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Guide to Karen Blixen Camp in Mara North Conservancy

Imagine a dream come to life at Karen Blixen Camp. Nestled along the Mara River, this eco-conscious luxury retreat offers an unforgettable blend of romance, family bonding, and adventure. 

You’ll find yourself in one of the most secluded and pristine wildlife conservancies in the Mara North Conservancy, where the landscape stretches out with unspoiled views over the river and vast, open plains. At Karen Blixen Camp, both excitement and serenity are always at your fingertips, creating the perfect balance for your getaway.

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Overview of Karen Blixen Camp

Embrace Your Adventurous Spirit at a Classic Safari Camp Near Mara River

Karen Blixen Camp offers you a charming, timeless experience, reminiscent of the 1920s, where you can step into the world of a classic African safari. The camp is set in a stunning location where elephants, giraffes, zebras, and impalas roam freely to quench their thirst at the nearby river. You might also catch sight of hippos and other wildlife resting along the riverbanks, enjoying a peaceful break.

Each tent is thoughtfully placed on a raised platform along the river, with a spacious private deck offering you breathtaking views of hippos and birds as they enjoy the water. The tents, made from durable canvas, provide a serene escape with nothing but the soothing sound of the river and the sweet melody of birds to lull you into relaxation. Inside, you’ll find Persian rugs, dark wood floors, and an elegant yet simple design that offers both luxury and comfort. The tents are equipped with a double or twin bed, a cozy daybed, an armchair, and an en-suite bathroom featuring an outdoor shower. For families, there are larger tents available with a shared deck between two tents.

As a solar-powered and eco-friendly retreat, Karen Blixen Camp is committed to sustainability and protecting the local environment. The camp actively supports the surrounding Maasai community, offering educational programs in IT, foreign languages, and literacy. You can even participate in the camp’s conservation efforts by planting a tree on the grounds, with a small fee contributing to the cause.

When it comes to facilities, you’ll find plenty to enjoy at Karen Blixen Camp. Families love the spacious swimming pool and sun loungers, perfect for relaxing and unwinding. The camp also boasts a spa and a gift shop, offering a selection of products and services to make your stay even more memorable. The restaurant, reception area, lounge, and bar ensure that you have everything you need during your visit.

Dining at Karen Blixen Camp is a treat, with meals served in the beautiful bush garden, where you can watch the wildlife at the Mara River while enjoying your meal. The open-plan dining area provides stunning views of a popular hippo spot, offering the perfect setting for a sunset drink. The chefs at the camp prepare a variety of fresh, delightful dishes inspired by English, Italian, Danish, African, and international cuisines, often using ingredients from the camp’s own organic garden.

Things to Do at Karen Blixen Camp

Your adventure at Karen Blixen Camp begins with the unforgettable experience of a game drive. Each day, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on both a morning and evening safari through the Mara North Conservancy. If you’re lucky, you might even venture into the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve to witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration. With small groups of just six people, the game drives offer a more personal encounter with the wildlife, allowing you to get up close to elusive leopards, endangered wild dogs, and the impressive big cats. As the day fades and the stars take over the sky, a night safari lets you experience the African wilderness in an entirely different light. Once the drive concludes, enjoy a late dinner by the fire, exchanging stories under the vast, open sky.

For those craving a more intimate connection with nature, the camp offers guided walking safaris and nature walks through the conservancy (available at an extra charge). These excursions provide an opportunity to explore the area on foot, discovering the diverse birdlife and smaller wildlife that often go unnoticed during game drives. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the indigenous plants and their use in local medicinal and spiritual practices, offering a deeper understanding of the region’s natural heritage.

Another exciting way to explore the savannah is by taking to the sky in a hot-air balloon. At dawn, you’ll ascend above the Mara North Conservancy, enjoying sweeping views of the landscape as the sun rises over the horizon. The serenity and beauty of the savannah from above is a rare experience, providing an entirely new perspective of this magnificent region (additional fees apply).

After a day of adventure, the camp’s tranquil spa offers the perfect space to unwind. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating African Kukanda massage, performed by skilled therapists trained in traditional techniques. Whether you choose to relax in the comfort of your private veranda or enjoy the soothing atmosphere of the spa, you’ll find the perfect treatment to refresh your mind and body. If you’re looking to cool off, the camp’s pristine swimming pool provides an idyllic setting to relax and take in the breathtaking views of the savannah, surrounded by the beauty of acacia and olive trees.

Exclusive Stay 3, Pay 2 Offer at Karen Blixen Camp

Take advantage of an exclusive offer at Karen Blixen Camp and extend your Masai Mara adventure! Book three nights in the stunning Mara North wilderness, and only pay for two.

This special deal is available for stays between 1 April 2025 and 30 June 2025, as well as 1 November 2025 to 22 December 2025. The promotion applies to full adult sharing and cannot be combined with other offers. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunit

Tripadvisor Feedback of Karen Blixen Camp

"I stayed here 10 years ago and remembered it as magical and amazing. I was worried it might have changed… it did.. it was even better!! Empapa was our phenomenal guide and the trip was fantastic! The food is gorgeous, the staff are welcoming and you can feel how much they give and care for the local community! We are so many animals and we felt a part of the Masai."
"We stayed at Karen Blixen for 4 nights sharing a family tent (two tents with a shared balcony). The camp is in the North Mara Conservancy, which is a wonderful, peaceful place to see the wildlife because of controls in place around safari vehicles. One day with crossed into the National Reserve (to see the Great Migration) which was far, far busier - we were in a traffic jam to see a leopard!!! The Blixen Camp is located in a fantastic spot by a watering hole on the Mara river, meaning there’s always animals to see and hippos wallowing in the water. We were exceptionally well looked after by our guide Lorna, and I particularly recommend taking a tour of the camp - super interesting to see how it runs. Thanks for a memorable stay!"

Book Your Stay at Karen Blixen Camp

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? 🦁🌍 Book your unforgettable stay at Masai Mara with us!

Experience the magic of the wild like never before. Reach out today at safarioffers@ajkenyasafaris.com or james@ajkenyasafaris.com, or call/WhatsApp us at +254 748 258880. Your dream safari awaits! 🌿🐾