🏞️ Overview
Named after the iconic Danish author of Out of Africa, Karen Blixen Camp captures the romance of the early 20th-century safari while offering modern luxuries in one of the richest wildlife zones in East Africa. Located on the banks of the Mara River in the exclusive Mara North Conservancy, the camp delivers front-row access to Big Five sightings, dramatic crossings during the Great Migration, and intimate, uncrowded game drives.
It’s a favorite among eco-conscious travelers, families, and those who appreciate authentic hospitality, personalized service, and luxury that feels grounded in place and purpose.
📍 Location & How to Get There
Karen Blixen Camp is situated inside the Mara North Conservancy, a private wildlife area bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve. The camp overlooks a permanent bend in the Mara River, frequented by elephants, hippos, and plains game.
🚙 By Road:
- 6 to 7 hours’ drive from Nairobi via Narok and Aitong.
- Ideal for scenic overland journeys, though a 4×4 is essential.
✈️ By Air:
- Daily flights from Wilson Airport (Nairobi) to Mara North Airstrip, which is a short 15–20-minute game drive to camp.
- Flights are quick (about 1 hour) and scenic.
🛏️ Accommodation
The camp offers 22 luxurious canvas tents positioned along the riverbank, each designed with a blend of safari nostalgia and sustainable construction.
Tent Features:
- Large hardwood platform and veranda with views of the Mara River
- Stylish interiors with wooden furniture, Persian rugs, and canvas walls
- En-suite bathroom with twin vanities, flushing toilet, and open-to-the-sky hot-water bush shower
- Lounge chairs and hammocks for relaxing outdoors
- Solar-powered lighting and eco-flush toilets
- 24-hour solar electricity supply
- Mosquito netting, secure safe, desk, and private outdoor seating
Family Tents:
- Interconnected tents sharing a central deck
- Can comfortably accommodate up to 5 people
- Ideal for families with young children or multigenerational travelers
💵 2025 Rates & Offers (Per Person, Per Night)
| Season | Dates | Adult Sharing | Child (6–11 yrs) | Single Tent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Season | Jul 1 – Oct 31, Dec 20 – Jan 5 | $690 | $345 | $895 |
| Mid Season | Jan 6 – Mar 31, Jun 1 – Jun 30, Nov 1 – Dec 19 | $595 | $297.50 | $765 |
| Green Season | Apr 1 – May 31 | $450 | $225 | $595 |
Special Offers:
- Stay 3 Pay 2 or Stay 4 Pay 3: Available in April, May, June, November
- Family Offer: Kids under 5 stay free; children under 12 sharing with adults pay 50%
- Exclusive Vehicle Use for families of 4+
- Early Booking Discount: Save 5% if booking 6+ months in advance
All rates exclude conservancy and park fees.
💡 What’s Included
- Luxury accommodation in a tented suite
- All meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Tea, coffee, local beers, house wines, and soft drinks
- Two shared game drives daily with certified guides
- Night game drive (once per stay)
- Return airstrip transfers (Mara North)
- Laundry service
- Guided eco-walk and community visit to the beadwork and cooking school
- Solar-powered electricity and filtered water
🚫 What’s Not Included
- Conservancy fees ($116 adult / $58 child per night)
- Masai Mara park fees if visiting the reserve ($200 adult / $50 child)
- Hot air balloon safaris
- Premium alcoholic beverages (e.g., champagne, imported spirits)
- Spa treatments (available on request)
- Travel insurance and Nairobi transfers
- Tips and personal expenses
🍽️ Dining Experience
Meals are served under a large thatched dining area with uninterrupted views of the river. Karen Blixen Camp emphasizes:
- Farm-to-table cuisine with fresh produce sourced from the camp’s organic garden
- Multiple-course menus offering continental, Swahili, and international options
- Bush dining: Outdoor breakfasts, sundowner cocktails, and riverbank dinners
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and special diets catered for with prior notice
Guests can also take part in cooking demos or learn local dishes from the camp’s culinary team.
🌿 Facilities & Amenities
- Swimming Pool with sundeck and loungers overlooking the bush
- Karen Blixen Foundation Eco-Education Center
- Curio Shop selling hand-made Maasai crafts
- Solar power and eco-friendly water systems
- Beading Project and Chef School supporting local women and youth
- Limited Wi-Fi available in common areas
🚙 Safari Activities
- Morning and Evening Game Drives in the Mara North Conservancy
- Optional full-day game drives into the Masai Mara National Reserve
- Night Game Drives to see nocturnal wildlife like aardvarks and servals
- Bush Walks with Maasai guides to explore flora, tracks, and insects
- Hot Air Balloon Safari (booked separately with third-party providers)
- Visit Local Manyattas (Maasai Homesteads) for cultural engagement
- Beading & Cooking School Tour led by community members
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Features
- Spacious Family Tents with en-suite bathrooms
- Flexible dining times and kid-friendly meals
- Guided child-safe nature walks and bead-making
- Staff well-trained in family hospitality
- Babysitting available upon request
💬 Guest Reviews: What People Say
👍 Pros:
- “The camp blends authentic safari ambiance with absolute comfort.”
- “I loved waking up to elephants bathing in the river outside my tent.”
- “Staff were so kind, especially with our kids—they felt completely safe and welcomed.”
- “Food was 5-star quality every day.”
- “Conservancy drives are excellent—very few other vehicles, and we saw lions, cheetahs, and a leopard!”
👎 Cons:
- “Wi-Fi only in main areas, and can be slow—bring a local SIM card if you need constant connection.”
- “It’s a bit more rustic compared to ultra-modern luxury lodges, but it fits the theme.”
- “Getting there by road is long, but flying in was easy and worth it.”
📅 Best Time to Visit
- July–October: Peak wildlife season; Great Migration viewing
- November & December: Lush, green season with beautiful landscapes
- April–May: Green season offers reduced rates, fewer tourists, and great photography lighting
- January–March: Excellent predator sightings, calving season
📍 Check-In / Check-Out
- Check-in: 12:00 PM
- Check-out: 10:00 AM
- Early or late check-out available on request
🌟 Why Choose Karen Blixen Camp?
✔️ Eco-luxury meets authenticity
✔️ Ideal for families and responsible travelers
✔️ Located in the exclusive Mara North Conservancy
✔️ Fantastic food, community engagement, and sustainability
✔️ Night drives, bush walks, and immersive cultural experiences
✔️ Superb views of the Mara River from every tent