Basecamp Masai Mara is an eco-friendly safari camp located along the Talek River, bordering Kenya’s world famous Masai Mara National Reserve. Established in 1998, the camp is known for its commitment to sustainable tourism, conservation, and community engagement. It offers a blend of comfort and authenticity, featuring 17 spacious river facing tents, including two family tents. Each tent is designed to immerse guests in nature while providing essential amenities such as en-suite bathrooms, hot water showers, and private terraces with stunning views of the savannah.
Guests at Basecamp Masai Mara can enjoy a variety of safari activities, including guided game drives, birdwatching, and cultural visits to Maasai villages. The camp’s Maasai guides offer deep insights into the land and wildlife, enhancing the safari experience. Unique experiences such as guided walking safaris and hot air balloon rides provide breathtaking perspectives of the Mara’s diverse landscape and abundant wildlife, including the Big Five and seasonal wildebeest migration. Basecamp Masai Mara’s close proximity to the Talek River allows guests to witness wildlife interactions right from their tents.
Beyond providing a luxury safari experience, Basecamp Masai Mara is dedicated to conservation and community empowerment. The Enjoolata Awareness and Training Centre, located at the camp, promotes Maasai cultural heritage and environmental sustainability through education programs and initiatives. The camp actively supports reforestation efforts, women’s empowerment projects, and sustainable tourism practices to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Mara. This holistic approach makes Basecamp Masai Mara not just a safari destination, but also a model for responsible tourism in Kenya.
Best Time to Visit Basecamp Masai Mara
The best time to visit Basecamp Masai Mara depends on what you want to experience:
July to October (Great Migration Season) – This is the peak season when millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River, attracting predators like lions and crocodiles. It’s the most dramatic wildlife spectacle but also the busiest time.
December to February (Best for Predator Sightings) – The dry season offers excellent game viewing, as animals gather around water sources, making it easier to spot big cats, elephants, and other wildlife.
March to May (Green Season, Fewer Tourists) – The rainy season transforms the Mara into a lush, green paradise. There are fewer crowds, and although roads can be muddy, this is the best time for photography and birdwatching.
June & November (Shoulder Seasons) – A mix of great wildlife viewing and fewer tourists, making it a good balance between price, crowds, and safari experience.
How to Get to Basecamp Masai Mara
By Air
Daily flights from Wilson Airport (Nairobi) to Olkiombo Airstrip, the closest airstrip to Basecamp Masai Mara. The flight takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, followed by a 30 to 45 minute game drive to the camp.
By Road
A 5 to 6 hour drive from Nairobi via Narok, covering about 240 km. Roads are partly paved, but the last stretch inside the Mara can be rough, especially during the rainy season. 4×4 vehicles are recommended for comfort and reliability.
