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Discover Ol Seki Hemingways Mara: A Unique Safari Experience in Kenya
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Ever wondered what it’s like to have the African bush almost to yourself? Ol Seki Hemingways Mara comes close. The camp sits high on a bluff within the Naboisho Conservancy, overlooking a vast expanse of grassland where giraffes and antelope appear as dots in the distance. It feels remote in the best way – but without sacrificing hot showers, Wi-Fi, or a gin and tonic when you want one.
The name “Ol Seki” comes from the sandpaper tree, a Maasai symbol of peace. Fitting because there’s a quietness here that settles into you quickly, even if you’ve just hopped off a flight from Nairobi.
Ol Seki Hemingways Video
Overview of Ol Seki Hemingways
Explore the Wilderness
Experience safari bush walks, available for an extra fee.
Thrilling Game Drives
Enjoy game drives, included in your nightly stay.
Luxurious Tent Suites
Governors' Il Moran Camp features just ten opulent tented suites.
Soar Above the Plains
Opt for hot air balloon rides, offered at an additional cost.
Family-Friendly Adventures
Children aged 8 and up are welcome at Governors' Camp.
Pamper Yourself
Treat yourself to a spa service, available for an extra charge.
Convenient Access
Reach the camp easily via Musiara Airstrip.
Engage with Locals
Partake in community experiences, available at an extra cost.
Exceptional Wildlife Encounters
Located in a prime area for viewing big cats.
Stay Connected
Wi-Fi is accessible at Governors Camp.
Location and Geography
The Naboisho Conservancy spans approximately 200 square kilometers and is located adjacent to the Maasai Mara Reserve. The main difference? Fewer vehicles. That means you’re more likely to share your lion sighting with just your guide rather than a convoy of minibuses.
The camp is only 10 minutes from the airstrip, so it’s surprisingly easy to get to. And yes, you can still do the hot-air balloon ride if you want that classic “drift over the Mara” moment. However, some of the most memorable wildlife encounters occur right around camp – one morning, I watched a herd of elephants walk past while I was still sipping coffee on the deck.
Climate and Weather
Due to the elevation (5,000 to 7,000 feet), the weather is generally mild for visitors. Days are warm but not hot, and nights can be cool enough for a sweater. There are two rainy seasons: March to May and October to December.
If you want crisp, dry days with lots of predator activity, June to September is the best time to visit. But don’t dismiss the green months either – the grass is taller, the skies more dramatic, and there’s a different kind of beauty in watching zebras move like a ripple through fields that look freshly painted.
“You can enjoy a safari at Naibosho Conservancy any time of the year,” says Oledama, a professional guide at the conservancy with over 15 years of experience. He continues, “Being a grassland, you can easily spot wildlife even during the rainy season.”
At AjKenyaSafaris.com, we often recommend visiting the Masai Mara whenever you get time to witness the big five, big cats, and other Masai Mara animals.
Accommodation and Facilities
Heminways Ol Seki Mara has just 10 tents, but “tents” feels like a stretch. Think more along the lines of canvas-walled suites: big beds, en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, and decks where meals can be served if you don’t feel like being social.
If you’re traveling as a family or group, the Simba and Chui tents have more space and even the option of a private chef. Otherwise, meals are taken communally or under the stars, and they’re surprisingly good – one night I had chapati rolled straight off the pan with grilled goat, which was way better than the “safe” pasta dish I nearly ordered.
There’s a fire pit, library, and an infinity pool that looks out onto the valley. But the best feature? The distance between tents. You don’t hear your neighbors, which makes it feel like you’re truly alone in the wilderness.
Community and Conservation Efforts
The camp exists because of the local Maasai community. Over 500 families lease their land to form the conservancy, and a portion of your stay goes directly to those leases. It’s a model that means conservation isn’t just for tourists – it pays for the people who live here too.
Your guide will probably talk about it while you’re out on drives, not in a lecture-y way, but casually, like pointing out which family owns which piece of land. It makes the place feel alive, not just a “wildlife park”.
To give a better understanding, we asked Josphant, an elder of the Maasai community, for some details about the conservation efforts at the conservancy. He informed us that the conservancy covers an area of around 50,000 acres and was officially established in 2010. This leased land provides monthly income to the families and employs about 95% of them. It has seen its wildlife population increase by over 83% in a 2021 survey and is home to elephants, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, and more than 470 species of birds.
