Basecamp Wilderness Camp: Our full report

Formerly a simple encampment of dome tents, known as Basecamp Dorobo Fly Camp, Basecamp Wilderness Camp is ...

... set in a peaceful valley in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy and now consists of eight simple safari tents, with ensuite bathrooms and safari showers. It is co-owned with Eagle View Camp, by the Basecamp Foundation.

Please note: Basecamp Wilderness closed during the Covid pandemic. Please ask us at Expert Africa for news of its re-opening.

Although Basecamp Wilderness Camp is only 3km from Basecamp Eagle View, its larger sister camp, it has a remote setting in the quiet Saddle Valley.

The small main area is tented with comfy director's chairs and a sofa, and has rugs on the canvas floor giving it a more homely feel. Meals are served at tables in the dining tent, which is also covered by canvas walls and equipped with director's chairs, or served outside on the verdant front lawn. A table in the corner of the dining tent serves as the honesty bar with a selection of drinks to help yourself from.

The eight tented rooms at Basecamp Wilderness Camp, including seven standard tents and one family tent (#4) consisting of a double and twin bedroom, each with their own ensuite bathroom and connected by a small central area with a writing desk, are relatively spacious and well furnished in neutral tones. Bright rugs adorn the floors, brining a splash of colour. Double or twin beds placed in front of a dark wood headboard are covered with white linen and a cream cable-knit blanket and cushions. At one side is an en-suite bathroom with a single ceramic basin, flush toilet, and bucket shower. Toiletries are provided. In front of the tent, under a shade cloth, you'll find comfortable seating where you can sit and admire the view.

The main activities at Wilderness Camp revolve around game drives and night drives, with guides brought in from Basecamp Eagle View or Basecamp Maasai Mara. Walking is another option from Basecamp Wilderness, led by an armed ranger, your guide, and some of the Maasai security team who will be equipped with spears.

In common with all properties in the Mara region, early-morning balloon flights can be booked at Basecamp Wilderness Camp. These last approximately one hour, followed by a bush breakfast with sparkling wine and then a game drive, arriving back at camp around mid-morning. There are several launch areas and you can expect to be woken as early as 4.00am to be picked up by the balloon crew and taken to the launch site.

Our view

Basecamp Wilderness, with its classic facilities and unfussy meals, is a real opportunity to experience the Naboisho wilderness with the people of the local community – the Maasai camp staff and askaris. Although we haven’t stayed here before, we recently called in for a visit and really liked the elegant simplicity of the camp's design and its peaceful location. Whilst bucket showers nod to the traditional safari experience, the camp lacks nothing in comfort and quality of service.

Lyndsey Marris

Kenya expert

Geographics

Location: Maasai Mara Conservancies, Kenya
Ideal length of stay: Two to three nights allows suitable time to explore the conservancy from this comfortable base. Wilderness Camp also works well in combination with Basecamp Maasai Mara or Basecamp’s Eagle View, and it's possible to game walk between the two with the latter.
Directions: Access is via Ol Seki/Naboisho airstrip with a transfer time of around fifteen minutes, depending on whether you stop for game-viewing.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Food quality: Although we only had time to have breakfast here, it was very tasty, and we understand that all meals are of a similar standard.

A full cooked breakfast is served alongside a range of fruit, cereals, fresh yoghurt and smoothies, either in the bush or back at camp. Alternatively, you can take a picnic breakfast with you on game drives to extend your morning watching the wildlife.

As with all other sister-properties, there is a vegetarian and non-vegetarian option for both starters and mains from which to choose from.

Lunch usually includes a soup starter, followed by pasta, lasagne, or quiche and a salad, followed by dessert.

Dinner is usually a three-course plated meal which generally includes meat and a selection of vegetables, followed by a dessert. This is can be enjoyed in camp or out in the bush, beneath the stars.

Dietary requirements are catered for with advanced notice.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: Meals can be served at the tents if requested.
Drinks included: House drinks are included.

Children

Attitude towards children: Wilderness Camp accepts children of all ages, although children must be a minimum of 12+ to go on walking safaris.
Property’s age restrictions: There is no minimum age.
Special activities & services: The team can arrange small nature walks around camp, swimming activities at Eagle View, and children can enjoy Basecamp's Young Explorer Club.
Equipment: Highchairs and baby cots can be provided upon request.
Generally recommended for children: We don’t recommend this camp for very young children as the area is quite bushy and there is lots of game around.

Communications

Power supply notes: There are plugs in the tents for charging equipment.
Communications: There is cellphone signal and Wi-Fi in the guest tents, but not in the communal areas.
TV & radio: No
Water supply: Borehole
Water supply notes: Water is heated by solar power and guests should request for water to be heated around 30 minutes in advance for bucket showers to allow the water to warm up.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: The nearest doctor or hospital is in Talek which is 20km away and about an hour by road. Wilderness Camp has links to the flying doctor service.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: Askaris patrol for animals around the unfenced camp and there are first aid kits in the lounge area and vehicles.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in all tents and the communal area.

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Night drive
Private activities

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Laundry is included, apart from ladies' delicates, and soap is provided in the rooms for handwashing.
Money: There are safes in every guest tent.

There is no currency exchange.
Accepted payment on location: All credit cards are accepted with no surcharge, and Basecamp Wilderness accepts cash in Kenyan shilling, GBP sterling, US dollars and euros. There is a staff gratuity box in the lounge area.