Overview
Classic Mara safari
Basecamp Adventure blends in seamlessly with the surrounding forest on the banks of the Talek River that flows through the Maasai Mara. Here, you can enjoy a relaxed environment with beautiful views of the river and the endless grassy plains beyond.
There are just six tents in total, each fitted with double-bed, bio-flush toilets, solar-heated showers, and a private terrace where you can while away the time between game drives under the shade of the towering fig trees. The camp is simple but comfortable, with plenty of wide-open space all around you evoking the spirit of exploration and adventure, especially at night when you are lulled to sleep by the sound of nature all around you. Enjoy delicious meals prepared in the middle of nowhere, including a special barbecue bush dinner under the stars, or a beautiful picnic breakfast served right next to the river. After dark, local Maasai will tell fascinating stories around the campfire.
Of course, wildlife is the main drawcard here and along with all of Africa’s big cats, the Maasai Mara is home to large herds of elephants, giraffes, buffalos, and abundant plains species, which means no game drive will ever be the same as the next. Be sure to ask the camp team about some of the conservation projects they support while you’re in camp or out on safari.
Facts
At a glance
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Six tents
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Dining and lounge mess
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Outdoor shower
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The Long Run Fellow Member
Experiences
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![Basecamp Eagle View Mara Game drive]()
Game drives
Game drives are usually conducted in the early mornings, late afternoon since these are the coolest times of the day when most animals are more active. During the game drive, your knowledgeable Maasai guides will introduce you to life in the savanna and share their infinite knowledge about African wildlife.
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![Basecamp Eagle View Mara Guided walking safari]()
Guided walks
Walk across the savannah with the Maasai who have been doing it for generations. Learn the Maasai's basic survival skills. Track and identify animal footprints and dung as you follow the path taken by elephants, wildebeest and lions.
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![Basecamp Eagle View Mara Meals on the savannah]()
Cultural visits and Koiyaki Guiding School
Cultural visits are conducted in nearby Talek led by expert Maasai Guides. Enjoy a unique opportunity to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Maasai as well as the challenges they face. You can also visit the Koiyaki Guiding School, to learn all about the process of becoming qualified as a guide.
Community & Culture
The Basecamp Explorer Foundation is a non-profit organization working with local communities to safeguard nature. Over a decade of working closely with the Maasai community, Basecamp Explorer has worked towards a financially and socially sustainable model to protect this vital ecosystem.
The foundation also supports a number of community projects, notable those empowering local women. The camp also actively hires and trains female guides, a traditionally male dominated profession.
The camp is a partner of Koiyaki Community Guiding School, which offers training courses for students aiming to become guides. Nevertheless, with a cost of 2300USD for an 18-month programme, students are almost entirely dependent on outside funding. Through its mother company, Basecamp, it offers work placement opportunities and is annually sponsoring two students. Additionally, the lodge is sponsoring employees with great potential.
Conservation
Basecamp Explorer partners with key sustainable organizations one of which is the Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association (MMWCA), an umbrella organization for conservancies in Maasai Mara.
Footprint
The camp is guided by an environmental policy in which it recognizes its responsibility to the environment far beyond legal and regulatory requirements, aiming to reduce its environmental impact and continually improve its environmental performance as an integral part of its business.
Solar panels are the main source of energy with a generator only used as a backup. Solar systems also heat water for guest rooms and the kitchens, with water sourced from a borehole and treated responsibly after use. The camp's program of waste collection, management and recycling has been extended to benefit the local communities.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
