families or small groups who wish to socialise outdoors in private.

The high-ceilinged, double-storied guest lounge and dining area have a wooden viewing balcony with an open-air bar and comfortable sofas.

Wildlife and cultural activities

Activities at Basecamp Maasai Mara include pop-top roof, closed-vehicle game drives in neighbouring Maasai Mara National Reserve. The reserve can be accessed within fifteen minutes when the water in the Talek River is high. For most of the year, however, when the water is low, guests take a short walk with the guide over the camp's private footbridge into the reserve to a vehicle pick-up point where their game drive begins. Some of the wildlife guests can expect to encounter include buffalo, cheetah, eland, elephant, giraffe, hippo, leopard, lion, spotted hyena, wildebeest, and zebra.

Guests interested in experiencing local culture can take a guided two-hour walk to the Talek community area where they can expect to visit the local school, learn more about the local economy and meet a group of Maasai women who make crafts souvenirs.

Getting there

By air - From Ol Kiombo airstrip it's a 45-min drive to Basecamp Masai Mara with the opportunity to spot game along the way.

By road - Basecamp Masai Mara is accessible by road from Nairobi. It takes approx five hours. Please ask us about arranging a road transfer for you.

Our take on Basecamp Masai Mara

Barack Obama stayed at Basecamp Maasai Mara when he visited Kenya two years before he became US president and it's clear why the former president chose this charming camp. The camp is manned by staff who love what they do and who take their adopted mission of sustainable tourism very seriously. Basecamp Masai Mara is affordable, accessible, and environmentally responsible.

Includes
  • Accommodation and all meals
  • Free WiFi
  • Mineral water
  • Shared game drive safaris
  • Masai Mara Park fees
  • Airstrip transfers
Excludes
  • Drinks
  • Domestic and international flights
You may also want to look at
Feature budget masai mara safari game drive
6 Day Masai Mara Budget Safari
6 days
From
$3,015
£2,357
€2,760
R56,299
pp sharing

Our 6-Day Masai Mara Budget Safari delivers some of the best game viewing opportunities in East Africa, for an affordable price. This fully guided, small group safari overnights in eco-friendly, en-suite tents along the banks of the Talek River on the edge of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Book early to avoid disappointment!

Maasai Mara Reserve
Maasai Mara National Reserve

The Maasai Mara, Kenya. Also sometimes written as the Masai Mara. It's said that you won't find a greater abundance of game anywhere in Africa, as you will in Kenya's Maasai Mara National Park. Apart from the Big Five, the reserve is home to an incredible variety of wildlife in large numbers like the annual wildebeest migration involving over 1.5 million animals.

Share