Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp

Elephant Pepper Camp has been the driving force in creating the Mara North Conservancy (MNC) which covers a core parcel of over 70,000 acres bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve to the north and effectively increasing its size by 20%. The conservancy, established in 2009, provides some of the Masai Mara ecosystem’s prime game viewing, whilst guaranteeing over 800 Masai landowners stable revenue, transparent financial management and the preservation of the ancient balance between wildlife and traditional pastoralism.

Elephant Pepper Camp has worked with the local Masai community for over 20 years, with the creation of MNC only the latest development in preserving this vital wilderness.

There is something special about that feeling of being all alone in the wild, far away from civilization and walking in the footsteps of adventurers of yesteryear. Far away from traffic jams, pavement and crowded skylines, yet so much closer to nature. Elephant Pepper Camp is surrounded by a sea of tranquility and spectacular panoramic views. Located in the private Mara North Conservancy, the camp is one of only a few camps allowed to operate in the area. There are only a maximum number of guests allowed to roam the conservancy at any given time, which gives the area an even more remote and unchartered feel. The camp is luxurious, but it also blends in with its surroundings. This makes it even easier to enjoy the prides of lions and resident game in the area.

The camp is set up spaciously in two wings, each on either side of the stylish and welcoming central lounge and dining area. In total the entire grounds of the camp span four square kilometers. Due to its non- permanent construction method in which no cement has been used, the camp has very minimal impact on its natural surroundings. All energy generated by the camp is solar-powered. Elephant Pepper Camp serves Italian-influenced cuisine (but also serves more international dishes or even local cuisine) in the central dining area, the perfect moment to swap safari stories with fellow camp guests. However, if you so prefer, the kitchen staff will be more than happy to organize a more private or romantic dinner for you during your stay. In the evenings, you can nibble on canapes and sip on lovely drinks by the fireside. The camp’s staff is very welcoming and does their utmost to ensure that your stay is pleasurable and memorable. When planning your trip, keep in mind that the camp is closed from April 1 – June 15.

Elephant Pepper’s safari tents are spacious and luxurious. All tents look out upon the stunning African savannah and have private verandahs and hammocks for relaxing in. The tents each have their own en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water and flushing toilets. The tents are elegantly decorated with dark wood finishing and vintage brass fittings. For those planning a honeymoon or a family trip, the camp has two larger tents with a little more privacy. Due to the remote setting in which the camp is located, you’ll have an unhindered opportunity for stargazing upon the wide open starry African skies at night. As you step into bed and let your head hit a comfortable pillow, the sounds of lion, hyena and leopard will accompany you into your slumber. In the morning you’ll have an opportunity to wake up with a steaming cup of coffee or tea and a deliciously fragrant freshly-baked biscuit. Other days you may go all out and dine al fresco on the plains amidst the local wildlife. It is all part of the grand adventure you’ll have during your stay here.

Activities at Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp

The camp has a smorgasbord of interesting activities you can take part in. Naturally the camp offers outstanding game drives and bush walks led by highly qualified Maasai trackers and guides in possession of excellent guiding qualifications and certificates. All of the game drives are operated within the wildlife-rich private Mara North Conservancy in 4×4 Toyota Landcruisers. These safari vehicles are open-sided and have 3 rows of seats, photographic equipment stands and charging sockets. The game drives are shared with other guests, unless you choose to set off on an exclusive safari game drive (extra charge). The area is brimming with resident big cats, prides of lions and other wild game. It is also one of the best areas to take in the great wildebeest migration from July to October. The camp also hot-air balloon safaris at an additional cost.

One of the benefits of staying at the conservancy is the ability to go on bush walks and to set out on evening game drives. The pre-dinner game drives take place with red-light spotlights and introduce you to an entirely different type of wildlife including very different types of predators and the aardvark for instance. The camp’s guided bush walks give you a closer look at your surroundings. You’ll get to see animal tracks, micro-ecosystems and the smaller flora and fauna. Patrick, the camp’s manager, knowledgeable walking guide, and Maasai colleagues will show around the area and point out the most interesting points of interest. These activities are prohibited in the actual Masai Mara National Reserve. Game drives and bush walks are made extra special with optional bush breakfasts and scenic sundowners. During a sundowner your guide will prepare a lovely table filled with goodies and your favorite drinks in a sublimely scenic spot. Another unforgettable activity offered by the camp is the ability to visit a Maasai manyatta (village) for an introduction to Maasai culture and traditions.