Description

On the banks of the Mara River, this is a camp firmly rooted in safari tradition.
Echoing the explorer safari days of the 1920s, the Karen Blixen Camp boasts a wonderful setting on a wide sandy bend of the Mara River, and you could well spot many of the Mara’s biggest attractions without even leaving the camp. Pods of hippo inhabit the river, while elephants, giraffes, zebra and impala can be seen coming to drink throughout the day.

There are plenty of interesting activities on offer here. The camp’s private concession location – protecting more than 900 hectares via lease agreements with local Maasai landowners – means that night drives and guided game walks are possible. In the Mara North conservancy you’ll also find Leopard Gorge, a popular birthing ground and nursery area for big cats, and the Lemek Hills – an important area for a pack of endangered African wild dogs. Game drives are taken inside the conservancy, led by a highly knowledgeable driver/guide in vehicles with a maximum of six passengers.

‘Out of Africa’ author Karen Blixen was passionate about food, and there’s a focus here on fresh local produce. Meals are served in the restaurant or in the bush garden if you don’t want to miss any action down at the Mara River. For drinks, there’s an open-plan mess area on a raised wooden deck overlooking a well-known hippo area. Spacious tents front the Mara River, set on wooden platforms with decks offering wonderful wildlife viewing. Each has double or twin beds, a comfortable daybed, armchair and en suite bathroom with his and hers sinks and an outdoor shower. There’s 24-hour electricity courtesy of solar panels and a battery storing bank. Family tents consist of two tents with a shared deck.

Key information
On the banks of the Mara River in a private concession within the Mara North ConservancyAirport transfer time:45-minute flight from Nairobi’s Wilson airport to the Mara North Conservancy airstrip followed by a 40-minute drive Rooms:22
Accommodation information
22 tents

Activities
• Visit the Karen Blixen Hospitality School • Take an eco camp walk to discover how an eco-friendly camp is run out in the bush • Book a bush dinner under a beautiful lantern-strewn tree* • Embark on a night game drive.

Dining
Restaurant, lounge

What’s included
Lodge Package • Breakfast, lunch and dinner • Selected drinks including soft drinks, beer and house wine • Shared game drives in the Mara North Conservancy and 1 night game drive in the Mara North Conservancy • Airstrip transfers • Conservancy fees. NB – A full-day shared game drive into the Maasai Mara National Reserve is available on request; additional park fees are payable per person.