Richard's River Camp: Masai Mara, Africa

Located in the Masai Mara, one of the continent’s most diverse ecosystems, spanning riverine forests and short grass plains, Richard’s River Camp blends luxurious, private accommodations with the spirit of exploration and excitement.

The camp comes with three generations of history, and a strong drive toward protecting the area’s wildlife. Richard Roberts’ grandparents settled in Kenya in the 1940s, eventually setting up a

small tent camp geared toward the growing trend of flying safaris and even guided some English Royals on their expeditions. Richard’s father Willie Roberts, meanwhile, set up his own camp on Lake Baringo and later founded the Ol Choro Conservancy on the Masai Mara, where Richard grew up.

He and his wife Liz Fusco later set up the boutique River Camp on the banks of the Njageteck River on the private Mara North Conservancy, considering the property their “home away from home.” Featuring seven tents with a private Out of Africa-style atmosphere, the camp is prime for wildlife watching. Nearby springs offer a permanent water source that draws animals, and the Conservancy has its own lion pride. Attendees may even have the opportunity to watch the lions hunt, from a distance, on the grounds. Throughout the year, guests may spot hippos, and may have a chance to witness the wildebeest migration.

Continuing their grandparents’ and parents’ legacy, Richard and Liz founded the Mara Elephant Project in 2011, with the goal of tracking elephants to reduce poaching and lessen human-wildlife conflict migration.

For a more personal, intimate setting on the Masai Mara, the camp consists of multiple canvas tents on raised ground, each with a bathroom offering hot showers and flushing toilets. A verandah lets you look out at the river and nearby bush, and inside, each space is furnished with Moroccan bed covers, plush chairs, and more furnishings and fabrics Liz curated from her travels.

Dining here is communal and frequently features traditional African dishes; however, the Camp’s kitchen can accommodate a range of food preferences and dietary restrictions. Depending upon the weather, guests may experience a bush dinner, prepared with an eco-charcoal oven, or get treated to a breakfast buffet out on the plains.

Of course, you’ve come to this part of the world to have an adventure, and to take you through the Conservancy, some of the country’s best guides are ready to lead you through game drives, birding, bush walks, sundown hikes, and even a cultural visit to a nearby Masai village. For another unique perspective, consider scheduling a hot air balloon flight – available at an additional cost – to observe the landscape and wildlife from above.