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Mara Explorer Camp
Mara Explorer Camp
Mara Explorer Camp

Mara Explorer Camp


1°24’41.6"S 35°7’23.5"E

About Mara Explorer Camp

Located on a bend on the Talek River, Mara Explorer Camp is a smart camp with comfortable accommodation in ...

... a wildlife rich area of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. With only ten tents, accommodating a maximum of 20 guests, it provides a small and intimate setting for a relaxed Kenyan safari.

We liked this camp’s woodland setting, and with its small size and minimum age of 12, Mara Explorer has a more adult atmosphere than many camps in the region. Sitting on your verandah offers a real sense of peace and tranquility, though it's worth being aware when you go out on game drives that this part of the Mara gets busy with other visitors and their vehicles between July and October.

Our view

We liked this camp’s woodland setting, and with its small size and minimum age of 12, Mara Explorer has a more adult atmosphere than many camps in the region. Sitting on your verandah offers a real sense of peace and tranquility, though it's worth being aware when you go out on game drives that this part of the Mara gets busy with other visitors and their vehicles between July and October.

Lyndsey Marris

Lyndsey Marris

Kenya expert

Accommodation

10 tents

Children

Best for aged 16+

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Hot air ballooning

Hot air ballooning

Private activities

Private activities

Mara Explorer Camp: Our full report

Located on a bend on the Talek River, Mara Explorer Camp is a smart camp with comfortable accommodation in ...

... a wildlife rich area of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. With only ten tents, accommodating a maximum of 20 guests, it provides a small and intimate setting for a relaxed Kenyan safari.

The camp is discreetly tucked in a small area of woodland on the north bank of the Talek River. It is an idyllic setting, hippos are frequent visitors here and you can also spot antelopes wondering down the banks to drink.

The main area consists of a lounge bar and dining area with a wooden deck to the front overlooking the river. Comfy chairs and sofas are piled with cushions while traditional beaded artwork hangs from the wall. Outside, there's a cosy firepit surrounded by directors’ chairs where guests gather with a drink and swap safari stories from the day. From here, flagstone paths wind through the trees to each of the tents, flanked by tall terracotta pots which seem to be a particular feature of the camp.

Mara Explorer Camp’s ten guest tents are nicely spaced out along the banks of the Talek, each with a wooden verandah and views over the river where animals can often be seen. They are well proportioned and relatively spacious, furnished with a rustic wooden bed, bedside table, wooden writing desk, tea and coffee facilities and lockable trunk for valuables. Seven tents have a fixed double bed, while three are arranged as twins. Soft cream fabrics and natural materials help them to feel in keeping with their surroundings, and viewed from the outside the tents appear to blend seamlessly into the trees. Each has an en-suite bathroom with a shower, twin wash basins, a hairdryer, bathrobes and complimentary toiletries. They also feature a Victorian-style claw-foot bathtub located outside on the wooden deck.

While there is no swimming pool at Mara Explorer Camp, staff can happily drive you to their larger sister camp, Mara Intrepids, if you wished to use the pool and facilities there. It's just a five-minute drive.

The main activities focus on game drives in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The Ol Kiombo region around the camp is arguably one of the most wildlife-rich areas in the Mara ecosystem and you can expect to have some fantastic sightings, although with a relatively high concentration of camps here it can also become fairly busy too. During the months of July and August this can be a great place to see the wildebeest migration, and it is only a short drive to the Mara River and several of the established crossing points for the herds. Explorer Mara can also arrange guided nature walks, included within the cost of your stay, which take place just outside the reserve boundary. Dining in the bush can also be arranged, which can be quite a special experience. These activities are accompanied by an armed ranger.

