The name Siligi means hope. Usha and Jacob built the camp from scratch on bare land with their Maasai neighbours, and planted the trees that now stand between the tents.
From Nairobi to Oldonyo Loip.
By road, or an hour’s flight
Five to six hours from Nairobi, through the Rift Valley and Narok. Or an hour’s flight from Wilson Airport to Ol Kiombo airstrip, where your guide meets the plane.
Ten tents, and the trees between them
Ten canvas tents inside an electric fence, each with an en-suite, a deck and solar power. The land was bare when the camp began; the trees around the tents have been planted since.
Continental, Indian, and what you need
Breakfast from 6:30, lunch from 12:30, dinner at eight. The kitchen cooks continental and Indian food, and caters for vegetarians, vegans and allergies. On a full-day drive, breakfast and lunch come packed.
The bonfire, then the stars
After the afternoon drive there is a bonfire, a drink and something to eat. The Mara’s skies are very dark, and on clear nights the guides point out the constellations.
Ten tents,
named for the animals.
Five standard tents for one or two, set up with a king, a double or two beds, and five family tents for two adults and two children. Every one has an en-suite with a hot shower, a deck, and solar power day and night.
See where you’ll sleep →
The Double Tent
One big four-poster, an en-suite with a hot shower, and a deck with two chairs. Sleeps 2.
The Twin Tent
Two beds side by side — four-posters in Nyumbu — an en-suite with a hot shower, and a deck. Sleeps 2.
The Family Tent
A wider tent with a queen or king plus singles, a bigger deck and an en-suite. Two adults and two children.
Ten minutes from Mpuaai Gate
The camp sits at the foot of Oldonyo Loip Hill, ten minutes from Mpuaai Gate — the old Ol Kiombo gate — and fifteen from Talek Gate. Drives reach the game early, on either side of the reserve.
A photographer plans the drives
Co-founder Usha Harish is a wildlife photographer. The camp’s Land Cruisers carry bean bags, roof hatches and power inverters, and the photo lounge has a projector for the day’s pictures.
Solar, and careful with water
The whole camp runs on solar power, tent lamps included. Drinking water comes in refillable bottles, and every flush is twelve litres — so the house rules ask you to go easy.
Run by its neighbours
The team are Maasai from the villages near the hill: guides, chefs, hosts and the night guards. Guests’ contributions pay for local children’s schooling, and the camp helps the community reach water.
Out with a camera, or on foot.
Game drives go out through Mpuaai or Talek Gate in the camp’s own Land Cruisers, timed by the light. Between drives there is the hill to walk, a village to visit and a tree to plant.
A photographer, a guide, and a team from the villages round the hill.
“Virginia, the manager, is truly one of a kind. Warm, attentive, and always present.”
Usha Harish is a chartered accountant who moved to Kenya in 2008 and became a wildlife photographer. Jacob is a safari guide who knows this side of the Mara. The guides, chefs, hosts and guards are Maasai from the villages near Oldonyo Loip.
Meet the team →“The camp is gorgeous, lots of greenery and comfortable common space.”
Notes from Oldonyo Loip.
From barren land to oasis
Great Migration photography tour packing list
Masai Mara camp near Talek Gate: why location matters
News from the hill.
Leave your email for news from camp — the migration, the photo safaris, and the odd picture from Usha’s camera.