I had always wanted to visit the Masai Mara to experience the lush greenery and majestic wildlife and Kilima camp made my dream safari come true. After doing my research, I found that the Masai Mara is one of the most preferred destinations for unforgettable and luxurious safari adventures. While I wanted to go on an unforgettable and elegant adventure, finding the best accommodation in the Masai Mara was somehow challenging because my aim was to keep my budget reasonable.
However, after reviewing various lodges and camps in the Masai Mara, I settled for Kilima Camp owing to its blend of adventure and modern comfort, and most importantly, budget-friendly prices. From the moment I checked into the camp, I stepped into a world of breathtaking views, Mara’s magnificent wildlife, and beautiful and authentic Masai culture. Kilima Camp was like a home away from home for me. That said, if you are looking for an exemplary safari experience blended with luxury and comfort, Kilima Camp is the best accommodation for you.
Based on my experiences, here are a few important things you need to know about Kilima Camp to make your safari adventure memorable and worthwhile.
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Location of Kilima Camp
Traveling to Kilima Camp by road, which is about 257 Km from Nairobi, was an amazing experience. The journey to Kilima Camp using the Narok route, which was a 6-hour drive, allowed me to experience the bustling towns, highlands, and open plains on the way to the Masai Mara. As we approached the Masai Mara, Kilima Camp appeared perched on the Oloololo escarpment, with the lush greenery of the National Reserve surrounding the camp. However, while traveling to Kilima Camp by road is exciting, you may also decide to travel by air (Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Ol Kiombo Airstrip in the Maasai Mara) to the camp. However, it is important to note that the cost of traveling by road to Kilima camp is way cheaper than by flight (air).
Accommodation
Upon arriving at Kilima Camp, an amazing and very accommodating staff member took me to where I would be staying for the next three days and two nights. I had booked a classic tent for my stay. The camp’s classic tents are intimate, comfortable, and luxurious spaces with twin, double, or king beds, an en-suite bathroom, and a private verandah, which allow guests to have a breathtaking view of the Masai Mara’s landscape. Being a solo traveler, the classic tent provided me with an immersive safari experience. However, you may also consider the classic tents if you are traveling as a couple.
You may also consider staying in the deluxe tents when you visit the camp, as they provide guests with luxury and an opportunity to relax and experience the striking views of the Masai Mara on their large wooden deck. The tents can accommodate up to 4 guests (2 adults and 2 children), making them an ideal option for families or groups.
If you are looking for a romantic getaway in the Masai Mara, you may also consider Kilima Camp. The camp has honeymoon tents, which are smaller and tailored to fit two people, and which will provide you and your partner with luxury, privacy, and comfort, making your safari adventure special and unforgettable. The honeymoon tents also have a private verandah, which will ensure that you and your partner experience the breathtaking views of the Masai Mara and Mara River.
Kilima Camp Rates
I found my visit to Kilima Camp extremely budget-friendly. However, the rates at Kilima Camp were based on the camp’s three distinct seasons, that is, low, mid, and high seasons. Travelling during the low season allowed me to escape the crowds, view diverse wildlife, and enjoy the favorable weather, which consisted of seasonal rain and sunshine. The rate I paid for a full-board visit to the Kilima Camp during the low season was $305/night, which was a great price for all the remarkable experiences I had at the camp.
You may choose to book a package for the Kilima camp, which may start from $460/adult/night. The prices of Kilima camp packages, which apply to the flight option, are inclusive of Mara airstrip, game drives with excellent guides, full board, and drinks.
If you want a package but you have traveled to Kilima camp by road, don’t worry. A package can be arranged at the Camp’s reception for guests who are on full board.
Mid-season charges for Kilima Camp range between $305/adult/night for full board and $525/adult/night for a package. During the mid-season, guests get the opportunity to experience the abundant wildlife, lush greenery due to the sunny and rainy weather, and also evade the crowds.
The high-season rates for Kilima Camp range between $475/adult/night for full board and $645/adult/night for a package. The most amazing thing about travelling in the high season is experiencing the wild-beast migration, the mara river crossings, and the sunny and dry weather that allows you to enjoy game drives and sundowners.