Geographics

Location
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Ideal length of stay
Spend three or four nights here to explore the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Directions
Mara Explorer Camp is around a 10-minute drive from Ol Kiombo Airstrip.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
We didn't have a chance to eat at Mara Explorer Camp when we visited in 2023, but we understand the food here has a good reputation, and the camp prides itself on creating a range of fresh and tasty dishes with much of the produce coming from its own garden. Breakfast can either be served in camp, with fruit, pastries and a selection of hot items, or packed up to be taken on your morning safari. Lunch and dinner typically consist of a three course lunch menu and four courses at dinner, with a choice of main dishes. However they occasionally put on a buffet if the camp is full. Meals are varied and feature familiar international dishes. You might start with a creamy soup, followed by steak or roast chicken served with a side of vegetables, and perhaps followed by a slice of cake. Dining in the bush can also be arranged.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Room service can be arranged on request
Drinks included
Most drinks are included with the exception of premium wines and spirits and Champagne.

Children

Attitude towards children
Best suited to adults and older teenagers.
Property’s age restrictions
Mara Explorer accepts children aged 12 and over.
Special activities & services
None
Equipment
None
Generally recommended for children
Mara Explorer Camp is unfenced and generally has more of a quiet, adult atmosphere. It's better suited to adults and more mature teenagers who would enjoy the relaxed ambiance.

Communications

Power supply notes
Mara Explorer currently operates a generator, however they have plans to install a solar system. There is power between 05:00 and 23:00, however the generator is turned off overnight. The tents have UK style 3-pin plugs and overnight charging can be arranged.
Communications
There is WiFi throughout the camp, both in the tents and communal area.
TV & radio
There is no TV in camp.
Water supply
Borehole
Water supply notes
Bathrooms are fully plumbed and hot water is currently only available between 05:00 – 10:00, and between 17:00 – 22:00 for showers. If you require hot water outside these times then this can be arranged with prior notice.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
Staff are first-aid trained and there is a doctor located at their neighbouring sister camp, Mara Intrepids.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
Askaris (guards) patrol the camp at night, and after dark you'll be escorted between your tent and the communal areas.
Fire safety
Staff are fire-safety-trained and there are fire extinguishers dotted throughout the camp.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Hot air ballooning

    Hot air ballooning

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
A one-day laundry service is included. All items are machine washed.
Money
Small amounts of currency can be exchanged if required.
Accepted payment on location
Mara Explorer accepts all major currencies including USD, GBP, Euros and Kenya Shillings. Most major credit and debit cards are accepted, with the exception of Amex, however there is a card charge of around 3%.

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Mara Explorer Camp's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Mara Explorer Camp.


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When to go to Maasai Mara National Reserve

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Mara Explorer Camp in Maasai Mara National Reserve


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Kenya in January

Clear, hot days and warm nights make this high season a popular time for safaris and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling as water clarity is excellent and gets better as the dry season progresses. Most lodges and tented camps treat January after the New Year week is over, as mid-season, making it a good compromise in terms of value for money with reasonably reliable, dry weather and some greenery left in the landscape.

Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in January, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

  • On average, January is the second driest month of the year
  • Elephants dig waterholes in the dry riverbed in the Samburu reserve.
  • Wildebeest and many antelope have their calving season, to February.
  • Migrant birds are seen in huge numbers, especially in the Rift Valley.
  • Sea water clarity around the coral reefs generally good.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in January

Kenya in February

With the short dry season well established, the grass grazed down and wildlife gathering close to water points, this is still a good time for a safari. Good water clarity in the Indian Ocean's coastal waters makes for excellent diving and snorkelling conditions.

Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in February, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

  • On average, February is the driest month of the year.
  • It’s sometimes possible to swim with whale sharks at Diani Beach.
  • Migrant birds are still seen everywhere, especially near water.
  • This is usually peak calving season for wildebeest and many antelopes.
  • This month is often the hottest of the year, especially on the coast.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in February

Kenya in March

Hot, increasingly humid weather – with good diving and snorkelling conditions at the start of the month – gives way to rains and lower accommodation costs. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in March, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and predicting the seasons since the beginning of this century has been difficult.

March is the month when – traditionally – intensely hot conditions build up until a cloudburst finally happens at the end of the month or in early April, to relieve the humidity. As ever, regional variations across the country can greatly impact on visitors' experiences.

