OVERVIEW:
Hemingways River Camp Mara continues the legacy of the iconic Maasai Mara property, formerly Richard's River Camp, built by Richard Roberts. This was originally Richard’s ‘home away from home’, and his wife Liz lovingly selected many of the beautiful furnishings and fabrics that create a warm, inviting atmosphere in its Meru-style tents today. Now it’s one of the finest camps in the Mara North Conservancy, and guests are assured unrivalled luxury, personalised service, and a superb location, perfectly positioned for the Great Migration. Rates at River Camp are full board and include all meals, house beverages, game drives, laundry, and local airstrip transfers.
ACCESS & LOCATION:
Hemingways River Camp is situated on the banks of the Njageteck River, in the Mara North Conservancy. There are scheduled daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Mara North airstrip, and we can also arrange private light aircraft charters. It’s approximately 40 minutes by car from the airstrip to camp.
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT HEMINGWAYS RIVER CAMP:
Hemingways River Camp Mara features seven Meru-style tents, spaced out beneath the trees on the banks of the Njageteck River. Six of these are classic tents offering 47 square metres of space for two guests, while the 180 sq. m two-bedroom suite is ideal for family living. Each elegantly styled tent features king or twin beds, along with a thoughtful selection of antique wooden furniture and luxurious textiles. Canvas windows are shielded by gauze to keep mosquitoes at bay, and the front of the tents rolls up fully to reveal uninterrupted views. Additional touches include cosy hot water bottles for the cool Mara nights, an electronic safe, and in-tent WiFi. Every en-suite bathroom has solar-heated indoor and outdoor showers. Outside, swing seats hang from the surrounding trees, and private verandas offer comfortable seating for relaxing and enjoying the views! The family suite is perfect for spacious safari living, featuring two en-suite bedrooms, a central lounge, and a large river-facing veranda.
River Camp Mara’s comfortably furnished mess tent occupies a section of grassland a short distance from the river, framed by some beautiful indigenous trees. As it’s open-fronted, guests can enjoy the gentle breeze and gorgeous views over the Mara North Conservancy, whether dining or relaxing in the lounge. Meals are usually an atmospheric communal affair, often served open air, weather permitting. You can also choose to dine privately, and three-course candlelit dinners by a lantern-lit fire in the heart of the bush are a highlight. Last but not least, the crackling campfire is the ideal spot to gather round for sundowners at the end of a long day on safari.
ACTIVITIES AT HEMINGWAYS RIVER CAMP:
Hemingways River Camp Mara is ideally located for day and night game viewing in the Mara North Conservancy.
- Game drives – Game drives are possible during the day and the night – and there is loads to see here! All Big Five species roam the plains of the Mara North Conservancy, accompanied by countless other predators and herbivores. River Camp Mara is also an excellent base for experiencing the Great Migration between July and October. It’s possible to book an exclusive-use vehicle for extra privacy and game-viewing flexibility.
- Hot air balloon safaris – Starting at dawn, guests can experience the Mara from a bird’s-eye perspective with a spectacular hot air balloon safari. Glide above the plains, taking in the full scope of the landscape and wildlife beneath, before landing in time for a delicious champagne breakfast. Please note that this experience incurs an additional cost.
- Photographic safaris – Game drives can be tailored to photographers with expert-led sessions in the Mara. Develop and hone your wildlife shots in one of the most photogenic places on Earth.
- Child-friendly activities – The guides at River Camp Mara can tailor activities specifically for the kids, including storytelling, gentle nature walks, and opportunities for educational and creative play.
*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.