Oldarpoi Mara Camp is a community-oriented safari camp located near the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The camp focuses on combining wildlife tourism with Maasai cultural experiences and community development. It is associated with the I See Maasai Development Initiative, which channels tourism benefits into local projects.

The name Oldarpoi comes from the Maasai name for the Kigelia africana (sausage tree). The camp is located within the wider Nashulai Maasai Conservancy, an area where wildlife conservation and Maasai community livelihoods are integrated.

Location

Area: Maasai Mara ecosystem, near Sekenani Gate, Kenya
Access: Close to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, allowing relatively easy access for game drives.
Nearest major city: Nairobi (usually accessed by road transfer or domestic flight connections to the Mara airstrips)

The camp’s position makes it suitable for travelers who want:

Big Five safari experiences
Wildebeest migration viewing
Maasai cultural immersion
A community-based tourism experience

Accommodation

Oldarpoi offers cottage-style accommodation designed around comfort while maintaining a safari atmosphere.

Accommodation categories include:

1. Superior Double Cottage

Suitable for couples or two friends
Private toilet
Mosquito net
Full-board meals
Landscape views
Maasai warrior security service

2. Superior Triple Cottage

Suitable for small groups
Similar facilities to double cottages
Three-person capacity

3. Family Cottages

Options include:

African House Family Cottage
Deluxe Family Cottage

Designed for families travelling together, with ground-floor units and family-friendly arrangements.

Facilities and Services

Guests can expect:

Restaurant serving local and international-style meals
Swimming pool
Dining areas
Traditional evening entertainment
Safari arrangements
Cultural experiences
Security provided by Maasai warriors

Wildlife & Safari Experience

Because of its location near the Maasai Mara ecosystem, Oldarpoi is well positioned for wildlife viewing. Visitors may see:

Lions
Leopards
Cheetahs
Elephants
Buffalo
Giraffes
Zebras
Wildebeest
Gazelles
Hyenas

During the Great Migration season, the Mara plains become a major wildlife spectacle as huge herds move between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara.

Activities

1. Game Drives

The camp organizes safari trips into the Maasai Mara National Reserve, including wildlife viewing excursions.

Typical safari activities:

Morning game drives
Afternoon/evening drives
Full-day drives with picnic lunches

2. Maasai Cultural Experiences

Guests can participate in:

Visits to Maasai homesteads (bomas)
Traditional dancing
Storytelling by Maasai warriors
Learning about Maasai customs and conservation practices

3. Walking Safaris with Maasai Guides

A unique experience offered is guided walking with Maasai trackers, allowing visitors to learn about:

Wildlife tracks
Local plants
Traditional knowledge
Human-wildlife coexistence

4. Hot Air Balloon Safari

The camp can arrange balloon safaris over the Mara:

Early morning launch
Approx. one-hour flight
Views of wildlife and landscapes from above
Champagne breakfast after landing

Community Conservation & Social Impact

One of Oldarpoi’s distinguishing features is its community-development focus. Tourism income supports projects involving:

Education programs
Local employment
Environmental conservation
Clean water initiatives
Skills development
Support for vulnerable community members

The camp works with community initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods while protecting Maasai culture and the surrounding ecosystem.

Best Time to Visit

January–March

Good wildlife viewing
Generally fewer visitors
Pleasant safari conditions

July–October (Peak Season)

Best chance to experience the Great Migration
Dramatic river crossings may occur
Higher visitor numbers

November–December

Green landscapes after rains
Good bird watching
Fewer crowds

Oldarpoi Mara Camp