Basecamp Wilderness Mara Naboisho Tented Safari Camp

Basecamp Wilderness is a small off-grid tented camp in Saddle Valley, Mara Naboisho Conservancy. It is part of the Saruni Basecamp portfolio, managing 13 camps and lodges in community conservancies across the Masai Mara and Samburu regions.

Unlike the group’s Basecamp Masai Mara property near Talek, Basecamp Wilderness offers a quieter experience in Naboisho. It is designed for travellers seeking classic canvas comfort, night drives, guided walks and tranquil evenings in a remote conservancy. The camp suits couples, photographers, repeat safari travellers and nature-focused families. It is less suitable for guests needing a pool, air-conditioned suites, a large social lodge or extensive in-camp entertainment.

Reaching the camp

The camp is in Saddle Valley, Mara Naboisho Conservancy, within the greater Masai Mara ecosystem. Guests fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Ol Seki airstrip, then transfer to camp. We confirm flight details, airstrip, transfer timing, and luggage allowance for your dates.

Road travel from Nairobi is possible but lengthy. Flying is recommended for a three- or four-night stay, as it maximizes time for game drives, walks, and relaxation. A Kenya fly-in safari also makes it easier to combine Naboisho with another safari region or a coastal extension.

The Naboisho Conservancy experience

Mara Naboisho Conservancy is a community-owned wildlife area within the wider Masai Mara ecosystem. Its conservancy rules allow activities that are not generally permitted in the main Masai Mara National Reserve, including guided walking safaris and night drives, subject to current camp arrangements and conservancy regulations.

This creates a unique safari rhythm. Day drives highlight the landscape and resident wildlife. Night drives reveal species and behaviors less visible during the day. Guided walks slow the pace further, focusing on tracks, bird calls, plants, insects and other subtle bush details.

Wildlife in the conservancy may include lion, elephant, giraffe, zebra, antelope and diverse birdlife, though sightings vary by season, weather and animal movement. A full-day visit to the Masai Mara is available, especially during migration periods or for guests hoping to reach river-crossing areas. Reserve entry fees are additional, but the camp’s strongest experience remains within Naboisho.

Tents and family accommodation

The camp has a small number of classic safari tents and one Family Tent, arranged around Saddle Valley’s rim for privacy and open views. The camp maintains a traditional style, using canvas, solar electricity and practical safari comforts instead of lodge-style interiors.

Classic Safari Tent

Main features: King or twin beds, private seating area, separate bathroom tent, bio-flush toilet, solar lighting and shower heated on request.

Suits: Couples, solo travellers and friends sharing.

Why choose it: A private canvas base with wide views and a close connection to the surrounding bush.

Family Tent

Main features: Two separate wings, each with a bedroom, bathroom and private verandah, plus a large shared deck; sleeps up to four.

Suits: Families and two couples travelling together.

Why choose it: Each party has its own bathroom and outdoor space while sharing a central deck for meals, reading and time together.

Wildlife after dark and on foot

The full-board game package usually includes shared day and night drives in open-sided vehicles, a guided walking safari, bush meals, picnic excursions and sundowners. Daily plans may change due to weather, wildlife movement and guide recommendations.

Night drives offer a new perspective as guides search for nocturnal species and explain how the bush changes after dark. Guided walks shift focus from large mammals to interpreting tracks, bird calls, grazing patterns, plants and other subtle ecosystem signs.

Birdwatching, fireside storytelling and cultural experiences can add variety between drives. Hot-air balloon flights, Maasai manyatta visits, private vehicles, private guiding and full-day Masai Mara National Reserve excursions are available by advance request.

Saruni Basecamp’s guiding approach extends beyond the Big Five, using drives and walks to interpret wildlife behavior, birdlife, plants and the broader ecosystem.

Dining and evenings at camp

Safari days start early with breakfast served in camp or packed for longer drives. Bush meals, picnics and sundowners extend the day in the conservancy. Dinner is served at camp, often followed by time around the communal fireplace.

The dining tent, lounge and fireside areas are informal and sociable, not formal or nightlife-focused. This camp suits guests who enjoy conversation around the fire, dark skies and quiet evenings in a wildlife area.

The full-board package typically includes meals, soft drinks, house wines, selected beers and house spirits, as well as tea and coffee service in each tent. Premium wines, Champagne and select premium drinks incur additional charges. Please inform us of any vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free or dairy-free requirements before travel so the kitchen can prepare accordingly.

Ideal guests and safari style

The camp suits travellers seeking a smaller, traditional tented safari with night drives, guided walks and quiet evenings in a community-owned conservancy. It especially appeals to couples, photographers, repeat Mara visitors and nature-focused families using the Family Tent.

Consider another camp if you need a pool, spa, air-conditioned rooms, reliable in-tent Wi-Fi, extensive children’s entertainment or a contemporary luxury-lodge atmosphere.

Plan at least three nights to enjoy day drives, a night drive, a guided walk and time in camp at a relaxed pace. Four nights are recommended for guests adding a balloon safari, reserve excursion or conservation and cultural experiences.

Conservation, community and culture

Basecamp Wilderness is a founding member of Mara Naboisho Conservancy. Conservation fees, land leases and camp employment are structured to direct tourism income to community landowners and support landscape protection. The camp reports supporting over 500 local families in the Naboisho community, with more than 80% of staff from local landowner communities.

The camp harvests rainwater, composts kitchen waste, generates most electricity with solar panels, uses biodegradable detergents, sources locally when possible, and recycles 96% of its general waste. Canvas accommodation, bio-flush toilets and solar lighting help minimize the camp’s permanent physical footprint.

Guests may participate in seedball reforestation during game drives, helping restore indigenous trees and shrubs in selected areas. Fireside storytelling, Maasai cultural visits, and traditional ceremonies may also be available, depending on current community arrangements.

What to know before booking

• The camp is open year-round, but weather, wildlife movement, migration patterns, and flight schedules vary by season.
• Green-season stays offer lush landscapes, abundant birdlife and fewer visitors, though migration timing and river crossings are not guaranteed.
• The package typically includes meals, selected drinks, shared game drives, a guided walk, airstrip transfers and selected laundry. Please confirm exact inclusions for your dates.
• Daily conservancy fees are charged separately from the park entrance fees.
• Balloon safaris, Maasai village visits, private vehicles, private guiding and Masai Mara National Reserve visits generally cost extra.
• Young Explorers Club activities are available by request and should be reserved in advance.
• Comprehensive travel, medical and emergency-evacuation insurance is required.