Speke’s Camp
Alongside the Olara Orok River in a quiet corner of the Maasai Mara, Speke’s Camp embodies everything you could want in a traditional safari camp – a closeness to nature, peace and quiet, originality, rustic charm and a warm welcome. Though it’s a small and simple camp, you’ll not be wanting for anything! The experience at Speke’s is all about immersing in the natural wonders that the Maasai Mara has to offer. You’ll have your own safari vehicle and guide while you stay so every day can be planned on your terms. Speke’s is one of the more budget-friendly camps in the Maasai Mara, making it a great addition for a longer safari tour or for those looking for an amazing and authentic experience in a more affordable price range.
Speke's Camp, Masai Mara, Kenya
Speke’s Camp sits on the banks of the Olare Orok River in a corner of private land on the edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Game drives all take place in the reserve. The camp is also bordered by the Mara North Conservancy and Olare Orok Conservancy. The river is lined with trees that attract a variety of birdlife and vervet monkeys that can be watched from the tents.
To reach the camp, the preferred airstrip to fly to from Nairobi is the Musiara Airstrip, which is approximately 25 minutes away.
- Small and sweet safari tented camp
- Pristine location for wildlife sightings
- Tailored game drives
- Walking Maasai trails
- 7 canvas tents with Family Pod
- Library filled with books about Kenya
- Peaceful home-from-home atmosphere
Speke’s Camp is the perfect destination if you’re looking for something understated but enriching! Between game drives or walking trails, you can relax in the lounge tent overlooking the river or delve into one of the many books in the mess tent and learn all about Kenya, its history and animal kingdom. The camp is in a fantastic position for wildlife viewings all year round, with Rhino Ridge, Musiara Swamp and Paradise Plains close by. But if you’re wanting to see the Maasai Mara in full swing then June-October is the best time to visit as this is when the herds of the Great Migration pass through from Tanzania into Kenya and back again.
Speke’s offers 7 safari canvas tents spread through the camp’s grounds with some overlooking the river and seasonal stream, and others with views of the savannah. They can be arranged with twin, triple or double beds with a maximum of 4 guests per tent. Each comes with its own en suite bathroom equipped with a flush toilet, a safari bucket shower and complimentary eco-friendly toiletries from Cinnabar Green. Tents also have private outside seating areas that are perfect for socialising and relaxing with gorgeous views right on the doorstep. Tents 3 and 4 are positioned closer together to form the Family Pod for those travelling as families or groups.
Speke’s restaurant serves wholesome and delicious meals that’ll have you craving seconds! Meals are served outdoors overlooking the Mara plains, under the shade of ancient trees by day and under a starry sky by night. Lunches and dinners offer 3 courses so you can be sure you’ll never be left feeling hungry after a game drive or hike. Chefs are also more than happy to prepare you a lovely picnic to take on your excursions and enjoy out in the bush. The mess tent features a great little bar where you can order your favourite drink to freshen up and wind down while sharing stories around the campfire.
Guests have complete flexibility and freedom with their game drive experiences at Speke’s. You’ll have your own vehicle, guide and spotter so you can make the most out of your safari in the way that suits you! Maybe you’ll start your day early – leave the camp as the sun starts to rise and see the wilderness start to stir all around you, have a bush breakfast and be back in time for lunch. Or perhaps you’ll stay out on the plains all day and return for some cool drinks by the campfire before dinner. The choice is yours!
Speke’s Camp offers the ultimate safari immersion with their trail expeditions, where you embark on ancient elephant trails across the Loita hills and through the Great Rift Valley. Step 1, choose your trail. Step 2, meet your guides and set off into the forests. Step 3, spend your days exploring the wilderness. Step 4, back to base camp!
You’ll be accompanied every step of the way – quite literally! – by your Maasai guide, while pack donkeys will carry all the equipment you’ll need onto the next camp on the trail where you’ll spend the night. Every guest will get a comfy mini tent with a light and canvas wash basin, and there’ll be showers and toilets at the camps. Due to the terrain, you’ll likely spend around 6 hours walking a day, broken up by a leisurely lunch in between. There are plenty of trails with different durations to choose from depending on what’s right for you – the Ol Lasur trail, for instance, is 3 days and 2 nights, while the Great Maasai Land trail is a whole 8 days and 7 nights!
Speke’s Camp makes use of solar power for lighting and energy. Solar energy has a really beneficial impact on the environment because solar energy is the most efficient renewable energy source, reduces air pollution in replacing fossil fuels and it doesn’t require water to make energy. The camp also recycles, which has a number of environmental benefits such as conserving natural resources, reducing pollution and waste, saving money and protecting natural habitats.
The camp allows children of all ages to visit, however since the camp is unfenced children must be kept under supervision at all times and is probably not ideal for very young children.