Overview of Olengoti Eco Safari Camp
Olengoti Eco Safari Camp offers an intimate and sustainable safari experience near the Maasai Mara. Tucked within a forested area along the banks of the Talek River, the camp is designed to provide a seamless connection with nature while emphasizing low environmental impact. “Olengoti” means “wilderness” in Maa (the Maasai language), which perfectly captures the camp’s ethos—untouched, peaceful, and authentically wild.
Olengoti is ideal for eco-conscious travelers, small groups, and families looking to stay close to the action while contributing to conservation and community-focused tourism.
📍 Location & Access
- Region: Located along the Talek River, close to Talek Gate—one of the main entrances to the Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Distance from Nairobi:
- By Road: ~5.5–6.5 hours (260 km)
- By Air: Flights from Wilson Airport to Ol Kiombo or Talek Airstrip (~45 minutes), followed by a short transfer to the camp
- Close proximity to Mara River crossing points during the Great Migration
Its prime location offers a combination of riverfront serenity and direct access to one of Africa’s most prolific game-viewing areas.
🏕️ Accommodation
Olengoti offers a unique blend of eco-luxury safari tents and family-friendly cottages, designed using locally sourced and sustainable materials.
Room Categories:
- River-View Safari Tents
- Large canvas tents with river frontage
- King or twin beds, mosquito nets, eco-lantern lighting
- En-suite bathroom with solar-heated water
- Private deck overlooking the river, ideal for spotting hippos and monkeys
- Family Safari Tents
- Two interconnected rooms
- Separate entrances for privacy, shared deck and bathroom
- Perfect for families with children or small groups
- Olengoti Cottages (Occasional Option)
- Stone cottages with solar lighting and elevated comfort
- Closer to main area and ideal for guests seeking added insulation from the elements
💵 2025 Estimated Rates (Per Person Per Night)
| Room Type | Low Season (USD) | High Season (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| River-View Safari Tent | $200–$250 | $300–$350 |
| Family Tent (per adult) | $180–$230 | $280–$320 |
| Cottage (if available) | $250 | $350 |
Rates typically include full-board accommodation. Game drives and park fees are additional unless booked as part of a package.
✅ What’s Included
- Accommodation in your selected tent or cottage
- Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner
- Drinking water (filtered) and basic beverages
- Solar-heated showers and eco-friendly toiletries
- Wi-Fi in common areas
- Daily housekeeping
❌ What’s Not Included
- Park entry fees (Maasai Mara NR: ~$70/day for adults)
- Game drives (bookable separately or included in full safari packages)
- Premium drinks and alcohol
- Transfers to/from the airstrip or Nairobi
- Hot air balloon safaris
- Maasai village visits (arranged on request)
- Tips and personal expenses
🍽️ Dining & Cuisine
Meals are served in the open-air forest lounge or at individual decks. The food philosophy focuses on:
- Locally sourced ingredients
- Vegetarian and vegan options available
- Picnic breakfasts and bush lunches on request
- Campfire dinners on select evenings
Expect a blend of East African hospitality and international flavors.
🌟 Eco-Friendly Features
- 100% solar-powered lighting
- Rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling
- Composting and minimal-plastic policy
- Eco-built structures using reclaimed wood and local stone
- Active support of local Maasai employment and community projects
🚙 Safari Activities
- Daily Game Drives in the nearby Maasai Mara Reserve
- Night Drives in the adjoining conservancy (when available)
- Bush Walks with Maasai trackers (within the camp buffer zone)
- Birdwatching along the Talek River
- Cultural Experiences with local Maasai communities
Guests can choose to book game drives à la carte or as part of an all-inclusive package.
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
- Spacious family tents designed with children in mind
- Nature walks and storytelling sessions available
- Meals can be customized for younger guests
- Babysitting may be arranged with advance notice
🕐 Check-In & Check-Out
- Check-in: From 12:00 PM
- Check-out: By 10:00 AM
- Early check-in or late checkout available upon request and availability
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Olengoti inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve?
No. It is located just outside Talek Gate, offering quick access to the reserve while benefiting from a quieter, more intimate setting.
Is this a good base for the Great Migration?
Yes. Between July and October, herds cross nearby areas, and you are just a short drive from major river crossing points.
Does the camp support conservation?
Absolutely. Sustainability is a core focus of Olengoti’s operations, with eco-designs, solar power, water recycling, and local hiring policies.
Can I combine Olengoti with other camps?
Yes! Many guests combine it with Mara North or Naboisho camps for varied experiences, or add extensions to Naivasha or the Kenyan coast.
🧭 Why Stay at Olengoti Eco Safari Camp?
✅ Authentic safari experience with a deep connection to nature
✅ Affordable eco-luxury without sacrificing comfort
✅ Fantastic riverfront location near hippos, monkeys, and birdlife
✅ Ideal base for wildlife photography and the migration
✅ Strong conservation and community principles
✅ Small, intimate, and low-impact footprint