Head on a safari adventure beyond the expected! You stay two nights at Basecamp Mara, an award-winning eco-camp in the heart of the Masai Mara and end off with one night at the exclusive Eagle View Camp. In addition to morning and evening safaris where you can see lions, elephants, giraffes and other wild animals on the savannah, you can also participate in activities such as planting trees in the Obama Forest, visit the health clinic and school, visiting the Maasai women in the jewelry workshop, do a camp walk and learn more about what responsible tourism is really about.
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Ecorating: 4.0
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This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
Sample Itinerary
Arrive in Nairobi and then an onward domestic flight to the Masai Mara. You can also do a by road transfer. On arrival you are greeted by your Masai guide, check-in, lunch followed by information and safety briefing of the camp and the guides. Maybe time for a siesta. During the afternoon you head out on your first safari. Return to the camp, enjoy a hot shower under the stars, followed by dinner and stories by the fire. Listen to the sounds of the night while you snuggle in your cosy tent. Accommodation Basecamp Masai Mara.
Early in the morning you will be woken up so you don’t miss the morning activity on the savannah. Have a cup of coffee or tea before it’s time to leave. When you return, a tasty breakfast will be served. Lunch and siesta in your hammock before it’s time to take a safari to look for lions and giraffes and other wild animals. Return in time for dinner. Accommodation Basecamp Masai Mara.
Wake up early in the morning like the previous day and head out into the savannah or if you prefer to spend the morning on the veranda and observe the animals and birdlife while drinking your coffee. Do a “Talek Community Walk” – visit Obama forest, do a good deed: plant five trees for 25 USD, visit the health clinic or spend time with the Maasai women in the jewelry workshop – a fair trade craft project. All activities are guided by professional guides. A little later you will set off on your afternoon safari, perhaps in search of some special animal that you have not yet seen. Return in time for dinner and campfire. Overnight Basecamp Masai Mara.
Morning coffee when the sun rises, choose between looking for animals by the water hole from a jeep, or take a stroll with a guide to see nature wake up close. Head back to camp for breakfast and a little later you go back to Nairobi.
Trip details
Accommodation: 4.5
Hotel Standard: 4
Season: June – April
Airport: Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta (NBO)
Duration: 3 nights or as long as you wish
Eco Hotel: Basecamp Masai Mara & Eagle View
Price includes: Full board, double room, safari, transfer, Talek community visit, park tickets, round trip Nairobi-Masai Mara.
Good to know about Masai Mara: Is a large reserve in southwestern Kenya that is the continuation of Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The area is named after the Maasai (the traditional inhabitants of the area) and their description of the area when they looked from a distance: “Mara”, which is Maa (Masai language) for “spotted”, an apt description for the trees, bushes, savannah and cloud shadows that mark the area.
Travel etiquette: In Masai Mara, water is in short supply so use it sparingly. The Maasai are a proud people, always ask before taking photos. Bring small bills in local currency to be able to buy local crafts in the villages. Shake hands with those you meet – a code of courtesy here.
Mobile network and email: Email and internet access are available at the hotel. The mobile network works well. Basecamp management requests that you please use mobile phones discreetly.
Time zone: GMT + 3
Vaccinations: Read more about which vaccinations are required here.
Packing: On safari in Masai Mara you are normally 13-1500m above sea level, nights and evenings can be chilly. Bring a thicker sweater, good shoes to walk in. Bring a smaller backpack to carry water, binoculars, camera in. Soft bags are easier to pack in the cars you travel with, if you fly the maximum weight is 15kg pp. Mosquito nets are available but please bring mosquito spray.
Local currency: Kenyan Shilling
Please note: Kenya has introduced a ban on plastic bags and this is checked at customs. The introduction of plastic bags can result in hefty fines.
Weather: Masai Mara
Water: Clean water is available at the camp.
Safety: Your safety is our priority. In Nairobi you should not walk around alone and avoid certain places Down Town.