Wildlife and Game Drives in the Maasai Mara
The big stuff is all here – lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards – but the absolute joy is the space to see them without a crowd. Morning drives start early (yes, with that bleary-eyed 5:30 wake-up call) and by sunrise, you’re often in the middle of something remarkable.
One morning, our vehicle’s engine cut out, and we sat in silence while a lioness and her cubs walked right past the front bumper. You could hear their paws pressing into the dirt. No one said a word until they disappeared into the grass. It wasn’t “epic” in the traditional sense of the word. It was just… raw.
Night drives are another perk of staying in Naboisho. Spotting hyenas skulking through the dark by the glow of red headlights is equal parts eerie and exciting.
Wildlife and Game Drives in the Maasai Mara
The big stuff is all here – lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards – but the absolute joy is the space to see them without a crowd. Morning drives start early (yes, with that bleary-eyed 5:30 wake-up call) and by sunrise, you’re often in the middle of something remarkable.
One morning, our vehicle’s engine cut out, and we sat in silence while a lioness and her cubs walked right past the front bumper. You could hear their paws pressing into the dirt. No one said a word until they disappeared into the grass. It wasn’t “epic” in the traditional sense of the word. It was just… raw.
Night drives are another perk of staying in Naboisho. Spotting hyenas skulking through the dark by the glow of red headlights is equal parts eerie and exciting.
Ol Seki Hemingways: Activities and Experiences
Beyond game drives, you can stretch your legs on walking safaris where guides point out the small stuff—tracks, dung beetles, plants used for medicine—that you’d miss in a vehicle. Village visits are offered too, though I’d say go with the mindset of listening and learning rather than snapping a hundred photos.
Food is a pleasant surprise: fresh salads, Kenyan staples, and hearty breakfasts. One afternoon, a bush lunch was set up under a lone acacia tree. Simple grilled fish, a cold beer, and the odd, curious zebra edging closer. It felt relaxed and unpretentious, which is precisely how the camp operates.
There’s also a small spa available if you’d like a massage, and yes, laundry’s included, so you don’t need to overpack.
How to Get to Ol Seki Hemingways Mara
Most people fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport into the Ol Seki airstrip—it’s only an hour in the air and then ten minutes by road. You can drive the whole way, but between potholes and cows on the road, it’s not everyone’s idea of fun.
Safety and Security
You’re in the wild, but you’re not unprotected. The camp has round-the-clock security, and staff will walk you back to your tent after dark (for good reason—buffalo have been known to wander straight through camp).
There’s also a briefing when you arrive that covers the basics: don’t walk alone at night, don’t lean out of vehicles, and don’t panic if you hear lions while you’re in your tent. The canvas walls may feel thin, but you’re safe inside.
Visitors’ Review of Mara Ol Seki Hemingways
What are people saying about the camp?
“We loved this accommodation. It has everything that you need. The beautiful tents, along with the morning and night game rides, were excellent. We saw so many animals. Our guides Ben and Evans were very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. They made all of our outings a lot of fun. We felt safe the entire time we were there; the staff takes very good care of you. Laylar in the dining area was awesome. She made us feel like family. Debbie, the manager, helped us coordinate our schedules. She was very kind. The setting of this hotel is indescribable, we truly enjoyed our stay at Hemingway‘s Ol Seki.” – Tania A.
“It was a spectacular trip with two families. I have been on safari before, but I was blown away and saw things I never imagined I would. The staff and guides were beyond incredible—special thanks to Caroline and Julius, as well as the house staff. Isaac, Rachel, and Sydney are incredibly knowledgeable and made sure all of our rides were perfect. We created memories of a lifetime, and I’ve traveled the world on luxury vacations. All six kids (3 in each family) said this was their favorite vacation.
My sincerest gratitude to all of the staff and Debbie (who had everything organized perfectly) for this wonderful experience.” – Beralamin
Meet Gladys, the Author
I should introduce myself. I’m Gladys Mwangi—a safari planner, traveler, and someone who has spent more hours on these plains than I can count. I write these stories not as glossy brochure promises but because I’ve lived them. I’ve stood at the fire pit at Ol Seki swapping jokes with guides. I’ve been woken at 33 am by the sound of hyenas whooping outside my tent.
I’ve had those moments when you’re torn between grabbing your camera or just soaking it all in. I don’t just plan a safari, I think about how you’ll feel—whether you want the rush of a migration river crossing or the peace of a green season. I hope by sharing my own stories, I can help you find your Mara.
Ole Seki Hemingway's Mara Camp Social Profiles
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