Crocodile Camp Masai Mara is a tented camp set on the banks of the Talek River, just steps away from Talek Gate, the entrance to Masai Mara reserve. An affordable safari destination at the north-eastern gateway to one of Kenya's most renowned protected areas.

Why choose Crocodile Camp

The camp capitalizes on a rare location: the Talek riverbank, the natural boundary of the reserve, with Talek Gate just minutes away. You reach the heart of the Mara in mere minutes, return for dinner overlooking the river, and the English-speaking staff (German, English, Swahili) simplifies organizing excursions. The position remains accessible for a safari stay without compromising on the comfort of a permanent structure.

Atmosphere

The camp features over ten tents pitched on wooden platforms, overlooking the Talek River and the Mara plains. The setting captures the essence of a classic bush camp: the sound of flowing water, bird calls at dawn, and warm light filtering through canvas at dusk. In the evening, dinners extend around the fire, accompanied by the characteristic sounds of the savanna.

The tents

Accommodations consist of spacious tents mounted on wooden platforms with views of the river and plains. Each features a bathroom with shower and an outdoor area to enjoy the panorama. Bed linens, towels and basic amenities are provided. The configuration suits couples, families and small safari groups equally well.

Dining and services

The canvas-roofed restaurant offers Kenyan and international cuisine, with vegetarian options. Breakfast is served buffet-style or à la carte, lunch can be packed as a picnic for reserve outings, and dinner is served indoors or al fresco depending on weather.

Two occasions stand out: bush dinners under the stars and sunrise breakfasts, arranged on request. The bar rounds out the experience with a selection of cocktails, wines, spirits and beers, best savoured overlooking the river.

On the service side, the camp provides English-speaking reception, housekeeping, laundry, parking and transfers from nearby airstrips. Internet connection is available, bearing in mind the usual connectivity constraints of a remote location.

Getting there

From Nairobi, two options. By road, allow 5 to 6 hours to cover roughly 260 km via Narok, Sekenani, Talek and Koyaki; the final stretch on dirt road sets the tone for your stay. By air, a roughly one-hour flight lands travellers on Ol Kiombo airstrip, followed by a short 4x4 transfer to camp. Talek town centre is about ten minutes away, and a Maasai village is accessible nearby.

Surroundings

The camp sits right at the reserve entrance: Talek Gate opens onto the plains where the Great Migration unfolds between July and October. Several community conservancies border the reserve, offering more flexible vehicle safaris, sometimes at night:

• Olare Orok Conservancy
• Naboisho Conservancy
• Mara North Conservancy
• Mara Triangle, the western sector of the reserve, accessible via the Mara River

On site, the camp organizes Mara classics: 4x4 safaris, sunrise hot air balloon rides, Maasai village visits and guided walking safaris with local guides.

Planning the rest of your journey

The Mara combines seamlessly with other Kenyan ecosystems: the semi-arid landscapes of the north at Ashnil Samburu Camp, the shores of Lake Naivasha in the Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru and its flamingos, or the private conservancy at Chui Lodge. To build a complete itinerary, explore our Kenya journeys.