Julia's River Camp

Julia’s river camp is the best! It’s right in the middle of Masai Mara, so close to so many animals. It’s right on the river, with hippos and buffalo aplenty. The accommodation is lovely- hot water and comfy beds. The entire staff is so kind and helpful, especially Joseph. A special shout out to our guide Leo, he took us on an amazing adventure, and made sure we got to see everything up close when possible. If you want to stay in the park and be amongst the nature and animals, this place is for you! It’s peaceful and exciting at the same time.

Das Camp liegt wunderschön direkt am Fluss. Viele Tiere schon von dort aus zu sehen. Das Team vor Ort ist sehr herzlich und zuvorkommend. Die Zelte sind komfortabel und sehr sauber. Das Essen war sehr gut. Frühstück oder Mittagessen unterwegs in der Mara einfach toll.

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 is a camp so amenities are pretty basic. That is very understandable. If you’re a light sleeper, you might not find the area conducive for you as hippos could get loud at night. My biggest issue with this camp is that by default they would clean the tent and rearrange your stuff. I get that cleaning is essential but as someone who functions in a very specific manner, I’d hate to find out that my things have been rearranged. I talked to the camp manager about this and he wasn’t apologetic at all. He just said there’s nothing he could do. Very rude!

I stayed at this property for 3day/2nights. The staff was amazing. They are some of the nicest kindest people you will meet. We felt safe and learned an enormous amount about the animals in the area. It was my bday and they made me a cake and sang, it was unforgettable. Memories for a lifetime. I wish I could have stayed longer. The reviews do not do this place justice. The accommodations were more than we expected and the game drives were exciting and thrilling. We loved every moment. (One tip: make sure to bring US or Euro, we were short to pay for small items like drinks)