Words by Yvonne C Mtengwa
As the charter aircraft descended upon the lands of the prolific Maasai Mara, I couldn’t help but pinch myself in appreciation of the sweet reality that befell me. Since beginning my journey of intentionally discovering Africa’s great destinations, Kenya’s most renowned National Park had long been a part of my bucket list.
And so finally, I was on my way, courtesy of one of East Africa’s most impactful luxury safari operators – Asilia Africa. I long yearned after a packed schedule of juggling the tug of war that comes with being a city dweller, for a restorative few days in the pulse of the continent’s grassland savannah. To say I couldn’t wait is an understatement.
Dare I say most travellers underestimate the exhilarating nature of going on safari. Throw in the opulence of luxurious camp settings, the most bountiful dishes made from locally grown ingredients and constant sweeping views of your surrounds, and your adventure really turns into something special. While travel and transit times are often long, the internal rumble of excitement is almost palatable. Given a chance to experience sensational wildlife in the heart of the Maasai Mara National Reserve at Rekero Camp, one must oblige.
Before my travels from the great desert metropolis of Dubai, I had learned from Asilia’s safari specialists about how for more than 30 years, Rekero Camp had garnered acclaim as a firm-favourite amongst the camps of the Maasai Mara. It all made sense upon my arrival in camp after landing at Oi Kiombo Airstrip, a mere 15-minute drive accompanied by what safari enthusiasts well appreciate as an “African massage” while onboard a game viewer assigned to me.
My dedicated guide Livingstone, who shared a little about the Maasai culture as we drove in, assured me that I would enjoy the wildlife sightings that were quite rampant when in camp, which nestled among the trees and overlooking the Talek River, is a perfect sanctuary for those desirous of complete immersion with the wilder side of nature.
Rekero Camp was one of the first camps established in the Maasai Mara, and its location was carefully considered and wisely chosen, making it the highly sought-after safari destination it is today. One of nine classic and spacious safari tents awaited me – tent No. 4 – which had since June 2024, welcomed guests to experiencea camp bearing a fresh new look after having received a significant refurbishment.
A Perfect Stay on the path of the Great Wildebeest Migration
The camp is perfectly positioned in the heart of the Mara, overlooking the Talek River fromwhere spectacular river crossings, particularly during the Wildebeest Migration, can be seen from the comfort of the camp. Surrounding plains are endless, stretching to touch the seemingly blue mountains in the horizon where a ridge borders the National Park.
A delectable lunch was served on arrival, where I joined other guests in a family style buffet set up, laid out before us from a stunning hanging deck that framed Rekero’s main camp area. Here, post introductions between myself, the solo traveller at the table, and two couples, one made up of a husband and wife on their retirement bucket list safari and a mother and son duo, we traded stories of what made the Mara so special to us since our arrival a few days before for some, and only a few minutes for me. With the dining deck perfectly positioned, it wasn’t too long before we heard the grunting and splashing of a nearby pod of hippos. With bellies full and all guests ready to retreat to their private spaces under canvas, I looked forward to a quiet afternoon of rest and appreciation of what would be home for the following few days.
A sanctuary under canvas
Winding pathways lead guests to their tents, each made up of nothing more than flattened grass to ensure there is no interference with the natural surroundings. Shrubbery is dense around each tent, guaranteeing privacy from the sight of staff and other guests nearby. My tent like the others, almost hung on the higher banks of the Talek River, which offered such the treat of a front row view ofanimals coming in for their drink of water. Just a few minutes in, a tower of seven giraffe casually strolled across the terrains before me, a joy for me to view one of my favourite patterned mammals.
A king bed would be my nightly throne and resting place, and just as perfect for a much-needed afternoon siesta. Linen was crisp, bedding plush and the mesh windows enveloped me while providing an immersive view of the shrubbery under which my tent was set. For us city dwellers who often struggle to stay disconnected from the outside world for too long, it was a treat to be able to dart in and out of the internet through highspeed connectivity in my tent.
A haven for wildlife viewing
Action is unending while in camp, with animals making their way into the camp uninterrupted. During my first night, I was woken by the sound of a screeching tussle, which we later learned was a cheetah that had taken down a small bush buck under the night’s skies. Relaxing in camp after each morning’s drive was particularly enjoyable; a confluence of calm and the sound of birdsong or hippo grunting upstream.
Between July and October, nearly 1.5 million wildebeest migrate across the Mara and Talek Rivers, braving the lurking crocodiles as they search for premium grazing. A Talek crossing point is only 150 meters (490 feet) from Rekero’s dining area, and the Mara River is a short drive away, awarding guests the opportunity to have front row seating as they observe one of nature’s most intriguing yet action-ridden spectacles. But one need not worry if they miss the migration. The Maasai Mara is Big 5 territory, replete with a wide species of big and small gamethat make for excellent game viewing year-round. RekeroCamp also closes for two months each year to give the surrounding bush time to regenerate. This eco-friendly measure allows a new wilderness to emerge, for the next set of visitors to enjoy its beauty.
Plenty to love about Rekero Camp
Rekero Camp leaves a lasting impression on its guests, from the sweeping river frontage views that will captivate you at each turn, the exquisite meals served by passionate chefs, tents that make it quite difficult to leave once cocooned within them, to the call to learn plenty from some of the greatest concentrations and diversity of wildlife in Africa. The cherry on top is by far the warm hospitality rendered by a remarkable energeticteam of largely Maasai heritage and world-renowned safari guides with years of expertise.
If it is a genuine safari experience that will remind you of the brilliance of people connecting with untamed nature, Asilia Africa boasts a spectacular portfolio of camps to experience across East Africa.
To learn more about Rekero Camp, visit https://www.asiliaafrica.com/camps-lodges/rekero-camp/
