For travelers seeking an immersive and budget-friendly safari adventure in the Masai Mara National Reserve, Greenwood Safari Camp offers a harmonious blend of comfort, nature, and cultural engagement. Strategically located near the Talek Gate, this camp provides unparalleled access to the reserve’s rich wildlife and landscapes.
1. Overview of Greenwood Safari Camp
Greenwood Safari Camp is a mid-range accommodation nestled in Talek, close to the Talek Gate and River in the renowned Masai Mara National Park, Kenya. The camp is conveniently situated just a 5-minute walk from Talek Bush and the Hippo Pool viewpoint.
Guests can reach the camp by road, approximately a 5-6 hour (250 km) drive from Nairobi city center, or by air, with a one-hour flight from Nairobi to the nearby Ol Kiombo airstrip, followed by a short transfer to the camp. The camp is ideal for tourists and travelers eager to explore the park, offering beautiful views of the Talek River, Mara plains, and wildlife frequenting the river and surrounding areas.
2. Accommodation Details
Greenwood Safari Camp boasts over 8 spacious and comfortable tents, each thoughtfully designed to provide guests with an authentic safari experience while ensuring modern comforts.
Tent Features:
- Design: Each tent is raised on a wooden deck, offering an elevated perspective of the surrounding Mara plains and the Talek River. The tents are constructed with traditional building styles complemented by modern amenities, featuring green iron roofing that blends seamlessly with the natural environment.
- Amenities: Inside, guests will find en-suite facilities, including clean private flush toilets and safari-style hot and cold showers. The tents are furnished with dressing tables, mosquito nets, air conditioning, deck chairs, tables, free toiletries, and complimentary bottled water. Comfortable queen-sized beds with clean bedding ensure a restful night’s sleep. Each tent also features a private veranda with deck chairs, providing a serene spot to relax and observe wildlife in the surrounding areas.
- Family and Individual Options: The camp offers tents suitable for families, as well as individual travelers, with options for single and double/twin beds. Rates start at $200 per night, with higher rates during peak seasons.
3. Facilities and Amenities
Greenwood Safari Camp is committed to providing guests with a range of facilities to enhance their stay:
- Dining: The main canvas structure houses a restaurant that serves a variety of meals, including both international and Kenyan cuisine, catering to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Guests can enjoy English breakfasts, picnic lunches, and dinners, with options for both indoor and outdoor dining experiences. The camp also offers bush dinners under the stars and bush breakfasts during morning sunrises.
- Bar and Lounge: A well-stocked bar and lounge area provide a selection of local and international beverages, including cocktails, wines, spirits, and beers. Guests can relax while taking in breathtaking views of the Mara wilderness and the Talek River.
- Recreational Facilities: The camp shares a swimming pool with Riverside Camp and Talek Bush Camp, offering guests a refreshing way to unwind after a day of exploration. Additionally, there is a small children’s playground on-site, making it family-friendly.
- Additional Services: Greenwood Safari Camp provides free parking, laundry and housekeeping services, airport pickups and drop-offs, and camping facilities. Wi-Fi internet access is available, allowing guests to stay connected with family and friends. A craft shop on the premises offers a variety of Maasai souvenirs, including shoes, clothes, and safari essentials.
4. Eco-Friendly Practices
The camp emphasizes sustainability through various practices:
- Energy: Utilization of solar power for lighting and minimal electricity needs.
- Water: Hot water for showers is sourced from natural hot springs, promoting eco-friendly water usage.
- Waste Management: Composting toilets are used to minimize environmental impact.
5. Activities
Guests can engage in a variety of activities that highlight Maasai culture and the surrounding environment:
- Nature Walks: Guided tours through the Loita Hills to explore local flora and fauna.
- Cultural Visits: Opportunities to visit Maasai villages and learn about traditional customs.
- Wildlife Tracking: Guided tracking experiences to observe local wildlife.
- School Visits: Visits to local schools to understand community education initiatives.
- Hot Spring Bathing: Relaxation in nearby natural hot springs.
Additional activities such as mountain biking and night game drives are also available.
