Spacious, classic safari tents in a private location of the Masai Mara
Location: Speke’s Camp enjoys a privileged position on the edge of the Masai Mara Reserve, tucked away beneath a grove of trees near the Olare Orok River in Kenya. It’s a quiet, unfenced camp that feels wonderfully wild, yet it offers easy access to some of the best wildlife viewing in the Mara. You’re just outside the main reserve, which means you avoid the busiest areas but can still dive into the heart of the action - whether that’s big cat territory, river crossings during the migration, or wide, open plains teeming with game. It’s a setting that balances seclusion and prime location, ideal for travellers who want an authentic safari without sacrificing the big sightings.
Rooms: There are just eight canvas tents at Speke’s Camp, each thoughtfully spaced out for privacy and with views into the surrounding bush. The tents are comfortably furnished in a classic safari style - think wooden campaign furniture, warm rugs, and en-suite bathrooms with flush loos and safari-style bucket showers. It’s rustic in the best sense: simple, functional, and full of character. Each tent has a private veranda, perfect for sitting quietly with a coffee and watching the wildlife drift by. You’re close to nature here, but always comfortable - a proper safari experience that doesn’t try too hard to be fancy.
Amenities: Speke’s Camp offers exactly what you need, and nothing that distracts from the reason you came: the wildlife. Meals are homely and hearty, prepared fresh each day and served in the dining tent or al fresco, depending on the weather. The lounge and campfire area are great for swapping stories after a day out in the bush, and the staff - many of whom are local Maasai - bring warmth and personality to the experience. It’s not a luxury lodge, and it doesn’t pretend to be; instead, it delivers charm, comfort, and genuine hospitality in spades.
Activities: The guiding at Speke’s Camp is top-notch, with highly experienced local guides who know the Mara inside out. Game drives are private and flexible - tailored entirely to your interests and paced to suit your day, whether you’re keen on photography, birding, or just watching lion cubs at play. Because the camp is outside the main reserve, you can also enjoy walking safaris and night drives in the surrounding conservancies, offering a more varied and immersive safari experience. During the Great Migration, you’re close to several key river crossing points, and outside of that season, the resident wildlife is just as impressive.
Sustainability: Speke’s Camp is run with a light footprint and a strong connection to the local community. It operates entirely off-grid, using solar power and eco-friendly practices to minimise its environmental impact. The camp works closely with local Maasai landowners and employs staff from nearby villages, helping to support livelihoods and preserve traditional knowledge. By staying here, guests directly contribute to community-based conservation efforts that protect this extraordinary corner of the Mara for future generations. It’s a camp that proves sustainability doesn’t have to come at the cost of comfort - or great safari.
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