  • Sea-water clarity is best for diving before the long rains start.
  • Visitor numbers are low, though the Easter holidays can be busier.
  • Night skies can be scintillatingly clear in early March.
  • Cropped down savannah grasses can make it easier to see the wildlife.
  • Temperartures climb high, especially at lower elevations.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Kenya in April

April sees the full onset of the southeast monsoon wind or kusi, which heralds the long rains. Temperatures drop soon after the rains are established and you’ll often have facilities largely to yourself in this more affordable low season, sometimes known as the "green season". The bush quickly springs to life, with greenery sprouting almost before your eyes. While you're likely to get a fair number of heavy showers, the breaks in the rain can yield sparklingly clear conditions.

With the dust settled and bright sun piercing the clouds, conditions can be sublime for photography, especially first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon with another storm brewing. You may be lucky, or you may find conditions very wet and muddy.

  • A wet month, the coast often gets more than 300mm (12in) of rain.
  • Sunny spells can provide great light for photography.
  • Buffalo and zebra calving season often happens in this month.
  • Baby crocodiles hatch, for example on Central Island in Lake Turkana.
  • Palearctic migrant birds gather to fly north to breeding grounds.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in April

Kenya in May

While game viewing can be trickier as vegetation runs riot, between the cloudbursts the colours and light are great for photography at this time of year. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in May, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and while it's reasonable to expect heavy rains in many parts during this month, especially on the coast, the rains don't always come evenly or in some areas come at all.

In an El Niño year, the so-called long rains that normally are established across much of the country by May can be meagre, to the despair of farmers. On the other hand in a La Niña year, the long rains can bring floods. On the coast, the monsoon winds make the climate much more predictable, with heavy rains common throughout this month.

  • Frogs breed in the ponds in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest near Watamu.
  • Wildebeest, impala and other grazers are in rut (the breeding season).
  • Kilimanjaro looks its best as heavy rain falls as snow on the summit.
  • There's a sharp peek of rainfall on the coast with many rainy days.
  • Accommodation prices are uniformly low, while some camps close.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in May

Kenya in June

The rains give way to cloudy, cooler weather, often making for comfortable conditions by the end of the month, especially in the highlands. Starting from mid-June or the beginning of July and running until the end of October, this is the high season, and accordingly has higher accommodation rates and – at least until early September – higher numbers of visitors.

While the early part of June can often be rainy on the coast, it can be a great time to go on safari, with fresh greenery, many young animals and good photographic conditions with clear air.

  • The Taru Desert, inland from the coast, is carpeted with flowers.
  • The Lake Turkana Cultural Festival is held in Loiyangalani.
  • Madaraka Day (commemorating self rule) is 1 June.
  • The annual Lewa marathon runs a course through the wildlife.
  • The Diani Rules "sports" event rips up the rulebook at Diani Beach.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

Kenya in July

Kenya’s “winter" season sets in (winter is a misnomer but locals feel the change), and the highlands can be rather grey. Skies are often cloudy and the days can be surprisingly cool, with an average daytime high in many highland safari areas of 15-20°C and night-time temperatures dropping below 10°C in Nairobi and the highlands. Lower parts of the country and the coast are usually warm and dry, typically reaching highs of around 25°C with lows in the high teens.

As this is the start of the high season, coinciding with the usual arrival of the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara, July is a busy month. Ask your Expert Africa specialist to advise on how to avoid the crowds, which is not that difficult to do.

  • The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Maasai Mara in July.
  • Simbi Lake (Kisumu) and Crater Lake (Naivasha) can attract flamingoes.
  • Watersports start to pick up and some surfing is possible at Malindi.
  • Afternoon thunderstorms are a common feature in the Maasai Mara.
  • The sea can be choppy along the coast, making diving difficult.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in July

Kenya in August

The Great Migration fills the plains of the Maasai Mara, and school’s out, so the park roads are full of tourists – ask your Expert Africa specialist for advice on crowd avoidance tactics. Choose a private conservancy rather than a public national park or national reserve for quieter conditions.

