Entim Mara Camp: Front-row Views of Major Great Migration
The brilliance of Entim Mara Camp lies in its geography. Located near the confluence of the Mara and Talek rivers, the camp sits directly on a corridor used by over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra during their annual trek from the Serengeti. For photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, this means the “Great Migration” isn’t just a destination you drive to—it is a sight you can often witness from your own private veranda.
Reaching the camp is an adventure in itself. Most guests choose the 45-minute flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Ol Kiombo Airstrip, which is a mere 25-minute “mini-game drive” away from the camp. For those who prefer the scenic route, a 6- to 7-hour drive from Nairobi offers a transition from the bustling city to the sprawling golden savannahs of the Rift Valley.
Quick Facts: Entim Mara Camp at a Glance
Category | Details |
Location | Heart of Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya (Near Ol Kiombo Airstrip) |
Accommodation | 12 Luxury en-suite tents raised on wooden decks |
Sustainability | Solar-powered, eco-friendly waste management, local community support |
Primary Wildlife | The Big Five, massive wildebeest herds, hippos, and Nile crocodiles |
Unique Feature | Front-row views of major Great Migration river crossing points |
Activities | Game drives, hot air ballooning, bush walks, and cultural village visits |
Luxury Accommodation in the Wild
Despite its rugged surroundings, the accommodation at Entim Mara Camp is the epitome of “bush chic.” The 12 luxury tents are expertly spaced to ensure maximum privacy while maintaining a connection to the environment. Each tent is raised on a wooden platform and features:
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En-suite Bathrooms: Equipped with flush toilets and high-pressure hot showers.
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Aesthetic Design: Earthy tones of bronze, sage, and ochre that mirror the surrounding landscape.
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Comfort: Large, comfortable beds (often warmed with a hot water bottle at night) and a private lounge area.
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Safety: As an unfenced camp, Maasai warriors escort guests to and from their tents after dark, ensuring a safe yet authentic wild experience.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Operating in such a sensitive ecosystem requires a deep respect for the land. Entim Mara Camp prides itself on a light ecological footprint. The camp is almost entirely solar-powered, providing clean energy for lighting and water heating. They employ a rigorous “reduce, reuse, recycle” policy for waste, and most of the staff are recruited from the local Maasai community. This partnership ensures that the benefits of tourism directly support the people who have coexisted with this wildlife for centuries.
Wildlife and the Great Migration
While the Entim Mara Camp experience is headlined by the Great Migration (typically July through October), the wildlife viewing is spectacular year-round. The “Big Five”—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—are resident in the area.
The riverbank location offers a unique look at aquatic life as well. The grunting of hippos and the silent glide of Nile crocodiles are constant companions. During the migration months, the “waiting game” played by the wildebeest on the banks is visible from the camp’s dining deck, allowing guests to finish their breakfast before heading out to capture the moment they finally take the plunge.
Unique Features and Guest Amenities
One of the most praised features of Entim Mara Camp is the iMac Photo Studio. Recognizing that many guests are professional or amateur photographers, the camp provides a dedicated space to download, edit, and back up high-resolution images. This is a rare luxury in the middle of the bush and speaks to the camp’s focus on helping guests capture the perfect shot.
Additionally, the camp offers:
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Gourmet Dining: Freshly baked breads and creative menus served on an open-fronted deck.
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The Lounge & Bar: A cozy spot filled with books and comfortable chairs, perfect for a “sundowner” drink while watching the sunset over the escarpment.
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Spa Treatments: Traditional massages that use locally inspired ingredients to help you unwind after a day on the dusty plains.
Immersive Activities
While the temptation to stay on your veranda and watch the river is strong, the activities at Entim Mara Camp are designed to immerse you in the Mara’s magic.
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Expert-Led Game Drives: Conducted in custom 4×4 vehicles with experienced Maasai guides who have an instinctive talent for tracking predators.
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Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Floating over the savannah at dawn, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush, is a bucket-list experience.
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Cultural Visits: Gain insight into the Maasai way of life, from their colorful beadwork to their traditional jumping dances.
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Guided Bush Walks: Slow down and learn about the “Little Five”—the insects, plants, and birds that form the foundation of this complex ecosystem.