In whichever season you choose to travel, it is important to consider your budget and your preferred experience at Kilima Camp.
Facilities & Services at Kilima Lodge
During my stay at Kilima Camp, I enjoyed most of the facilities. Among the facilities I enjoyed the most while at Kilima Camp were the bar, garden, swimming pool, Wi-Fi, the main guest area, and the dining area. The main guest area was one of my favorite spots, apart from the bar and dining area, to unwind, especially in the evening after a long day of exciting activities in the camp.
On one of my days in the camp, while chilling in the main guest area, I got to meet and interact with a solo traveler like myself, who was also on safari to encounter the stunning views of the Masai Mara and enjoy the luxury and comfort at Kilima Camp. While relaxing by the fire and exchanging stories, my new friend and I agreed to link up in the future for more memorable safari adventures.
One of the other facilities that I really enjoyed was the bar. At the bar, I was served a wide variety of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, helping me to unwind in an exciting manner. The bites that I was served at the bar were delicious and filling, to say the least.
The dining area also offered me an unforgettable experience at Kilima Camp. The breakfast buffet at the camp included a variety of options, including coffee or tea, biscuits, and homemade cakes, which were simply delicious.
For lunch, I tried out various homemade, sensational, and wholesome meals that were directly sourced from the on-site eco-garden. The meals were also accompanied by vegetables and fruits to ensure that guests had balanced meals. If you are a vegetarian or are on a diet, Kilima Camp also has you in mind, with meals such as Kosher and Hala being served to guests.
I could not get enough of the afternoon homemade cakes and drinks, which were served between 3 and 5 pm. In addition to the afternoon snacks, the evening dinners were scrumptious and comprised of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
Therefore, guests definitely get value for their money and enjoy the mesmerizing and authentic flavors of homemade meals at Kilima Camp.
Kilima Camp also has numerous services to meet the specific needs of all guests. For instance, I got to enjoy the camp’s tranquil spa and received a soothing massage, a bubble bath, and pampering services, which helped me relax and rejuvenate after a safari adventure in the Masai Mara. While receiving the massage, I was exposed to the breathtaking Masai Mara landscape and the natural beauty of the Mara River, ensuring my experience was unmatched and unforgettable.
Other services that you can enjoy at Kilima Camp include laundry, babysitting, secure parking, and airport transfers. However, if you want to utilize the laundry services, it is important to know that guests are required to pay for the service separately.
Activities to Enjoy at Kilima Camp
Kilima Camp offers guests a wide variety of activities to enjoy, including horse riding safaris, guided nature walks, cultural Masai village visits, helicopter safaris, sundowners, bird watching, tree planting, and hot air balloon safaris. However, these activities should be booked on-site or be part of a travel package and may incur extra charges for the guests.
For me, the most interesting and invaluable activity was the hot air balloon safari, which provided me with a birds-eye view of the Masai Mara’s striking landscape and the abundant wildlife on the ground below. The pick-up point for the Hot Air Balloon was at Sekenani gate at 6.30 am EAT. After the hot air balloon safari was over, we were dropped off at Ol Kiombo Airstrip. The price of the Hot Air Balloon safari starts at about $450 per person and is usually processed directly at the camp.
I also really enjoyed the game drive sessions in the morning, as they were an opportunity for me to connect with nature and soak in the goodness of the rich flora and fauna in the Masai Mara.
When going on the game drives, we used 4×4 vehicles provided by the camp and were provided with professional guides to accompany us, ensuring we had unparalleled and educational experiences. Some of the wildlife I got to see when on the game drive included zebras, lions, elephants, cheetahs, buffaloes, leopards, and hyenas, among others.
I preferred going for my game drive early so that I could enjoy my breakfast in the bush and also get to see diverse wildlife as they are mostly active in the early morning or late afternoons when temperatures are cooler. However, you can go for a game drive at 9 am, which will enable you to have your breakfast at the camp and go with a refreshed spirit.
