🌍 Overview
Rekero Camp is a classic tented safari camp set on the banks of the Talek River, inside the Masai Mara National Reserve. Its prime location near a famous river crossing point makes it one of the best bases for witnessing dramatic moments during the Great Wildebeest Migration—often from the comfort of your tent’s deck.
Unlike commercialized camps, Rekero retains an authentic, low-impact safari ethos. It offers just the right amount of rustic charm, impeccable hospitality, and top-notch guiding, making it a perfect choice for wildlife lovers, photographers, couples, and families looking for depth and intimacy.
📍 Location & How to Get There
Setting: Rekero Camp sits in the southern section of the Masai Mara, near the confluence of the Talek and Mara Rivers, close to some of the most prolific wildlife areas.
Getting There:
- By Air: The camp is about 20 minutes from Ol Kiombo Airstrip, which is serviced by daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport (approx. 45-minute flight).
- By Road: Drive time from Nairobi is about 6 hours via Narok and the Sekenani or Talek gates, best done with a 4WD vehicle.
The camp offers complimentary airstrip transfers.
🛏️ Accommodation
Rekero Camp features 9 spacious safari tents, thoughtfully spaced along the Talek River for privacy and unobstructed wildlife views. All tents are raised slightly on wooden decks and accessed via stone or dirt paths.
Tent Types:
- 7 Standard Safari Tents: With double or twin beds, canvas walls, mesh windows, private verandas with river views, and en-suite bathrooms.
- 2 Family Tents: Larger tents with two bedrooms, ideal for families with children or small groups.
In-Tent Features:
- Hot-water showers and flushing toilets
- Solar-powered lighting
- Mosquito netting and eco-friendly toiletries
- Writing desk and lounge chairs
- Verandas with daybeds and safari chairs
There is no Wi-Fi in the tents, reinforcing the connection to nature, though guests can connect in the main lounge if needed.
💵 2025 Rates (Per Person Per Night, Full Board)
| Season | Rate (USD) |
|---|---|
| Jan 1 – Jan 5 | $1,307 |
| Jan 6 – Mar 31 | $823 |
| Apr 1 – May 31 | Camp Closed |
| Jun 1 – Jun 30 | $860 |
| Jul 1 – Oct 31 | $1,370 |
| Nov 1 – Dec 19 | $860 |
| Dec 20 – Dec 31 | $1,370 |
Children aged 5–18 sharing with two adults stay free in low season (January, June, November). Children under 5 are generally not allowed unless the camp is booked exclusively.
✅ Inclusions
- Full board accommodation (all meals)
- Two shared game drives per day in custom open-sided vehicles
- Return Ol Kiombo airstrip transfers
- Guided bush walks within the camp surroundings
- Laundry service
- Local beverages (house wines, beers, spirits)
❌ Exclusions
- Masai Mara National Reserve park fees (approx. $80/adult/day)
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Hot air balloon safaris
- Cultural village visits (available at extra cost)
- Gratuities, personal items, and travel insurance
🍽️ Dining
Meals at Rekero are served communal style, fostering an atmosphere of storytelling and camaraderie. However, private dining can be arranged upon request.
- Breakfast: Served at camp or as a bush picnic post-morning game drive.
- Lunch: Light yet hearty meals including salads, grilled meats, and vegetarian fare.
- Dinner: Multi-course candlelit dinners with soups, mains, and desserts.
- Special Touches: Bush dinners or riverside sundowners can be arranged for special occasions.
All dietary preferences (vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, etc.) can be accommodated with advance notice.
🐘 Safari Activities
Daily Game Drives:
- Early morning and afternoon drives into the Mara ecosystem with expert guides.
- Open vehicles allow for excellent visibility and photography.
- Wildlife highlights include lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and the seasonal migration.
Bush Walks:
- Short guided walks near the camp, focusing on birds, insects, tracks, and Maasai natural knowledge.
- Guests aged 12 and above are eligible, guided by a ranger.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris:
- Optional activity starting at dawn, followed by champagne breakfast in the bush.
- Needs advance booking and incurs additional cost.
Cultural Experiences:
- Visits to nearby Maasai villages (manyattas) offer insight into traditional life, beadwork, and community dynamics.
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendliness
Rekero Camp is well-suited for families with older children, especially those looking for educational and transformative travel.
- Dedicated family tents
- Flexible game drive schedules
- Cultural immersion activities
- Special children’s menus available
Note: Due to the open nature of the camp and proximity to wildlife, children under 5 are not permitted unless booked exclusively.
🛎️ Facilities & Guest Comfort
- Lounge and library tent with books and board games
- Wi-Fi in the main area (signal-dependent)
- Solar power with charging station at main lounge
- On-site Maasai naturalists for cultural sharing
- Campfire deck and sundowner point by the river
💬 Guest Feedback
What Guests Love:
- “You can hear hippos at night and see wildebeest crossing during breakfast—what more could you ask for?”
- “The guides were outstanding—so passionate, patient, and deeply knowledgeable.”
- “Perfect balance between comfort and authenticity. It felt like a true safari—not too polished, not too raw.”
Things to Consider:
- No Wi-Fi in the tents (a plus for some, but a challenge for digital nomads)
- No pool or spa—this is about wilderness, not resort life
- Because it’s a seasonal tented camp, it closes in April and May for the long rains
🌱 Conservation and Sustainability
Rekero Camp is operated in partnership with local Maasai landowners and is built with a strong ethos of low-impact tourism.
- Uses solar power and biodegradable toiletries
- Employs and trains guides from surrounding communities
- Participates in anti-poaching and habitat preservation efforts
- Contributes to local education and conservation funds
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
| Season | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Jan – Mar | Great predator sightings, fewer tourists |
| June – Oct | Peak wildlife, Great Migration, dry and sunny |
| Nov – Dec | Excellent birding, lush vegetation, fewer crowds |
| Apr – May | Camp closed (long rains and maintenance) |
📌 Why Stay at Rekero Camp?
✔️ Unbeatable location near key river crossing points
✔️ Small, intimate camp with personalized service
✔️ Run by experts with deep roots in local conservation
✔️ Guided by top-notch naturalists and Maasai trackers
✔️ Strong eco-conscious design and community engagement
✔️ Ideal for serious safari-goers, couples, and families with older children