Bike TrekS -
Our Camp
Olperr Elongo
Olperr Elongo is situated in the Sekenani Valley, on the edge of the Maasai Mara. It is ideally located near the park entrance for access to game drives yet offers the chance to enjoy a guided walk with informative local Maasai guides. Many old Africa hands will tell you that the best way to experience Africa is on foot.
Olperr Elongo is Maasai for Albizia gummifera, a local tree that grows near the spring from where the camp obtains its water. The camp itself is well shaded and spaciously laid out in a croton and acacia forest and if you’re lucky you may notice some of the local orchids (Aerangis spp.) in flower.
The camp grounds are thick with birds and the surrounds are frequently visited by elephant, antelope and other game, especially at night.
FACILITIES
The camp does not pretend to be luxurious, but the large tents are set up on plinths and contain 2 camp stretcher beds and table with chairs on the verandah.
A common amenities block provides hot showers and flushing toilets. Maasai askaris (guards) are on duty at night to direct people to and from their tents.
The mess tent is covered and set up on a plinth to ensure maximum comfort should you encounter rain. It is the focus for meals and drinks after your various activities during the day. The food is prepared by the staff, it is plentiful and varied – it is hard to believe it is all cooked over an open fire. Vegetarians are well catered for if prior notice is given.
Well spaced tents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The mess tent
INITIATIVES
Olperr Elongo is situated on land owned by the Maasai. A percentage of all fees levied for activities and use of the camp go to the local community.
Olperr Elongo has initiated a tree planting program and is actively encouraging other camps and the local community to follow suit.
Olperr Elongo established the Sekenani Valley Development Committee consisting of other camp owners and representatives from the local Maasai community. This committee works on relevant issues such as development, security, waste management and tree planting. They have provided 24 gallon drums at local centres for collection of rubbish.
ACTIVITIES
Located 2 kms from the Sekenani gate, the camp is an ideal base for the mandatory game drives. The Maasai Mara has long been a mecca for those seeking wildlife and the Mara delivers everytime.
In addition, the camp offers the chance to walk in the Mara environs. The camp is only a stone’s throw from the unfenced boundary of the game reserve in a conservation area shared by the traditional owners. Wildlife is plentiful and the armed (with traditional spear and rungu) Maasai guides are informative and entertaining. They will gladly answer your questions while identifying the wildlife and plants, describing the various uses of plants from tools to medicine to making beer. Remember that the guides are taking you through their backyard, they know the land and the ways of the wildlife they share it with. There are risks, though probably less than when you cross a busy street – do as directed by the guides especially if you feel unsafe. Walking the african bush is often the highlight of any safari; you can feel africa, smell africa, touch africa and see things of wonder that are often overlooked from a vehicle.
Fees for walks outside of the campgrounds are minimal and compulsory. Guides are compulsory. Signing a waiver is compulsory. The rest is fun!!
Cycling within the conservation area (not the Reserve) can be arranged through Bike Treks too, it is our specialty afterall!
PUBLIC CAMPSITE
Nearby is a public campsite for the self-caterers. This site is shaded and supplied with an amenities block (hot showers and flushing loos), a covered area for cooking and a mess tent raised on a plinth and covered for extra protection. Maasai askaris patrol the public campsite at night.
If you want to do more than the usual (and amazing) game drives in the Kenyan Game Reserves and National Parks then contact us for the safari of a lifetime.
