Elephant Pepper Camp Reviews

Verified

This was the last of our 3 lodge safari. We were picked up at an air strip by Sammy who was the driver to take us to our lodgings. We had been in the Land Cruiser for about 10 minutes and Sammy saw something, drove off the dry road and we saw 2 lionesses, with one carrying a cub in her mouth…. What a great start… For this lodge we were glamping. Never done this before, but it was great. Tent had 2 rooms, bedroom and bathroom. It was spacious and very well kitted out. Like other lodges we went out 1st thing in the morning and late afternoon looking for animals. Our guide Jentrol was a real character, knew his stuff and we got into some great places to view the animals with him. Good job Jentrol. We also had our own butler Jonah who looked after us and he too did a great job. The staff here were very polite and helpful. Our tents were on the flat and it was easy walking to and from the different places on the camp. It was cold here 1st thing in the morning and last thing at night and you will need to wrap for this, but dress in layers cos it does warm up during the day. Yes I would recommend this lodge

Verified

We absolutely loved it. We only have positive things to say, the attention to detail, the way the team makes you feel looked after at every moment, and the overall atmosphere were exceptional. The camp is beautifully maintained, calm, and intimate, while still giving each group their own space. We enjoyed hearing and seeing wildlife around the camp every day (and night): buffalo herds just meters away, hippos, elephants, lions, hyenas; it was magical. We were able to do all the activities: game drives, the night safari (an incredible experience), and the walking safari, but we loved the special touches afterwards, like the sunset bush gathering and the bonfire. Another highlight was the riverside breakfast setup, such a thoughtful experience, with the chef and staff serving everyone while hippos and crocodiles lounged nearby. Even though we didn’t catch the migration arriving into Mara North, we still saw something special every day, including the Big Five and a great diversity of wildlife. The 4 days / 3 nights felt exactly right, especially with the variation of activities. Overall, the staff, the care, and the experience were truly outstanding. We’d also like to acknowledge Chris and his wonderful team at Elephant Pepper; their warmth, professionalism, and attention made a real difference in our experience, and we’re grateful for the care they put into every detail.

Verified

Elephant Pepper Camp welcomed us warmly as well. We had our own dedicated staff of butler, driver, waiter, and night guard in addition to the concierge, chef, and property manager. They were always attentive and checking up on us. This camp consists of about 10 large tents with all the amenities: showers, toilets, a sitting porch, and electricity. No TV - Not needed here either. You are situated on the savannah in a small forested area. There are three common tents: one with a living room and bar area, and the other two as dining rooms. You also eat alfresco for breakfast and lunch, and could have tea and sit by the bonfire in the evenings. Here, you do not eat meals together. They also cater to all your dietary needs. You have one dedicated driver for your stay, and you may choose among 3 daily safaris, with meals on or off property. Our Driver was Kuda, a Masai Mara warrior guide. He was excellent. Ask for him if you book the Elephant Pepper camp. He was friendly, informative, and kind; he made our time at the Mara even more extraordinary, always going out of his way to spot animals and make it as enjoyable as possible. We truly felt like we were with an old friend. In this location, we saw larger herds of all the animals, encountered many varied animals daily, saw many different horned species, and saw many more birds, including eagles, hawks, and colorful species. We saw baboons, hippos, hyenas, rhinos, and large herds of giraffes. The cats were the most impressive. We saw multiple lions and lionesses with young cubs and several cheetahs with their babies, too. Although we did not see a leopard, we did see several remains of kills and learned about the process of a kill and how each animal, from the cats to the hyenas and vultures, feeds and cleans up the debris. We realized that here, nothing goes to waste; every part of a kill is nourishment for an animal. We also saw a pack of 7 lionesses actively stalking a group of bison. It was incredible, the synchronicity and precision they had to surround them and pin them so they could potentially make a kill. Last, we saw a large pack of giraffes crossing the Mara River. We walked away learning that each day these animals live, they survive to the next day. We learned their daily patterns, habits, and migration routes. Their hierarchy and their connections to each other in order to survive. We gained respect for nature, and ITS NATURAL ORDER. We realized that it is perfectly designed to nourish, maintain balance, and support survival. Most of all we gained reverence and respect for Africa, its people, culture, and animals. We realized deeply that this place IS the beginning of all civilization and a gift to ALL humans, and that we should do all we can to maintain it and make it thrive for future generations.

