Emboo River Camp, Masai Mara
A pioneering new tented camp in the heart of the Masai Mara, Emboo River combines the best of traditional bush and wildlife adventures with a unique and up-to-the-minute focus on sustainability and self-sufficiency. Enjoy a stay in eco-comfort and silent safaris in solar-powered game-drive vehicles.
“Kenya has been my home for 15 years and honestly Emboo River delivered my best safari experience yet – I’ll absolutely be going back and would highly recommend it. I had family visiting from the UK so there were six of us in total – my brother, his wife and their kids of 10 and 15, plus my 86 year-old Mum – so a very mixed group with different needs. For my brother and his family it was their first safari (and visit to Kenya), while Mum has been on safari with me several times before, but hadn’t been to visit for a few years. I specifically wanted to take them to Emboo because I’d heard about their innovative ‘off-grid’ and eco-friendly set up and wanted to experience it for myself, and I was pretty certain that the family would enjoy it too – they did. The Camp itself was just the right size and it feels like the independent boutique operation it is – I’d class it as ‘barefoot luxury’ rather than ‘shiny shiny’, if that makes any sense! And the level of thought/attention to detail that’s gone into the Camp and its operation cannot be under-stated – there’s lots of eco-tourism ‘talk’ right now, but not everyone is truly walking it: the team at Emboo absolutely are. The location along the Talek River is very peaceful. And the team are exceptional – both the guides (in electric vehicles) and the hospitality staff back at Camp. I’m conscious that some may be put off by the sound of a principally plant-based menu (I understand there are options for dedicated omnivores) however the food is so good you forget you’re not actually eating meat – the youngest in our party who at 10 can be hard to please (!), kept piping up that “I don’t normally like ‘xx’ but this is great…” and Layler who looked after us at meal times. managed to turn this into a great game for us all. Also, because there were six of us, we ate ‘family style’ with food served in big bowls in the middle of the table so we could help ourselves, which in itself created a more relaxed dining experience than having everything plated up and served individually – a nice touch. And of course last but not least the game drives were excellent and we saw a lot, including a lion ‘kill’ which was a first for all of us including me. We stayed three nights, and I’m sure you could make two nights work but three for us was ideal and you could easily stay longer and take more time to relax in Camp and watch the world go by. While there, there was another family, a couple and a solo traveller, so they cater for everyone.”
MS, Nairobi
Summary
- A new, fresh and contemporary take on the traditional Masai Mara safari camp
- Located on a peaceful forested meander of the Talek River within the National Reserve
- Excellent ‘Big Five’ wildlife viewing from the doorstep
- Game drives in electric Landcruisers – solar-powered and emitting zero CO2
- Carbon-neutral and eco-friendly, with a commitment to sustainability and innovation
- Hydroponic garden, delicious, organic, plant-based menus
- Swimming pool, spa, gym, photographic studio
- Accommodates up to 16+ guests in six ensuite tents and two tented suites
- Accommodation rates from $257 per adult resident guest per night
- Game drive package from $357 per adult resident guest per night
Detailed information
Location
Emboo River Camp is situated on the banks of the Talek River within the Masai Mara National Reserve. Located in South Western Kenya alongside the Tanzanian border, The Masai Mara, together with the adjoining Serengeti National Park, forms one of the world’s most diverse and spectacular eco-systems. A region characterised by short grass savannah plains interspersed with areas of riverine forest and bordered by towering rocky escarpments, The Mara is home to an incredible abundance and variety of wild animals and is renowned worldwide as Africa’s most exceptional – and loveliest – safari destination.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve covers an area of 1,510 sq. km (580 sq. miles) at altitudes which range from 1500 to 2170 metres above sea level. The area has one of the highest lion densities in the world, together with significant populations of cheetah, leopard, elephant and buffalo, and this is where over two million wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s Gazelle migrate annually. Home to over 95 species of mammal and 570 recorded species of bird, excellent ‘Big Five’ year-round game viewing is virtually guaranteed.
How to get there
By air
There are 3 or more daily scheduled flights to and from Nairobi to the nearby Ol Kiombo airstrip on Air Kenya and Safarilink from Nairobi’s Wilson airport. There are often also daily flights to The Mara from Nanyuki and other Laikipia destinations and from the coast. The airstrip is also accessible to private charter flights.
By road
The camp is around 5-6 hours’ drive from Nairobi via Narok and a 4×4 vehicle is required.
Visitor’s Book
“Emboo River is unique and very special in this world. It is a model of sustainability, grace and thrilling experiences”
“Emboo River Camp provided us with an exceptional Maasai Mara experience. The introduction of the electric vehicle was a game-changing addition, allowing us to enjoy quiet safaris with minimal disruption to the wildlife. The food was not only delicious but also healthy, and the entire staff exhibited a remarkable warmth and accommodating nature. Our tent boasted a stunning view overlooking the river, complete with hippos swimming and roaming nearby. Our experienced and professional driver and guide, Robert, made our adventure even more memorable, and we were treated to one of the most breathtaking sunrises we’ve ever witnessed.”
“We were absolutely impressed with everything about this place. Emboo is much more than a safari camp. Through their deep commitment to exploring new ways to be fully sustainable, and to share that knowledge with others is inspiring. Not only that, but they are making a social impact in so many ways that will ripple out to the Maasai community, Kenya and the world. I truly hope to be back again and become part of the Emboo journey in some way. Until next time!”
Rates
