Skip to content
Ol Seki Hemingways Camp, Kenya

Ol Seki Hemingways Camp

Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Ol Seki focuses on quality, and priority is placed on attention to detail. The property is situated in the Naboisho Conservancy, which borders the Masai Mara, and the lack of fences between the two means that the wildlife is free to roam, thus ensuring the potential for great game viewing. The handful of large, very comfortable canvas tents have wooden decks from which guests can enjoy optimal views of the surrounding scenery. There are also welcoming spaces where you can socialize with your fellow guests over drinks, such as the library tent. The majority of the staff here grew up within a short distance of the lodge and are therefore a font of knowledge on the flora, fauna and geography of the area.

OUR OPINION:

This polished camp has a fantastic position high on a ridge, and we like the space, privacy and high standards of the tents. The Naboisho Conservancy is one of the best areas of the Masai Mara for wildlife viewing, and camp is a quick ten-minute drive from the nearest airstrip.

OUR RATING: Deluxe

Speak to someone
who's been there

Audley Travel specialist Lauren

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Kenya specialists

Rooms

Set apart from each other for privacy and each boasting far-reaching views over the plains below, the six Nina tents are circular in shape, light, airy and spacious, and have a furnished patio area often visited by scuttling rock hyraxes. Inside is a double bed or twin beds, with space for an additional single bed if required. The en suite bathroom includes a curtained off shower, flush toilet and dressing area. Families or groups of friends can stay in the Chui or Simba tents. Both have two en suite bedrooms and a central living area with private kitchen, lounge and dining room. The latter also comes with an optional private butler service.

Location

Ol Seki was strategically built on the edge of a ridge, overlooking the Naboisho Valley and the distant Ngama hills. Its location within the Naboisho Conservancy means you’ll see far fewer vehicles while out on game drives compared to in the main reserve, and there are strict rules on the number of vehicles permitted at a wildlife sighting. The area is known for its healthy lion population as well as Masai giraffe, cheetah and elephant.

Food and drink

Food is prepared in-house and is mostly international fare, although local dishes are served upon request. Breakfast consists of an omelet station and a choice from the buffet. A three course buffet lunch is usually served at 1pm and tea time is at 4pm, while dinner is typically served at 8pm. Meals are usually enjoyed as a group around the main table and most drinks are included.

Families

  • While there are no activities geared exclusively to children, families will have plenty of space and privacy staying in the Chui or Simba tents, which can each accommodate up to six people. The camp is unfenced, so children must be accompanied at all times.

Facilities and activities

There is a cozy library tent with books on the region and where staff will serve guests drinks. It’s an excellent place to relax or socialize with other guests. Laundry is included and typically returned within 24 hours. Laundry detergent powder is provided in the tents so guests can wash their own clothes if they prefer. While there's no currency exchange at the camp, they do accept cash payments in US dollars, euros, pounds sterling and Kenyan shillings. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Wi-Fi is strongest in the tents and is known to be consistent.

Environmental and social responsibility

The Naboisho Conservancy is owned by local communities, who benefit financially from tourism in the area. Many of the camp’s staff are from the surrounding Maasai communities and are provided with training to develop professional skills.

Tour ideas in Masai Mara National Reserve

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Ol Seki Hemingways Camp as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.

    • Hot Air Balloon Flight
      Hot Air Balloon over the Masai Mara

      Hot Air Balloon Flight

      Hot Air Balloon Flight

      Watch out for the giraffe hiding in the trees, antelope on the plains and roosting birds. As the sun comes up the views are superb — one of the most beautiful sights in Africa.

      View details

    Masai Mara National Reserve and nearby places