Entim Mara Camp
Entim Mara Camp
1. Location & Setting
Entim Mara Camp is located inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve, on a bend of the Mara River. Its biggest advantage is its position: guests are already inside the reserve, close to major wildlife areas and migration routes rather than commuting from outside the park.
Why the location is special:
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Overlooks the Mara River and surrounding savannah.
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Close to famous wildebeest crossing points.
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Excellent year-round wildlife viewing.
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Particularly sought after during the Great Migration (usually July–October) when wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara River.
The camp name “Entim” comes from the Maasai word for forest, reflecting its setting near riverine woodland.
2. Accommodation
Entim is a small, intimate luxury tented camp, designed to provide a more private safari experience rather than a large lodge atmosphere.
Guest tents typically feature:
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Spacious canvas safari tents
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Private verandas overlooking the wilderness
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En-suite bathrooms
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Hot showers
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Comfortable beds
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Natural wood and safari-style interiors
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Views of the Mara River and wildlife areas
A major attraction is the feeling of being immersed in nature: guests may hear hippos, hyenas, lions, and other wildlife around camp at night.
3. Wildlife Experience
Entim’s greatest selling point is its wildlife access.
Common sightings:
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Lions
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Leopards
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Cheetahs
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Elephants
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Buffalo
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Giraffes
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Hippos
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Crocodiles
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Wildebeest
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Zebras
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Gazelles
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Large bird species
Great Migration advantage
During migration season, the Mara River location gives guests a chance to witness dramatic river crossings. These events are unpredictable; animals may gather at the river for hours or days before crossing.
4. Safari Activities
Game drives
The camp offers guided safari drives with experienced Maasai guides who have extensive knowledge of animal behavior and the Mara ecosystem.
Typical safari schedule:
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Early morning game drive
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Breakfast/brunch
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Afternoon game drive
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Sundowner drinks
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Night return to camp
Hot-air balloon safari
A sunrise balloon flight over the Mara plains is available as an additional experience.
Maasai village visit
Guests can visit a Maasai community to learn about local culture, traditions, crafts, and daily life.
Bush breakfast
A classic safari experience: dining outdoors in the wilderness surrounded by the Mara landscape.
Sundowners
Evening drinks are enjoyed at scenic viewpoints overlooking the savannah.
5. Dining
Dining is designed as a boutique safari experience:
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Open-air dining areas
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Freshly prepared meals
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Bush breakfasts and special outdoor meals
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Dietary requirements can be accommodated if advised beforehand
6. Service & Atmosphere
Entim focuses on:
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Personalized service
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A quiet, intimate camp atmosphere
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Close interaction with Maasai staff and guides
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A traditional “classic safari” feeling rather than a resort experience
7. Family Policy
Entim generally does not accept children under 8 years old. Families with older children are welcome, but the camp is primarily designed around an adult-focused safari experience.
8. Access & Getting There
The nearest airstrip is Ol Kiombo Airstrip, approximately 25 minutes from camp. Scheduled flights operate from Nairobi and other safari destinations, with transfers arranged by the camp.
Typical route:
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Fly Nairobi → Maasai Mara airstrip (about 45–60 minutes)
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Transfer by safari vehicle to camp
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Begin game viewing immediately
9. Best Time to Visit
July–October
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Great Migration
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River crossings
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Huge concentrations of wildlife
January–March
Good for:
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Predator sightings
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Green landscapes
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Fewer crowds
November–December
Good value period, with seasonal rains and fresh vegetation.
The camp usually closes during parts of the heavy rainy season.
10. Strengths & Weaknesses
| Strengths | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Exceptional Mara River location | Premium pricing |
| Inside the reserve | No traditional resort facilities |
| Excellent wildlife access | Not ideal for very young children |
| Intimate luxury camp | Migration crossings are never guaranteed |
| Strong guiding experience | Remote wilderness setting |