01.15.2025
Out on the savannah in Masai Mara, it is as if time stands still. The local Masai people dress in their traditional colorful costumes, completely unaffected by modern fashion. The animals roam where they always have—peacefully in harmony with the local population. Experiencing a safari here, meeting the amazing people, and staying in unique accommodations leaves a lasting impression.
For many years, we have collaborated with Basecamp Explorer (now Saruni Basecamp) for our safari trips to the Masai Mara, which has unique campsites around the Masai Mara and Samburu regions. They explain themselves best:
“Conservation of land and wildlife, partnership with the local communities to ensure they benefit from it, safari tourism as a tool for protecting the web of life in Kenya and in Africa, changing the life of our guests making them actors of change, not only witnesses.”
Basecamp Masai Mara: An encounter with nature and sustainability
We started our adventure at Basecamp Masai Mara, the original camp of Basecamp Explorer (now Saruni Basecamp) in Kenya. Here, everything revolves around sustainability and the interaction between nature, wildlife, and people. Basecamp has set the standard for sustainable tourism in the region, and this is evident in everything from solar-powered energy to involving the local community in everything they do.
We land on the airstrip in the middle of the bush, where our fantastic guide, who will accompany us throughout the trip, meets us. Already on the way from the airstrip to the camp, we have our first encounters with animals. Wildlife comes very close to the camp, which is surrounded by a river where the animals tend to come for water. From our luxurious tented camp, we have a panoramic view of the savannah, and at every meal we sit and enjoy the sight of wildlife “right” over there.
Here, safaris take place early in the morning and in the afternoon, when the animals are most active. We drive out while it is still dark, in search of “The Big Five” and many other animals. It is magical to see the savannah come to life – from the quiet, cool darkness of night, through the golden light of dawn, to the vibrant energy and activity of the day. A little way off, several hot air balloons are about to take off at sunrise, a spectacular sight! We get up close to both lion families and elephants, while learning about the area's unique ecosystem from knowledgeable guides. The afternoon safari offers its own magic, as we find the lion family from this morning again and never tire of sitting and studying these mighty creatures. At sunset, we see a whole family of hippos frolicking in the river as they sum up the day's events.
In the evenings, we gather around the campfire under a starry sky to share the highlights of the day. We enjoy delicious dinners and go to bed in a made-up bed with a hot water bottle under the duvet. The lights go out and we fall asleep to the sound of wild animals right outside the tent. Tomorrow will be another exciting day.
Saruni Mara: Style and comfort in the heart of the wilderness
The next stop is Saruni Mara, an intimate and stylish lodge that feels like a small oasis in the middle of the wilderness. This camp is known for its luxury combined with a sense of seclusion. There are no tents here, but villas, and each villa has its own theme. Each unit is located in such a way that you feel alone in the wilderness.
The wildlife around Saruni Mara is rich, and the nature here is completely different from the previous area we visited. Safari is not just about checking animals off a list, but about truly understanding their place in this amazing ecosystem. And taking some pictures along the way, of course. And hopefully see a lion eating its fill of the day's prey, but that's also a big bonus if you're lucky enough to experience it. We were lucky, and took lots of pictures.
The meals at this camp are absolutely fantastic, and can be enjoyed either at a bush dinner or on the restaurant terrace overlooking the surrounding nature. Sitting here and eating a delicious dinner while listening to the sounds of wildlife around you is very special. When we go to bed at night, the fireplace in our villa is lit and we feel the lovely warmth from the flames before we go to sleep in our own comfortable bedrooms.
Saruni Eagle View: Safari with panoramic views
Our last stop was Saruni Eagle View, which undoubtedly lives up to its name. The camp is located high up with spectacular views of the Naboisho Conservancy. This private reserve offers an exclusive safari experience, with fewer visitors and permitted vehicles, and the opportunity to get even closer to the animals.
We start our morning here with a walking safari, our first time on foot in unknown territory. Here – further and further away from the safety of the Jeep – we are on unfamiliar ground. Somewhat skeptical, we begin to walk in the footsteps of the Maasai who will guide us through this morning. Our skepticism proves to be unfounded, and we quickly realize that our local heroes are in complete control of both the route and the location of the surrounding animals (or dangers). We see a couple of lions in the distance, learn about animal tracks, droppings, and which animals eat from (and live in) which trees. It is a fascinating and different kind of safari, and we greatly appreciate this morning's walk.
Back at camp, we enjoy a delicious breakfast in the warmth while watching the crocodile doing its morning yoga by the riverbank. Eagle View has recently renovated all its tents and common areas. All tents now have bathtubs, better views of the savannah from the bed, and outdoor showers in addition to indoor showers. The common area on the deck in front of the lounge has been expanded, and a pool has been installed here. It gets hot up here in the middle of the day, and we think many will appreciate the opportunity for a cooling dip between exciting safaris and enjoyable meals.
Below the photo carousel, we will describe a couple of other campers we visited and looked at, but did not stay in during our trip.
Saruni Wild is located in the Lemek Conservancy and was undergoing complete renovation when we were there. Nevertheless, we got to see the size the tents would be and experience the sunset on the savannah where the tents now stand. What a magical experience! The sun and clouds interacted to create a light show in the sky that was better than on New Year's Eve, where we stood next to our Jeep with a cold GT and salty nuts and just enjoyed ourselves. We know we are repeating ourselves, but this camp has a completely unique location with the “entire” savannah in front of it. Bonus: there is a maximum of 12 guests at a time.
Saruni Leopard Hill is located in the Naboisho Conservancy and has a total of 11 tents. The tents have a large patio and fire pit outside, with a good view of the surrounding waterholes. The camp lives up to its name, and leopards are often spotted from here. These tents are so cool; here you can lie in bed at night with only a mosquito net between you and the wildlife outside. If you want to see the starry sky at the same time, you can press a button, the roof rolls up, and suddenly you have the whole world outside right in your comfortable double bed. The camp offers spa treatments and a pleasant restaurant and lounge area. I recommend everyone to spend a night here.
The Basecamp Mara Houses concept consists of three different villas with all amenities such as bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. Here you have your own waiter, a cleaner, a house manager, and a safari guide. The houses are perfect for a large family on vacation who want privacy. The common area for these three houses includes a small garden, pool, and bar. In other words, nothing is missing here.
An experience of a lifetime
A safari in Kenya is much more than just seeing animals – it is a journey into the heart of Africa's soul. From the sustainable Basecamp Masai Mara to the luxurious Saruni camps, we get to experience the best of nature, food, and comfort. We returned home with memories of impressive animal encounters, fantastic nature, and a deep respect for this unique landscape and its people.
A safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we believe that Kenya is one of the best destinations. It is difficult to describe the experience of being on safari; you simply have to see, feel, and hear it with your own senses to understand. If you dream of a safari that combines adventure, comfort, and sustainability, this is the trip for you! Add a few days on an exotic beach along the Kenyan coast or in Zanzibar, and you have a complete vacation. Check out our travel suggestion here.
