Mara Explorer Camp: Our full report

Located on a bend on the Talek River, Mara Explorer Camp is a smart camp with comfortable accommodation in ...

... a wildlife rich area of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. With only ten tents, accommodating a maximum of 20 guests, it provides a small and intimate setting for a relaxed Kenyan safari.

The camp is discreetly tucked in a small area of woodland on the north bank of the Talek River. It is an idyllic setting, hippos are frequent visitors here and you can also spot antelopes wondering down the banks to drink.

The main area consists of a lounge bar and dining area with a wooden deck to the front overlooking the river. Comfy chairs and sofas are piled with cushions while traditional beaded artwork hangs from the wall. Outside, there's a cosy firepit surrounded by directors’ chairs where guests gather with a drink and swap safari stories from the day. From here, flagstone paths wind through the trees to each of the tents, flanked by tall terracotta pots which seem to be a particular feature of the camp.

Mara Explorer Camp’s ten guest tents are nicely spaced out along the banks of the Talek, each with a wooden verandah and views over the river where animals can often be seen. They are well proportioned and relatively spacious, furnished with a rustic wooden bed, bedside table, wooden writing desk, tea and coffee facilities and lockable trunk for valuables. Seven tents have a fixed double bed, while three are arranged as twins. Soft cream fabrics and natural materials help them to feel in keeping with their surroundings, and viewed from the outside the tents appear to blend seamlessly into the trees. Each has an en-suite bathroom with a shower, twin wash basins, a hairdryer, bathrobes and complimentary toiletries. They also feature a Victorian-style claw-foot bathtub located outside on the wooden deck.

While there is no swimming pool at Mara Explorer Camp, staff can happily drive you to their larger sister camp, Mara Intrepids, if you wished to use the pool and facilities there. It's just a five-minute drive.

The main activities focus on game drives in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The Ol Kiombo region around the camp is arguably one of the most wildlife-rich areas in the Mara ecosystem and you can expect to have some fantastic sightings, although with a relatively high concentration of camps here it can also become fairly busy too. During the months of July and August this can be a great place to see the wildebeest migration, and it is only a short drive to the Mara River and several of the established crossing points for the herds. Explorer Mara can also arrange guided nature walks, included within the cost of your stay, which take place just outside the reserve boundary. Dining in the bush can also be arranged, which can be quite a special experience. These activities are accompanied by an armed ranger.

Our view

We liked this camp’s woodland setting, and with its small size and minimum age of 12, Mara Explorer has a more adult atmosphere than many camps in the region. Sitting on your verandah offers a real sense of peace and tranquility, though it's worth being aware when you go out on game drives that this part of the Mara gets busy with other visitors and their vehicles between July and October.

Lyndsey Marris

Kenya expert

Geographics

Location: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Ideal length of stay: Spend three or four nights here to explore the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Directions: Mara Explorer Camp is around a 10-minute drive from Ol Kiombo Airstrip.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Food quality: We didn't have a chance to eat at Mara Explorer Camp when we visited in 2023, but we understand the food here has a good reputation, and the camp prides itself on creating a range of fresh and tasty dishes with much of the produce coming from its own garden. Breakfast can either be served in camp, with fruit, pastries and a selection of hot items, or packed up to be taken on your morning safari. Lunch and dinner typically consist of a three course lunch menu and four courses at dinner, with a choice of main dishes. However they occasionally put on a buffet if the camp is full. Meals are varied and feature familiar international dishes. You might start with a creamy soup, followed by steak or roast chicken served with a side of vegetables, and perhaps followed by a slice of cake. Dining in the bush can also be arranged.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: Room service can be arranged on request
Drinks included: Most drinks are included with the exception of premium wines and spirits and Champagne.

Children

Attitude towards children: Best suited to adults and older teenagers.
Property’s age restrictions: Mara Explorer accepts children aged 12 and over.
Special activities & services: None
Equipment: None
Generally recommended for children: Mara Explorer Camp is unfenced and generally has more of a quiet, adult atmosphere. It's better suited to adults and more mature teenagers who would enjoy the relaxed ambiance.

Communications

Power supply notes: Mara Explorer currently operates a generator, however they have plans to install a solar system. There is power between 05:00 and 23:00, however the generator is turned off overnight. The tents have UK style 3-pin plugs and overnight charging can be arranged.
Communications: There is WiFi throughout the camp, both in the tents and communal area.
TV & radio: There is no TV in camp.
Water supply: Borehole
Water supply notes: Bathrooms are fully plumbed and hot water is currently only available between 05:00 – 10:00, and between 17:00 – 22:00 for showers. If you require hot water outside these times then this can be arranged with prior notice.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: Staff are first-aid trained and there is a doctor located at their neighbouring sister camp, Mara Intrepids.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: Askaris (guards) patrol the camp at night, and after dark you'll be escorted between your tent and the communal areas.
Fire safety: Staff are fire-safety-trained and there are fire extinguishers dotted throughout the camp.

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: A one-day laundry service is included. All items are machine washed.
Money: Small amounts of currency can be exchanged if required.
Accepted payment on location: Mara Explorer accepts all major currencies including USD, GBP, Euros and Kenya Shillings. Most major credit and debit cards are accepted, with the exception of Amex, however there is a card charge of around 3%.