Sundowner
For the two nights I spent at Kilima Camp, I truly enjoyed the mesmerizing views of the Masai Mara sunset during the sundowner sessions. Enjoying the golden hues and serene atmosphere of the setting sun is an unmatched and unforgettable experience for me.
Kilima camp’s commitment to supporting and nurturing the local community, specifically the Maasai, and preserving its unique cultural heritage, is remarkable. Indeed, entertainment by Masai dancers, short talks on the Masai culture, schools, and village visits, provide guests, like myself, with a mindblowing experience at the camp.
I particularly enjoyed the entertainment by the Masai dancers in the evenings and also learning more about the Maa culture. After learning a step or two of the Masai dances, I might now start referring to myself as a Masai. It is an experience that I would highly recommend for anyone who craves an authentic feel of the beautiful African culture.
Another experience that I truly enjoyed at Kilima Camp was the environmental educational program, including topics such as waste management, efficient water and energy use, and recycling, among others. From this program, I learned the necessity of playing a part in maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem. So if you are a lover of nature conversations, Kilima Camp is definitely the best accommodation for you when you visit the Masai Mara.
- Check-In and Check-Out Time
The check-in time at Kilima Camp is from 12 pm, while the check-out time is until 11.00 am.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best time for a game drive?
A: The best time to go on a game drive is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as animals are usually active when the temperatures are cooler. Going for a game drive at midday will not provide you with the best animal viewing experience. Among the animals you can see when you visit Kilima Camp are elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and a variety of bird species.
Guests use 4×4 open-sided vehicles, which can accommodate a maximum of 6 guests per vehicle when going on game drives, allowing each guest to have a window view.
Q: Which Activities are Available at Kilima Camp?
A: There is a wide variety of activities for guests to enjoy at Kilima Camp, including horse riding safaris, guided nature walks, night game drives, cultural Masai village visits, helicopter safaris, sundowners, tree planting, and hot air balloon safaris. Other activities such as massages and bubble baths are also available at the Camp’s Spa.
Activities such as the hot air balloon safari, archery lessons, bird watching, or cultural tours can be arranged upon request.
All the activities can be booked on-site or in advance and may incur extra charges for the guests.
Q: How Long Do Game Drives Last?
A: Game drives typically last for about 3 to 4 hours. However, full-day game drives with a picnic lunch can also be arranged at the Camp’s reception. Private game drives for families or groups can also be arranged at the Camp.
Q: What are the Rates at Kilima Camp Based On?
A: The rates at Kilima Camp are based on the three distinct seasons at the camp, that is, low, mid, and high season. During all three seasons, guests pay differing prices and have varying and unique experiences, wildlife sightings, and atmospheres.
In the low season, the rates are about $305/adult/night for full board and $460/adult/night for a package. During the low season, guests can escape the crowds, view abundant wildlife, and enjoy the sunny weather with seasonal rain, which allows the greenery in the Mara to bloom.
In the mid-season, the rates are about $355/adult/night for full-board and $525/adult/night for a package. Guests can enjoy the abundance of wildlife, the cool weather (sun and a bit of rain), and enjoy a quieter visit to the camp during the mid-season.
During the high season, the rate for a full-board basis is $475/adult/night, and for a package is $645/adult/night. Guests who visit the camp during the high season are privileged to encounter the great migration, mara crossings, and sunny and dry weather, which is perfect for game drives and sundowners.
The season you plan to visit the camp should be based on your budget and your expected experiences. Whichever way, Kilima Camp strives to ensure guests receive personalized packages and rates to meet their preferences and budget.
Conclusion
The experiences I gained at Kilima Camp are truly a story worth telling. Choosing Kilima Camp for my accommodation not only let me experience luxury and comfort but also provided me with an opportunity to completely immersive myself in the breathtaking flora and fauna at the Maasai Mara and the authentic Masai culture. You could have a similar experience, or even better, if you decide to stay at Kilima Camp while visiting the Masai Mara.
For an unmatched and unforgettable safari adventure at Kilima Camp, reach out to info@africanholidaysafaris.com for more details and amazing packages to help you actualize your dream.
