Roca River Camp

OVERVIEW:

Roca River Camp is a beautifully located bush camp on the Mara river within Kenya’s infamous Maasai Mara National Reserve. With ten classic canvas tents shaded by a riverine forest overlooking the Mara river, an epic, back-to-nature wildlife experience awaits in one of Africa’s most prolific game-viewing areas. The camp is hosted by Ross and Caro of the Roberts family, a firm fixture on the Kenya safari circuit, with over fifty years of experience operating and guiding wildlife safaris throughout the continent. Rates at Roca River Camp are full board and include all meals, soft drinks, a selection of house wines and spirits, guided game drives in exclusive-use vehicles, bush breakfasts, sundowners, laundry, and transfers from/to Musiara airstrip.

ACCESS & LOCATION:

Located opposite the Mara Triangle, on the Mara river within Maasai Mara National Reserve, Roca River Camp is accessed by light aircraft scheduled flight or private charter into Musiara Airstrip. From Nairobi Wilson airport, it’s a one-hour flight to Musiara.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT ROCA RIVER CAMP:

Roca River Camp offers ten classic explorer-style canvas tents on flat ground, including nine standard units and one family suite. All standard tents can be arranged as singles, doubles, twins, or triples. Five accommodations face the grassy Maasai Mara plains and the other five look towards the Mara River. They are all en-suite, with flushing toilets, showers, and hot water provided on request. Zip-up canvas allows the front of the tents to be rolled up and open to the views, with outside seating areas complete with safari-style camping chairs, folding tables, and washbasins. Shaded by a riverine forest with panoramic Mara river views, the family suite comprises two en-suite rooms separated by a shared living space. It’s positioned closest to the communal camp areas, and is ideal for families with younger children who require easy access. The style overall is simple and understated – this is an authentic bush camp for the adventurous at heart. Still, all the essentials are provided, including fans, hairdryers, and hot water bottles for the chilly evenings. Each group is even assigned a private vehicle, spotter, and guide, ensuring that game viewing is the real highlight. The camp can also be booked exclusively for a minimum of eight guests.

There are two communal seating areas, featuring a dining room, bar, and book collection. The camp also has a good mobile phone network and Wi-Fi for those who need to stay connected. Meals can be taken communally, privately, or with the camp hosts, and are often enjoyed outside under the stars or shaded by the surrounding trees. Please note that the camp is in a wild, unfenced area. At night, guests are advised to walk with a torch and be accompanied by an askari (guard). Children must be supervised by adults at all times.

ACTIVITIES AT ROCA RIVER CAMP:

Roca River Camp occupies a spectacular location in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, overlooking the Mara river and close to the Mara Triangle. This area is truly superb for game viewing, with an abundance of Big Five species.

• Game drives

  – Daily game drives are enjoyed with a private vehicle, guide, and spotter. Regular sightings include lion, elephant, leopard, and Cape buffalo, and the inclusion of a private guide allows guests to zone in on specific interests.

• Bird watching

  – Opportunities to spot avians abound within the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, with a splendid array of endemic and migratory species encountered. Take to the bush with a private spotter, who’ll help you identify the seemingly endless variants.

• Maasai cultural visits

  – Visit a traditional Maasai ‘manyatta’ (homestead) and uncover some of the ancient cultural practices belonging to communities in the Mara. You will also have the chance to purchase hand-made beaded jewellery and other locally made crafts.

• Bush meals

  – Those wishing to maximise their time in the bush can enjoy a delicious bush breakfast or picnic lunch by the river or under a shady acacia tree, accompanied by the sounds of nature.

• Hot air balloon rides

  – Take to the skies for an aerial perspective of the Maasai Mara plains and its resident wildlife, with an exhilarating hot air balloon ride followed by a champagne breakfast. Please note that this activity incurs an additional cost.

• Walks outside the reserve

  – While walking isn’t permitted within the Maasai Mara Game Reserve itself, it can be arranged outside the reserve on request. Please contact a member of our team for more information.

• Kids’ activities

  – Children are welcome at Roca River Camp, where fun, family-friendly activities include Maasai spear throwing, archery, and traditional fire lighting.

*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.