A Family Safari to A Little Known Gem in the Masai Mara, Entumoto Safari Camp.

A Family Safari to a Little Known Gem in the Masai Mara, Entumoto Safari Camp – Excellent location √, on a conservation area √, beautifully spacious tents √, comfiest beds √, magnificent view √, swimming pool √, great sundowners / kids suppers √, incredible gamedrives √, homegrown veggie garden √ … catch my drift?

In all honesty I was hesitant about going back to Entumoto after falling in love with it 6 years previously; in all honesty it was looking a little tired initially … but no longer, Entumoto Safari Camp has had a facelift, oh yes it has. It’s looking as handsome as it was the last time I visited 6 years ago.

The drive to Entumoto is an easy one, if a tiny bit bumpy. It’s located near enough to Sekenani gate, so it’s very easy to find. The location … Location, location, location, is marvelous … it’s elevated in the hills of a private and secluded escarpment just on the border of the legendary Masai Mara reserve with breathtaking views over the Mara plains. It’s far enough away to get away from the sights & sounds of the rather unruly reserve gate environment as well as the rather hustly bustly migration-season in July and August, but close enough to get to all the incredible action in only 1/2 an hours drive, more or less.

Entumoto Safari Camp is a partnership between a charming Maasai and an equally charming Swedish family (with new Spanish partners coming on board I understand). It has only 10 tented rooms. 4 truly beautiful family tents, each consist of two en-suite bedrooms, either side of a central sitting room with a roaring fireplace…. perfect for families! They also have 5  en-suite double/ twin tents, perfect for couples. All of these rooms have an elevated verandah overlooking ‘The Mara!’.

With regards to our activities, the game drives really are exceptional, hence super-fun for kids, making this place perfect for a family safari. Just five minutes drive from the camp there is a swamp that is full of animals and birds at all times, plus the reserve a further 15 minutes away. Of course being on a conservancy, night drives are also possible … truly thrilling for little ones. We went on a wonderful and interesting bush walk, a great time to learn about animal spoor and droppings .. mmm. Their breakfasts under an acacia tree are lovely and their sundowner / kids supper was exceptional!!! That view will stay with me for as long as I live! We didn’t do the cultural visits but they are available as are a scenic flight in a Cessna aircraft, a day trip to Lake Victoria and hot air balloon trips.

In brief, after it’s facelift, Entumoto is a great place to visit with kids as its so very close to the wildlife action, it has a swimming pool and the family rooms are perfect!

Practicalities for a Family Safari

Entumoto Safari Camp – A handsome, though not extravagant tented camp in a super location .. so close, yet far enough from the Mara Reserve.
Masai Mara, Kenya – The Masai Mara is the premier game viewing reserve in the world. Quite simply nowhere else compares for wildlife viewing!
For those travelling to Kenya with kids – This is a great place to visit on a Kenyan safari or for a weekend if you live in Kenya with kids, though I would not suggest travelling here with crawlers as there are long distances to walk between rooms and there are large drops! You will see tonnes of wildlife and birds … and the scenery is beautiful.
Weather – The weather in the Mara is generally ‘cool nights and clear, warm days’.  The hottest month is usually December, January. The wettest month is usually April, May.
What to Pack? – Shorts for the day with a shirt & a jumper for when you’re driving along. A jumper and jacket, trousers and jumpers for the evening …. and swimming costumes for the brave (the pool is quite chilly!) and lots of suncream.
Price – Between USD320 – 540 per person per night sharing (pppns) for all inclusive or USD260 to 470 pppns for full board, this camp is actually reasonable for a private camp in such an incredible spot. For Kenyan residents, the rate is about Kshs12,000pppns!!! For rates or to book, please contact me.
My advise – Stay here, with your kids. It is not top-end luxurious but it is terribly comfortable, beautiful, you are supporting a successful conservation area, you’ll see endless wildlife and you will spend proper valuable family-time….. a rarity in this day and age.