Karen Blixen Camp

Karen Blixen Camp is a fairly large 44 bed safari camp located along the Mara River. It is constructed on similar lines to some of the other large tented safari lodges with large comfortably furnished canvas tents, with thatched roofs and set on wooden platforms each with undisturbed views along the Mara River.

There is a spacious restaurant, reception, lounge and bar and gift shop all set on a raised wooden deck and furnished with accurate reproductions of Karen Blixen’s private furniture to fit in with the cozy atmosphere.

Karen Blixen Camp is on the edge of the Mara North Conservancy and there are some villages and settlements nearby which need to be driven past en route to the game-viewing areas. As well as daily game drives, guests enjoy relaxed in-camp game viewing – they can watch a resident hippo pod and view elephants as they come to drink and bathe in the river in front of the camp.

ACCOMMODATION

Karen Blixen Camp is comprised of 22 large canvas tents – each set on a wooden platform with a spacious verandah. From their daybed guests can enjoy an afternoon siesta, with views looking out over the natural surroundings.

Each tent has an en-suite bathroom and is furnished with a large bed, Persian rugs and a comfortable armchair. The private bathroom has a flush toilet, twin wash hand basins and a romantic outside shower with amazing view to the sky. Electricity is provided in all tents 24 hours a day.

Tents can be configured for either double or twin occupancy, where under prior arrangement a 3rd and even 4th bed can be added for children below the age of 12. The family unit consists of two tents with a shared verandah.

All tents are placed with undisturbed view along the Mara River giving unique and private game viewing to the Oloololo Escarpment and its rich wildlife.

FACILITIES

The open plan Mess area is built on a raised wooden deck, set on the banks of the Mara River overlooking a resident hippo pod. This area comprises the reception, the restaurant and the lounge area with a home-style bar.

Around the campfire one can share the safari adventure of the day, listen to the sounds of the night and look at the magnificent African starlit sky.

Therapy and Wellness

Karen Blixen Camp offers a wide range of wellness treatments and therapeutic body massages using organic African oils.

The wellness therapist is trained in the centuries old African Kukanda (massage) tradition. Relaxing in the privacy of your outdoor verandah, wellness treatments are focused on improved energy. Therapies include facial massages, head and neck massages and deep tissue body massages.

Swimming Pool

The camp features a swimming pool with sun-beds and umbrellas in the midst of graceful Acacia and Olive trees – ideal for relaxation in-between game drives.

DINING

Meals are a highlight of the camp and the experienced chefs use lots of fresh herbs and flowers from the camp’s own organic garden. Karen Blixen was passionate about cooking and found her inspiration in the French, English, Italian and Danish kitchens. Through historical books they have found many of her original recipes.

Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are served in the restaurant or bush garden from where one has a view of the Mara River and the wild animals coming to drink.

Bush Dining

The camp can arrange bush breakfasts and lunches at carefully selected areas, offering guests spectacular views of the savannah and as the perfect surprise after an exciting morning game drive.

Private, romantic bush dinners set beneath the starlit African night can be arranged (at a supplement and by prior arrangement).

ACTIVITIES

Game drives within Mara North Conservancy give a private safari experience due to the low impact tourism and controlled vehicle density. On request and during the great migration guests can take drives to the Masai Mara National Reserve.

Game walking with armed guides can be arranged for those who wish to experience the magnitude of the Mara savannah on foot.

Nature walks are kept within the camp and focus entirely on the rich birdlife and little insects inhabiting the area and how the Masai make use of the indigenous plants for medical and ritual purposes.

Balloon safaris will take you high above the impressive Masai Mara plains, and gliding quietly through the wind is truly a magical and breathtaking experience.

Community visits to the local Maasai Manyatta (village), school, market and church gives anyone interested a closer understanding of the Maasai people and their heritage as an important part of the Masai Mara Ecosystem.

Hospitality School: follow the daily life of the Cooking School students. Enrol for Ready, Steady, Cook! and enjoy a well prepared meal.

Plant trees for conservation: walk along the banks of the Mara River, pick your favorite spot and dig as many holes as you can and plant your ingenious tree seedlings.

Escorted walks in the camp show you how the camp operates in an eco-friendly way with green technologies as solar panels, non-power cold room, solar water heaters, zero waste sewage system and waste management.