Certainly a case of you get what you pay for. We were extremely excited coming here based on the glowing reviews, thinking we had found an overlooked gem.
It's certainly true that the site is fantastic, it follows the path of the Talek river which brings in the animals during the dry season. From the hotel we saw baboons, velvet monkeys, hippos, elephants, hyenas and many more, exactly as hoped. This abundance is almost an issue for the hotel, we frequently came back to our room to find it guarded by a Maasai against the local baboon menace. It's also very convenient for the Talek gate (about 2 minutes drive) and we could get to the Mara river with about a 30 minute drive.
We were upgraded to the "superior tent", which was clean, large and comfortable. The hotel is in a good state of repair and keeps some wild charm.
The service however does not match the location, especially when compared to other safari hotels we stayed at. I'd class the food as "edible", with breakfast and lunch being especially poor. If we could have eaten elsewhere, we would have, especially given that the restaurant feels like a canteen. The service is also quite confusing, with drinks being hard to come by and meals seeming to be served when it suited the staff despite the hours given. On one occasion we were made to move from where we were relaxing in the coffee area to the restaurant to eat lunch when the staff wanted, having already asked to wait and being only 15 minutes into the 2 hour lunch. The pool, whilst large and with an attendant, is very murky and full of bugs, not a pleasant experience at all. The guards were the best staff, all friendly and knowledgeable.
The price is it's potential saviour. In the context of the Mara, which is very expensive, it's about half the price of most other lodges. But our lodges in the other parks were about the same price and a complete other level in terms of service, food, ambiance and general upkeep. Your needs may be different, but given that safari requires much downtime and reliance on service then it might be worth considering a more...
Read moreI can’t even explain how happy we are with our stay in Talek Bush camp. We booked it at the very last minute and I was not sure what to expect as we never slept in this kind of safari tent before. Everyone was so nice, friendly, welcoming and helpful. The tents were really specious and with enough space in between to provide some comfort and privacy. We arrived just before dinner time around 19 o’clock and we were served the food immediately. We stayed for two nights and both dinners were delicious and with a lot of vegetarian options. For the two days, we had our breakfast and lunch packed and we had a picnic inside the park while watching the wildlife around. It was just magical.
The location is perfect just outside the Talek gate, so you don’t have to travel a lot early in the morning to enter the park.
We had a problem with the guide that we booked before our arrival and we ended up having no guide for the next day at 22 o’clock. We called the owner Mustafa late in the evening, asking him if he could help us somehow. He not only picked up the phone despite the late hour but he also arranged a new guide for us immediately and it turned out to be the best experience we had so far. Our new guide did the impossible to find us all of the big cats and we even saw all the big five in one single day in the park.
if you happen to be there on Friday night they also have a cultural night around the campfire with Masai people explaining about their culture and dancing.
We would be very happy to come back again if we have the chance. Just a...
Read moreCalling all adventure seeker, wildlife lover, or an experience traveler. This camp is located in the heart of the iconic Maasai Mara, offers an extraordinary blend of hospitality, safety, and thrilling wildlife encounters.
From the moment I arrive, the friendly and helpful staff at Talek Bushcamp ensured I feel right at home. Safety is a top priority here, with well-maintained facilities and attentive guides who ensure my safari adventures are both thrilling and secure. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, Talek Bushcamp offers an immersive nature experience. A beautiful river nearby is home to hippos and crocodiles, providing you with breathtaking views and exciting wildlife sightings right at my (tent) doorstep. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, the close proximity to nature ensures every moment is filled with awe and wonder. Maasai village walling distance- Here, you can immerse in the culture and traditions of the Maasai people. Note: Talek Bushcamp really goes above and beyond to cater to my needs. They provided knowledgeable guide who enhance my safari experience with his knowledge and expertise. Additionally, the camp provides airport pick-up and drop-off services. So convinient. For those seeking additional comforts, the camp can arrange for customized safari tours, bush walks, and even hot air balloon rides over the savannah.
Perfect for All Types of Travelers-Whether you're traveling solo, with a partner, or as a family, I believe Talek Bushcamp has something...
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