Fig Tree Camp is located in the quieter south-eastern corner of the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya and is therefore one of the first camps in Mara Reserve to experience the great wildebeest migration. Fig Tree Camp underwent a total refurbishment and is now a mixture of modern and colonial safari style, giving the air of a 1920’s safari camp but upgraded to the 21st century. On arrival, guests are given a friendly welcome at the reception area. Gravel and paving leads to the lounge, which has comfy sofas and armchairs arranged to create different seating areas to relax and while away the time between safari activities, Oriental rugs are scattered on the wood floors and there are bookcases with books and games to keep you entertained and a small bar in the corner. Outside, there are tables and chairs under the trees, and stairs leading down to the river. To the side of the lounge, the dining tent has individual tables – both inside and outside, depending on the weather. Fig Tree Camp has 80 guest tents, all of these spread out through the bush, along the north bank of the Talek River, and are quite far apart from each other. Each spacious tent is raised from the ground on a low platform and has a separate lounge with a sofa armchair and antique writing desk. The bedroom is through a canvas flap, which can be completely opened up during the day, and has a large antique wooden bed surrounded by a mosquito net. The en-suite bathroom has basins, a freestanding copper bath and a toilet in a separate cubicle. To the front of the tent, on the deck, are some comfortable lounge chairs where you can relax and enjoy views of the river. As the camp is within the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the activities at Fig Tree Camp are predominantly Masai Mara safaris drives in comfortable 4WD Toyota Land Cruisers. You can opt to head out for a full day with a picnic lunch or do separate morning and afternoon drives. All drives are led by experienced local Maasai guides who know the Mara ecosystem very well. It’s also possible to visit a local village and school from here. The game viewing is good in this area and it is well known for its large concentration of big cats. During the migration, wildebeest herds often stream across the shallow Talek River from the Serengeti across the border in Tanzania and straight past the camp itself, which can be quite impressive.
Fig Tree Camp Location
Fig Tree Camp is located in the northern region of the famous Masai Mara Game Reserve, a six-mile drive away from the Olkiombo Airstrip. Guests will fly in from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, a flight that will take approximately 45 minutes, a much shorter journey than the long, five-hour drive from the country’s capital city. The Fig Tree Camp is perfectly located to offer morning and afternoon game drives. Embarking on a walking safari with a qualified guide is another fantastic way to get up close and personal with the wildlife of the Masai Mara. Visitors can enjoy an aerial view of the African bush from a Hot Air Balloon and choose to spend time with local Masai tribes by visiting a nearby Masai village, the opportunity to learn about culture and traditions so vital to the people of this area.