Entry requirements: All travelers to Kenya must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) and be approved to visit the country. Click on the link below and follow their instructions (Applicants should have their passports, travel information and payment cards ready). The price is 35 USD per person including children. If you are a family traveling, you can apply together. Apply no later than 3 weeks before departure… Read more here: Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
Wildlife trophies: Kenya works very consciously against all forms of poaching and trafficking of wildlife trophies. According to Kenya’s Wildlife Act, it is a criminal offense to bring any kind of bone, horn, tooth etc. from the savannah as well as larger shells from the coast. Leave what you find where it belongs. If you are caught with something in your luggage, it can result in long prison sentences and high fines.
Travel entry requirements: : All travelers to Kenya must apply for and be approved for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to visit the country. Click on the link below and follow their instructions (Applicants should have their passport and travel information and payment card ready). The price is 35 USD per person including children. If you are a family traveling, you can apply together. Apply no later than 3 weeks before departure. Se mer här: Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
Ecorating: 4.0
This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
Does my trip make a difference?
Read more
This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
Basecamp, Masai Mara & Naboisho, Kenya:
Your trip means that Basecamp Masai Mara can further invest in the best and most environmentally friendly and high-tech solutions. All electricity for heating, water technology, water heating and lighting comes from solar panels. Closed septic tanks are used for the toilets. All waste is sorted and materials are recycled and recycled from here as long as is practically possible. All organic waste is composted and used to improve the soil at the camp – including in Obama’s tree plantation. Water for the plantation comes from wastewater from baths, dishes and laundry. This water can easily be used for the purpose, as you only use environmentally friendly soap, dishwashing liquid and washing powder on site.
Basecamp offers experiences that are quite different, compared to other safari camps / hotels. In addition to classic jeep safaris, you can meet the women from BMB, which is a local art project, get to know the local community and hike with the local “Big Cat Scouts”.
Many of the adventures you will experience happen on foot along with guides from the Masai people. You will gain a deeper understanding of the conditions of life in this part of Africa, the culture and how to look at nature here.
Your trip contributes to the local economy, as 85% of the employees at Basecamp come from the local area. The camp invests in social programs to improve the area’s water supply, health, education, culture and then not least has started a shop where local women produce and sell traditional Masai jewelry.
Nature is the community’s greatest resource, so great emphasis is placed on preserving and protecting it. They work actively with tree erection, and run a nursery where over 50,000 new trees have been planted over the years – that is equivalent to about 20 hectares!
Your visit here also supports the camp’s project “Big Five”, a project focusing on nature, environment and health. Among other things, they have helped to drill for water, help residents with HIV / AIDS, they support the guide school Koiyiaki and “The Big Cat Conservation Program”.
The Mara Naboisho Conservancy has recently started a project that focuses on protecting a 26,000-hectare wilderness area, owned by a total of 500 owners. One will support a model where one jointly preserves and develops the area, so that tourism not only provides cash benefits now, but will continue to be a key part of the area’s economy – something that can only happen if one treats the area with respect for both nature and not least for the animals.
Awards, certifications and memberships:
Basecamp Explorer Kenya – Silver winner in the category for Best Responsible Cultural Experience at the African Responsible Tourism Awards 2018
Green World Award 2017 – Basecamp Explorer Kenya
Green Apple Award Gold Winner 2016 – Basecamp Masai Mara Forestation project
Overall Winner African Responsible Tourism Award 2016 – Naboisho Conservancy / Eagle View
Best Community Conservancy – Eco warrior Award 2015, Naboisho Conservancy / Eagle View
Basecamp Masai Mara – SKÅL Sustainable Tourism Award 2015
Basecamp Masai Mara – Gold Eco rated by EcoTourism Kenya 2010
Basecamp Masai Mara – SKAL International 2009 – best eco hotel in the world
Basecamp Masai Mara – Gold Eco rated by EcoTourism Kenya 2008
Basecamp Masai Mara – one of 50 Top Ecolodges in the world, National Geographic
Basecamp Masai Mara – First Choice Responsible Tourism Award 2005
Basecamp Masai Mara – Eco Warrior Award 2005
