Basecamp Masai Mara is an eco-safari camp situated on the banks of the Talek River, the natural border to the Masai Mara National Reserve. One of the Mara's first eco camps, it offers accommodation in 17 tented rooms built from canvas, clay, grass thatch and wood so as to blend in with their natural surroundings.
At the centre of the camp is a large, double-storey lounge, dining and bar area, constructed with chunky wooden beams, natural stone and thatch. Lounge chairs, sofas and a cosy sit-up bar create a very relaxed vibe. Separate to the main hub area is a fire pit, where an evening sundowner is usually enjoyed prior to dinner, and a winding viewing platform overlooking the Talek River.
Basecamp Masai Mara is the sister camp to Basecamp Eagle View and Basecamp Dorobo, both also located in the Masai Mara. It is open throughout the year, including in the green season.
Accommodation
Basecamp Masai Mara accommodates its guests in 17 double tents, scattered along the banks of the Talek River. Each tent is raised on wooden decking and opens onto a private verandah with a view over the river and into the Masai Mara.
Constructed with all-natural materials - no concrete here - the riverside tents are supported by timber frames and sheltered under thatch. They have been spaced far apart to allow for privacy – also helped by the dense vegetation that lines the banks of the Talek River. Cosy interiors feature roughly-cut wooden furnishings and Maasai fabrics. The en-suite bathrooms are equipped with outdoor camp showers and eco toilets (non-flush).
Dining
Meals are taken at individual tables (as opposed to a shared dining table), either outdoors or in the double-storey dining and lounge area. The menus are fixed, though all dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice.
Activities
Game drives into the Masai Mara
Talek community visits
Guided walks outside the National Reserve
Child Policy
Basecamp Masai Mara is well-suite to families. All ages are accepted (though under 15s cannot join the guided walks), and special activities such as bow and arrow making can be arranged for children.
Environmental Policy
Built in 1998, Basecamp Masai Mara was one of the first eco-lodges in the Masai Mara, and continues to serve as a good example of sustainable tourism. The area of the Talek River where the lodge is situated was once overgrazed, but has now been replanted with over 70,000 trees.
A majority of the staff at Basecamp Masai Mara are recruited from the local community around Talek.
