See the Big Five on a Luxury Safari at Basecamp Explorer’s Leopard Hill
Sustainable safaris in Kenya’s magnificent Masai Mara
By Karen Hastings
Editor, Postcard Travel Club
“Leave a positive footprint.” Guided by this noble vision, Basecamp Explorer opened its first destination, Basecamp Masai Mara, back in 1998 and now features a collection of exceptional hotels, camps and inspirational projects in India, Kenya, the Pyrenees and on the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard.
Basecamp strives to transform lives through tourism. As a guest at one of these unique destinations, you’ll dive deep into the culture and leave knowing that you also made a profound difference in the community.
Breathtaking settings, a strong focus on sustainability and a commitment to local communities and the environment elevate Basecamp adventures.
Join us this week, as we embark on the trip of a lifetime: a luxury safari at Leopard Hill, one of six Basecamps in the spectacular Masai Mara and Mara Naboisho Conservancy.
Introducing Champion of Change: Svein Wilhelmsen, Founder of Basecamp Explorer
A single moment of impact can change a life.
In 1996, Svein Wilhelmsen, a Norwegian financier, had a moment of impact in Kenya. Sitting around an open fire under a starlit sky, Svein listened intently as Masai elder Ole Taek shared his concerns about his people and their future. Moved by his story and determined to help Kenya’s Indigenous communities, Svein launched Basecamp Explorer six months later.
Today, Basecamp operates three sustainable safari lodges in the Masai Mara, including the inaugural Basecamp Masai Mara, standing as a testament to their dedication to preserving nature and empowering local tribes.
The Ultimate Luxury Safari at Leopard Hill
At Leopard Hill, you’ll live in sustainable luxury in the heart of the African wilderness near three wildlife-rich watering holes.
Snuggled in the secluded valley of Mara Naboisho Conservancy, Leopard Hill offers breathtaking views of the expansive savanna and its awe-inspiring wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras and the camp’s namesake big cat.
Just in front of the camp, a unique fig tree reaches into the vast African sky. According to the locals, lightning struck this graceful tree in the 1950s and it splintered in two, creating its unusual shape. Today, it creates a captivating setting for alfresco dining.
At Leopard Hill, you can choose your adventure. Will it be a Great Migration safari, a walking safari, an educational safari or a family affair? Perhaps you’d prefer a safari tailored especially for you? All these options are possible at Leopard Hill.
Wake Up to the Wilderness
Leopard Hill immerses you in the wilderness. Your luxury accommodations are inspired by circular Masai houses, providing unobstructed 360-degree views of the bush.
The six tents, elegantly designed with a fusion of African elements and contemporary luxuries, offer an intimate connection to nature. Each tent features a private elevated viewing deck, allowing you to savor the tranquility of the Naboisho Conservancy and watch the parade of wildlife passing by.
Sitting on the deck of your tent, the animals are so close, that it feels like you can touch them. Here, you truly are at one with nature.
See the Big Five on a Game Drive
The Masai Mara hosts one of the highest densities of wild animals on the planet, and Leopard Hill takes you right into the heart of all the action on daily game drives. Here, the savanna comes alive in the cool morning air and the golden hues of late afternoon.
In your open-sided 4×4 safari vehicle, you’ll see the majestic beauty of the Masai Mara unfold before you. Led by knowledgeable Masai guides, you’ll feel the pulse of the wilderness, track rare wildlife and see the vibrant spectrum of colors painting the sky as the sun sets over the horizon.
Prepare to encounter the Big Five—lion, buffalo, rhino, leopard and elephant—along with a host of other African creatures, including hippos, giraffes, zebras and a dazzling variety of birds.
Mingle with the Masai on a Community Visit
Masai community visits with Basecamp Explorer foster a deeper understanding of this fascinating culture. Guided by a local Masai, you’ll explore a nearby village and visit schools, health centers and marketplaces.
You’ll also immerse yourself in the living narrative of ancient traditions, and see first-hand the resilience of a community adapting to the modern world.
This isn’t just a tour; it’s a soul-stirring encounter with the pulse of Masai life, leaving you with a profound connection to the places you’ve explored and the people who call it home.
Dine under the Stars in the African Bush
After an adventure-filled day on safari, it’s time for a feast. Under the endless African sky, you’ll enjoy an exquisite bush dinner, an enchanting experience where the untamed beauty of the Mara plains becomes your dining backdrop.
As the sun sets, soak up the sounds of the wild – the grunts of hippos by the river, the distant roar of big game and the crackling of a campfire illuminating a table set with gourmet delights.
Savor each moment as your Masai hosts serenade you, their traditional songs blending with the symphony of the bush, creating an unforgettable feast for your senses.
Sleep Under Trillions of Stars
As night falls, snuggle by the glowing embers of your fireplace, and listen to the sounds of animals echoing around you in the Naboisho Conservancy.
When you’re ready to drift off after a day of life-changing experiences, retire to your spacious luxury safari tent. Click a button, and the ceiling unfurls, revealing trillions of stars glittering above you. Only a mosquito net separates you from the endless night sky.
Then slip softly into slumber, and dream of the adventures on the African savanna that await you the next day.
Basecamp Explorer: Building a Green Future
By choosing Basecamp Explorer, you can help make a difference in the world and walk away with life-long memories.
Dedicated to sustainable development for over two decades, Basecamp Explorer supports multiple ‘Greater Good Projects’ through the Basecamp Explorer Foundation.
Teaming up with local communities, Basecamp battles wildlife extinction. They strongly believe that success in the Masai Mara area of Kenya comes from working together with the people who own and live on the land.
Practicing responsible tourism, Basecamp Explorer supports projects like reforestation, waste management, empowering women and youth and securing land for wildlife to thrive.
Local Stories
A Wildlife Oasis: Creating the Mara Naboisho Conservancy
Basecamp Explorer Founder Svein Wilhelmsen believes that partnering with local communities is key to conserving Africa’s wilderness areas for future generations.
Establishing wildlife corridors and creating jobs for local people are just some of the many gifts of this powerful collaboration.
Discover how Svein and other thought leaders are coming together in Africa to make a difference.