Naboisho
🌍 Introduction
Tucked away in the heart of the Mara Naboisho Conservancy, Ol Seki Hemingways Mara Camp is a sophisticated yet intimate tented camp offering sweeping views of untouched savannah and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Combining world-class comfort with an eco-conscious philosophy, the camp offers an exclusive safari experience—far from the crowds but close to nature.
Ideal for discerning travelers who crave privacy, personalized service, and immersive wilderness experiences, Ol Seki is a sanctuary where adventure and elegance blend seamlessly.
📍 Location & Access
Ol Seki Hemingways is located in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy, a private conservancy bordering the eastern Masai Mara. This 50,000-acre conservation area is renowned for its high concentrations of wildlife and low tourist density.
How to Get There:
- By Air:
The camp is serviced by scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Ol Seki Airstrip, followed by a 15-minute drive to camp. The total air travel time is around 45 minutes. - By Road:
Overland travel from Nairobi takes approximately 6.5 hours via Narok and Talek, requiring a reliable 4WD vehicle. While longer, it offers scenic views through the Great Rift Valley and rural Maasai land.
🛏️ Accommodation
The camp features just 10 luxury tents, ensuring an intimate and tranquil environment. Each tent is perched on a private rise, offering uninterrupted 270-degree views of the surrounding plains.
Room Categories:
- Nina Tents (6 units):
Elegant canvas tents with king or twin beds, writing desks, hardwood floors, and panoramic verandas. Perfect for couples or solo travelers. - Chui and Simba Suites (2 family suites):
These expansive, two-bedroom tented villas are ideal for families or groups. Each includes a shared lounge, dining area, kitchenette, and private butler service. Optional private chef on request. - Suites Amenities:
- En-suite bathrooms with flushing toilets and both indoor and outdoor hot showers
- Private wooden decks with day beds and chairs
- Solar-powered lighting and charging stations
- Complimentary laundry
- Mosquito netting and eco-friendly toiletries
💵 2025 Rates (Per Person Per Night, Full Board)
| Season | Rate (USD) |
|---|---|
| Jan 1 – Jan 3 | $1,050 |
| Jan 4 – Apr 13 | $757 |
| Apr 14 – May 19 | Camp Closed |
| May 20 – Jun 15 | $757 |
| Jun 16 – Jun 30 | $1,107 |
| Jul 1 – Aug 31 | $1,207 |
| Sep 1 – Oct 31 | $1,107 |
| Nov 1 – Dec 19 | $757 |
| Dec 20 – Dec 31 | $1,207 |
Children under 5 years stay free. Children aged 5–11 years sharing with adults are typically charged 50% of the adult rate.
🛎️ Inclusions
- Accommodation in luxury tent
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Shared morning and afternoon game drives
- One complimentary night game drive per stay
- Guided nature walks (within conservancy rules)
- Local drinks (house wines, beers, and spirits)
- Return transfers from Ol Seki Airstrip
- Laundry services
- Wi-Fi in common areas
❌ Exclusions
- Conservancy fees (approx. $120 per adult per night)
- Hot air balloon safaris (optional, extra charge)
- Premium drinks (champagnes, cellar wines)
- Cultural village visits (available on request)
- Gratuities and travel insurance
- Boutique purchases or spa treatments
🍽️ Dining & Cuisine
Dining at Ol Seki is a bespoke affair. Meals are freshly prepared using local, seasonal ingredients with menus blending international and Kenyan cuisine.
- Breakfast: Served pre- or post-game drive with hot selections, cereals, pastries, and fruit.
- Lunch: Light and refreshing with salads, grilled meats, or vegetarian options.
- Dinner: A three-course plated meal with candlelit ambience.
- Private Dining: Guests in family suites can opt for in-suite dining or request a private chef.
Special dietary needs such as vegan, gluten-free, or halal meals can be catered to with advance notice.
🐾 Safari Activities
Being inside a private conservancy gives guests access to exclusive experiences not permitted inside the national reserve.
Wildlife Experiences:
- Day Game Drives:
Shared or private safaris across Naboisho’s vast plains, renowned for big cats, elephants, giraffes, and hyenas. - Night Game Drives:
Spot elusive nocturnal creatures like aardvarks, bat-eared foxes, and owls. - Guided Bush Walks:
Track wildlife on foot with Maasai guides while learning about flora, insects, and animal behavior. - Horseback Safaris:
(Optional add-on): Ride through the conservancy with professional equestrian guides. - Cultural Visits:
Tours to local manyattas (Maasai homesteads) for insight into community life, beadwork, and traditions. - N’dorobo Caves Tour:
A lesser-known excursion to sacred caves used by hunter-gatherers, offering a deeper cultural experience.
🌄 Best Time to Visit
| Season | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Jan – Mar | Dry, excellent for big cat sightings, low visitor traffic |
| Jun – Oct | Peak season; wildebeest migration and best visibility |
| Nov – Dec | Short rains, good birding, fewer tourists |
| Apr – May | Camp closed for long rains (maintenance and staff rest) |
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendliness
Ol Seki is family-friendly with flexible room configurations and custom safaris for children. The Chui and Simba family suites are ideal for private use.
- Child-friendly meals and bush walks
- Board games and storytelling by the fire
- Maasai cultural interactions designed for young learners
- Nanny services available upon request
💬 Guest Reviews & Testimonials
What Guests Loved:
- “The views are breathtaking—sunrises from the deck were magical.”
- “Loved how private everything felt. No traffic, no crowds—just us and the animals.”
- “The guides were outstanding—not just knowledgeable, but passionate and personal.”
Points to Consider:
- “It’s luxury, so it’s not the cheapest option, but the value for money is excellent.”
- “Wi-Fi is limited to the main lounge, which suited us just fine. We came to disconnect.”
- “The walk to the tents is a little steep for anyone with mobility issues—but staff were always ready to assist.”
♻️ Sustainability & Impact
Ol Seki Hemingways takes pride in its conservation-driven model, which emphasizes:
- Low-impact construction and operations
- Solar power and sustainable waste practices
- Support for local employment and supply chains
- Contribution to conservancy protection and anti-poaching efforts
- Community partnerships with neighboring Maasai villages
The Mara Naboisho Conservancy model itself supports wildlife protection by ensuring landowners benefit from eco-tourism revenues while protecting migratory routes.
🏆 Why Choose Ol Seki Hemingways Mara Camp?
✔️ Prime location in an exclusive conservancy
✔️ Incredible wildlife without overcrowding
✔️ True tented luxury with privacy and personal service
✔️ Family suites with private dining options
✔️ A perfect balance of luxury, authenticity, and sustainability