Safari Experiences at Karen Blixen Camp Masai Mara

Set on the bank of the Mara River, Karen Blixen Camp is strategically located for exclusive and undisturbed safari experiences in the Mara North Conservancy – one of the most densely populated wildlife conservancies in the entire Mara ecosystem.

Karen Blixen Camp offers magnificent views of the Oloo Lolo Escarpment in the front and the Mara plains behind. The exhilarating part is watching elephants, giraffes, zebras, and impalas come for a drink while a large hippo pod rests lazily in the river throughout the day.

The camp is named after Karen Blixen, the author of Out of Africa, who lived in Kenya during British colonial rule. The camp’s name reminds of her life as a hardworking lady who had great ambitions of transforming the lives of the natives through her coffee plantation and other projects.

A little about Karen Blixen Camp

This solar-powered facility operating as Karen Blixen Camp Trust was purchased in 2012 by a Danish businessman who converted it into a true eco-friendly camp with the aim of initiating and supporting nature conservation and projects that benefited the local Maasai community. 

The camp encompasses 22 large luxury canvas tents spaced along the Mara riverbank. Each tent is raised on a wooden platform with a large private deck that offers guests stunning views of the surroundings. Everything is set in a manner that makes you feel at home.

The tranquil surroundings make Karen Blixen Camp a place to relax and unwind with nothing but the sound of the flowing river and the sweet chorus of birdsongs. The canvas covers, woven rugs, and dark wood floors exude simplicity but elegant decor that steals everyone’s heart.

The Camp gives a feeling of the early 1920s era with beautiful and comfortable furniture. Every tent has a double or twin bed equipped with heated bottles at night, a comfortable daybed, a cozy armchair, an en-suite bathroom, and a rustic outdoor shower that’s fully covered. 

Meals and dining area

Meals at the camp are served in the restaurant or at an open-mess area overlooking the Mara River. You can have a glimpse of hippos and other wildlife as you enjoy your breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The chefs are masters of various cuisines including Fresh, English, Italian, Danish, and African delights.

What inspires me more is how they use fresh ingredients from the camp’s organic garden to prepare the delicious delicacies. The aroma from the pots will leave you wanting more. If you love Kenyan foods, the chefs can prepare Nyama choma, Ugali, Pilau, and even chapati.

Fun activities at Karen Blixen Camp

Karen Blixen Camp offers a number of activities to guests during their stay.

Game drives

Each stay at the camp includes a thrill of wildlife through morning and evening game drives in the Mara North Conservancy with an option of driving into the Masai Mara National Reserve to witness the famous Great Migration of Wildebeests. Groups are limited to 6 people for intimate sightings.

During these game drives, you will see a lot of animals including lions, leopards, African wild dogs, cape buffalo, and a variety of birds. For an additional cost, guests can join a local guide on foot for a nature walk or explore the Masai village to learn about their customs and way of life.

Hot air balloon flight

Although not included in the rates, hot air balloon flight is also something to opt for. Soaring high across the Mara North Conservancy as you experience nature from a bird’s perspective is an adventure of a lifetime. The journey of a flying basket begins early in the morning just as the sun rises.

Relaxation therapy

After the exhilarating trips in the savannah, guests return to camp to enjoy a late dinner next to a toasty fireplace underneath the stars. The camp also has a stunning swimming pool with sun loungers where you can recharge while enjoying fantastic views of the acacia and olive trees.

In the privacy of your own verandah, you can also choose to enjoy massage and wellness treatments from the camp’s experienced therapists. I found this to be more rewarding after a long flight and those back-to-back game drives.

Shopping gifts

Don’t forget to pick a few souvenirs from the gift shop at the camp. It has plenty of locally made items crafted by the Maasai mamas who are among the special groups supported by Karen Blixen Camp. Jewelry made from beads, and several wood crafts will ever remind you of the trip to magical Kenya.

Karen Blixen Camp Rates in 2024

The following are Non-Residential rates charged in USD ($)

Categories	Low season (1/04/24-30/6/24)	High Season (3/1/24-31/3/24 and 1/11/24-22/12/24)	Peak Season (1/7/24-31/10/24 and 23/12/24-2/1/25)
Per adult sharing	496	618	697
Single tent	640	788	885
3rd bed adult	408	484	552
Child sharing with 2 adults/Per child if 2 children share with an adult	315	390	440
Child in own tent/child sharing with an adult	404	490	554

What is included in the charges (Inclusions)

• Full board accommodation
• Water, soft drinks, tea, coffee, local beers, house wines, selected spirits and vodka.
• Unlimited shared game drives per day (optional full-day game drive).
• One night game drive within Mara North Conservancy
• Return airstrip transfers in Mara
• Guided camp eco walk
• Visit to the Cooking School and bead project when in session

What is not included in the charges (Exclusions)

• Mara North Conservancy fees (Non-Residents: $116 per adult per night/$58 per child per night. Residents: KES 1,500 Per Adult per night /KES 800 per child per night)
• Masai Mara Game Reserve fees: $200 per adult /$50 per child below 16 years per day.
• Domestic flights
• Drinks are not listed under inclusions.
• Travel Insurance
• Transfers in Nairobi
• Tips and any other items of a personal nature
• Bush breakfast, bush lunch, bush dinner, and sundowner
• Laundry
• Bush walk safaris
• Exclusive use of vehicle
• Any other item not listed under inclusions

Note: infants below two years old stay free of charge. A child is between 2 years to below 12 years.

How to get there

If you are not in Kenya, you have to book a flight to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Several flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport land at the camp’s closest airstrip. Transfers to the Camp are available on request. Driving from Nairobi or other cities in Kenya is also an option.

There are various tour operators with scheduled trips to the destination. It can be convenient to book through them especially if you want to explore other parts of Kenya. However, make sure to choose a reputable operator to avoid any glitches in your travel logistics. 

Best time to visit Mara North Conservancy

Mara North Conservancy borders the Masai Mara National Reserve, renowned for Great Migration and its 5 big safaris. Temperatures in the region are consistent year-round with no summer or winter. It’s rainfall that distinguishes seasons in the Mara ecosystem.

The best time to visit the Mara North Conservancy is between July and October, during the Great Migration. You will be able to witness millions of wildebeests, zebras, and antelope as they cross the Mara River that is infested with deadly crocodiles.

Crowds are high during the high seasons and it’s easy to miss accommodation at the Karen Blixen Camp or any other nearby camp including the Governor’s Camp in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Your best bet is to book in advance or aim to visit during the low seasons.

Final thought

Karen Blixen Camp is situated in a beautiful and private conservancy near the Maasai Mara National Reserve. It provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities without interference from the crowds. The luxury camp also offers a variety of activities, including game drives, nature walks, and hot air balloon safaris.