6. Guest Reviews and Feedback
Based on reviews from Booking.com and TripAdvisor, here’s what stands out about Greenwood Safari Camp:
Pros:
- Prime Location: Close to Talek Gate for quick access to the reserve.
- Authentic Safari Vibe: Guests love the natural surroundings and the immersive safari feel.
- Great Food: Fresh, tasty meals with a variety of options.
- Friendly Staff: Many reviews highlight the warm hospitality and helpfulness of the staff.
- Value for Money: Excellent affordability for the quality of service provided.
Cons:
- Basic Amenities: Some guests mention that the facilities are simple, which is expected for a budget camp.
- Maintenance Needs: Occasional feedback about the need for better upkeep of certain tents.
- Communication Gaps: A few guests reported unclear information about additional costs, emphasizing the importance of confirming details during booking.
7. How Greenwood Safari Camp Compares to Other Budget Camps
Compared to other budget camps like Miti Mingi Eco-Camp, Kambu Mara Camp, and Lenchada Tourist Camp:
- Proximity Advantage: Greenwood’s closeness to Talek Gate makes it particularly convenient for game drives.
- Food Quality: Guests often rate Greenwood’s meals higher compared to similar budget camps. Same as Kambu Mara Camp
- Authentic Atmosphere: Its rustic, eco-friendly design offers a more immersive wilderness feel compared to camps closer to town areas. Kambu is praised higher for being deep in nature/quiet.
- Value: Offers better value for money with comprehensive packages that cater well to budget travelers.
8. Tips for an Unforgettable Stay
- Book Early During Peak Season: The Great Migration period (July–October) is popular, so secure your spot in advance.
- Pack Essentials: Bring a power bank, insect repellent, a flashlight, and warm clothes for chilly mornings and evenings.
- Confirm Inclusions: Double-check what’s included in your booking to avoid surprises with extra costs.
- Embrace the Experience: Expect basic comforts, not luxury, but enjoy the authentic safari vibes and the raw beauty of the Masai Mara.
- Respect Nature: The camp is unfenced, so always follow staff guidelines for wildlife safety.
Greenwood Camp vs Kambu Mara Camp:
Want to know how the 2 most budget-friendly camps in the Mara fair when compared?
Here’s a brief comparison table between Greenwood Safari Camp and Kambu Mara Camp based on their typical features:
| Feature | Greenwood Safari Camp | Kambu Mara Camp |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Near Talek Gate, Masai Mara | Near Sekenani Gate, Masai Mara |
| Inside/Outside Reserve | Outside the National Reserve | Outside the National Reserve |
| Accommodation Type | Basic safari tents with shared or private bathrooms. Standard tents are 80 sq ft | Spacious tents (6 en-suite, 4 non-en-suite). Standard tents are 200 sq ft |
| Establishment Year | Established earlier (approx. mid-2010s) | Established 2024 |
| Setting | Compact camp setup | 50-acre property, 2-acre developed area |
| Meals | Restaurant meals included in packages | Optional chef-prepared meals or self-catering |
| Game Drives | Can arrange through partners | Land Cruiser game drives available directly |
| View/Scenery | Near main road, noise issues | Elevated slope with views over Naboisho & Nashulai Conservancies |
| Atmosphere | Budget-friendly, casual safari camp, no charging in tents, WIFi in common areas | Small, relaxed camp with a focus on privacy and views, has charging ports in tents and free WiFi |
| Unique Selling Point | Affordable rates close to park entrance | Scenic landscape, flexibility with meals and game drives |
Final Thoughts
Greenwood Safari Camp is an excellent choice for travelers seeking an authentic safari experience on a budget. Its strategic location, eco-friendly practices, friendly staff, and value for money make it a standout option for both solo travelers and groups. Whether you’re here for the Great Migration or a year-round safari adventure, Greenwood Safari Camp offers the perfect base to explore the wild beauty of the Masai Mara.
Ready to embark on your Masai Mara adventure? Book your stay at Greenwood Safari Camp today and experience the magic of Kenya’s wilderness like never before!
Book Greenwood Safari Camp on Booking.com