Entim Camp: Our full report

Entim, which means ‘forest’ in the Maasai people's Maa language, is a traditionally styled tented safari ...

... camp, situated in a prime location along the Mara River. With a crossing point viewable from camp, it is particularly well located for witnessing some of the drama of the wildebeest migration. However, the impressive year-round resident wildlife means that the camp is ideal for game drives throughout the seasons.

The 12 tented rooms are raised on wooden decks overlooking the river and are split into six rooms on either side of the communal area. Furnished in neutral tones, they are light, bight and spacious and can be configured as doubles or twins. There is a large wooden trunk for storage, bedside tables, a fan and a seating area at the front of the tent, perfect for soaking up the view.

At the back of the tents you will find an en-suite bathroom, quite functional in design, with running water, flush toilet and hot showers. Toiletries are provided.

The communal area at Entim consists of a large, open-fronted dining room and lounge area, which really makes the most of the river views. When the migration is in the area, river crossings can often be seen from here, without even having to leave the camp. Simply decorated with large maps and photos hanging from the canvas walls, this central tent has leather and cream-upholstered sofas, scattered with cushions. Chunky wooden coffee tables, jute rugs and old-fashioned metal trunks further add to the traditional safari aesthetic. At one end of the room is an impressive little bar. Individual dining tables are set up at the front of the tent to allow for al fresco dining under the stars. A short distance from the main mess tent is a sunken fire pit.

There is a smaller, separate 'media' tent with a couple of computers, mainly used by photographers for downloading or editing the day's photographs.

Guests can also make use of the small spa tent, which offers several types of massage and treatments options.

Activities at Entim primarily focus on game drives, usually departing twice a day, at dawn, and again in the late afternoon. All-day game drives with packed meals are available, on request. It is also possible to organise balloon flights and cultural village visits.

Our view

Entim is a good-quality, traditionally styled tented camp. While not overly luxurious, it is very comfortable and extremely well located in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve.

Jessica Plumb

Kenya expert

Geographics

Location: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Ideal length of stay: 3-4 nights
Directions: It is a 90-minute flight from Nairobi to Olkiombo airstrip in the Mara. From there, it is approximately a 30-minute drive to Entim Camp.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Food quality: On our latest visit we did not stay long enough to dine here.

Breakfast in camp consists of cereals, fresh toast, fruit, yoghurt and a hot breakfast cooked to order. Alternatively, there is usually the option to take a packed breakfast, which would include similar food items. There is an additional charge for bush breakfasts.

There is a daily set lunch menu with a few options, including a couple of vegetarian choices too. There is often a salad bar, and a choice of soups for starter. The main course will be more substantial, for example a coconut crumb fish fillet or a chickpea and spinach curry. Dessert tends to be light, with an emphasis on fruit, for example mango mousse.

Dinner is the main meal of the day, and again there are multiple choices for starter and main courses - and vegetarian options are always included. For example the menu when we visited included beef mignon with a pepper sauce, butter chicken masala or a crispy vegetable stir-fry.

Dietary requests and allergies can be catered for with advance notice and freshly brewed Kenyan tea and coffee are available throughout the day at no charge.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: Dining in the tent can be arranged on request, but not common.
Drinks included: Soft drinks, house beers and wines are included. Additional charge apply to premium branded spirits and top-shelf wines.

Children

Attitude towards children
Property’s age restrictions: Entim Camp accepts children age 8 years and over.
Special activities & services: There are no special activities or services for children.
Equipment: There is no special equipment on-site.
Generally recommended for children: We feel that Entim Camp is better suited to families with older children. Though it's possible to add an additional bed in the tents, there aren’t any activities, beyond wildlife watching, for smaller children to do.

Communications

Power supply notes: 24-hour power, mainly provided via solar, with a back-up generator if needed.
Communications: There is WiFi in the lounge and media tent that guests can free of charge.
TV & radio: There is a TV.
Water supply: Borehole
Water supply notes: Filtered drinking water is provided for drinking in tents.

Health & safety

Medical care: The managers have some first-aid training. There is a doctor based at the nearby Mara Intrepids Camp who can be called if necessary, and the camp has links to flying doctors in case of emergency.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: Entim Camp has guards patrolling the property day and night. Guests are escorted back to their rooms after dark.
Fire safety: Fire extinguishers are located around the camp.

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Hot air ballooning

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Included in the nightly rate. Hand washed and line dried.
Money: There are safes in the tent for storing valuables.
Accepted payment on location: Cash (USD, Kenya shillings) and cards are accepted for additional payments.