Like July, August is generally mild and relatively dry in the safari areas, but it can be very chilly in the highlands, even in the middle of the day, and hail occasionally falls above altitudes of around 2,400m (8,000ft). Nairobi can be disappointingly overcast, with low cloud.

  • Apart from Christmas holidays, this is the busiest month of the year.
  • Late August sees peak wildebeest drama at the Mara River crossings.
  • Coastal winds are good for kite- and wind-surfing.
  • Few mosquitoes are around at this generally dry time of year.
  • The annual Camel Derby takes place in the Samburu capital, Maralal.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in August

Kenya in September

The skies clearing of cloud signals the start of hot, dry weather with little chance of rain – and, after the first few days of the month, far fewer visitors – making the latter part of September a good time for a quieter safari. While early September is often good for dramatic migration crossings along the Mara River, you might consider deliberately postponing your trip until later in the month, when the migration can still be very impressive and visitor numbers fewer.

If tourist surges are somewhat predictable, however, the patterns of the wildebeest migration are more volatile, and like all of Expert Africa's climate and weather assessments, they are based on accumulated years of experience rather than guaranteed certainty.

  • This is still high season, with prices to match.
  • Many river crossings take place on the Mara river in both directions.
  • Natural bush fires flush out insects and small animals for predators.
  • The Rift Valley Music Festival takes place by Lake Naivasha.
  • With school holidays over by early September, late-month is quieter.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Kenya in October

Still hot, mostly dry and not too busy, this is many people’s preferred month for a safari, and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling. The wildebeest and zebra herds of the great migration are often still to be seen, though in dwindling numbers. The swamps of Amboseli attract thirsty wildlife including large herds of elephants.

While we wouldn't expect much rain across most of the country this month, the climate has become so unpredictable that you can never say never, and the possibiity of the short rains – usually associated with November to mid-December, starting early, can't be discounted.

  • This month sees the tail end of the great migration in the Mara.
  • Palearctic migrant birds start to arrive, staying until March.
  • Turtle nests hatch at Watamu, until November.
  • Amboseli elephants focus on the swamps for their daily water.
  • The Indian Ocean monsoon winds turn from southeast to northeast.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Kenya in November

The northeast monsoon wind or kaskazi heralds the start of the “short rains", usually some time in the second half of the month. From November to mid-December, this is the low season, and accordingly has lower accommodation rates and lower visitor numbers. Across most of the country you can expect warm, somewhat cloudy weather, with occasional heavy showers and localised flooding.

Expert Africa bases its description of the climate in November, like the other months of the year, on the records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable: some years the short rains don't come at all, or don't reach every part of the country. In an El Niño year, the November short rains can be very heavy, but in a La Niña year, they can fail completely.

  • Swimming with dolphins in Lamu can be done from now until April.
  • Birders gather at Ngulia in Tsavo West to ring Palearctic migrants.
  • The Lamu Cultural Festival takes over the town and Lamu Creek.
  • Agricultural shows often take place regional market towns.
  • This is low season, so camps can be great value, with special offers.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Kenya in December

In a typical December, the rains usually finish by middle of the month, leaving the landscape looking its best, under clear blue skies, and heralding the start of the second peak tourist season from around 20 December to the first week of January. Our assessment of the likely weather in December, like the other months of the year, is based on climate records, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

Christmas can sometimes be wet, but most years the rains have finished a week or two earlier, with the festive season ushering in the perfect combination of clear skies and sunshine by day and starry nights.

  • Christmas and New Year are busy, with the lodges and camps full.
  • Rates are highest after 24 Dec, with supplements on public holidays.
  • Republic Day and Independence day are celebrated on 12 December.
  • Good kite- and wind-surfing restarts, with strong northeasterly winds.
  • Mango season begins, providing excitement for primates and elephants.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

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