Julia's River Camp

I was traveling with my 6-year-old son, and staying at Julia’s River Camp was like stepping into a National Geographic documentary, except with better food! The camp is inside the Masai Mara Reserve, and trust me, that makes all the difference. From the moment we landed at the Ol Kiombi airstrip, the adventure began. The tents are spacious and luxurious, blending comfort with the raw beauty of nature. The Italian roots of the owner shine through in the food: delicious, abundant, and well beyond expectations. Think restaurant-quality meals with an African twist. The staff made the experience unforgettable, especially for my son. They taught him how to be a Masai warrior: complete with traditional attire, skills, and even a few words in Maa. When it was time to leave, he cried, heartbroken to say goodbye to his new friends. And then there’s Kantai, our guide: a legend in the Masai Mara. This man has the eyes of a hawk (or maybe a lion). He could spot a camouflaged predator from miles away. He was patient, knowledgeable, and had a great sense of humor. And let’s talk about the game drive vehicle: an open SUV that was by far the best we used anywhere in Kenya. Spacious, comfortable, and offering unbeatable views!!! Oh, and did I mention the hippos and crocodiles? You can see them in the river right from the camp! But don’t worry, it’s totally safe. And for those who need to stay connected, they have Starlink WiFi, which is a game-changer. If I ever return to the Masai Mara, this is where I’m staying.

If you're looking for a place that combines adventure, comfort, and top-notch service, Julia’s River Camp is the perfect choice for you. The team redefines hospitality with their genuine warmth and dedication. Every detail of our stay felt thoughtfully curated, from the expert guides who shared their deep knowledge of the land and wildlife to the exhilarating game drives where we witnessed nature’s wonders up close, including the majestic Big Five. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues, we were reminded of just how magical this place truly is. And to top it all off, each meal was a delightful experience fresh, flavorful, and served with heartfelt smiles that made us feel right at home. The tents are spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped, blending perfectly with nature while still offering the comforts of a cozy retreat. It is an absolute dream for anyone looking for an authentic safari experience in the heart of the Maasai Mara.

This was our first trip to Africa, and Julia's River Camp gave us an authentic experience we truly enjoyed. We stayed in the VIP section, where there are only four tents. Then tents were clean, beds comfortable, and food was great. Staff were attentive, professional and welcoming. Would recommend this location if you are looking for an experience like no other. You could hear animals during the night, but always felt very safe. It was a great location to access the airport, and game drives from as well.

Very nice place , tent was in the middle of Maasai Mara with all facilities . The staff was out of the world . Joseph , Ken and Moses to name a few. They took great care of us

The most incredible hospitality I received during my entire stay in Kenya. This stay is set in a beautiful location, close to the wild, with a comfortable set-up perfect for game drives and immersion in nature. Isaac, our guide during the game drives, quickly became like one of our family members, pouring his heart and soul into helping us spot animals, no matter what it took for him. We got to experience very close sightings of everything we dreamed of - including the big 5 and a kill. Hans, one of the property managers, exceeded our expectations in ensuring we were comfortable throughout the stay, and included many activities to keep us entertained. We were a family of 4, all vegetarians. Chef Diana was super generous in customizing delicious meals for us. Certainly did not expect to eat such fresh and yummy food, given that we were vegetarians, in this remote location. But our hosts did not miss any opportunity to pamper us. Kevin, one of the security guards, along with others, stayed up all night guarding the site. Security was available 24x7, and escorted us to our rooms and around the property every single time. Rooms were extremely comfortable and beautiful. To my pleasant surprise, hot water for showers was also available at any time of the day or night. Gideon and Frank were the humblest hosts as they assisted us during dining. Sandra, Viven, William - the other staff at the property, made us feel like our stay was of utmost importance to them. I could not help but mention all these names in this review, because even though our stay would have been very comfortable without them, the people made it feel priceless. Highly, highly recommend anyone reading this to consider staying here if visiting Mara. It's the rarest kind of luxury, and so fulfilling! Every bit - above and beyond.