Australia
UK / International
USA
CA
OVERVIEW:
Speke’s Camp oozes a simple outdoorsy sort of charm. It is one of our favourite value properties near the Maasai Mara! Privately owned and operated, it is an awesome option for travellers on a budget. Game drives take place in the busy reserve, but the camp itself provides a bit of peace and quiet – and some great guiding too!
ACCESS & LOCATION:
Speke’s has a lovely location, on the banks of the Olare Orok stream and surrounded by indigenous woodland.
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT SPEKE'S CAMP:
Its main areas are housed in one big mess tent – this incorporates lounge, dining room and bar. The lounge has some comfy seating and a few shelves of books for guests to enjoy, while the bar is tucked snugly into a corner. The dining area has a long wooden table and fairly ornate upright chairs for communal meals. The style overall is vibrant and energetic, with stripy rugs on the floor and sphere-shaded light fittings hanging from the ceiling, resembling outsize oranges and lemons! Further furniture is positioned around the grounds – for example, there are daybeds under trees to provide shade and to maximise amazing views over the plains of the Conservancy and the reserve.
The guest accommodation at Speke’s comprises eight traditional safari tents, well spread out along the banks of the stream and benefiting from shade provided by the woodland. Four are doubles, two are twins, and the remaining two are suitable for families of up to two adults and two children. Each tent contains a writing desk, comfortable seating, a wardrobe and/or a large storage chest. The décor is pretty cheerful, typically a neutral palette with a pop of colour and some interesting patterns! The en-suite facilities are found at the back of each unit – flush toilet, twin washbasin with mirror, and bucket shower. At the front, there is a veranda with deckchairs, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the view!
ACTIVITIES AT SPEKE'S CAMP:
Speke’s offers a good range of activities.
- Game drives take place by day and by night in the reserve, with its wealth of wildlife – lion, rhino, leopard, Cape buffalo and African elephant (the ‘Big Five’), plus loads of other predators and herbivores including cheetah, wild dog, antelope, giraffe!
- From July to October, the reserve plays host to the wildebeest Great Migration, when huge herds amass on the banks of the River Mara before hurtling across the croc-infested waters.
- Birders are in their element, as there are over 470 resident and migrant species to spot!
- Each client group is allotted its own driver guide, all committed to ensuring that you see as much as possible here.
- The camp also offers guided walks and cultural visits, super for getting to know the local area.
- Guests can explore the Talek River, Paradise Plains, Rhino Ridge and Musiara Marsh.
*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.