Verified

We had a couple of different guides and they were both amazing. James and Rinka made our game drives fun, educational, and exciting. A memory that will stay with me forever is waking up one night to see elephants all around our tent! They were so close I could hear their stomachs growling and hear them brushing our tent walls! I was impressed by how the camp guards handled the situation as well. They used very minimal pressure by shining their flashlights to get the elephants to move a little ways away from our tent. If they wouldn't have handled it so calmly, the elephants could have panicked and been injured or damged the tent! Top notch professionals!

Verified

Huge advantage being able to drive off-road in the reserve. Lots of cats. Camp is very close to animals just outside your tent.

Verified

We recently spent 4 nights at this fantastic camp. From start to finish everything about the experience was first class. From exhilarating game drives with Jevon, to great friendly service and the best food i have ever eaten by the fantastic chef John Mark and his team. We wanted an authentic safari experience with a few comforts thrown in & Elephant Pepper cant be beaten. A special thankyou to Amos & Joshua for looking after us so well. Such friendly, lovely guys.

Verified

Elephant Pepper: Elephant Pepper is an amazing camp. It was my first time in Africa and in the Masai Mara and I’ll definitely return. The staff is amazing, Javan my guide made my game drives wonderfully magical! They were full of animal sightings, educational and at the end of the day, I was always amazed by what we saw and experienced! The food here is wonderful and both Tom and Allison make you feel like you’re part of the family, as a guest. I loved walking to my tent and seeing elephants, giraffes, monkeys and other beautiful animals. The tents are so comfortable and they provide all of the essentials like laundry soap, shampoo, body wash, lotion etc. I wish I’d know this prior, they even provide bug repellent in the rooms and in the trucks... they’re stocked with the essentials! They truly think of everything. Also, William was my security at night and was always wonderful in getting me back to my tent or to the General area safely! I cannot wait to return.

Verified

The rugged beauty was breathtaking and authentic! I loved the remoteness of Elephant Pepper Camp - it really felt like I was out there in nature. The entire staff was very friendly and helpful. Nice touch of putting together a surprise dinner celebration for my birthday. The entire team came out and sang me happy birthday with a homemade cake -- so memorable. Sammy our guide was outstanding -- truly top-notch and so knowledgeable! Bravo to the entire team at Elephant Pepper Camp!

Verified

Our favorite camp of the trip. It was humble, yet very comfortable, and was smack in the middle of the savannah, which means that the camp was the meeting point for a lot of wildlife and the sounds at night were incredible! Tom and Allison were amazing hosts, and the staff was fantastic. We felt so lucky to be amongst them, and a big thank you to our guide Sammy for being so awesome!

Verified

This was the last camp of our trip! Compared to the other two camps we stayed at this one had a more homie field! Spectacular without the bells and whistles which we love - probably it was our favorite camp Sammy was our guide and he was amazing! He went above and beyond so we can catch the crossing! Food was amazing!

Verified

Loved this camp. Service was excellent. Our guide James was so knowledgable. He knew about animals, of course, but also the plants, the geology, the beautiful birds. He took us to a village market, a night drive, and of course the twice a day bush drives. Tents were lovely, Allison and Tom the managers so nice. If you go take the back stage tour with Tom and see how they try to be ecologically sound, very interesting. Food and drink all great. Saw animals everywhere, and James could spot them, while I never could, except for the female leopard. The Kenyans are so gracious and accommodating. It is a beautiful country, and if you can you should go!

Verified

An incredible Camp in the middle of the Massai Mara. Everything is tented, so you get a genuine safari experience. The tents are spacious with all amenities, very comfortable beds and sofas, small decking area outside to sit on, ensuite bathrooms with shower, sinks and loo. Lighting is limited and quite dull in the tents, so a torch is definitely useful in the evenings and early mornings. Beautiful walk through the trees from our tent which was the furthest away to the main tented area (escorted after dark by locals with spears thankfully). Main area consists of grassed seated area with campfire, tented libraly, tented lounge and tented dining room. Drinks in the lounge before dinner, and then three course meal was served at a long table shared with the others staying there - great to meet others and share experiences - everything delicious and the service was amazing. The quantity of animals in the Massai Mara is incredible so the game drives were always exciting, and we managed, with the help of our driver to see everything we wanted to see. We also had a day trip out to the Mara river to witness the migration. A wonderful experience - thank you everyone at Elephant Pepper Camp.

Verified

A fantastic tented camp with uninterrupted views of the Mara. Lovely communal areas where everyone gathers for drinks and meals together.

Verified

Such an authentic feel. A small camp with great tents and delicious food. With zebra grazing right to the edge of your deck, you will really feel out in the bush. Met a couple on their fourth annual trip to Elephant Pepper and it's easy to understand. I want to go back already!