Basecamp Masai Mara near Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.

Maasai Mara National Reserve’s Basecamp Review

Organically arranged along the riverfront, each elegantly styled canvas tent offers you solitude and privacy, while providing breathtaking panoramic views of the Talek River. Mornings at basecamp Masai Mara resonate with the melodies of over 250 bird species, and evenings glow warmly by the light of an open fire. It’s an inspiring setting, and this unpretentious camp is perfect for all the thrill and adventure of an authentic safari. Basecamp Masai Mara is a model of sustainable tourism, ensuring that all activities and facilities are designed to minimize environmental impact while providing guests with an authentic and luxurious safari experience. You’ll appreciate the chance to disconnect from modern-day stress and adhere to the “house rule” of keeping phones silent and out of sight in communal areas. After all, no one visits such a spectacular place to check a work report. However, should you need it, free Wi-Fi and reliable cell phone coverage are available at the main lodge and camp.

Each tent is equipped with a private en-suite bathroom, featuring two solar-heated showers – one inside the bathroom and another outside on your private deck, offering an incredible view while maintaining privacy. Outdoor showers are a hallmark of authentic, luxury safari camps, immersing you in the splendor of the African bush, seemingly far removed from civilization. In the main living room and dining area above, tents can be set up with either a king-size double or twin beds, and the family suite includes two tents with a shared deck, the family tent providing a larger private space for family gatherings after a safari drive or outdoor games in the evening.

The two-story communal lounge with its top-floor open-walled dining area is a guest favorite, and the Migration Bar – named after the great annual wildebeest migration – offers a relaxed setting to share stories with fellow guests at basecamp Masai Mara lodge. The main lodge is adjacent to the Talek River, and dinner is served among the treetops of the surrounding tropical forest. Alternatively, guests can dine outdoors at this eco-camp, where the welcoming staff will set up your table in picturesque locations, offering views of the wildlife and a unique perspective each evening. The dedicated team at Basecamp Masai Mara ensures the area’s natural beauty remains idyllic for every new wave of guests, exemplifying top-quality, affordable, and environmentally responsible experiences in the heart of nature.

Things to Do at Basecamp Masai Mara

Of course, a highlight of your stay at Basecamp Masai Mara is embarking on a game drive in the Sekenani sector of the Masai Mara National Reserve, accessible via the private bridge that crosses the Talek River from the camp. In addition to the traditional driving safari, Basecamp Masai Mara invites you to join guided walking safaris (for those aged 15+) and experience a bird’s-eye view of the park from a hot-air balloon trip (available at an additional cost). Your photos will be truly spectacular. Witnessing the migration in full swing is an unparalleled wildlife-watching experience, and while the animals’ exact timing can be unpredictable, July through September is the world the prime period to observe this magnificent natural spectacle, as countless animals move across the plains in a synchronized dance. It’s no wonder it’s considered the seventh natural wonder of the world.

The camp offers visits to local schools for those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the local culture and economy through cultural experiences. These trips can be especially meaningful for families, allowing you to compare and contrast the experience with your own, helping children connect with both the community and the nature of Kenya. In addition to these engaging and family-friendly excursions, Basecamp Masai Mara is an ideal destination for families with children. The basecamp staff is particularly welcoming to families, offering a kids’ club called the Dorobo Club, where children can learn local crafts, such as making their own clothes and jewelry, and engage with nature through activities like nature and butterfly catching. Be prepared for some early starts – the early bird catches the worm, and that’s certainly true in basecamp Masai Mara. Safari drives and community visits are scheduled for early mornings to maximize the day’s experiences before temperatures rise and everyone (and everything) seeks shade and hydration.

Tripadvisor Feedback Basecamp Masai Mara