Basecamp Masai Mara was the first eco-lodge to be built within the Masai Mara area of Kenya and for its outstanding and consistent efforts has been awarded the Eco-Tourism Gold Award. They reuse most of their water and have a system in which fat is separated from it so that it can be used in their organic gardens.
With regards to the architecture of the camp, concrete has been used sparingly; most of the building has been carried out using renewable materials such as sustainably sourced wood as well as plenty of mud. Within the tents themselves much of the furnishings have been made traditionally by local Masai communities to encourage visitors to learn more about the destination that they are visiting and the cultures that inhabit it.
Lodge Details
Style
A small, tented camp with a huge focus placed on responsible tourism and a relaxed atmosphere.
Setting
Situated on the Talek River itself just 2km east from Talek Gate; Basecamp Masai Mara is on private Masai land next to the national reserve.
Accommodation & Facilities
There are 12 tents in Basecamp Masai Mara, one of which is a family suite; they are all perched on wooden platforms situated next to the Talek River. They are all extremely spacious and offer a lot of privacy due to the amount of spacing between the tents. All of the tents are en-suite with hot outdoor showers as well as your own private verandas where you can relax and watch the wildlife wander past.
The Basecamp Masai Mara has a huge focus on promoting gender sensitivity throughout Kenya, giving women and girls the same opportunities as men and boys. The owner of Basecamp Masai Mara is the only female camp owner in the area. A percentage of the cost of each person’s stay is donated to an education fund mainly focusing on young girls. Basecamp are also supporting a masters student at Moi University. At the camp itself 95% of the 43 staff are from the local area- of which ten are women.
Dining
All meals are included at Basecamp Masai Mara and the dishes served are home-made locally inspired recipes. There are vegetarian options available, however these do need to be requested in advance. If you decide to embark upon a walking safari there is also the option to take a packed lunch with you and enjoy it in the bush.
Activities
The main focus at Basecamp Masai Mara is on game drives and seeing as much of the thriving flora and fauna as possible in the Masai Mara National Reserve. These will take place in covered 4x4 safari vehicles- the roof can be popped open as well. Walking safaris will also take place with the assistance of your very own Masai guide. Local visits to neighbouring villages and schools are also extremely valuable as they will give you first-hand experience in witnessing exactly how much the lodge’s efforts benefit the local Talek community.
Child Policy
Children are welcome at Basecamp Masai Mara, however please note that the minimum age for walking safaris is 16 years old.
