Overview
Located in a river bend within Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve, Emboo River is a forward-thinking camp offering a unique safari experience that combines a luxurious, relaxed safari that’s also educational, community-focused and completely sustainable.
It is one of the greenest camps in Kenya, and runs almost entirely off grid with the Mara’s first solar-charged electric vehicles and growing its own organic food.
Six chic tents open fully to views over the river – a scene shared from outdoor rains showers and the natural water swimming pool.
Inside the reserve and unfenced, watch hippos wallow in the water below and see elephants wander through. Hop in the silent Land Cruisers and find yourself immediately on safari, with leopard and cheetah spotted daily around the camp. You’ll be guided by a Maasai team led by Emboo’s manager, William Santian, himself one of the Mara’s top trackers.
Facts
At a glance
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Six tents
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Natural water swimming pool
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Completely off-grid
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Solar charged electric game drive vehicles

Experiences
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Game drives
Game drives start as soon as you jump into one of the camp's all-electric safari vehicles because of its central location in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. located in the middle of nature. Wildlife to be spotted includes the well known 'Big Five' - elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros and buffalo - as well as dozens of other species such as giraffe, cheetah, wildebeest and much more.
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Maasai culture
During your stay at Emboo River you will have plenty of opportunities to learn about the culture, history and day-to-day life of the Maasai tribe. While at the camp, you will meet Emboo River's team members from the Maasai community as well as our Maasai neighbours who visit. In the evenings you can see traditional songs and dances and there's also a chance to visit the local village.
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Hot air ballooning
Watch the sun rise over the Maasai Mara, see the savannah wake up after a dark night and spot animals from the sky. A balloon safari over the Maasai Mara is an extraordinary experience. This unique moment is followed by a delicious fresh breakfast in the savannah.
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Organic gardens tour
Emboo River's chefs apply a Farm to Fork concept, by using local and fresh ingredients to make sure that you enjoy delicious meals and the camp has its own organic vegetable and herb garden - called 'shamba' in Kenya. Join Emboo River's Chef in the garden to select fresh ingredients for their meals.
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Yoga and meditation
Get even more zen during yoga and meditation sessions. We provide yoga blocks and yoga mats made from upcycled flip flops, and the serenity of nature will do the rest.
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Eco tour
Learn about the camp's closed loop system with a tour of its natural water filtering bed, its impressive solar array, electric vehicles and tree nursery.
Community & Culture
Emboo River’s daily operations are led by Owner and General Manager, William Partois Ole Santian. Being a Maasai himself, William has a deep understanding of the Maasai community and its culture. Over the years William worked his way up from a night guard to a guide to a manager and currently to an owner of a camp.
The team consists of highly motivated and talented staff, almost exclusively from within the local community.
From weavers to welders, Emboo River also offers indirect employment opportunities by partnering with local artisans and businesses. Some of the opportunities are the following.
Footprint
Emboo River operates as a ‘closed loop system’ independent of external factors, such as water trucks shipping in fresh water every other day, generators for power, fuel for vehicles. Instead, everything needed is found locally within the Maasai Mara. I
The camp is entirely solar powered as are, in a first for the Mara, game drive vehicles, making for an almost silent safari.
Organic gardens inside and outside the reserve producing fresh fruit, vegetables, honey and more offering a menu mainly focused on vegetable dishes and limits the number of meat dishes.
Fresh drinking water is sourced from a local women-led project from Friends of the Mara, a community-based organization, where borehole water is cleaned through solar powered technology. Waste water filtered and cleaned naturally.
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.