Basecamp Mara

Basecamp Mara is a tented eco-camp located on the Talek river in the Masai Mara National Reserve with plenty of charm. Enter the camp via a rickety bridge to cross the river and you'll find yourself in a lush paradise surrounded by trees with baboons playing underneath and birdsong overhead.

Spacious tents with thatched roofs, built on wooden platforms overlooking the river with a private outdoor seating area provide the ideal base for your safari. Each double or twin tent comes with two solar-heated showers (one inside and one outside) and the family tent has two separate wings, each featuring a double bed with a shared bathroom area.

The restaurant here overlooks the Talek river and savanna plains beyond, so you can keep an eye out for game whilst you enjoy you meals, and in the evenings, there is the Migration Bar and plenty of seats around the firepit so you can swap stories with your fellow travellers.

But, what makes Basecamp Mara really special, is that it has community at the heart of it. On-site is the Enjoolata Awareness Centre where you can learn about the history and present-day of the Maasai, learn about local wildlife and interact with Maasai women as they create beadwork which is sold on-site with 75% of the value going back directly to the lady who made it.

Stay here, and you'll be in good company... the Obamas spent a three-night safari here and even planted a tree whilst staying. If you are looking for a lodge which is affordable, champions sustainability and helps its local community, you won't go wrong with Basecamp.