Our Kenya safari experience was incredible – from the variety of wildlife to the friendly locals, and impeccable accommodation. One of the most commonly asked questions about safaris is “what is the accommodation like?” (second only to “did you see a lot of animals?” spoiler: yes!). I wanted to give you an in-depth look at one of the places we stayed to hopefully ease fears about going on a safari. Here’s an honest review of our safari accommodation to use as a guide for where to stay in Kenya.
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Mara Bush Camp is not what I would consider a luxury resort (though it could be if you wanted with the additional options), nor is it a traditional tent camp – it’s happily nestled in the middle of the two.
Mara Bush Camp is tucked away in riverine forest. Each tent overlooks the Olare Orok river. The river attracts water buffalo which you often hear at night or in the early morning. Hippos enjoy the river during the day. The camp is near numerous crossings of the Great Migration – meaning the wildlife sightings are indescribable.
Upon arrival at the camp, we were greeted with a warm towel and a refreshing fruit juice. We were given a basic tour of the camp – the welcome office, the bar/lounge area, dining area, and of course our tents. We were given a safety talk as well. Guests should stay on the path for safety reasons. The camp is not fenced off from wild animals, so there are guards around camp to help keep you safe. At night, the guards walk you along the path as well. You can try to tell them you’re only walking to the next tent, but they’ll still walk with you.
What about food and drink?
Since there aren’t restaurants or grocery stores on safari, food is included in your Kenya safari accommodations. The Mara Bush Camp dining area is outside (there is a covered area if it rains). The nature-inspired table and chairs accent the incredible dishes – creating a dining experience unlike anywhere else in the world.
Photos above are from Mara Bush Camp.
The bar and lounge area is the perfect place to relax. While the camp did have solar-powered lights, the charging station was in the lounge area (as was the best wifi signal). Curl up with a book or chat with other guests. We met a videographer from Austria who captured a cheetah kill on camera – that was incredible to watch!
What are the tents really like?
The tents were canvas but had a solid floor. There was even patio furniture on the outside of the tent so you can relax. I never felt like I was “roughing it” but I also felt that I was on an African safari. It was a delicate balance that they maintained very well! The mattresses were full mattresses – not air beds like regular camping, and definitely not on the ground.
What about wildlife?
There were two game drives per day – one in the morning around sunrise and one in the evening around sunset. Due to the great location of the camp, animal sightings were abundant!
Make your time in Kenya complete by visiting an Elephant Orphanage.
Most Kenya safari accommodations have numerous additional activities you can partake in, and Mara Bush Camp is no exception. Their additional activities include a Maasai Camp visit, romantic dinner in the bush, and (my favorite) a sunrise hot air balloon ride!
There are a few types of tents – luxury, family, and budget. Check their website for rates and differences. Each tent has its own bathroom, solar-powered electricity, and wifi (though the connection is MUCH better in the lounge).
After dinner, the firepit is where most of the guests congregate to relax. One of my fondest memories is relaxing by the fire under the African night sky.
The staff at Mara Bush Camp wrap the entire experience with a friendly face. From the welcome staff to the bartender to the guards – the staff quickly became friends and were hard to say goodbye to.
Save “Where to Stay on Safari in Kenya” for later!
Mara Bush Camp looks like a great immersive way to enjoy a safari. While it may not be luxury per se, it sounds so accommodating. Wine, delicious food, and a campfire under the African skies? Perfection!
Mara Bush Camp looks incredible! I have wondered what the camps and tents were like, these look completely comfortable. Love that there are activities during the day and guards walking you around safely. What a great memory
This is a really incredible and heartwarming post that definitely makes me want to visit! I think most of the reason that I haven’t seen Kenya yet is because I had so many unanswered questions that you’ve addressed in this post. I really like that the accommodation doesn’t feel like you’re roughing it, but yet you feel like you are truly on safari. I always see these types of tents and have always wondered what it was like to sleep in them – so great info! The staff at the Mara Bush Camp seem so genuinely warm and content. People like this really do make traveling so magical and memorable.
This sounds amazing. We have talked about going on safari but have yet to do so. I would love to see all of the animals in the wild! Incredible!
I have been to Kenya several times, I have visited Maasai Mara and there nothing like it, I keep telling friends explaining the experience will not do it Justice.
The early morning game drives, the evenings by the campfire,I have to be honest sleeping in a tent made me feel unsafe(I`m not and have never been an outdoorsy person and hate bugs and all crawlers) but a Kenya safari combined with beach holidays in Mombasa North or south coast I feel is a must-do for anyone who can afford it.