Overview
Mara Explorer Camp is an intimate, adults-only safari retreat set in the heart of Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. Nestled beneath a canopy of ancient fig trees and positioned on a secluded bend of the Talek River, the camp offers one of the most exclusive safari experiences in the region. With just ten luxurious tents, Mara Explorer combines privacy, romance, and superb game-viewing right from your veranda — it’s not unusual to spot hippos wallowing below or elephants crossing the river nearby.
Renowned for its personalised service and attention to detail, the camp is a favourite for honeymooners, couples, and discerning travellers seeking a blend of adventure and indulgence. Rates are generally all-inclusive, covering accommodation, meals, most drinks, scheduled game drives, guided activities, and transfers to and from the nearest airstrip.
Access & Location
Mara Explorer Camp is located deep inside the Masai Mara National Reserve, close to the confluence of the Talek and Mara Rivers. This central position ensures prime game-viewing throughout the year and excellent access to the Great Migration river crossings between July and October.
The camp is best accessed via a 45-minute flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Ol Kiombo Airstrip, followed by a 20-minute game drive transfer. Road transfers are also possible, taking around 5–6 hours from Nairobi.
Accommodation & Facilities at Mara Explorer Camp
With only 10 luxurious riverside tents, Mara Explorer is designed for intimacy and seclusion. Each tent is built on a raised wooden platform with expansive views over the river, ensuring guests feel completely immersed in the wilderness.
- Tented Suites – The tents feature classic safari-style canvas walls, polished hardwood floors, and king-size beds draped with mosquito nets. Each has a private veranda with daybeds and loungers for relaxing between drives, and en-suite bathrooms complete with twin vanities, a flushing toilet, and a Victorian-style bathtub overlooking the river — perfect for a soak with a view. Outdoor showers under the trees add an extra touch of adventure.
- Design & Ambience – The interiors balance romance and rustic elegance, blending dark wood furniture, oriental rugs, soft lighting, and subtle Maasai influences. The open layout invites natural breezes and the sounds of the bush inside, creating a true “close-to-nature” experience without compromising on comfort.
Shared facilities include a central mess tent and an open-air deck where meals are served, often accompanied by the sounds of the river and the wildlife it attracts. The campfire area is a favourite gathering spot for evening sundowners and storytelling under the stars.
Available Activities at Mara Explorer Camp
Mara Explorer Camp focuses on highly personalised safari experiences, with flexible schedules tailored to each guest’s preferences. Activities include:
- Game Drives – Explore the Masai Mara with expert guides on morning, afternoon, or full-day game drives. The camp’s central location provides quick access to Big Five sightings and, during the migration, dramatic river crossings. Open 4×4 vehicles ensure panoramic views and great photography opportunities.
- Bush Dining – Enjoy gourmet bush breakfasts after early game drives or sundowners on the plains. Romantic private dinners by the riverbank or under the stars can be arranged for couples.
- Nature Walks – Accompanied by Maasai naturalists, short guided walks around the camp area provide insights into tracks, birdlife, and the smaller wonders of the ecosystem.
- Cultural Visits – Excursions to nearby Maasai villages offer guests the chance to learn about Maasai culture, traditions, and daily life.
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris – For a bird’s-eye view of the Mara, guests can opt for a hot air balloon safari, capped off with a champagne bush breakfast on the savannah.
- Photography – The riverside setting makes the camp ideal for wildlife photography. Professional guides and rangers help position guests for the best light and sightings.
Mara Explorer Camp is perfect for those seeking a luxury, intimate safari in the heart of the Masai Mara. With just ten tents, a spectacular riverside location, and a focus on romance and seclusion, it’s a top choice for couples, honeymooners, and seasoned safari travellers. Add to that outstanding game-viewing year-round, and Mara Explorer delivers an authentic yet indulgent East African safari experience.
