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.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our Kenya specialists at 1-855-838-0510
Rooms
The camp's entry-level Nina Tents are very comfortable and set apart from each other to ensure privacy. Amenities include a double bed and en suite bathroom with a flush toilet and shower with excellent water pressure. The Chui and Simba Suite tents are more spacious, featuring a living area and kitchen where a steward can cook meals for guests. Large decks provide a great place to relax with a drink and take in views of the surrounding scenery, with a telescope available should you wish to stargaze and one even featuring a fire pit. Each suite consists of two or three tents, making them ideal for families, groups of friends or couples who want a little extra privacy.
Location
Ol Seki was strategically built on the edge of a ridge, overlooking areas of the Naboisho Valley. Its location offers guests a bird's eye view of the incredible bush scenery and wildlife. It also allows for excellent game drives, with fewer vehicles here than the more popular national parks.
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
Whilst there are no activities geared exclusively to children, families looking to stay at Ol Seki should stay in the Chui or Simba Suite tents simply because of the spaciousness and privacy they offer.
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.
Our opinion
Ol Seki is very relaxing and comfortable for those looking for a genuine safari experience with a touch of luxury. The locally sourced guides, along with excellent hospitality, will ensure guests enjoy their stay at this tented camp.
Suggested itineraries featuring Ol Seki Hemingways Camp
Green season safari in Kenya & Zanzibar
Mara & Mahe Explorer
Classic Kenya Honeymoon
Kenya Safari & Zanzibar Beach
Rwanda's gorillas & Kenya's Big Five
Masai Mara National Reserve itinerary suggestions
Nearby accommodation
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.
Angama Mara
Set in a truly stunning position on the edge of the Great Rift Valley overlooking the Masai Mara, Angama Mara is an exclusive, owner-run safari lodge offering a luxurious base from which to explore this incredible reserve and its variety of game.
Asilia Naboisho Camp
This small, authentic camp has an exclusive feel, being one of very few camps set within the private Mara Naboisho Conservancy. Here you can enjoy fantastic game viewing, and the family safari program means children and adults alike can explore the area’s rich wildlife and culture.
Bateleur Camp
Bateleur Camp is located just outside the Olololo gate to the park, in a Masai concession area. The plains in front of camp are often frequented by warthog and zebra and wildebeest are never far away.
Bogani Cottages & Tented Camp
Bogani offers a completely different experience to all of Kenya's safari camps and it provides a genuine opportunity to get involved in the great work undertaken by Free the Children. The comfortable accommodation provides a great base to explore the local area and contribute to making a real difference to local people.
Elephant Pepper Camp
Elephant Pepper is a lovely little bush camp set just outside the northern boarder of the Masai Mara Game Reserve. During the day they offer game drives and walks with excellent local guides.
Governors' Camp
Governors' Camp was the first tented camp to be established in the Masai Mara National Reserve. A new chef-training program has brought the level of the food here to excellent standards, so you can be sure to enjoy some great food after a long day on safari.
Il Moran
Il Moran is one of the Mara's most luxurious camps, situated above the Mara River. Sitting in camp you might hear hippo grunting, the bark of baboons, or the calls of hyena and lion.
Karen Blixen Camp
Karen Blixen Camp is located is a pretty valley outside the main Mara Reserve and overlooking the Mara River. Activities include day and night game drives.
Kicheche Bush Camp
A small, intimate tented camp with a focus on environmental sustainability, Kicheche Bush Camp's tents are spread over a kilometer of land. The eco-friendly camp is unfenced, runs completely on solar power and is located amongst some of the most diverse wildlife in the bush.
Kicheche Mara Camp
Hidden in a picturesque valley within the Mara North Conservancy, Kicheche Mara Camp offers a classic bush camp experience in a prime game viewing location. While authentically simple, the camp’s welcoming hosts and low guest capacity give it an air of exclusivity.
Kicheche Naboisho Valley Camp
A small, very comfortable tented camp, Kicheche Valley Camp serves as a good mid-level option for guests looking to experience the Mara in an authentic environment. You may even be lucky enough to see some incredible wildlife from the camp as animals venture close to the grounds.
Kilima Camp
Kilma is perched high on the Siria escarpment overlooking the Masai Mara. Where possible the camp tries to run along eco-friendly lines, operating on solar lighting and solar generated electricity.
Little Governors' Camp
Little Governors' has a superb position above a small swamp where, during the day, you often see animals coming to graze and drink. Overall it is one of our favorite camps in the Mara.
Mara Intrepids
Mara Intrepids is a medium size camp has thirty tents situated along the banks of the Talek River. This is a great camp for families.
Naibor Camp
Naibor is a spacious and stylish safari camp, located on the banks of the Talek River in the Masai Mara Reserve. The food and service is superb, as is the guiding. We warmly recommend it.
Offbeat Mara Camp
Offbeat Mara Camp is a luxury tented camp situated on the Olare Orok water system, on Koyiaki Group Ranch, north of the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The camp is owner-run and very friendly.
Porini Lion Camp
Porini Lion Camp is located in the Olare Orok Conservancy, which borders the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Service is personal, the food is good and you will be well taken care of.
Rekero Tented Camp
Rekero Tented Camp is located inside the Masai Mara Game Reserve, very close to the confluence of the Mara and Talek rivers. It is a firm favorite with repeat visitors to Kenya.
Saruni Mara
Saruni Mara is a luxurious tented lodge set in the Koyiaki Group Ranch, adjacent to the Masai Mara. Activities include guided bush walks, game drives, while fly camping is also possible.
Serian Camp
Serian is an exclusive wilderness camp set alongside a secluded valley flanking the Mara River in the Mara North Conservancy. Each of the eight tents is fitted with large double beds flanked by twin bedside tables and a writing desk.
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.
Charity volunteering
ME to WE provides you with the opportunity to experience life with locals in rural Kenya, working on sustainable projects that benefit these communities in the longer term.
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.