Field Guide training Kenya: Camp Mara

On the verge of the Mara River in the western part of Kenya you can find Camp Mara. The camp developed from occasional meetings, held under an acacia tree at the Enonkishu Reserve in the Masai Mara.

Surrounded by the small communities of the Massai and the impressing wildlife, it offers an ideal base for course participants to get to know the remarkable nature around it and also the inhabitants of the Masai Mara.

Here – in the eastern part of the African continent – you can spend an educational time consistent with nature and gain insight into the coexistence between farmers and the local wildlife as well as into the Human-Wildlife-Conflict.

Spending time in the Masai Mara gives you the opportunity to observe the “Big Five” as well as crocodiles, hippos, gazelles, wildebeests, cheetahs, hyaenas, jackals and many other animals. Travel with Natucate to the African bush and experience unforgettable outdoor adventures!

Camp Mara in detail

Location of Camp Mara

The Mara Training Centre is situated in the southwest of Kenya, east of Nairobi right next to the Mara River. Close to the camp, you can find different wildlife reserves and small villages of the Massai. The conflict between local inhabitants and wildlife is directly present in this area due to the competing land use.

Wildebeests, antelopes, zebras and gazelles roam between the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania over the Masaai Mara National Park at the border of Kenya up to the Loita Plains.

The Masaai Mara is home to all members of the “Big Five” and in the Mara and Talek River you can find hippos and crocodiles as well.

Arrival in Camp Mara

• Airport: Nairobi

• Transfer to the camp: approx. 6 hours driving time by car

• Meeting point: Pick up at Wildebeest Camp in Nairobi

You will spend the first night with the other international participants at the Wildebeest Camp in Nairobi. From there you will start your course on the first day at 08:00 PM with a transfer to the Mara Training Centre. The group will arrive there at around 2 pm. There will be a short lunch and the first introduction meeting will start at around 06:00 PM.

Life in Camp Mara

The camp houses up to 18 people in three double rooms and three dorm rooms. Every room has its own shared bathroom. Hot showers are available from 05:00 AM in the morning including shampoo, shower gel, and body lotion. There is one big common room for free-time activities and eating.

You will receive four meals a day: Early in the morning, you'll have a light breakfast with coffee, tea, juice, and cereal. Later in the morning, there will be a brunch break with a warm breakfast and fruit. In the afternoon, you will be offered a small snack before you will get served a rich dinner. A vegetarian, vegan, gluten-, lactose- or soy-free diet is absolutely possible (you must inform about it well in advance!).

Electricity: In general, there is no power provided at the camp. On-demand power can be produced with a generator and meanwhile batteries can be charged. The camp uses solar-powered lamps and in case of an emergency satellite phones are available, as the mobile phone connection is quite restricted.

Drinking water: The tap water in Camp Mara is drinkable.

Other beverages: Drinks like tea, coffee, and water come with all four meals.

Laundry: During longer stays, you have the possibility to wash your clothes. In order to wash smaller items like underwear and socks yourself, hand wash and a bucket are also available.

Currency: The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan shilling. At the camp itself, there is no ATM, so you should plan to bring enough cash with you.

On-site support: There will be at least one contact person at the camp available to you.

Vehicles in Camp Mara

Open 4x4 vehicles are used for the daily game drives.