Basecamp Wilderness Camp: Our full report

Formerly a simple encampment of dome tents, known as Basecamp Dorobo Fly Camp, Basecamp Wilderness Camp is ...

... set in a peaceful valley in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy and consists of eight simple safari tents, with ensuite bathrooms and safari showers. It is co-owned with Eagle View Camp, by the Basecamp Foundation.

Please note: Basecamp Wilderness closed during the Covid pandemic. Please ask us at Expert Africa for news of its re-opening.

Although Basecamp Wilderness Camp is only 3km from Basecamp Eagle View, its larger sister camp, it has a remote setting in the quiet Saddle Valley. The staff often walk between the two camps – an easy enough walk that guests can also do with an escort.

The small main area is tented with comfy leather armchairs and a sofa, and has rugs on the canvas floor giving it a more homely feel. Meals are served at a large table with canvas director's chairs. However it is also possible to dine outside. A table in the corner serves as the honesty bar with a selection of drinks to help yourself from.

The eight tented rooms at Basecamp Wilderness Camp, are small but well furnished and decorated in soft, earthy tones. Double or twin beds placed in front of a dark wood headboard are covered with white linen and a cream cable-knit blanket and cushions. At one side is an en-suite bathroom with a single ceramic basin, flush toilet and bucket shower. Toiletries are provided. In front of the tent, under a shade cloth, you'll find director's chairs, where you can sit and admire the view.

The main activities at Wilderness Camp revolve around game drives, night drives and walking, with guides brought in from Basecamp's Eagle View or Basecamp Maasai Mara. Walking is another option from Basecamp Wilderness, although when we were last here the walks were led by a skilled Maasai guide armed only with a spear. Although this isn't unusual practice in the Mara conservancies, we question the safety of such walks considering the high density of dangerous big game in the area, and as such we don't currently recommend them. The camp plans to get an armed ranger as soon as possible, however, so ask us for the latest details. They are able to do short bush walks from camp, where the walkers are discreetly followed by a vehicle should any guests wish to drive back. Note that the minimum age for walking 14 years.

In common with all properties in the Mara region, early-morning balloon flights can be booked at Basecamp Wilderness Camp. These last approximately one hour, followed by a bush breakfast with sparkling wine and then a game drive, arriving back at camp around mid-morning. There are several launch areas and you can expect to be woken as early as 4.00am to be picked up by the balloon crew and taken to the launch site.

Our view

Basecamp Wilderness, with its simple facilities and unfussy meals, is a real opportunity to experience the Naboisho wilderness with the people of the local community – the Maasai camp staff and askaris. Although we haven’t stayed here before, we called in for a visit in 2019, and we really liked the back-to-nature simplicity of the minimal-footprint infrastructure here.

Lyndsey Marris

Kenya expert

Geographics

Location: Maasai Mara Conservancies, Kenya
Ideal length of stay: One or two nights; Wilderness Camp works well in combination with Basecamp Maasai Mara or Basecamp’s Eagle View
Directions: Access is via Ol Seki/Naboisho airstrip with a transfer time of around thirty minutes, depending on whether you stop for game-viewing.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Food quality: Although we only had time to have breakfast here, it was verytasty, and we understand that all meals are of a similar standard.
A full cooked breakfast is served alongside a range of fruit and cereals.

Lunch usually includes a soup starter, followed by pasta, salad and a desert.

Dinner is usually a three course plated meal which generally includes meat and a selection of vegetables, followed by a dessert.

Dietary requirements are catered for with advanced notice.
Dining style: Group Meals
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: Meals could be served at the tents if requested
Drinks included: Drinks are not included.

Children

Attitude towards children: Wilderness Camp accepts children of all ages
Property’s age restrictions: The camp does not take children under 4 years of age.
Special activities & services: No special activities, although small nature walks around camp could be arranged.
Equipment: No
Generally recommended for children: We don’t recommend this camp for children as the area is quite bushy and there's lots of game around.

Communications

Power supply notes: There are plugs in the tents for charging equipment
Communications: There is cellphone signal but no Wi-Fi.
TV & radio: No
Water supply: Borehole
Water supply notes: Water heated by solar power.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: The nearest doctor or hospital is in Talek which is 20km away and about an hour by road. Wilderness Camp has links to the flying doctor service.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: Askaris patrol for animals around the unfenced camp.
Fire safety: There is currently nothing in place

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Night drive

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: No Laundry Facilities. Laundry can be sent up to Basecamp Eagle View if guests are staying for longer.
Money: There is no safe, nor anywhere to lock valuables, so we'd advise you either to keep them on your person, or leave them in the safe at the neighbouring camp, Basecamp Eagle View.

There is no currency exchange.
Accepted payment on location: US dollars and Kenyan shillings may be used for any ad hoc payments, but no credit cards are accepted. Guests can arrange to pay by credit card at Eagle View if they are unable to pay in cash (15 minute drive).